2

I study multicore pipelining and the diagrams are not UML sequence diagrams for instance

enter image description here

Why not remake this diagram like an UML sequence diagram, would not that be more clear so that we can see both how time progresses as well as the data paths since I do not think it is clear distinction between data path and time?

In UML time goes downward and the data path goes right and left.

Can you comment or answer why pipelining generally is not illustrated with UML?

Improve this question
2
  • 1
    Your illustration looks very much like a UML sequence diagram.
    – Robert Harvey
    Commented Jul 22, 2013 at 3:39
  • @RobertHarvey Ok...But it's still not strictly UMl and I'd like to be clear about what's data and what's time. In this illustration data is just flowing back and forth and propagating, there is no easy way to follow time like an UML sequence diagram has.
    – Niklas Rosencrantz
    Commented Jul 22, 2013 at 7:28

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
4

I haven't seen a pipeline illustrated with a UML sequence diagram yet. I am not saying it is not possible (I think it is) but it would be a lot more complicated and abstract than your FBD which shows the actual architecture of the simplified processor.

The main problem I see with the sequence diagram is that all the stages happen in parallel and it could become really messy if you would try to illustrate things like forwarding or stalling in it.

Also with the FBD you can demonstrate how to build the processor. You can incrementally add instructions and see how the design evolves. You end up with quite a mess but if you followed from the beginning then it should be much easier to understand it.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.