Pipelining
A performance technique overlapping instruction execution stages (fetch, decode, execute, memory, write-back) enabling multiple instructions in various stages simultaneously. Pipelining improves throughput without increasing clock speed. Hazards can reduce efficiency.
Formula
Throughput ≈ 1 instruction per cycle (ideal pipeline)
Real World
Intel's Core i9 uses a deep pipeline of over 14 stages, similar to a car assembly line where one car finishes every minute even though each car takes 14 minutes to build.
Exam Focus
Draw a timing diagram showing overlapping stages — exam mark schemes award marks for clearly labelled pipeline stages with a worked example.
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