Title: Using branch prediction and speculative execution
to predict space weather using a cluster of inexpensive PCs.
Author(s): I. Doxas (Oral)
ABSTRACT
Branch
prediction and speculative execution consist of making probabilistic
predictions about the likely near-term evolution of the
near-Earth space, and distributing
among the cluster machines simulations that assume each of the
probabilistically predicted outcomes as initial conditions. As
the near-Earth space evolves and
real-time satellite data get assimilated into the
algorithm, some of the speculatively executed simulations will be
proved wrong. At that point the machines that were executing them will be
reassigned either to new lines of
speculative simulation, or to increase the processing
power devoted to more promising simulations already executing.
Branch prediction and speculative execution have been exceedingly
successful in the design of microprocessors, allowing CPUs to attain
average processing speeds much
higher than linear code execution would permit. The method is
adaptable and can be scaled to accommodate a wide range of
simulations.
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