A processor has a 4-stage pipeline. If the stages take 1, 2, 3, and 1 cycles respectively, what is the maximum throughput?
Q1. A processor has a 4-stage pipeline. If the stages take 1, 2, 3, and 1 cycles respectively, what is the maximum throughput?
Answer: 1/3
Explanation: Maximum throughput is determined by the slowest stage, which is 3 cycles. So, throughput = 1 / 3 instructions per cycle.