The present study surveys, catalogs, and theorizes about many of the numerous parallel processors constructed and implemented over the past thirty years. Despite the tremendous diversity, the authors are able to detail similarities regarding control mechanisms, data exchange and synchronization methods, processing elements, interconnection networks, and memory organization. Systems architects will find the work a unique and invaluable aid to clarifying and organizing design choices.

Introduction. Classification of Parallel Processors. Emergent Trends. Popular Machine Models. The Shape of Things to Come? Index.