Feng's classification

The maximum number of binary digits that can be processed within a unit time by a computer system is called the maximum parallelism degree P. If a processor is processing P bits in unit time, then P is called the maximum degree of parallelism.[2]

Let i = 1, 2, 3, ..., T be the different timing instants and P₁, P₂, ..., P_T be the corresponding bits processed. Then,

Processor utilization ${\displaystyle \mu }$ is defined as

$${\displaystyle \mu ={\frac {P_{a}}{P}}}$$

The maximum degree of parallelism depends on the structure of the arithmetic and logic unit. Higher degree of parallelism indicates a highly parallel ALU or processing element. Average parallelism depends on both the hardware and the software. Higher average parallelism can be achieved through concurrent programs.

One bit of one selected word is processed at a time. This represents serial processing and needs maximum processing time.

It is found in most existing computers and has been called "word slice" processing because one word of one bit is processed at a time. All bits of a selected word are processed at a time. Bit parallel means all bits of a word.

It has been called bit slice processing because m-bit slice is processed at a time. Word parallel signifies selection of all words. It can be considered as one bit from all words are processed at a time.