auxiliary processor
nounUK /ɔːɡˈzɪliəri ˈprəʊsɛsə/
US /ɔːɡˈzɪliəri ˈprɑːsɛsər/
A helper computer chip that does extra jobs so the main chip can work faster.
The game console uses an auxiliary processor to handle graphics while the main chip runs the game.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A backup processing unit that takes over if the main one fails.
The spacecraft's auxiliary processor kept the systems running after the primary unit shut down.
3. A small chip that handles a specific task like math or sound.
The sound card has an auxiliary processor for mixing audio.
4. An extra computer that shares the workload in a network.
The lab added an auxiliary processor to speed up the simulations.