Multistage

Multistage describes a design or process composed of multiple consecutive stages, each performing a distinct function and passing outputs to the next. This modular structure enables specialization, staged control, and scalability, while allowing different resources, timing, and technologies to be used at different points.

In engineering and manufacturing, multistage architectures appear in compressors, pumps, and separation systems. For example, multistage compression uses several compressors in sequence with interstage cooling to achieve higher pressure with improved efficiency. Distillation columns are often described as having multiple stages or trays that provide contact between vapor and liquid to achieve separation.

In propulsion, multistage rockets divide the total impulse into separate stages with independent propulsion, structures, and propellants. After a stage exhausts, it is jettisoned and the next stage ignites, increasing velocity and payload capability.

In computing and data processing, multistage pipelines break work into sequential processing steps, enabling parallelism and modular development. Multistage neural networks and pipeline architectures in CPUs and GPUs use staged computation to improve throughput.

In statistics, multistage or cluster sampling and sequential analysis involve collecting or testing in stages, often to reduce cost or adjust sampling as data are gathered.

Benefits of multistage designs include improved efficiency, better resource use, and easier maintenance or upgrades for subcomponents. Challenges include design coordination, potential bottlenecks between stages, increased complexity, and failure propagation across stages.

Related concepts include pipeline processing, staged event systems, and modular design.