6947ch03.fm

Draft Document for Review April 7, 2004 6:15 pm

￿Integrated Cluster Bus-4, ICB-4 (Peer mode), feature code 3393

￿Integrated Cluster Bus-3, ICB-3 (Peer mode) feature code 0993

￿Integrated Cluster Bus-2, ICB-2 (Compatibility mode), feature code 0992

￿Internal Channel, IC (Peer mode): no feature code, Licensed Internal Code (LIC) function defined via HCD/IOCP

ISC-3 link

The z990 ISC-3 feature is made up of the following feature codes:

￿ISC-3 Mother Card (feature code 0217)

￿ISC-3 Daughter Card (feature code 0218)

￿ISC-3 Port (feature code 0219)

The z990 ISC-3 mother card occupies one slot in the I/O cage. The ISC-3 mother card supports up to two ISC-3 daughter cards. Each ISC-3 daughter card has two independent ports with one PCHID associated with each active port. The ISC-3 ports are activated via Licensed Internal Code Configuration Control (LIC-CC).

When the quantity of ISC links (FC 0219) is selected, the quantity of ISC-3 Port features selected determines the appropriate number of ISC-3 mother and daughter cards to be included in the configuration, up to a maximum of 12 ISC-M cards. Additional ISC-M cards can be ordered, up to the number of ISC-D features or twelve, whichever is smaller.

Each active ISC-3 port supports connection to a 2 Gbps (ISC-3 Peer mode) or 1Gbps (ISC-3 Compatibility mode) Coupling link via 9 micron single mode fiber optic cable terminated with an LC-Duplex connector.

ISC features on G5/G6 and earlier servers have Fiber Optic Sub Assemblies (FOSA) that support SC-Duplex cable connectors. These existing single mode HiPerLink cables can be reused by attaching a single mode fiber LC-Duplex to SC-Duplex conversion cable. This is a 2 m cable that is connected between the z990 server ISC-3 port and the existing HiPerlink cable from the G5/G6 server.

Note: Existing SC-Duplex 50 micron multimode fiber cable infrastructure may be reused with the z990 ISC-3 port features in Compatibility mode (1 Gbps) only. The use of these multimode cable types requires a Mode Conditioner Patch (MCP) cable to be used at each end of the fiber link. Use of the single-mode to multimode MCP cables reduces the supported optical distance of the link to 550 meters.

Fiber optic conversion kits and Mode Conditioning Patch (MCP) cables are not orderable as features on z990. Fiber optic cables, cable planning, labeling, and installation are all customer responsibilities for new z990 installations and upgrades.

IBM Fiber Cabling Services offer a total cable solution service to help with your cable ordering needs, and is highly recommended.

RPQ 8P2197: Extended distance option

The RPQ 8P2197 ISC-3 daughter card has two links per card. Both links are active when installed and do not need to be activated via LIC.

104IBM eServer zSeries 990 Technical Guide

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IBM 990 manual ISC-3 link, RPQ 8P2197 Extended distance option
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990 specifications

The IBM 990 series, often referred to in the context of IBM's pioneering efforts in the realm of mainframe computing, represents a unique chapter in the history of information technology. Introduced in the late 1960s, the IBM 990 series was designed as a powerful tool for enterprise-level data processing and scientific calculations, showcasing the company's commitment to advancing computing capabilities.

One of the main features of the IBM 990 was its architecture, which was built to support a wide range of applications, from business processing to complex scientific computations. The system employed a 32-bit word length, which was advanced for its time, allowing for more flexible and efficient data handling. CPUs in the IBM 990 series supported multiple instructions per cycle, which contributed significantly to the overall efficiency and processing power of the machines.

The technology behind the IBM 990 was also notable for its use of solid-state technology. This provided a shift away from vacuum tube systems that were prevalent in earlier computing systems, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the hardware. The IBM 990 series utilized core memory, which was faster and more reliable than the magnetic drum memory systems that had been standard up to that point.

Another defining characteristic of the IBM 990 was its extensibility. Organizations could configure the machine to suit their specific needs by adding memory, storage, and peripheral devices as required. This modular approach facilitated the growth of systems alongside the technological and operational demands of the business environments they served.

In terms of software, the IBM 990 series was compatible with a variety of operating systems and programming environments, including FORTRAN and COBOL, enabling users to access a broader array of applications. This versatility was a significant advantage, making the IBM 990 an appealing choice for educational institutions, research facilities, and enterprises alike.

Moreover, the IBM 990 was engineered to support multiprocessing, which allowed multiple processes to run simultaneously, further increasing its effectiveness in tackling complex computing tasks.

In summary, the IBM 990 series represents a significant advancement in computing technology during the late 20th century. With a robust architecture, versatile configuration options, and a focus on solid-state technology, the IBM 990 facilitated substantial improvements in data processing capabilities, making it a cornerstone for many businesses and academic institutions of its time. Its impact can still be seen today in the continued evolution of mainframe computing.
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