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

6947ch03.fm

This RPQ card supports Peer mode and Compatibility mode at 1Gbps only. It extends the maximum distance of the ISC-3 link to 20 km. For Peer mode, one RPQ Daughter card is required at each end of the link between the z990, z900, z890 or z800 servers. For Compatibility mode, the equivalent G5/G6 server extended distance RPQ Daughter card is required on the G5/G6 server end of the link.

Table 3-11 lists the various ISC-3 link characteristics.

Table 3-11 ISC-3 link characteristics

Mode of

IOCP

Bandwidth

Open Fiber

Intended

Maximum

operation

definition

 

Control (OFC)

attachment

distance

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peer

CFP

2 Gbps

No

z990, z900,

10 km

 

 

 

 

z890, z800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compatibility

CFS/CFR

1 Gbps

Emulation

9672 G5/G6

10 km

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peer with

CFP

1 Gbps

No

z990, z900,

20 km

RPQ 8P2197

 

 

 

z890, z800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compatibility with

CFS/CFR

1 Gbps

Emulation

9672 G5/G6

20 km

RPQ 8P2197

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ICB-4 link

The Integrated Cluster Bus-4 (ICB-4) link (feature code 3393) is a member of the family of Coupling link options available on z990 servers. ICB-4 is a “native” connection used to connect z990/z890 servers (2084/2086) to z990 servers. An ICB-4 connection consists of one link that attaches directly to an STI port in the CEC cage, does not require connectivity to a card in the I/O cage, and operates at 2 GBytes per second. One ICB-4 feature is required for each end of the link. Each end of the ICB-4 link has a PCHID number.

The ICB-4 cable, feature code 0228, is a unique 10 meter (33 feet) 2.0 GB copper cable to be used with ICB-4 links only.

ICB-4 cables (FC 0228) are automatically ordered to match the quantity of ICB-4 feature code 3393 on order. Order one cable per connection, not per feature. The quantity of ICB cables can be reduced, but cannot exceed the quantity of ICB features on order.

ICB-3 link

The Integrated Cluster Bus-3 (ICB-3) link (feature code 0993) is a member of the family of Coupling Link options available on z990 servers. ICB-3 links are used to connect z900/z800 servers (2064/2066) to z990 servers. There is an STI-3 card which resides in the I/O cage and provides two ports to support the ICB-3 connections. The STI-3 card converts the 2 GByte/sec input into two 1 GByte/sec ICB-3s. One ICB-3 feature is required for each end of the link. Each ICB-3 link at the z990 end has a PCHID number.

The ICB-3 cable (feature code 0227) is a unique 10 meter (33 feet) 1.0 GB copper cable to be used with ICB-3 links. Existing 10 meter 1.0 GB ICB-3 cables can be reused.

ICB-3 cables (feature code 0227) will be automatically ordered to match the quantity of ICB-3s (feature code 0993) on order. Order one cable per connection, not per feature. The quantity of ICB cables can be reduced, but cannot exceed the quantity of ICB features on order.

ICB-2 link

The Integrated Cluster Bus-2 (ICB-2) link (feature code 0992) is a member of the family of Coupling Link options available on z990 servers. ICB-2 links are used to connect 9672 G5/G6 to a z990 server. There is an STI-2 card which resides in the I/O cage and provides two

Chapter 3. I/O system structure 105

Page 118 Page 120
Page 119
Image 119
IBM 990 manual ICB-4 link, ICB-3 link, ICB-2 link, Mode
Page 118 Page 120

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.
Top Page Image Contents