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

6947ch05.fm

In the z990, there can be a maximum of six PCI Cryptographic Accelerator (PCICA) features (two per I/O cage), along with a maximum of four PCIX Cryptographic Coprocessor features. The combined number of PCIXCC and PCICA features on a z990 cannot exceed eight.

Within these parameters, the PCXICC and PCICA features can coexist in any combination. This scalability provides increasing cryptographic processing capacity as customers expand their use of e-business applications requiring cryptographic processing.

5.3 Cryptographic hardware features

This section describes the three cryptographic hardware features and the feature codes associated with the cryptographic functions of the z990.

Important: Products that include any of the cryptographic feature codes contain cryptographic functions which are subject to special export licensing requirements by the United States Department of Commerce. It is the customer’s responsibility to understand and adhere to these regulations whenever moving, selling, or transferring these products.

5.3.1 PCIX Cryptographic Coprocessor feature

Each PCIX Cryptographic Coprocessor feature contains one cryptographic coprocessor card. The z990 allows for up to four PCIXCC features (or cards) to be installed.

The card is attached to an STI and has no other external interfaces. Removal of the card or feature zeroizes the content. A physical layout of the PCIXCC card is shown in Figure 5-1.

(

Crypto

min.)

Coprocessor

 

 

PCIXCC

(

Feature

min.)

Figure 5-1 PCIX Cryptographic Coprocessor feature

Each PCIXCC feature has one cryptographic coprocessor card embedded in an adapter package for installing in I/O slots of the z990 cage. The PCIXCC feature does not have ports and does not use fiber optic or other cables. The PCIXCC cryptographic coprocessor card can be shared by any logical partition defined in the system up to 15 logical partitions per card.

The PCIX Cryptographic Coprocessor feature does not use CHPID, but is assigned a PCHID.

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IBM 990 manual Cryptographic hardware features, Pcix Cryptographic Coprocessor feature
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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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