6947ch05.fm

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

5.3.2 The PCICA feature

Each PCI Cryptographic Accelerator feature contains up to two cryptographic accelerator cards. The physical layout of the PCICA card is illustrated in Figure 5-2 on page 126.

PCI

Accelerator

Card

PCI

Accelerator

Card

Figure 5-2 PCI Cryptographic Accelerator feature

Each PCICA feature has up to two cryptographic accelerator cards embedded in an adapter package for installing in I/O slots of the z990 cage. The PCICA feature does not have ports and does not use fiber optic or other cables. The PCICA cards can be shared by any logical partition defined in the system up to 15 logical partitions per card, or 30 logical partitions per feature.

The PCICA feature does not use CHPIDs but is assigned two PCHIDs (one per accelerator card).

Note: While PCICA and PCIXCC features have no CHPID type and are not identified as external spanned channels, all logical partitions in all LCSSs have access to the PCICA feature (up to 15 logical partitions per cryptographic accelerator card). Even so, all logical partitions in all LCSSs have access to the PCIXCC feature (up to 15 logical partitions per feature).

5.3.3 Configuration rules

The following rules apply:

￿The z990 allows for up to two PCICA features per I/O cage. This allows for a maximum of six PCICA features or twelve PCICA coprocessors per z990 server.

￿The maximum number of PCIXCC features (or cryptographic coprocessors) per I/O cage is four; the maximum number of PCIXCC features per system is also four.

￿The total number of cryptographic features may not exceed eight per z990 for any combination of PCIXCC and PCICA features.

￿In addition, any combination of PCIXCC, PCICA, OSA-Express and FICON-Express features may not exceed 16 features per I/O cage, or 48 features per z990 server.

Table 5-1summarizes support of partitions on z990 for PCICA and PCIXCC features.

126IBM eServer zSeries 990 Technical Guide

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IBM 990 manual Pcica feature, Configuration rules
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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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