7 I/O connectivity, Cage | IBM 990 specification

6947ch01.fm

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

Z frame		A frame
IBF		IBF
IBF		MRU	MRU
BPD
MDA	MDA	MDA	MDA
Dual SEs
MDA	MDA	MDA

Processor

4 flexible Models (A08, B16, C24 & D32)

64-bit Architecture

32 characterizable PUs, CMOS9G-SOI Technology SuperScalar

Capacity Upgrade on Demand including Memory and I/O Hybrid Cooling (Air/Liquid)

Up to 30 Logical Partitions Optional ETR feature

Memory

64 GB per Model, max system memory 256 GB Card sizes 8, 16, 32 GB (2 cards per Book) Bi-directional redundant Ring Structure

I/O

64-bit Architecture (42/48-bit I/O addressing in hardware) Up to 48 x 2 GB/s Self-Timed Interconnects (STIs)

I/O cage with enhanced power

Up to 4 Logical Channel Subsystems (LCSS) Up to 120 FICON Express™ Channels

FCP SCSI over Fibre Channel

Up to 48 OSA-Express network connectors Crypto

SSL PCIXCC

No CHPID number required Up to 16 HiperSockets

Parallel Sysplex technology

ICB-4 (2 GB/s), ICB-3, ICB-2, ISC-3, IC

CF Duplexing

HMC

Alternate Service Element

Figure 1-3 System overview

1.3.7 I/O connectivity

I/O cage

Each book provides 12 STI links (48 STI maximum with four books) for I/O and coupling connectivity, and for cryptographic feature cards. Each of these links can either be configured for ICBs, or be connected to STI distribution cards in the I/O cage(s). The data rate for the STI is 2 GBytes/sec.

Note: The z900 compatibility I/O cage is not supported on the z990.

The z990 I/O cage contains seven STI domains. Each domain has the capability of four I/O slots. A subset of previous zSeries 900 I/O and cryptographic cards is supported by the I/O cages in the z990.

Note: Parallel channels, OSA-2, OSA-Express ATM, pre-FICON Express channels and PCICC feature cards are not supported in the z990.

Installation of an I/O cage remains a disruptive MES, so the Plan Ahead feature remains an important consideration when ordering a z990 system.

The z990 is a two-frame server. The z990 has a minimum of one CEC cage and one I/O cage in the A frame. The Z frame can accommodate an additional two I/O cages, making a total of three for the whole system. Figure 1-4 on page 9 shows the layout of the frames and I/O cages.

8IBM eServer zSeries 990 Technical Guide

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.

IBM 990 manual 7 I/O connectivity, Cage

Models: 990

Z frame