6947ch08.fm

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

z990 introduces a new microprocessor architecture exploiting the CMOS9S-SOI technology while improving uniprocessor performance. A significant capacity and throughput increase has been achieved with the introduction of:

￿Up to 32 Processor Units as CPs, IFLs, ICFs, or zAAPs, for operating systems

￿Up to 8 Processor Units as standard System Assist Processors (SAPs), for I/O processing

￿Up to 30 logical partitions

￿Up to 256 GB of memory

￿Up to 96 GB/sec of bandwidth for data communication via up to 48 Self-Timed Interconnect (STI) host buses

￿A new Channel Subsystem (CSS): four Logical Channel Subsystems (LCSSs) can exist for horizontal growth, supporting up to 256 CHPIDs per CSS for a total of 1024 CHPIDs per system

￿Increased channel maximums for ESCON, FICON Express, and OSA-Express

￿Three cryptographic features:

–New CP Assist for Cryptographic Function (CPACF)

–New PCIX Cryptographic Coprocessor (PCIXCC)

–PCI Cryptographic Accelerator (PCICA)

￿Integrated Cluster Bus-4 (ICB-4), capable of up to 2 GB/sec

Some of the most important performance related topics are: the balanced system design, the superscalar processors, and the integrated hardware and system assists.

8.7.1 Balanced system design

One of the most important design objectives of a zSeries server is to build a balanced system. This means a system with no specific constraints, where individual parts, such as processor speed, memory bandwidth, and I/O bandwidth, are designed for the server’s best performance and throughput.

The balanced system design is also based on the fact that no single component just by itself, like processor frequency (expressed in GHz), can improve the system’s overall performance for a wide range of workloads and applications.

The z990 servers have performance improvements on all workload environments, from traditional to e-business on demand. Comparing to the z900 turbo servers, the z990 has improved all major components:

￿Maximum number of assigned processors, from 16 to 32

￿Processor cycle time, from 1.09 ns to 0.83 ns

￿L2 caches, from 32 MB per 20 PUs to 32 MB per 12 PUs

￿Maximum memory size, from 64 GB to 256 GB

￿STI bandwidth, from 1 GB/sec to 2 GB/sec per STI

￿Maximum number of STIs, from 24 to 48 STIs

￿Maximum I/O bandwidth, from 24 GB/sec to 96 GB/sec

￿Maximum number of channels, from 256 to 1024

Additional performance improvements for e-business

z990 has also further performance improvements for e-business application environments:

218IBM eServer zSeries 990 Technical Guide

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IBM 990 manual Balanced system design, Additional performance improvements for e-business
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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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