6947ch09.fm

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

9.1 Introduction

The z990 is always a two-frame system. The frames are shipped separately and are fastened together when installed.

Installation of a z990 is always on a raised floor. The number of cables to be expected for most configurations may be so large that installation is only possible with space underneath. The dimensions of a z990 are slightly smaller than that of a two-frame z900 and its maximum weight is slightly higher.

9.1.1 Power and cooling requirements

The z990 requires at least two power feeds and uses two redundant three-phase line cords, allowing the system to survive the loss of power to either one. In case of a power failure of one of the line cords, the other one is able to take over the entire load to keep the system operating without interruption. The z990 is installed with three-phase wiring and operates with 50/60Hz AC power, and voltages ranging from 200V to 480V. For ancillary equipment (like the Hardware management Console, its display, and the modem), additional single-phase outlets are required.

9.1.2 Power consumption

Actual power consumption is dependent on the server configuration in terms of the number of books and the number of I/O cages installed. The figures listed in Table 9-1assume the maximum configuration.

Table 9-1 Power consumption and heat load

 

 

 

I/O configuration

 

 

 

 

 

 

Model

One I/O cage

Two I/O cages

Three I/O cages

 

 

 

 

IBM 2084 model A08

6.74 kW

10.64 kW

13.81 kW

 

 

 

 

IBM 2084 model B16

9.57 kW

13.27 kW

16.98 kW

 

 

 

 

IBM 2084 model C24

11.82 kW

15.53 kW

19.23 kW

 

 

 

 

IBM 2084 model D32

13.98 kW

17.68 kW

21.39 kW

 

 

 

 

Input power in kVA is equal to the output power in kW. Heat output expressed in kBTU per hour is derived by multiplying the table entries by a factor of 3.4.

The maximum allowed circuit breaker rating is 60 Amps, that is to be used for both power feeds where 200-240V is applicable. Where 380-480 Volts is applicable, 30 Amps are recommended for both power feeds.

9.1.3 Internal Battery Feature

The optional Internal Battery Feature (IBF) provides sustained system operations for a relatively short period of time, allowing for orderly shutdown. In addition, an external UPS system can be connected to the z990, allowing for longer periods of sustained operation.

The Internal Battery Feature, given that the batteries are not older than three years and have been discharged regularly, are capable of providing emergency power for the periods of time shown in Table 9-2 on page 231.

230IBM eServer zSeries 990 Technical Guide

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IBM 990 manual Power and cooling requirements, Power consumption, Internal Battery 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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