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

6947ch02.fm

The dual-core PU chips share the path to the SC chip (L2 control) and the clock chip (CLK).

2.1.9 Summary

Table 2-2summarizes all aspects of the z990 system structure.

Table 2-2 System structure summary

 

IBM 2084-A08

IBM 2084-B16

IBM 2084-C24

IBM 2084-D32

 

 

 

 

 

Number of MCMs

1

2

3

4

 

 

 

 

 

Total number of PUs

12

24

36

48

 

 

 

 

 

Maximum number of

8

16

24

32

characterized PUs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of CPs

0 - 8

0 - 16

0 - 24

0 - 32

 

 

 

 

 

Number of IFLs

0 - 8

0 - 16

0 - 24

0 - 32

 

 

 

 

 

Number of ICFs

0 - 8

0 - 16

0 - 16

0 - 16

 

 

 

 

 

Number of zAAPs

0 - 4

0 - 8

0 - 12

0- 16

 

 

 

 

 

Standard SAPs

2

4

6

8

 

 

 

 

 

Standard spare PUs

2

4

6

8

 

 

 

 

 

Number of memory

2

4

6

8

cards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enabled Memory

16 - 64 GB

16 - 128 GB

16 - 192 GB

16 - 256 GB

Sizes (multiples of 8

 

 

 

 

GB)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L1 Cache per PU

256/256 KB

256/256 KB

256/256 KB

256/256 KB

 

 

 

 

 

L2 Cache

32 MB

64 MB

96 MB

128 MB

 

 

 

 

 

Cycle time (ns)

0.83

0.83

0.83

0.83

 

 

 

 

 

Maximum number of

12

24

36

48

STIs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STI bandwidth/STI

2.0 GB/sec

2.0 GB/sec

2.0 GB/sec

2.0 GB/sec

 

 

 

 

 

Max STI bandwidth

24 GB/sec

48 GB/sec

72 GB/sec

96 GB/sec

 

 

 

 

 

Maximum number of

3

3

3

3

I/O cages

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Support

2

2

2

2

Elements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External power

3 phase

3 phase

3 phase

3 phase

 

 

 

 

 

Internal Battery

optional

optional

optional

optional

Feature

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.2 System design

The IBM z990 Symmetrical Multi Processor (SMP) design is the next step in an evolutionary trajectory stemming from the introduction of CMOS technology back in 1994. Over time the

Chapter 2. System structure and design 37

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IBM 990 manual System design, IBM 2084-A08 IBM 2084-B16 IBM 2084-C24 IBM 2084-D32
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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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