Logical book structure | IBM 990 guide

6947ch02.fm

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

Memory Card

PMA0

PMA1

PMA212

PMA3

Memory Card

Store Protect Key

SM1

MCM

MSC

Cache/chip

Cache/ChipCache/chip

Cache/Chip

SCC

8MB

Ring

8MB

CNTLR

8MB

Ring

SCD

Structure

SCD

Structure

MBA Card

MBA

Dual

Cores

Up to 12 STIs

Figure 2-12 Logical book structure

There are up to 12 STI buses per book to transfer data and each STI has a bidirectional bandwidth of 2.0 GB/sec. A four-book z990 server may have up to 48 STIs.

An STI is an interface from the Memory Bus Adapter (MBA), to:

An eSTI-M card in an I/O cage, to connect to:

–ESCON channels (16 port cards)

–FICON-Express channels (FICON or FCP modes, two port cards)

–OSA-Express channels (all on two port cards)

•OSA-Express Gb Ethernet

•OSA-Express Fast Ethernet

•OSA-Express 1000BASE-T Ethernet

•OSA-Express High Speed Token Ring

–ISC-3 links (up to four coupling links, two links per daughter card (ISC-D). Two daughter cards plug into one mother card (ISC-M).

–PCIX Cryptographic Coprocessors (PCIXCC) in an I/O cage. Each PCIX Cryptographic Coprocessor feature contains one cryptographic coprocessor.

–PCI Cryptographic Accelerator (PCICA) in an I/O cage. Each PCI Cryptographic Accelerator feature contains two cryptographic accelerator cards.

An STI-2 card in an I/O cage, connecting to ICB-2 channels in 9672 G5/G6 servers.

An STI-3 card in an I/O cage, connecting to ICB-3 channels in z800 or z900 servers.

ICB-4, directly attached to the 2.0 GB/sec STI interface between z990 or z890 servers.

40IBM 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 Logical book structure

Models: 990

Memory Card

MCM

Figure 2-12 Logical book structure

990 specifications