6947ch03.fm

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

The z990 CHPID Mapping Tool (CMT) can help you to plan for the best I/O port selection for high availability purposes. For more information about the z990 CMT, see “IBM z990 CHPID Mapping Tool (CMT)” on page 116.

3.3 I/O and cryptographic feature cards

I/O cards have the I/O port(s) to connect the z990 server to external devices, networks, or to other servers. I/O cards are plugged into I/O slots in an I/O cage, and their specific locations are based on z990 configuration rules. There are different types of I/O cards, one for each channel or link type. I/O cards can be installed or replaced concurrently.

Optional cryptographic cards are also plugged into an I/O slot in an I/O cage, and have coprocessors and accelerator cards for cryptographic functions. There are two different types of cryptographic cards, and they can be installed or replaced concurrently.

3.3.1 I/O feature cards

Table 3-3 gives a summary of all I/O feature cards that are supported on z990 servers.

Table 3-3 I/O feature cards

I/O card types

Feature Codes (FC)

 

 

ESCON

2323

 

 

FICON Express LX

2319

 

 

FICON Express SX

2320

 

 

OSA-E GbE LX

1364

 

2364 (*)

 

 

OSA-E GbE SX

1365

 

2365 (*)

 

 

OSA-E 1000BASE-T Ethernet

1366

 

 

OSA-E Fast Ethernet

2366 (*)

 

 

OSA-E Token Ring

2367

 

 

ISC-3

0218 (ISC-D),

 

0217 (ISC-M)

 

 

ISC-3 up to 20 Km

RPQ 8P2197 (ISC-D)

 

 

ETR

6154

 

 

(*) OSA-E Feature Codes 2364, 2365 and 2366 are brought forward on an upgrade only.

I/O feature cards no longer supported

The following I/O feature cards are no longer supported on z990 servers:

￿Parallel channel cards (z900’s FC 2304)

Parallel channel cards are not offered as a new build option and are not offered on an upgrade from z900. Parallel control units can be connected to ESCON channels of the

z990 server through the following ESCON Converters:

–IBM 9034 (which has been withdrawn from marketing)

84IBM eServer zSeries 990 Technical Guide

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IBM 990 manual I/O and cryptographic feature cards, 1 I/O feature cards, Feature cards no longer supported
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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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