Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Appendix I describes large-scale multiprocessors for use in high-performance computing.
Appendix J is the only appendix that remains from the first edition, and it covers computer
arithmetic.
Appendix K provides a survey of instruction architectures, including the 80x86, the IBM
360, the VAX, and many RISC architectures, including ARM, MIPS, Power, and SPARC.
We describe Appendix L below.
1.13 Historical Perspectives and References
Appendix L (available online) includes historical perspectives on the key ideas presented in
each of the chapters in this text. These historical perspective sections allow us to trace the de-
velopment of an idea through a series of machines or describe significant projects. If you're
interested in examining the initial development of an idea or machine or interested in further
reading, references are provided at the end of each history. For this chapter, see Section L.2,
The Early Development of Computers, for a discussion on the early development of digital
computers and performance measurement methodologies.
As you read the historical material, you'll soon come to realize that one of the important be-
neits of the youth of computing, compared to many other engineering fields, is that many of
the pioneers are still alive—we can learn the history by simply asking them!
Case Studies and Exercises by Diana Franklin
Case Study 1: Chip Fabrication Cost
Concepts illustrated by this case study
■ Fabrication Cost
■ Fabrication Yield
■ Defect Tolerance through Redundancy
There are many factors involved in the price of a computer chip. New, smaller technology
gives a boost in performance and a drop in required chip area. In the smaller technology, one
can either keep the small area or place more hardware on the chip in order to get more func-
tionality. In this case study, we explore how different design decisions involving fabrication
technology, area, and redundancy affect the cost of chips.
1.1 [10/10] <1.6>
Figure 1.22
gives the relevant chip statistics that influence the cost of several
current chips. In the next few exercises, you will be exploring the effect of different possible
design decisions for the IBM Power5.
a. [10] <1.6> What is the yield for the IBM Power5?
b. [10] <1.6> Why does the IBM Power5 have a lower defect rate than the Niagara and
Opteron?
Search WWH ::
Custom Search