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Computer Modules: An architecture for large digital modules

Authors:

D. P. Siewiorek, and

R. J. SwanAuthors Info & Claims

ACM SIGARCH Computer Architecture News, Volume 2, Issue 4

Pages 231 - 237

https://doi.org/10.1145/633642.803988

Published: 09 December 1973 Publication History

Abstract

This paper describes the architecture of Computer Modules, or CMs. They are large digital modules of about minicomputer complexity that are specifically designed to take advantage of the rapidly advancing semiconductor technology. These modules are intended to be interconnected into systems that implement a wide range of computational structures. The main features of a CM include a small processor as the primary control element and memory distributed among the CMs in the system rather than centralized into memory modules as in current multiprocessors. CMs are interconnected into a network via buses that each have their own virtual address space to facilitate efficient inter-module memory sharing. This paper includes an ISP description of the address translation mechanisms as well as a discussion of several important implementation issues such as the avoidance of deadlocks in CM networks and the width of the inter-CM buses.

References

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H. B. Baskin, et al, "A Modular Computer Sharing System," CACM, Vol 12, No. 10, October 1969.

Digital Library

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C. G. Bell, and A. Newell, Computer Structures: Readings and Examples, McGraw-Hill, New York (1971).

Digital Library

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C. G. Bell, R. C. Chen, S. H. Fuller, J. Grason, S. Rege, and D. P. Siewiorek, "The Architecture and Applications of Computer Modules: A Set of Components for Digital Design," IEEE CompCon '73, (March 1973), pp 177-180.

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C. G. Bell, J. L. Eggert, J. Grason and P. Williams, "The description and Use of Register Transfer Modules (RTMs)," IEEE Transactions on Computers. Vol C-21, No. 5, May 1972, pp 495-500.

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W. A. Clark, "Macromodular Computer Systems," AFIPS Conference Proc., Vol 30, SJCC 1967, pp 335-336.

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S. H. Fuller and R. C. Chen, "The I/O port Architecture for Computer Modules," Departments of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh Pa. 15213. (March 1973).

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S. H. Fuller and D. P. Siewiorek, "Some Observations on Semiconductor Technology and the Architecture of Large Digital Modules," IEEE Computer, Vol. 6, No. 10, October 1973, pp 14-21.

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D. M. Robinson, "Digital System Design with Control Modules," IEEE CompCon '73, March 1973, pp 207-210.

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W. A. Wulf and C. G. Bell, "C.mmp - A Multi-Mini-Processor," AFIPS Conf. Proc. Vol 41, part II, FJCC 1972, pp 765-777.

Cited By

Bairamkulov RFriedman EBairamkulov RFriedman E(2022)Graphs in VLSI circuits and systemsGraphs in VLSI10.1007/978-3-031-11047-4_3(59-100)Online publication date: 30-Jun-2022
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Bell Gvan Ingen C(1999)DSM perspective: another point of viewProceedings of the IEEE10.1109/5.74786287:3(412-417)Online publication date: Mar-1999
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Rohrer HSchreiber HSigmund V(1981)Micro-Modules Implementation of a Learning Pattern-Recognition SystemParallel Processes and Related Automata / Parallele Prozesse und damit zusammenhängende Automaten10.1007/978-3-7091-8596-4_10(149-157)Online publication date: 1981
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Index Terms

Computer Modules: An architecture for large digital modules
1. Computer systems organization
  1. Architectures

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Published In

cover image ACM SIGARCH Computer Architecture News

ACM SIGARCH Computer Architecture News Volume 2, Issue 4

december 1973

165 pages

ISSN:0163-5964

DOI:10.1145/633642

Issue’s Table of Contents

ISCA '73: Proceedings of the 1st annual symposium on Computer architecture
December 1973
169 pages
ISBN:9781450374286
DOI:10.1145/800123
Chairman:
G. Jack Lipovski,
Editor:
S. A. Szygenda

Copyright © 1973 Authors.

Publisher

Association for Computing Machinery

New York, NY, United States

Publication History

Published: 09 December 1973

Published in SIGARCH Volume 2, Issue 4

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Cited By

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https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-11047-4_3
Bell Gvan Ingen C(1999)DSM perspective: another point of viewProceedings of the IEEE10.1109/5.74786287:3(412-417)Online publication date: Mar-1999
https://doi.org/10.1109/5.747862
Rohrer HSchreiber HSigmund V(1981)Micro-Modules Implementation of a Learning Pattern-Recognition SystemParallel Processes and Related Automata / Parallele Prozesse und damit zusammenhängende Automaten10.1007/978-3-7091-8596-4_10(149-157)Online publication date: 1981
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-8596-4_10
Kober RKuznia C(1979)SMS 201 — A powerfull parallel processor with 128 microprocessorsEuromicro Newsletter10.1016/0303-1268(79)90060-95:1(48-52)Online publication date: Jan-1979
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Swan RFuller SSiewiorek D(1977)Cm*Proceedings of the June 13-16, 1977, national computer conference10.1145/1499402.1499515(637-644)Online publication date: 13-Jun-1977
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Colon FGlorioso RKohler WLi D(1976)Coupling small computers for performance enhancementProceedings of the June 7-10, 1976, national computer conference and exposition10.1145/1499799.1499902(755-764)Online publication date: 7-Jun-1976
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Siewiorek DGaley JRamamoorthy C(1974)Modularity and multi-microprocessor structuresConference record of the 7th annual workshop on Microprogramming10.1145/800118.803859(186-193)Online publication date: 30-Sep-1974
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