摘要:
A clock distribution system minimizes clock skew in the distribution of clock signals to individual circuit board components in a highly synchronous, high speed computer system. The clock system includes an optical subsystem and an electrical subsystem. The optical subsystem utilizes multiple lasers and an n.times.n passive star coupler to introduce clock redundancy into the system. The lengths of the optical distribution fibers are controlled such that they are of equivalent optical path length. Once delivered to the logic assemblies, the optical clock signals are converted into equivalent electrical clock signals. The electrical subsystem then distributes the converted electrical clock signals to individual circuit board components over equalized fanout paths such that the skew as seen by the individual components is minimized. The system also compensates for skew introduced by the receiver and fanout electronics by tuning the length of the fiber. The electrical subsystem further includes means for customizing the fanout to fit individual circuit boards such that extraneous system noise is reduced. The overall clock system results in a maximum clock distribution network skew of approximately .+-.100 picoseconds, thus reducing or eliminating the need to perform electrical deskew at the individual circuit board components.
摘要:
A method of synchronizing accesses to shared data in a multiprocessing system having an atomic swap capability. A distinguished lock value is defined. A processor which wishes to access a shared data memory location performs an atomic swap of the lock value to the shared data memory location. If the data received from the atomic swap is equivalent to the lock value the processor knows that the memory location has been locked by another processor. The processor then repeats the atomic swap at intervals until data is received which is not equivalent to the lock value. The processor operates on the data and then performs a write to the shared data memory location to replace the lock value with the updated data. In an alternate embodiment, in situations where a unique lock value cannot be defined, an array is created to store lock values associated with particular shared data memory locations. A processor seeking access to a shared data memory location performs atomic swaps of the lock value to the lock array to determine access to a shared data memory location.
摘要:
A system for interprocessor communication including a shared register resource accessible by any one of the processors through the using internal communication paths. The shared register resource is distributed among the processors with each processor including a portion of the total system resource. Each processor includes an access circuit for receiving instructions from the CPU and generating control bytes to be distributed to the shared register resource circuits in each of the processors, which use the control byte to control shared resource access. Each shared register resource circuit is capable of controlling the I/O channels associated with its respective processor. A local access circuit for each CPU is capable of obtaining access to and controlling any of the I/O channels in the system via the shared register resource circuits.
摘要:
A method and apparatus for providing a resource lockout mechanism in a shared memory, multiprocessor system that is capable of performing both a read and write operation during the same memory operation. The load and flag instruction of the present invention can execute a read operation, followed by a write operation of a preselected flag value to the same memory location during the same memory operation. The load and flag instruction is particularly useful as a resource lockout mechanism for use in Monte Carlo applications.
摘要:
An method and apparatus for testing the frequency characteristics of electrical connections between integrated circuits. The apparatus includes circuitry for transmitting a series of signals via the connection from one integrated circuit to another. Each signal of the series is transmitted at a different frequencies. The apparatus further includes circuitry for receiving the series of signals and generating an error signal for each frequency. The method includes sending the series of pre-determined signals from one integrated circuit to another and receiving the series of signals. The method further including the evaluation of the series of signals and the generation of error signals corresponding to each frequency.
摘要:
Vector shifting elements of a vector register by varying amounts in a single process is achieved in a vector supercomputer processor. A first vector register contains a set of operands, and a second vector register contains a set of shift counts, one shift count for each operand. Operands and shift counts are successively transferred to a vector shift functional unit, which shifts the operand by an amount equal to the value of the shift count. The shifted operands are stored in a third vector register. The vector shift functional unit also achieves word shifting of a predetermined number of vector register elements to different word locations of another vector register.
摘要:
A method for performing diagnostics on a CPU logic simulator executes certain portions of the diagnostics on a real-machine, and other portions in the software simulator. Those portions that must be executed in the simulator are executed on the simulator, while those portions that need not be executed on the simulator are preferably executed on the real-machine. The method coordinates the execution of the diagnostic functions between the real- machine and the simulator to achieve improved speed of diagnostic execution.
摘要:
A level shifting circuit which can be implemented as part of a bipolar ECL integrated circuit, provides reliable switching and level shifted output suitable for driving a low voltage CMOS integrated circuit. The circuit includes a level shifting circuit which is connected to trigger a high gain positive feedback bootstrap circuit to reliably ensure switching even under poor signal conditions. An output taken from one of the switched pair is allowed to go to V.sub.CC, 0 volts, or is clamped by a clamping circuit to -3.3 volts, representing the two output states suitable for driving inverted rail CMOS circuitry.
摘要:
The present invention includes a tooling apparatus designed to provide accurately aligned printed circuits on both major sides of a printed circuit board layer, especially advantageous for use in multi-layer PCB's. Also disclosed is the method manufacture of the apparatus and the methods of using the apparatus. The apparatus includes patterns formed on glass masks attached to frames incorporating alignment pins and slots. The patterns include registration marks for alignment during manufacture of the apparatus. During use, the apparatus allows accurate alignment of patterns on both sides of a PCB layer. Also disclosed is the apparatus with buttons used to pattern PCB layers having pre-drilled Z-axis holes.
摘要:
Utilization circuits, such as logic chip circuits, are prevented from receiving the initial one or more pulses of a train of clock pulses produced after the master system clock is started, while the pulses of that train occurring thereafter are coupled to the utilization circuit. This prevents the skew usually present between the initial pulses of the train relative to the subsequent train pulses from adversely effecting operation of the utilization circuits. This clock swallowing preferably blocks a certain predetermined number of initial clock pulses from reaching the rest of the circuitry, although the system is adaptable to allow preselection of the number of such swallowed pulses.