
\noindent
{\bf
FLEX/32 MultiComputer
}


\noindent
{\bf
Parallel Bus Architecture
}


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\noindent
{\bf Architecture:}
This machine is a true 32-bit multicomputer with variable
architecture structure and is an MIMD machine.  It uses
National Semiconductor 32032 chips at 10 MHz, with an
independent self-testing system using a Z80 micro.  The
local memory cycle time is 145 nsec.  The claimed limit on
the number of CPUs is 20480.

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\noindent
Each processor is on one PCB with full 32-bit data bus and
full 32-bit address capability, with speed capacity of
approximately of 1 mip using the 32032. Each card has a
hardware floating-point processor and hardware memory
management and memory protection with a local bus interface
and a 32-bit VMEbus I/O interface. Also, each processor
board has 1 Mbyte or 4 Mbytes of ECC RAM in addition to
cache memory and 128 K of ROM.  An optional 1 Mbyte of RAM
(later planned to have up to 8 Mbyte) with integral error
detection and correction code logic is available.  Also, an
optional floating point accelerator (1 Mflop) is available
on each processor.  The company envisages attaching array
processors that are VME compatible such as a SKY Warrior.

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\noindent
Other features:
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\>  Standard VME bus open architecture supporting Eurocard standard.\\
\>  Communication rates on local buses of 160 Mbit/sec each.\\
\>  Communication rates on common bus of 380 Mbit/sec each.\\
\>  Time to get on local bus - 1 msec.\\
\>  Time to do an an arbitrated read/write through high-speed (45 nsec) \\
\>\>    common memory - 170-185 nsec\\
\>  Direct message passing into another processor's memory is via global memory.\\
\end{tabbing}

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\noindent
{\bf Configuration:}
The machine can have flexible configuration of local (145
nsec) and common memory (45 nsec).  Mass memory cards (local
memory) contain from 1 to 8 Mbytes RAM connected by local
and/or 32-bit VMEbus I/O interface and can be used in any
combination or permutation with CPU cards (these memory
cards also have a microprocessor for SelfTest diagnostics
and fault isolation).  The system can be dynamically
configured and reconfigured using the SelfTest mechanism.

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There are two computers in two 19-in. standard cabinets:\\
\>    - one cabinet (the peripheral control cabinet PCC) for the SelfTest\\
\>      System and VME Eurocard card cage (with room for further 19-in.\\
\>      card cages for peripherals)\\
\>    - the other cabinet (the MultiComputer Cabinet MCC) with a\\
\>      30-slot card cage partitioned into three 10-slot sections.\\
\>      The backplane contains 2 common buses, 10 local buses, and\\
\>      20 VMEbus interfaces. The MCC also houses a local bus to\\
\>      common bus interface (common control card) with fair\\
\>      arbitration mechanism, up to 9 common access cards with 128\\
\>      Kbytes to 512 Kbytes of common memory (45 nsec) each, and a\\
\>      universal card with 128 Kbytes ROM, 1Mbyte or 4 Mbytes of\\
\>      ECC RAM, 1 mip processor, and VME interface with a separate\\
\>      microprocessor for the SelfTest System.\\
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\>   Cabinet size is 24"x76"x36".\\
\>   Each cabinet can include up to 20 32-bit processors or 160 Mbytes of\\
\>   memory.\\
\end{tabbing}
\vspace {.1in}
\noindent
{\bf Software:}
A full UNIX System V can run on each processor, with
extensions for concurrent processing.  FLEX has a 4.2
license.  The software license is for 32 users, with
optional software license for unlimited users.

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\noindent
FLEX's own multicomputing multitasking operating system
(MMOS) is for real-time operating system support providing
all the tools for interprocessor communication and
signalling, synchronization, event management, etc.

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\noindent
Ethernet-supported TCP/IP

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\noindent
\begin{tabbing}
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{\bf Languages:}\\
\vspace{.1in}

\>  Fortran 77 with ISA S61.1 extensions\\
\>  Ratfor\\
\>  C\\
\>  Concurrent C and Fortran by using a preprocessor\\
\>  Assembly\\
\>  Ada under development\\
\end{tabbing}

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\noindent
{\bf Status:}
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\>Cost: Price starts at approximately \$100,000\\
\>      \$36,000 list price/CPU + 1Mbyte RAM with 128 Kbytes ROM, FPP\\
\>      and MMU.\\
\end{tabbing}


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\noindent
{\bf Contact:}
\begin{flushleft}
Larry Samartin\\
FLEX Inc.\\
Dallas, TX 75229\\
214-929-6000\\

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Distributors in Germany, France, and Norway.\\
\end{flushleft}

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