The CERF computer system

Abstract

Multiprocessor systems are becoming increasingly popular because of the increased throughput possible and the possibility of system availability despite the failure of some of the processing units. This paper describes an innovative concept in multiprocessor system design, and suggests some of the research areas which have not yet been resolved but which can be studied on this system. The system architecture is patterned after Control Data Corporation's peripheral processor barrel except that it possesses much more powerful functional capabilities. In addition, high speed minicomputers were used to handle all of the system I/O requirements. Research areas for which this system is particularly appropriate include computer architecture-operating systems tradeoffs and multiprocessor operating systems design and implementation. The hardware system is entirely microprogrammable, allowing for increased flexibility in evaluating various research strategies.