Showing papers on "Systems architecture published in 1977"

An Overview of the Preliminary Design of SDD-1: A System for Distributed Databases.

Abstract: : SDD-1, A System for Distributed Databases, is currently being designed and implemented by Computer Corporation of America SDD-1 is composed of a collection of datamodules which may be dispersed geographically and which are assumed to communicate over channels which may vary in bandwidth and delay Also, the system supports redundant databases, meaning that portions of databases may be stored at two or more datamodules in order to improve the reliability and efficiency of database operations This paper presents a brief overview of several key facets of SDD-1 These include: the system architecture, the data distribution concepts used by the system, SDD-1's approach to directory management, the method employed for efficiently handling updates to redundantly stored data, and SDD-1's method for efficiently retrieving data which is dispersed at distant datamodules

Microcomputer control of machines

Abstract: A microcomputer system is provided that facilitates system interaction with a machine. System architecture provides for processing machine inputs and generating machine outputs under microcomputer program control to enhance capability and flexibility and to reduce special purpose interface circuitry. Use of a microcomputer having an integrated circuit read only memory for program storage, an integrated circuit RAM or scratch pad memory for alterable operand storage, and integrated circuit logic enhances cost, performance, reliability, and other considerations.

IRIS: a transactions-based DSS for human resources management

Abstract: Regulatory and internal requirements are creating strong and growing pressures for more effective means of managing human resources. This calls for systems support more capable than is available through traditional MIS methods. There is a crucial need to extend the customary MIS role, beyond providing regular functions and procedures to assure timeliness and integrity of raw data, to be capable of becoming an integral part of the management process itself through ad hoc inquiry and analysis. This must be a facility which is put at the direct and personal disposal of the manager. The degree to which such an information technology genuinely assists a decision maker in pursuing a train of thought is the most relevant and, in the final analysis, perhaps the only true measure of its effectiveness.Currently available data base designs, high-level analysis and inquiry languages and interactive computing have been combined into a systems architecture which makes such decision support systems a practical reality. This paper describes one such system. It is in regular daily use ina highly diverse industrial enterprise as a transaction driven data system, but is designed for the noncomputeroriented manager in a problem-solving situation as the intended ultimate end user.

An overview of fault-tolerant digital system architecture

Abstract: With the increasing use of computing systems in such crucial areas as medicine and space, there has come a great need for computers that remain operational in spite of hardware failures. This paper provides a brief overview of several approaches to fault-tolerant computing. Five hardware redundancy techniques are reviewed: static, dynamic, hybrid, self-purging and the reconfiguration scheme. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of error correcting codes and software fault-tolerant systems are outlined as well as bi-duplexed systems, alternating logic, fail-soft and shared logic systems. It is suggested that perhaps the best fault-tolerant system employ a combination of hardware redundant techniques and software protection.

A system architecture for compile-time actions in databases

Abstract: A case is made for the use of compile-time actions to reduce the overhead incurred when comprehensive authorization and integrity features are incorporated in a shared database system. A model of authorization and integrity evaluation is discussed as well as the performance, sensitivity and system security aspects of early binding for database access and control. A problem incurred with this early binding is the sensitivity of the compiled programs to changes in the physical structure of the database or changes in the authorization rules or integrity constraints. Also, more security problems exist because of the need to protect the results of compile-time checking. A system architecture is proposed to decrease sensitivity and to improve security. The degree of improvement and some performance/sensitivity tradeoffs are analyzed.

An Outline of the ICL 2900 Series System Architecture.

Abstract: The system architecture of the ICL 2900 Series is outlined informally. Its central feature, the virtual machine concept, is described and related to virtual storage, segmentation and paging. The procedural approach is then discussed and its implementation by a stack mechanism is described. Further sections outline the protection mechanisms, and the instruction set and related features. Finally the virtual machine approach is related to global system activities.

Direct-execution computer architecture

Abstract: The Direct-Execution Architecture is a language-directed computer architecture. It can accept a highlevel-language program and directly executes it without compilation, assembly, linkage editing or loading. It offers a means to eliminate compilers, loaders etc. and attacks the problem of mounting software cost. In addition, the advent of microprocessors has demonstrated that highly complex digital hardware can be built reliably and inexpensively. Using this hardware to implement the Direct-Execution Architecture redistributes apportionment of costs between the hardware and software. The paper surveys the Direct-Execution Architecture, presents the relationship between language and architecture, and explains how a Direct-Execution system works. It also brings up the use of Direct-Execution for a highly interactive program writing, debugging, execution system. With this system, program writing could proceed like English composition. This paper then discusses the issue of a single high-level machine language, and the potential role of the interpreters. Finally, it attempts to fortell what could happen to the Direct-Execution Architecture in the next five to 10 years.

Direct-Execution Computer Architecture.

Abstract: The Direct-Execution Architecture is a language-directed computer architecture. It can accept a highlevel-language program and directly executes it without compilation, assembly, linkage editing or loading. It offers a means to eliminate compilers, loaders etc. and attacks the problem of mounting software cost. In addition, the advent of microprocessors has demonstrated that highly complex digital hardware can be built reliably and inexpensively. Using this hardware to implement the Direct-Execution Architecture redistributes apportionment of costs between the hardware and software. The paper surveys the Direct-Execution Architecture, presents the relationship between language and architecture, and explains how a Direct-Execution system works. It also brings up the use of Direct-Execution for a highly interactive program writing, debugging, execution system. With this system, program writing could proceed like English composition. This paper then discusses the issue of a single high-level machine language, and the potential role of the interpreters. Finally, it attempts to fortell what could happen to the Direct-Execution Architecture in the next five to 10 years.

Computer system architecture using serial communication

Abstract: A microcomputer system is provided that facilitates system interaction with an improved interface mechanization. System architecture provides for processing external inputs and generating external outputs under microcomputer program control to enhance capability and flexibility and to reduce special purpose interface circuitry. Use of a microcomputer having an integrated circuit read only memory for program storage, an integrated circuit RAM or scratch pad memory for alterable operand storage, and integrated circuit logic enhances cost, performance, reliability, and other considerations.

Computer system architecture

Abstract: An integrated circuit data processor arrangement is provided having a data processor architecture that can be implemented entirely of integrated circuits. The combination of an integrated circuit read only memory and an integrated circuit alterable memory and the ability to process operands stored in the alterable memory under control of instructions stored in the read only memory facilitates a fully integrated circuit data processor. Other data processor features that facilitate the fully integrated circuit architecture include integrated circuit paging logic and a storing arrangement for storing information in the main memory. Systems applications of the integrated circuit computer includes control of machines, control of photo-optical devices, and interaction with an operator.

Fifth generation digital sonar signal processing

Abstract: This paper discusses the evolutionary development, which has taken place over the last decade, in digital sonar systems architecture with the application of first, second, and third generation computers as system controllers for sonar systems. It is the opinion of the authors that, with the arrival of microprocessors, the system controller tasks in real time digital sonars will diminish. We present, as the "fourth generation," the present systems which still have a relatively large CPU, assisted by an array of microprocessors under their control for several subtasks which can be handled, more efficiently, locally in the systems. The "fifth generation" concept is postulated as a further development of this concept. A distributed processing scheme is presented in which the processing elements are actually highly functionally distributed themselves at the lowest level of architecture; consequently, the user views them as uniprocessors within the tightly coupled network. This approach should result in relatively high throughput utilizing a fairly small repertoire of modular hardware components and requiring minimal software effort by implementing, via firmware, very high level macros. This concept allows adaptive system architecture for the various advanced sonar data processing requirements for multielement linear, spatial, or blanket type array systems postulated for the future.

Influence of High-Level Languages on Computer Architecture

Abstract: These papers have been entitled ‘Influence of High Level Languages on Computer Architecture’. In fact what will be presented attempts to cover both this topic and the opposite i.e the influence of computer architecture on high level languages. The reason for doing so is that some new concepts have been recently introduced, which have an impact on both architecture and languages. One such concept is that of ‘parallelism’ which will be thoroughly investigated in these papers. More specific implications like Algol-machines, APL machines will only be touched upon as they will be covered by Dr Wilner (7). These lectures will thus be divided into three chapters.

A Microprocessor-Based Optical/Digital Processor

Abstract: The marriage of optical and digital processing techniques into hybrid optical/digital systems is a powerful and practical system architecture. It allows one to retain the high-speed and parallel processing features of an optical processor while achieving the control, flexibility, and data analysis advantages of digital technology. In this paper, we describe our new microprocessor-based optical/digital interface, its performance specifications, operations achievable, and present several examples of this new system.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Service needs and systems architecture in satellite communications

Abstract: This paper examines the projected needs for satellite communications services of two fundamental types, point-to-point and broadcast, through the end of the 20th century, and relates the needs to systems architecture. This is done by considering factors which affect systems architecture, and by relating the service needs to available and developing technologies for satellite communications Systems. Some of these technologies originate from requirements on the different types of systems to share the communications channel capacity of the orbital are in allocated spectral bands. Consideration of the technologies applied to different systems architectures leads to the conclusion that developing capabilities are converging on elimination of the distinction between point-to-point and broadcast services at 12 GHz. This emerges in the discussion of systems architectures that completes the paper.