The TI 34010

From: emanuel stiebler <emu_at_ecubics.com>
Date: Sat Mar 6 18:53:59 1999

Hi,

----------
> From: Tony Duell <ard_at_p850ug1.demon.co.uk>
> To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
<classiccmp_at_u.washington.edu>
> Subject: Re: The TI 34010
> Date: Saturday, March 06, 1999 3:48 PM
>
> > There are two basic types of multi processor processing, SIMD (Single
> > Instruction, Multiple Data) and MIMD (Multiple Instruction, Multiple
Data).

I guess there are three: SIMD, MIMD & shared memory, MIMD distributed
memory. (UMA & NUMA)

> No, transputers are certainly MIMD.
>
> A transputer chip contains a complete CPU, possibly an FPU, a small
> amount of RAM, and 4 high-speed serial links. You can actually ignore the

> links if you want to, and use it as a simple CPU (I can't think why you'd

> _want_ to do this, but you can)

We did it for a laser printer. The transputer was doing the
emulations,BitBlt,graphics, had the "big" memory & output shift register.
Got the program downloaded from a NEC V25, which controlled the centronics
& V24. Was very easy to develope, because:

1.) the transputer supported DRAM directly
2.) debugging was easy, because you could download the programs via link
3.) pin compatible versions with/without FPU (FPU was used only for
postscript)
4.) Lots of application notes & support from INMOS at this time.
 
Just my .0002 cents

cheers,
emanuel
Received on Sat Mar 06 1999 - 18:53:59 GMT