Objective This project was a preliminary study of a vector oriented-processing parallel architecture for a supercomputer. It combined a user and a technological approach. Its two objectives were: -To define, with the help of some qualified users, the architectural concepts for a high performance scientific and numeric supercomputer working in the 10-30 Gflops range. Compatibility with existing programs and applications was a major criterion. -To evaluate the defined architecture by simulations at the hardware and software levels. The different technologies available to develop this type of machine were analysed (eg circuits, memories, interconnections, packaging, cooling), with reliability a nd maintainability two of the main criteria for selection. This project was a preliminary study of a vector oriented processing parallel architecture for a supercomputer. It combined a user and a technological approach. Its 2 objectives were: firstly, to define, with the help of some qualified users, the architectural concepts for a high performance scientific and numeric supercomputer working in the 10 to 30 Gflops range. Compatibility with existing programs and applications was a major criterion. Secondly, to evaluate the defined architecture by simulations at the hardware and software levels. The different technologies available to develop this type of machine were analysed (eg, circuits, memories, interconnections, packaging, cooling), with reliability and maintainability 2 of the main criteria for selection. A study of the needs of 25 users for applications software, basic software and hardware was made, and the product choice criteria examined. An evaluation was carrried out of the application of different types of architecture to several fields. The existing technologies (integrated processors and memory chips) were studied, and trends extracted. Pre-studies of a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) chip for 15 ns, 64 bit processors and a 60 Mips scalar processor were made. A study of a very high speed ring system was performed. Different FORTRAN programming methods usable in parallel processing tasks were studied.Results were as follows: -a study of the needs of 25 users for applications software, basic software and hardware was made, and the product choice criteria examined -an evaluation was carried out of the application of different types of architecture to several fields -the existing technologies ( integrated processors and memory chips) were studied, and trends extracted -pre-studies of a MOS chip for 15 ns, 64-bit processors and a 60 Mips scalar processor were made -a study of a very high-speed ring system was performed -different FORTRAN programming methods usable in parallel processing tasks were studied. Exploitation This study allowed the partners to identify the need to develop high-performance computers, an area where Europe is very weak. Fields of science natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryinorganic compoundsnatural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicssemiconductivityengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringcomputer hardwaresupercomputersnatural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftwaresoftware applications Programme(s) FP1-ESPRIT 1 - European programme (EEC) for research and development in information technologies (ESPRIT), 1984-1988 Topic(s) Data not available Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme Data not available Coordinator Bull SA Address Tour bull 1 place carpeaux puteaux 92039 Paris la défense France See on map EU contribution € 0,00 Participants (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme AG Germany EU contribution € 0,00 Address Otto-hahn-ring 6 81739 München See on map