MultiComputer
Solutions
A Quarterly Publication
from the CSP Inc. MultiComputer Division
August
2003
Contents (click title to jump to story)
CSP
Inc. Reports Third-Quarter Fiscal 2003 Financial Results
Feature Story
Open Source vs. Proprietary
Technologies to Satisfy the Needs of High-Performance Computing Applications for Military Programs
For several generations COTS embedded multiprocessor systems have delivered high performance digital signal processing
(DSP),input/output (I/O), and reduced-instruction set computer (RISC) processing as well as a high bandwidth interconnect,
effectively meeting the signal and data processing requirements of a broad class of Sonar, Radar, and Command and Control,
Communication and Intelligence (C3I) programs for the Department of Defense (DoD). The primary design goal of these
multicomputer systems has been to maximize the "gigaflops per watt " and the "gigaflops per cubic foot". Under the COTS
initiative, DoD programs found clear benefits in multicomputer architectures optimized for performance, power and density.
Until now selecting the latest DSP, implementing hardware and software layers at the architectural limits and adding specialized hardware features along with proprietary kernels were all considered "winning strategies". However, after several generations of product improvements, the ongoing reality of Moore's Law, the availability of System-on-Chip (SOC) and the emergence of standards-based technologies, there is no longer a justification to expend time, resources and money on specialized proprietary hardware and software.
Yet highly specialized proprietary solutions are still prevalent in many existing DoD programs, creating a long-term legacy issue with large latent costs. Proprietary solutions represent significant investments in training and specialized development; thus, vendors encourage the reuse of these legacy technologies on new programs. This approach defeats many COTS goals by slowing the rate of evolution in technology advances and by limiting the efficiency of market forces.
The multicomputer market continues to grow but remains a small, specialized niche estimated at $300M
per year worldwide. Nevertheless, multicomputers address a critical need in large modern weapon systems
and remain essential to the success of many DoD programs. Development efforts associated with these systems
are forever increasing in complexity, with the bulk of the cost now concentrated in firmware, system software,
I/O drivers, libraries, middleware and applications, so re-usability is essential for system integrators to
successfully meet time and cost schedules.
Overcomming Multiocmputer Legacy Issues
Recognizing the implications of legacy solutions, the Defense Advanced
Reearch Project Agency (DARPA) started an active effort to insert fresh HPC technology in the multicomputer
market and to promote the use of open standards usch as Vector Signal Image Processing Library (VSIPL) and Message Passing Interface
(MPI). These efforts are now making important contributions
in DoD programs. The most recent advances in addressing DoD multicomputing needs are the emerging uses of cluster
technologies and Linux open source software.
A key consideration in Radar/Sonar/C3I programs is the ability to deliver balanced performance throughout the system. Selection of I/O, computational processors and interconnect layers impact the overall performance. Developing and deploying on a Linux platform offers more choices in adressing this issue. The quality, performance, availability and number of Linux drivers for I/O devices is large in contrast to proprietary solutions. Linux provides benefits by eliminating the need for special training and by offering a plethora of tools to ease the application development process. The application code developed on an individual PC or workstation, or on a cluster of PCs and workstations can be re-targeted, without change, to the embedded platform.
The final integration of an embedded system, including hundreds of processors and several real-time I/O streams, remains challenging no matter how much prior testing is done. Integrating and exercising all subsystems is a very complex process. Again, Linux open source software can save a lot of anxiety and improve productivity. Workarounds and fast identification of issues are possible without having to rely totally on vendor cooperation. In contrast, debugging legacy products included challenges in gaining access to customized classified defense systems and proprietary software source modules. The advantages of open source software include such welcome features as accessibility to source code, rapid innovation and quick bug fixes.
Linux is Broadly Available and Supported by a Large Development Community
Linux benefits from a massive technology transfer from UNIX without legacy code burdnes slowing its development.
This explains why Linux is being developed at a faster pace than any other OS in history. Linux continues to
grow, with thousands of individuals and many major companies incorporating Linux into their mainline products.
For example, IBM, NEC, Fujitsu and Hitachi are joining resources to enahnce usability and scalability of Linux,
while thousands of open source developers are contributing to Linux development. One of the lasting Linux advantages
is the myriad of university graduates entering the market with a Linux background. This, as well as teh advantage
of cost, time-to-market, tools and availabiliity of resources, provides a challenge that a proprietary OS cannot
hope to meet.
Product News
Incorporating the latest processor, memory and interconnect technology the 2842 MultiComputers are the top-of-the-line, high-performance processing modules for the 2000 SERIES and FastCluster product families.
The core design of the 2842 MultiComputer features four processing nodes each with 256 MB of ECC SDRAM, 32 MB of FLASH, 2 MB of L2 Cache, the latest 500 MHz MPC7410 PowerPC microprocessor with AltiVec™ technology and the Myrinet-2000 cluster interconnect packaged in a single slot 6U form factor. Systems incorporating 2842 MultiComputers become the most powerful embedded computer systems currently available for demanding applications requiring a very large fast memory sub-system.
Maintaining full compatibility with existing 2000 SERIES and FastCluster system modules and software, the 2842 MultiComputer will run existing applications seamlessly while offering a 15% increase in performance.
The 2000 SERIES and FastCluster software is optimized for maximum performance on the 2842 MultiComputers. 2000 SERIES software support for the 2842 MultiComputer is based upon the industry-standard VxWorks™ real-time operating system and its Tornado II development tool-set. FastCluster software support for the 2842L MultiComputer is based upon open source Linux operating system. CSPI's highly optimized ISSPL-ALT and VSIPL Math libraries and industry-standard Message Passing Interface (MPI) library for interprocessor communications are offered for both product lines.
The CSPI 20 Slot Rugged Chassis provides a 9U high, front loaded chassis designed to accommodate a variety of 2000 SERIES boards and transition modules to achieve the scalable processing and I/O performance required by a broad class of COTS High Performance Computing applications.
Designed for use under harsh environmental conditions the CSPI 20 Slot Rugged Chassis was developed, manufactured and tested to meet the stringent requirements of the military, aerospace and defense markets. CSPI tests it’s rugged products to ensure reliability and performance when used in environments with high levels of shock, vibration, humidity, and extended temperature.
Since it is imperative that rugged versions of a COTS product are form, fit and function compatible with their commercial/industrial versions, the solution must be implemented in the initial design phase. All CSPI chassis products are developed to optimize system air flow, enhance structural integrity and to reduce electromagnetic interference.
Designed with the end-user in mind, CSPI chassis products also provide features that make the system simple to configure and maintain. From compliance to standards to built-in monitoring it is easy to integrate components and verify reliable operation.
Feature Product
The JumpGate 2823 is a member of the CSP Inc. family of high-performance computers that feature high-density packaging, Motorola AltiVec™ technology and the high speed Myrinet-2000 interconnect to achieve scalable performance for a broad class of High Performance Computing applications..
The innovative design of the JumpGate 2823 delivers a powerful I/O subsystem coupled with the performance and functionality of a Single Board Computer (SBC). The JumpGate product supports the PCI I/O throughput of 528 MB/s on the PMC mezzanine cards and the Myrinet interconnect rate of 250 MB/s in each direction without impacting CPU to memory performance. The JumpGate 2823 is an excellent solution for your high-performance I/O needs.
Supporting both open source Linux, and the industry standard VxWorks™ real-time operating systems, this product affords the user a choice in selecting the software environment best suited to their application requirements. The JumpGate leverages open standards for "plug and play" interoperability, a compact footprint, and a durable packaging design that incorporates environmental sensors and hot-swap capabilities for easy integration with other system components..
The JumpGate offers up to 1 GB of ECC SDRAM and two PMC expansion slots with 528 MB/s of PCI I/O throughput for rapidly collecting vital data. The 64-bit, 66 MHz PCI Standard Interface and IEEE P1386.1 compliant expansion slots can accommodate a host of PMC modules enhancing the systems functionality with SCSI, Fiber Channel, Serial FPDP and Fast Ethernet I/O devices. Featuring dual 500 MHz MPC7410 PowerPC microprocessors with AltiVec™ technology, the JumpGate can simultaneously receive/transmit, and process large amounts of data to deliver timely, accurate and complete information for making critical decisions.
CSP Inc. Reports
Third-Quarter Fiscal 2003 Financial Results
For the third quarter of fiscal 2003, CSP Inc. reported sales of $7.0 million compared with $7.8 million for the year-earlier quarter. The Company reported a third-quarter net loss of $340,000, or $(0.10) per share, compared with a net loss of $84,000, or $(0.02) per share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2002.
For the nine-month period ended June 30, 2003, the Company reported sales of $21.6 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2003, compared with sales of $20.5 million in the year-earlier nine-month period. For the first nine months of 2003, the Company reported a net loss of $.9 million, or $(0.27) per share. This compares with net loss of $1.9 million, or $(0.55) per share, for the nine months ended June 30, 2002.
Stated Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alexander R. Lupinetti, " While the weak global economy continued to affect our financial results, we made significant progress in enhancing our capabilities to provide IT services on a global scale. At our Multicomputer business, we continued to move forward on the acquisition process for large, defense-related opportunities for our Linux-based multicomputers."
"The highlight of the quarter was the acquisition of Technisource Hardware," continued Lupinetti. Technisource Hardware is a reseller of software and hardware products for IT infrastructure requirements and provides professional services related to systems integration. "The integration of Technisource into MODCOMP as its Systems and Solutions Division is proceeding as planned and the company’s move into MODCOMP’s Ft. Lauderdale headquarters was completed last week."
"The acquisition of Technisource complements our strategy to leverage MODCOMP’s business process integration expertise to capitalize on opportunities created by the trend toward open systems," explained Lupinetti. "We have significant capabilities in IT systems integration and follow-on services through MODCOMP’s German and UK subsidiaries. We now plan to use our expertise in high-value IT systems integration and our new U.S. capabilities through Technisource Hardware to raise our value proposition domestically."
"While the spending environment in Europe continues to be very sluggish, we are seeing opportunities for IT outsourcing solutions as well as for our network security solutions. We will continue to invest in our technologies in order to position the Company for growth when the economy rebounds," concluded Lupinetti.