Supercomputer on a chip

IBM, the Sony Group and Toshiba have disclosed in detail the multi-core architectural design - featuring supercomputer-like floating point performance with observed clock speeds greater than 4 GHz.

This jointly developed microprocessor is code-named Cell.

A team of IBM, Sony and Toshiba engineers has collaborated on developing the microprocessor at a joint design centre established in Austin, Texas in March 2001.

The prototype chip is 221 mm², integrates 234 million transistors and is fabricated with 90 nanometre SOI in technology.

The architecture and ultra high-speed communications capabilities deliver vastly improved, real-time response for entertainment and media applications, in many cases 10 times the performance of the latest PC processors.

Effectively a 'supercomputer on a chip' incorporating advanced multi-processing used in IBM's servers, Sony's computer entertainment systems and Toshiba's advanced semiconductor technology, Cell will become the broadband processor used for industrial applications to the new digital home.

Another advantage of Cell is to support multiple operating systems, such as conventional operating systems (including Linux), real-time operating systems for computer entertainment and consumer electronics applications as well as guest operating systems for specific applications, simultaneously.

Initial production of the micro-processors is expected to begin at IBM's 300 mm wafer fabrication facility in East Fishkill, NY, followed by Sony's Nagasaki Fab, this year.

All three companies expect to promote Cell-based products including a broad range of industry-wide applications, from digital televisions to home servers to supercomputers.

Among the highlights of Cell are:

• Eight synergistic processors and top clock speeds of greater than 4 GHz (as measured during initial hardware testing);
• Capable of massive floating point processing;
• OS neutral and supports multiple operating systems simultaneously.