Content area
The main characteristics of a class of microcomputer-based vector architectures in an Open Network Environment (ONE) are defined. Employing this definition, specific systems are then generated, modeled, and evaluated. The generated systems range from Microprocessor-based derivatives to high-performance versions suitable for solving large scale scientific application problems. Each generated system consists of several identical and independent vector processing units. The external functional behavior of the generated system does not depend on the number of vector processing units employed and the system normally works properly with any number of vector units. The microprocessor derivatives are micro-programmable while hardwired structures are considered for the high performance versions to ensure high throughput. After the system generation and modeling process the actual simulation of the complete class takes place. An experimental simulation facility for the systematic evaluation of this class of architectures is also presented.