Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Instruction-Set Architecture Standardization for Military Computer-Based Systems.

Abstract

A life cycle cost analysis of 78 Army/Navy military computer-based systems is described in order to determine the most cost-effective approach to standardization of computer (instruction-set) architectures. Two basic instruction-set architecture scenarios are considered: (1) standardization upon four widely used military computer architectures (AN/UYK-7, AN/UYK-20, AN/UYK-19 and AN/GYK-12) as computer family architectures (CFA's) and (2) standardization upon a single CFA. The single-CFA scenario is further subdivided into five candidate architectures; i.e. aforementioned four architectures plus AN/GYQ-21 (PDP-11). The life cycle cost model provides for acquisition of the 78 systems in lots of 26 in 1980, 1985 and 1990 and for subsequent deployment over a 10-year period. Military Computer Family (MCF) modules and chassis are employed in all architecture scenarios. Total life cycle cost is defined as the sum of common life cycle cost, hardware life cycle cost of all 78 systems and applications software life cycle cost of all 78 systems. The major data inputs to the life cycle cost model are twofold: (1) architecture test data and (2) evaluation of support software base of each architecture. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the AN/GYQ-21 CFA scenario yields the least life cycle cost over a wide range of assumed parameters.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1978
Accession Number
ADA059306

Entities

People

  • Harold S. Stone

Organizations

  • Battelle Memorial Institute

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computer Architecture
  • Computers
  • Computing System Architectures
  • Cost Analysis
  • Cost Models
  • Costs
  • Cycles
  • Instruction Set Architecture
  • Instructions
  • Life Cycle Costs
  • Life Cycles
  • Standardization

Fields of Study

  • Computer science
  • Engineering

Readers

  • Computer Science.
  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • Software Engineering.