Two Advanced Computer Architectures: A Study of Their Support for Languages and Operating Systems,
Abstract
The Intel iAPX-432 micro-mainframe system and the RSRE Flex multi-computer system, are two computer systems with advanced computer architectures. They have been designed to overcome the problems met when implementing operating systems and high level languages on computers with von Neumann architectures. The problems, such as storage management, parallel processing and the large semantic gap between high level languages and the computer's instruction set, are approached in different ways and with varying degrees of success, by the two systems. This report outlines these problems, describes the two systems and gives a critical comparison of the solutions they offer. Central to the design of both architectures, is the organization of the main memory. Capability based addressing is used by both systems, though it is implemented using different techniques. An overview of capabilities, and a brief description of two earlier computers which used them, namely the Cambridge CAP computer and the Plessey System-250, are included in this report. The report concludes by summarizing the main differences between the two architectures. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA124286
Entities
People
- S. R. Wiseman
Organizations
- Royal Signals and Radar Establishment