Unique Chips and Systems

The demands of software applications can be met only with unique chips and systems. This book addresses several systems and chips that provide fresh approaches to designing future computing and communication systems. It presents the TRIPS processor architecture and microarchitecture, and the CELL processor from IBM STI.

Which came first, the system or the chip? While integrated circuits enable technology for the modern information age, computing, communication, and network chips fuel it. As soon as the integration ability of modern semiconductor technology offers presents opportunities, issues in power consumption, reliability, and form-factor present challenges. The demands of emerging software applications can only be met with unique systems and chips. Drawing on contributors from academia, research, and industry, Unique Systems and Chips explores unique approaches to designing future computing and communication chips and systems.

The book focuses on specialized hardware and systems as opposed to general-purpose chips and systems. It covers early conception and simulation, mid-development, application, testing, and performance. The chapter authors introduce new ideas and innovations in unique aspects of chips and system design, then go on to provide in-depth analysis of these ideas. They explore ways in which these chips and systems may be used in further designs or products, spurring innovations beyond the intended scopes of those presented. International in flavor, the book brings industrial and academic perspectives into focus by presenting the full spectrum of applications of chips and systems.