1 Introducing the SuperSPARC Module

SuperSPARC(TM) modules consist of one or two processor sets on an MBus module. The module attaches to an MBus or SPARC module connector on the SPARCserver 600MP, SPARCcenter 2000, and SPARCserver 1000 system board, or on the SPARCstation 10 and SPARCserver 10 main logic board. Each module includes:

• SPARC CPU

• SPARC Floating Point Unit

• Memory Management Unit/cache controller (combined)

• SRAM for local cache

The MBus, described in an open specification from SPARC International, provides a standard chip interconnect between multiple CPUs, memory, and I/O.

SuperSPARC modules offer customers two important advantages.

1. The modular design allows customers to easily add more processors to increase performance. Installing a second SuperSPARC module on the system board or main logic board is as simple as adding an SBus card.

2. SuperSPARC modules separate the CPU technology from the system board or main logic board design. Future SPARC technology can be supported from the same board, providing an easy upgrade path.

Both of these features protect the original system hardware investment by allowing SPARCserver, SPARCcenter, and SPARCstation performance to grow as application needs grow.