IBM z10: The Next-Generation Mainframe Microprocessor

  • Authors:
  • Charles F. Webb

  • Affiliations:
  • IBM

  • Venue:
  • IEEE Micro
  • Year:
  • 2008

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Abstract

The IBM System z10 includes four microprocessor cores—each with a private 3-Mbyte cache—and integrated accelerators for decimal floating-point computation, cryptography, and data compression. A separate SMP hub chip provides a shared third-level cache and interconnect fabric for multiprocessor scaling. This article focuses on the high-frequency design techniques used to achieve a 4.4-GHz system, and on the pipeline design that optimizes z10's CPU performance.