Architecture based on scalar system

TOKYO, July 17 -- Fujitsu and Japan's Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, known as RIKEN, today announced that RIKEN has decided to employ a new system configuration with a scalar processing architecture for its next-generation supercomputer. The supercomputer is being sponsored by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) as part of its project for the "Development and Use of an Advanced, High-Performance, General-Purpose Supercomputer" (Next-Generation Supercomputer Project).

The project is a joint effort between RIKEN and Fujitsu aimed at developing a supercomputer capable of achieving a performance of 10 petaflops. As originally planned, it is on track for completion in 2012.

With RIKEN taking the lead role in development, conceptual design planning for the next-generation supercomputer began in September 2006. In 2007, RIKEN completed this phase, and following design evaluation, it began the system development phase. The initial plan called for a hybrid system featuring both scalar units and vector units, but NEC Corporation, which was in charge of developing the vector unit, recently notified RIKEN that it would be unable to participate in the project's production stage, which effectively ended the plans for a hybrid system.

Meanwhile, MEXT's interim assessment group conducted a technical assessment of the project's system architecture. Based on MEXT's assessment, RIKEN performed its own review of the architecture and, following a report to MEXT and additional assessments, has moved forward with a decision on the new system configuration.

RIKEN decided to pursue a scalar configuration after assessing the prospect of the project, aiming to reach its original goals of achieving a LINPACK performance of 10 petaflops and being completed and ready for shared use in 2012. The next-generation supercomputer will utilize what is presently the world's fastest CPU (128 gigaflops), developed and manufactured by Fujitsu using 45-nm process technology. The network between the system's nodes will consist of a direct-connection network with wide-band communications channels. This system configuration will ensure both energy efficiency and massive parallel computing capability. In addition, RIKEN plans to collaborate with organizations in charge of promoting the supercomputer utilization, in order to provide users of vector units with sufficient support.

Background

In fiscal 2006, MEXT began promoting the development of a world-class supercomputer as part of its Next-Generation Supercomputer Project. RIKEN organized a next-generation supercomputer development division to lead development, with the aim of achieving the world's highest performance.

In April 2007, RIKEN adopted a plan for a hybrid system architecture consisting of scalar and vector units and carried out the development in accordance with the plan. On May 13, 2009, however, NEC expressed its intention to withdraw from the project following the detailed design phase, stepping out of the subsequent prototyping and production stages. This effectively ended plans for a hybrid system.

At the same time, MEXT conducted an interim assessment of the Next-Generation Supercomputer Project and evaluated the technical aspects of the system architecture. Based on the result, RIKEN reviewed the system architecture and, following a report to MEXT and additional assessments, committed to a new scalar configuration.

System overview

The new architecture is for a scalar supercomputer, utilizing a distributed-memory parallel computing system. Configuration details are described here.

About Fujitsu

Fujitsu is a leading provider of IT-based business solutions for the global marketplace. With approximately 175,000 employees supporting customers in 70 countries, Fujitsu combines a worldwide corps of systems and services experts with highly reliable computing and communications products and advanced microelectronics to deliver added value to customers. Headquartered in Tokyo, Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.6 trillion yen (US$47 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009. For more information, see www.fujitsu.com.

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Source: Fujitsu