EMMA2, a high-performance hierarchical multiprocessor
The search for new products in the field of advanced automation pushes application of recent technology research. Most often, the unavailability of suitable computational structures stunts the possibility of turning research results into industrial applications. This fact is particularly true in advanced automation systems, those systems that emulate functions usually carried out by humans. Consider for example speech recognition, artificial vision, and pattern recognition applications. The high throughput required by these types of systems has often led to the design of dedicated architectures with low flexibility and narrow applicability. At Elsag we wanted to make a more-general approach that aimed at a wider diffusion of such systems for the industrial processes and services areas of advanced automation. A further constraint we considered is that our applications are often characterized by their needs for strong customization. This requirement entails a computational structure capable of a wide range of performances and modular in nature. The answer to the problems above, from our experience, lies in parallel processing, possibly supported by computer structures and development environments that match application requirements as closely as possible. The challenging problem, in an industrial context, is to develop a computer architecture capable of delivering enough computational power, with a high degree of modularity, provided at a reasonable cost and with an effective programming and development environment.
- Research Organization:
- Politecnico di Torino, Turin (Italy)
- OSTI ID:
- 5909686
- Journal Information:
- IEEE Micro; (United States), Vol. 9:1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Neural networks and their potential application to nuclear power plants
Materials Challenges and Opportunities for Energy Generation, Conversion, Delivery, and Storage (Applied Energy Tri-Laboratory Consortium Workshop Report)
Related Subjects
ARRAY PROCESSORS
PERFORMANCE
COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
PARALLEL PROCESSING
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
AUTOMATION
PATTERN RECOGNITION
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
VISION
PROGRAMMING
990210* - Supercomputers- (1987-1989)