Fifth generation of computers (1984-1990)
In this period, computer technology achieved more superiority and parallel processing, which was until limited to vector processing and pipelining, where hundreds of processors could all work on various parts of a single program. There were introduction of systems like the Sequent Balance 8000, which connected up to twenty processors to one shared memory module.
This machine was as competent as the DEC VAX-780 in the context that it had a general purpose UNIX system and each processor worked on a different user's job. On the other hand, INTEL IPSC-I or Hypercube, as it was called, connected each processor to its own memory and used a network interface to connect the processors. With the concept of distributed network coming in, memory posed no further problem and the largest IPSC-I was built with 128 processors. Towards the end of the fifth generation, another parallel processing was introduced in the devices, which were called Data parallel or SIMD. In this system, all the processors operate under the instruction of a single control unit.
In this generation semiconductor memories became the standard were pursued vigorously. Other developments were the increasing use of single user workstations and widespread use of computer networks. Both wide area network (WAN) and local area network (LAN) developed at an incredible pace and led to a distributed computing environment. RISC technology i.e. a particular technique for the internal organization of CPU and the plunging cost of RAM ushered in huge gains in computational power of comparatively cheaper servers and workstations. This generation also witnessed a sharp increase in both quantitative and qualitative aspects of scientific visualization.
sixth generation of computer [1990-till date]
Of all those changes that have taken place in the field of computer technology, some changes are abrupt whereas others are defined. In the current period, this transition from one period to another is clear only in retrospect because most of them are gradual advancements of an already established system. This present generation of computer technology is highly related with parallel computing and several growth areas has been noticed in this area, in both hardware part and in the better understanding of how to develop algorithms to make full use of massive parallel architectures.
Though vector system is equally in use, it is often speculated that the future would be dominated by parallel systems. However, there are several devices where there are combinations of parallel-vector architectures. Fujitsu Corporation is planning to build a system with more than 200 vector processors. Another goal of this sixth generation is to attain Tera flops i.e. ten arithmetic operations per second and that can be done by building up a system with more than thousand processors. Currently, the processors are constructed with a combination of RISC, pipe lining and parallel processing.
Networking technology is spreading rapidly and one of the most conspicuous growths of the sixth generation computer technology is the huge growth of WAN. For regional network, T1 is the standard and the national "backbone" uses T3 to interconnect the regional networks. Finally, the rapid advancement and high level of awareness regarding computer technology is greatly indebted to the two legislation. Just like the Lax report of 1982, the High Performance Computing Act of 1991, Information Infrastructure, and technology Act of 1992 have strengthened and ensured the scope of high performance computing. The former has ensured the establishment of high performance computing and communications programming (HP CCP) and the later has reinforced the necessity of making leading edge technologies available to academicians right from kindergarten up to graduation level.
Source: Smyleworld Info-Tech
07037370963
In this period, computer technology achieved more superiority and parallel processing, which was until limited to vector processing and pipelining, where hundreds of processors could all work on various parts of a single program. There were introduction of systems like the Sequent Balance 8000, which connected up to twenty processors to one shared memory module.
This machine was as competent as the DEC VAX-780 in the context that it had a general purpose UNIX system and each processor worked on a different user's job. On the other hand, INTEL IPSC-I or Hypercube, as it was called, connected each processor to its own memory and used a network interface to connect the processors. With the concept of distributed network coming in, memory posed no further problem and the largest IPSC-I was built with 128 processors. Towards the end of the fifth generation, another parallel processing was introduced in the devices, which were called Data parallel or SIMD. In this system, all the processors operate under the instruction of a single control unit.
In this generation semiconductor memories became the standard were pursued vigorously. Other developments were the increasing use of single user workstations and widespread use of computer networks. Both wide area network (WAN) and local area network (LAN) developed at an incredible pace and led to a distributed computing environment. RISC technology i.e. a particular technique for the internal organization of CPU and the plunging cost of RAM ushered in huge gains in computational power of comparatively cheaper servers and workstations. This generation also witnessed a sharp increase in both quantitative and qualitative aspects of scientific visualization.
sixth generation of computer [1990-till date]
Of all those changes that have taken place in the field of computer technology, some changes are abrupt whereas others are defined. In the current period, this transition from one period to another is clear only in retrospect because most of them are gradual advancements of an already established system. This present generation of computer technology is highly related with parallel computing and several growth areas has been noticed in this area, in both hardware part and in the better understanding of how to develop algorithms to make full use of massive parallel architectures.
Though vector system is equally in use, it is often speculated that the future would be dominated by parallel systems. However, there are several devices where there are combinations of parallel-vector architectures. Fujitsu Corporation is planning to build a system with more than 200 vector processors. Another goal of this sixth generation is to attain Tera flops i.e. ten arithmetic operations per second and that can be done by building up a system with more than thousand processors. Currently, the processors are constructed with a combination of RISC, pipe lining and parallel processing.
Networking technology is spreading rapidly and one of the most conspicuous growths of the sixth generation computer technology is the huge growth of WAN. For regional network, T1 is the standard and the national "backbone" uses T3 to interconnect the regional networks. Finally, the rapid advancement and high level of awareness regarding computer technology is greatly indebted to the two legislation. Just like the Lax report of 1982, the High Performance Computing Act of 1991, Information Infrastructure, and technology Act of 1992 have strengthened and ensured the scope of high performance computing. The former has ensured the establishment of high performance computing and communications programming (HP CCP) and the later has reinforced the necessity of making leading edge technologies available to academicians right from kindergarten up to graduation level.
Source: Smyleworld Info-Tech
07037370963
