Silicon MCMs for parallel computing applications

Multichip module (MCM) technology is used in the design of large-scale, distributed memory, multiple-instruction, multiple-data (MIMD) processors. Two demonstrators have been selected for different applications within a parallel computer. The applications stress various aspects of the technology. The demonstrators are the design of high-performance processing nodes, and the construction of multistage switching networks. In both cases, implementations exist using conventional packaging technology, affording the opportunity to directly compare the performance of the solutions with respect to cost and various other design criteria.