Large-scale computations on a scalar, vector and parallel ‘supercomputer’

Abstract We discuss two experimental parallel computer systems 1CAP-1 and 1CAP-2 which can be applied to the entire spectrum of scientific and engineering applications. These systems achieve ‘supercomputer’ levels of performance by spreading large scale computations across multiple cooperating processors—several with vector capabilities. We outline system hardware and software, and discuss our programming strategy for migrating codes from a conventional sequential system to a parallel one. The performance of a variety of applications programs is analyzed to demonstrate the merits of this approach. Finally, we discuss 1CAP-3, an extension to this computing system, which has been recently assembled.