The Technology behind SIMSTAR™, An All-New Simulation Multiprocessor

The design of the world’s fastest and most advanced Simulation Computer, SIMSTAR, presented many engineering challenges. This paper describes the new technology employed in EAI’s SIMSTAR, an all-new Simulation muitiprocessor. The latest innovations in implementation of both linear and digital integrated circuits, together with new techniques in subsystem circuit design, packaging, and system design make SIMSTAR possible and practical today.SIMSTAR is a new-generation, parallel simulation multiprocessor designed specifically for analysis of dynamic systems. Consisting of the most advanced linear and discrete circuit technologies, SIMSTAR is a high-performance, automatic computational unit. Capability is provided to accurately model the complex engineering processes, including all their non-linear, discontinuous and stochastic characteristics.The key innovations, some of which are presented in detail, are: An efficient, three-level Connection Matrix (CMOS implementation) and a smart matrix connection search algorithm.An efficient Parallel Logic Processing Unit for high-speed sequential and combinational logic generation.A 32-bit system-integrated Digital Arithmetic Processor with removable cartridge disc mass storage unit.A 16-bit system-integrated Local Control Processor (68000MP-based) as an intelligent setup and control interface.A memory-mapped (shared-memory) interprocessor digital interface.The mathematical computing block concept providing multi-functional capabilities for parallel computing components.System-integrated Automated Test Equipment (ATE) with Automated Diagnostics for mathematical computing blocks, connection matrix, and parallel logic processing unit, both static and dynamic.An Autobalance System for time and temperature drift correction, ensuring high accuracy in a consistent manner.A 3000 Point Solid-State Readout (diagnostic and problem solution) system with an Autoranging ADC and automatic offset correction.An Active Ultra-High Quality Ground Preservation System.Extended Range (pseudo-floating point) digitally set coefficient units and multipliers.Automatic Noise/Oscillation Detection System.System-integrated analog signal line translator amplifiers for fidelity connection with external equipment.Deglitcher circuits, greatly reducing transients from on-line electronic switching.Wide bandwidth, active fixed function generators.Digitally set arbitrary function generators with high-speed on-line function data update.Compound Operational Amplifiers yielding 60MHz bandwidth PLUS excellent dc. offset and drift characteristics.