Simstar — An Attached Multiprocessor for Dynamic System Engineering

Abstract

This paper describes a new multiprocessor that has been developed by Electronic Associates, Inc. for scientific analysis of dynamic systems. Proven parallel and sequential computing methods are integrated in Simstar (TM) to provide a unique capability for mixed continuous/discrete system simulation and signal processing. In contrast to the earlier manually programmed analog and hybrid computers, Simstar is a completely automatic device driven from high level software in a Host data processing computer.

The requirements for dynamic system simulation in different fields is developed in the paper to establish a criteria for measurement of Simstar performance relative to alternate computers. New concepts in system architecture, component technology, and system communication features are described. An overview of the Simstar programming system is covered to see the flow from the simulation language input to the program segments for the various processors. Also, a brief discussion of program operation from the Host terminals through a run-time executive is described.