Achieving super computer performance with a DSP array processor

The authors discuss the MUSIC (multi-signal-processor system with intelligent communication) system, a parallel distributed memory architecture based on digital signal processors (DSPs). A system with 60 processor elements is operational. It has a peak performance of 3.8 GFlops and an electrical power consumption of less than 800 W (including forced air cooling), and it fits into a 19" rack. Two applications (the backpropagation algorithm for neural network learning and molecular dynamics simulations) run about six times faster than on a CRAY Y-MP and two times faster than on a NEC SX-3. A sustained performance of more than 1 GFlops is reached.<
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