A multiprocessor system for simulating data transmission systems (MUPSI)

Abstract One of the design goals of a multiprocessor system can be to increase throughput in proportion to the number of processors. It is expected that a system with this design goal would be especially efficient if its architecture is tailored to a limited class of applications. We discuss a multiprocessor system designed to simulate in real time data-transmission systems with bandwidths of up to 100 kHz. The simulator permits incorporation of real components in the data stream. The ring-bus structure we present is especially well suited to this application. We show the requisite speed to be achievable with micro-programmed processors having a suitable architecture. The software systems and tools necessary to support such a system are discussed as well. The problems involved in finding an optimal distribution of the application's software on the available hardware is discussed and a solution is presented.