Supercomputing for one
Article Abstract:
There are only about three hundred supercomputers around the world, and most engineers will never see one, much less use one. Now there are graphics supercomputers that are parallel, multi-processor systems using the UNIX operating system, and can peak at 64 megaflops. They offer about one-fourth the performance of a Cray X-MP for about one twentieth of the price. The new machines are offered by Stellar Computer Inc and Ardent Computer Corp. The rationale of graphics supers is in the fact that much of the work of supercomputers (such as finite element analysis, fluid and molecular dynamics, simulation, and weather prediction) produces complex, quantitative data that can be best understood through images. It is suggested as likely that a graphics supercomputer with the performance of a minisupercomputer and the price of a workstation will emerge in the next three years.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1988
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
R and D engineers lack a voice
Article Abstract:
Research and development engineers need more funding to prove the feasibility of many scientific innovations. Unfortunately, many such technologies remain in the laboratories because R&D engineers have little voice in the budgetary battles between the government and the scientific and corporate communities. Four innovations receiving little or no funding exemplify the situation: development of single-crystal diamond thin films and their use in producing refractory semiconductors, implementation of a foundry for producing superconducting electronics using low-temperature niobium or niobium nitride, development of prototype free-space optical communications systems and the packing of an optical bench on a single chip. Each of these technologies could contribute to US competitiveness, but countries in Europe and Asia are investing more in their development than the US.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1991
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Integrity: marketing yourself for success. Marketing engineering services. Straight from the source
- Abstracts: Fuel cells to the fore. Engineering the EV future
- Abstracts: A crude awakening for refiners. Reeling in regulations
- Abstracts: Safe and sound. Ringing in the voice. Safe and sound: A new breed of voice evacuation system is bringing cost savings to the safety-critical offshore industry
- Abstracts: Data communications. The universal data connection