SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Technology Stocks : Intel Corporation (INTC)
INTC 36.78+2.7%Nov 26 3:59 PM EST

 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: Patrick E.McDaniel who wrote (53836)4/17/1998 10:20:00 PM
From: Jeff Fox  Read Replies (1) of 186894
 
Patrick, re:"guy on the Dell thread claims there is a guy testing one now. I didn't think that was possible. Is it?"

I am assuming you are referring to Merced...

Not possible for silicon, but very possible for simulation or perhaps emulation...

Simulation - Intel has most certainly developed software simulators. This is where the Merced function is duplicated with a software program that itself reads Merced code and processes results. These work well for finding bugs and bottlenecks, but are dreadfully slow, thousands of real clock cycles per simulated clock cycle. However it allows initial low level software development and will give reasonable performance predictions.

Emulation - You can bet that Merced also exist in emulation. This is where the function is duplicated with FPLA's - field programmable logic chips. It likely takes thousands of FPLA chips to do Merced costing $ millions, but if your Intel, hey, chump change... Emulators might run as fast as 1/10 the the actual chip speed - fast enough to run real software suites in testing. Do you suppose Dell has their hands on one of Intel's emulators? Interesting thought!

Jeff
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext