I'll take a try at a few of these. > -----Original Message----- > From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kuredjian, Michael > Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2006 2:46 PM > To: IBM-MAIN@BAMA.UA.EDU > Subject: Newbie Questions! > > > I'm currently in University on my Co-op term as a COBOL > programmer for host systems (zOS). I have a few basic > questions regarding the zArchitecture that I can't seem to > elicit answers to from my co-workers. The questions are as follows: > > 1. zOS has a kernel called the BCP, or Base Control Program. > In Linux or Windows, it's established that the kernel runs on > a general purpose CPU( PowerPC, x86, MIPS, etc...); however, > I would like to know if such a central CPU exists in the > mainframe, and if that central CPU is of some common > architecture like, POWER. If not, are there any documents > that I can look into that will describe the CPU architecture for me?
In the zSeries world, the "bible" for how the CPU operates is called "The Principles of Operations". You can read this on the web at: http://publibz.boulder.ibm.com/cgi-bin/bookmgr_OS390/BOOKS/DZ9ZR003/CCON TENTS Now, this does not describe 100% of all of the facilities embedded in the zSeries. It mainly describe the __majority__ of the instructions implemented on the zSeries and how some things such as timers and memory access work. There are "secret" facilities within the zSeries which are not documented outside of IBM. > > 2. ESCON and FICON are data busses used for external storage > devices, but what does the mainframe use for internal data > bus, InfiniBand, HyperTransport? The zSeries uses its own internal data bus technology. I think they call it the STI (Self Timed Interface?). But these internals are not as widely documented as the ones that you mentioned. Basically, I think that IBM doesn't care if you know how it works internally because: (1) you can't make use of the knowledge anyway and (2) if it were documented, somebody might try to make that knowledge part of their software, leading to problems with that software in the future. You might want to go to the web site: http://researchweb.watson.ibm.com/journal/rd/ there are many articles here on IBM technologies, including the zSeries, iSeries, and pSeries. Along with a boat load of more "theoritical" papers. But you can stumble on facinating reading at times. You might especially like: http://researchweb.watson.ibm.com/journal/rd48-34.html (IBM eServer zSeries) http://researchweb.watson.ibm.com/journal/rd46-45.html (IBM eServer z900) http://researchweb.watson.ibm.com/journal/rd43-56.html (old S/390 Server G3 & G4) http://researchweb.watson.ibm.com/journal/rd39-12.html (CMOS techonology) > > 3. Does the mainframe use common interconnects on the > hardware level? I'm thinking of PCIe, PCI-X, MCA, or PCI. Generally, no. However, the current zSeries do have some PCI slots in which some specialized cards can be inserted. I think one of the main uses is for the cryptographic coprocessors. It is certainly not a general interface where a end-user could insert their own PCI card. > > That's all for now, but I'm sure subsequent answers will > generate follow-up questions on my part. Thanks for taking > the time to read this! -- John McKown Senior Systems Programmer HealthMarkets Keeping the Promise of Affordable Coverage Administrative Services Group Information Technology This message (including any attachments) contains confidential information intended for a specific individual and purpose, and its content is protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient, you should delete this message and are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution of this transmission, or taking any action based on it, is strictly prohibited. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: GET IBM-MAIN INFO Search the archives at http://bama.ua.edu/archives/ibm-main.html
