ADVANCED FLOATING-POINT ACCELERATOR FOR THE IBM RT PERSONAL COMPUTER (TM) IBM Announcement Letter Number 186-172 dated September 18, 1986 IBM US - Last Revised on September 18, 1986 Brief Description of Announcement, Charges, and Availability The Advanced Floating-Point Accelerator (#6815) is an optional feature which provides improved performance for the IBM RT PC (TM) in floating-point calculations. It supports both single and double precision floating-point operations. When used with Version 2.1 of the AIX (TM). Operating System, it provides significantly faster floating-point execution than the previously announced Floating-Point Accelerator (#4758). Purchase Price: $1,995 Planned General Availability: Second quarter 1987 For 6150 or 6151 #6815 Customer Letter Section HIGHLIGHTS o Supports the operations and basic formats of ANSI/IEEE Standard 754-1985 when running under the AIX Operating System, Version 2.1. o Offers improved performance over the existing Floating-Point Accelerator (#4758). o Includes 2,048 32-bit words of random access memory for internal data storage and floating-point registers. o Includes 4,096 words of random access memory (not user addressable) for microcode storage. o Microcoded to be compatible with the existing Floating-Point Accelerator (#4758) to provide compatibility with most existing applications. DESCRIPTION The Advanced Floating-Point Accelerator (#6815) is an optional card which plugs into a special slot (not an I/O feature slot) on the RT Personal Computer system board, and is mutually exclusive with the Floating-Point Accelerator (#4758). It provides registers that support both single (32-bit) and double (64-bit) precision floating-point operations. A microcoded feature card, it includes 4,096 words of random access memory for microcode storage (not user addressable). It is microcoded to be compatible with the existing Floating-Point Accelerator (#4758), which will continue to be available to provide compatibility with most existing applications. The microcode program is loaded into the Advanced Floating-Point Accelerator memory by the AIX Operating System Version 2.1 at IPL-time. Running under the AIX Operating System Version 2.1, the new feature is significantly faster than the Floating-Point Accelerator (#4758) running under AIX Version 1.1. When operating in conjunction with the AIX Operating System Version 2.1, it supports the operations and basic formats defined by the ANSI/IEEE Binary Floating-Point Standard 754-1985. The IBM RT Personal Computer Advanced Interactive Executive Operating System Version 2.1 (5601-061) is required in order to provide support for IEEE 754 Standard operations and exception handling. PUBLICATIONS The following publications are available for a fee. o IBM RT PC User Setup Guide (SV21-8020) o IBM RT PC Guide to Operations (SV21-8021) o IBM RT PC Problem Determination Guide (SV21-8022) o IBM 6151 System Unit Hardware Maintenance and Service (SV21-8026) o IBM 6150 System Unit Hardware Maintenance and Service (SV21-8025) o IBM RT PC Hardware Technical Reference (SV21-8024) Diagnostic diskettes and publications updates covering the RT PC Advanced Floating-Point Accelerator feature will be shipped with the feature. SCHEDULE General availability of the Advanced Floating-Point Accelerator (#6815) is planned for second quarter 1987. TECHNICAL INFORMATION SPECIFIED OPERATING ENVIRONMENT HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS: Requires an available floating-point accelerator slot in an IBM 6150 or IBM 6151 System Unit. SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: Version 2.1 of the AIX Operating System (5601-061) is required to load the microcode into the Advanced Floating-Point Accelerator and to provide support for the ANSI/IEEE Standard 754-1985. COMPATIBILITY: The Advanced Floating-Point Accelerator is compatible with the existing Floating-Point Accelerator (#4758) for most existing applications. This compatibility is achieved through microcode loaded into the microcode storage memory of the Advanced Floating-Point Accelerator by the Operating System at IPL-time, and requires the AIX Operating System Version 2.1. The Advanced Floating-Point Accelerator is not compatible with the AIX Operating System Version 1.0 and is not supported by Version 1.1. LIMITATIONS: Only one Floating-Point Accelerator, either #6815 or #4758, can be plugged in the IBM RT PC at any given time. PLANNING INFORMATION CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITY: The Advanced Floating Point Accelerator is designated as Customer Set-up (CSU). Customer set-up, service, and programming publications wil be available by first customer ship. No installation or set-up is required for Advanced Floating Point Accelerators ordered with the original system unit. PROBLEM DETERMINATION: IBM RT PC AIX Operating System publications and diskettes will describe the Advanced Floating-Point accelerator and aid in diagnosing problems. The customer is responsible for following the problem determination procedures in the IBM RT PC Problem Determination Guide (SBOF-0144) before calling for service. PACKAGING: The Advanced Floating-Point Accelerator is packaged in a carton containing the accelerator card, a diskette containing accelerator card diagnostics (software/microcode), and warranty information. Diagnostic diskettes and publications updates covering the feature will be shipped in a separate packet along with the feature. SECURITY, AUDITABILITY, AND CONTROL The Advanced Floating-Point Accelerator utilizes the security and auditability features of the IBM RT PC system unit in which it is installed. User management is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of these features, administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communications facilities. If sensitive data is sent over external communications facilities, user management may wish to pursue the application of cryptography. TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND CHARGES TERMS AND CONDITIONS The terms and conditions of the IBM RT Personal Computer system unit in which this feature card is installed apply. Refer to Product Announcement 186-006, dated January 21, 1986. WARRANTY PERIOD: 1 year. WARRANTY SERVICE: IBM On-Site Repair (IOR) warranty service is provided under the Agreement for Purchase of IBM Machines. To obtain warranty service, the customer should call the IBM NSD Service/Exchange Communications Center. Optional features purchased and installed with the IBM RT PC system unit have the same warranty period as the system unit in which they are installed. If the warranty period for the optional features on the IBM RT PC extends beyond that of the base system unit, the customer is responsible to show proof of purchase for warranty service. CUSTOMER SET-UP: The IBM RT PC and its peripherals are customer set-up (CSU). Feature options which are purchased separately are customer set-up. Under-the-cover features ordered with the initial system will be set-up and tested prior to delivery to the customer. Detailed set-up instructions are included with each feature. The CSU allowance is one day. Set-up is available from the IBM National Service Division at the applicable IBM hourly rates and minimum charges. VOLUME PROCUREMENT AMENDMENT (VPA): The provisions of the IBM RT Personal Computer VPA Exhibits (6150-0 and 615E-0) apply. See your IBM marketing representative for details. SPECIAL BIDS: Special bid provisions apply. PRE-INSTALLATION TEST ALLOWANCE: None FINANCING: IBM Credit Corporation term leases and installment payment plans are available for the IBM RT PC. CHARGES Annual Minimum Maintenance Feature Purchase Charge For 6150 or 6151 Number Price IOR Advanced Floating-Point Accelerator 6815 $1,995 $65