Capability based, tightly coupled multiprocessor hardware to support a persistent global virtual memory

Abstract

A capability-based tightly coupled multiprocessor has been designed and constructed. The system supports a persistent global virtual memory in which objects representing processes, data and mechanisms for input/output reside. The hardware architecture of the machine and its addressing mechanisms are described. Addressing mechanisms that allow the persistent, global virtual memory to span multiprocessor boundaries and the support required for operation over wide area networks are discussed. The utility of uniform virtual addressing is emphasized, and its implementation in the Monash multiprocessor is described. The concept of an intermediate address space is introduced and its applicability to the implementation of a persistent, global virtual-memory architecture in a multiprocessor environment is demonstrated.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>