Resource Management in a Large Reconfigurable Transputer-based System

Abstract

This paper describes two of the intijor components of TIPS, a Transputer-based Iiirteractive Parallelizing System, under development at UBC. The system runs on a 74 node transpuier system iiilercorinectcd by crossbar switches with inulliple liiihs to ike host, a SUN-4. It uses Trollaus with the Logical Syslems C compiler. The first component described is TMRP, a topology independent mapping facility. TMAP’s objective is to automate the mapping process, and muhe it independent from changes an the underlying architecture. It integrates two large pieces of soft,ware, Trollivs and Prep-p. We describe its design and discuss specific problems in trying to achieve a machine iudependent environment. The second com.poiient described is TRES, a higher level reso’urce managernelit facility. TRES is based on parameterized models of coniputation which are used 20 predict perforni.nnce and optimize the use of machine resources. The user need only specify the model (i.e. prograinmin,g paradigm) and the computational task to be performed. TRES determines the optimal topology and number of processors to use. This inforniation is used by the TMAP system.