Linux patches, tools support Cell processor evaluation

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Nov. 10, 2005

IBM and Sony have released Linux extensions and development tools aimed at enabling potential customers to evaluate Cell processor technology. New releases include kernel patches, free and commercial (alpha-release) toolchains and libraries, a software simulator, and open source sample applications.

IBM in late August published extensive documentation on the Cell Broadband Engine Architecture (CBEA), which was jointly developed by IBM, Sony, and Toshiba. The companies hope to create an open, "Linux-like" ecosystem around the technology, IBM officials have stated.

The Cell processor is based on a single PowerPC core that will clock up to 4GHz, and be capable of running Linux and other complex OSes. It also incorporates multiple independent vector processing units called synergistic processing engines/units (SPEs/SPUs). The SPEs share common memory banks, and can be programmed in microcode for specific tasks. The approach is claimed to yield a 10-fold improvement in multimedia capabilities over current PowerPC processors.

Cell processors with seven SPEs are slated for use in Sony's Playstation 3 -- the eighth SPE was reportedly disabled to improve production yields. Cell processors are also expected to power a variety of other devices -- Mercury Computer Systems has already announced a Cell-based blade computer targeting mil/aero applications, for example.

Cell processor software releases

The new software and tools releases from IBM and Sony include:

Linux for CBEA -- source patches providing runtime programming interfaces needed by SPEs. Additionally, the CBE Linux Reference Implementation Application Binary Interface Specification, V1.0, has been published simultaneously
gcc and binutils for SPEs -- a Sony-implemented open source toolchain supporting standards defined in the SPU C/C++ Language Extensions V2.0, SPU Application Binary Interface Specification V1.3, and Synergistic Processor Unit (SPU) Instruction Set Architecture V1.0 documents previously released
Cell Broadband Engine (CBE) SDK
- IBM Full System Simulator for the CBE Processor -- a set of simulation services that can boot and run an operating system and applications. It was used to prepare a full execution stack for trial runs on the first CBE processor, IBM says
- IBM CBE software sample and library -- open source samples, optimized libraries, tutorials, and documentation
- IBM XL C Alpha Edition for the CBE processor -- a prototype compiler based on IBM's Power Architecture compiler technology, additionally implementing the standards defined in the SPU C/C++ Language Extensions V2.0, SPU Application Binary Interface Specification V1.3, and Synergistic Processor Unit (SPU) Instruction Set Architecture V1.0
- Cell Broadband Engine SPE Management Library -- an open source Linux library providing a thread abstraction model

IBM Fellow Jim Kahle said, "With this software and documentation, [we] are providing the means to explore as-yet undiscovered uses for the Cell Broadband Engine through developing value-add software applications. Our joint commitment to open and early access to these technologies will continue the growth of a robust programming community."

Sony Computer Entertainment's deputy senior VP of semiconductors, Masakazu Suzuoki, said, "This joint effort to build the Cell development infrastructure will strongly support the PlayStation as well as digital consumer electronics businesses."

Cell processor resources are available from IBM's DeveloperWorks and AlphaWorks websites, and from the Barcelona Supercomputing Center.

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