Kendall Square Research Inc, Waltham, Massachusetts has doubled the clock speed and halved the size of its processor boards to build its new KSR2 series massively parallel machines. The KSR2 has an identical architecture to its predecessor, but the new generation of chip is implemented in 0.8 micron CMOS, where the KSR1 used 1.2 micron fabrication. This, combined with the use of tape automated bonding assembly has enabled the company to double its component density. Pricing has yet to be set, but is likely to be between 1.5 times and 1.8 times the cost of a KSR1 with the same number of processors. The new machines, based on a new chassis, are available immediately to high-end technical users, but the commercial sector will have to wait six months. KSR1 and KSR2 machines can be joined together to work as single-image combined system. Kendall’s silicon is fabricated by Sharp Corp and Hewlett-Packard Co on the same production lines used for their pocket calculators says Ray Fortune, Kendall’s Square’s executive vice-president and chief operating officer.
