System Architecture
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interface. The SHub ASIC memory interface enables any processor in the system to access the
memory of all processors in the system.
Another component of the NUMAlink 4 architecture is the router ASIC. The router ASIC is a
custom designed 8-port crossbar ASIC. Using the router ASICs with a highly specialized
backplane and NUMAlink 4 cables provides a high-bandwidth, extremely low-latency
interconnect between all processor, I/O, and other option blades within the system.
Figure 3-4 shows a functional block diagram of the Altix 450 series IRU components.
Figure 3-4 Functional Block Diagram of the Individual Rack Unit (IRU)
Blade Slot 4
Blade Slot 3
Blade Slot 2
Blade Slot 1
Blade Slot 0
BCD
F
E
G
HA
rtr
B
DEF
H
G
C
BA
rtr
A
NUMAlink
NUMAlink
NUMAlink
NUMAlink
Left router board
Right router board
Power Supply Power Supply
DC
power
bus
System control
(Slab 0)
(Slab 1)