[rescue] Re: I/O coprocessors?

[vance at neurotica.com]

On Sun, 2 Mar 2003, Lionel Peterson wrote:

> > >> Are there other microprocessor families with dedicated I/O
> > >> processors? Moto 68k?  Zilog?
> > >
> > > I'm probably completely misunderstanding your question, but many
> > > midrange *nix systems have separate dedicated I/O processors. A
> > > great example are modern HP 9000 boxes which have a GSP (Guardian
> > > Service> Processor). Basically a small computer within a computer,
> > > it handles all console I/O and provides a watchdog timer as well as
> > > logging chassis fault codes and a million other useful things.
>
> I can remember back in the mid-late 1980s, DEC was making hay over their
> big iron's ability to "call home" when there was a problem with the
> machine (via built-in modem) - I assume this was implemented in a
> sub-assembly system (complete, subserviant system to monitor the larger
> system)...

At one point, I was running an ES/9000 9121 in my parent's house with a
real OS license and everything.  A service tech showed up with a RAM board
and an instruction sheet at my door one day.  He was a little surprised to
be showing up at a house, but everything went well.

Peace...  Sridhar