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Continuum Computer Architecture (CCA) is an
alternative paradigm to the classical "von Neumann model." CCA will effectively
utilize the billion transistors per chip of the near future.
The fundamental concept underlying CCA is that a general global
model of parallel computation may be synthesized through a structure of higly replicated
primitive functional blocks that unify in a single fine-grain element the basic properties
of logic operations, information storage and naming, and information transfer and routing.
A semantic synergism among the ensemble of blocks exhibit an emergent system behavior
capable of executing higly parallel computing programs. Data structure and instruction
sequences are distributed across potentially large regions of the system, and execution is
achieved by the relative motion of these structures.
click diagram for enlarged and detailed views.
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IMPACT:
 | Revolutionize means of exploiting future advanced technologies:
billion transistor semiconductor chips
quantum dots
superconductor RSFQ
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| Dramatically increase delivered performance per chip
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| Greatly simplify parallel program development and compiler design
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| Accelerate execution of DoD mission critical applications involving dynamic
irregular data structures such as SAR, ATR, and C3I |
NEW IDEAS:
| New computing element that merges arithmetic, storage, communications, and flow
control into one small highly replicated module.
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| Non-von Neumann parallel computing model achieves general global execution as an
emergent behavior of replicated synergistic elements.
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| Achieve massive bi-section memory bandwidth as well as very high logic to storage
ratio to enable new operating point for billion transistor chips.
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| Automatic resource management and load balancing made possible by very low
overhead for synchronization and data movement.
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| Provide the means for memory to execute data in a manner comparable to
conventional processors executing instructions. |
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