Rob Jenkins (robj++at++barney.reading.sgi.com)
Wed, 13 Sep 1995 17:14:18 +0100
Ben
I have some good Impact info ( see forwarded email from John Burwell/Svend
Tang-Petersen below ). It doesn't answer your question directly but I think
does a good job of putting the whole Impact vs Reality Engine comparision into
perspective.
Cheers
Rob
On Aug 11, 3:01pm, John Burwell wrote:
> Subject: Onyx/RE2 vs. Indigo2 Impact
>
> Greetings.
>
> Many have requested more information as to how the new Indigo2 Impact
> compares with Onyx RE2 in the vis sim market. I have developed the
> following as a guideline:
>
>
> Impact verses Onyx RealityEngine2 in Vis Sim.
>
> Multi-processing.
>
> Indigo2 Impact only supports a single R4400 or R8000 processor.
> This has implications in terms of overall processing power, graphics
> performance, and real-time determinism.
>
> Obviously, a single processor on the Indigo2 limits the usse of the
> product to applications which are not overwhelmingly compute
> intensive. In the case where high performance computing is
> required, and application software supports multi-processing, Onyx
> is a better solution. However, in cases where applications are not
> well suited for multi-threaded software, or where software is not
> available, multi-processing is not critial.
>
> Not as obvious is the direct relationship between graphics
> performance and CPU performance. Significant processing is
> required to obtain optimum performance from a pipeline mostly
> related to processing ensuring that only polygons which contribute
> significantly to the sceen are rendered or load management. This
> pre-processing of the graphics data is ideally suited for the CPU but
> only in cases where the CPU is not busy doing other computing. The
> solution lends itself well to a multi-processing environment directly
> supported by the Onyx and IRIS Performer. Indigo2 Impact does
> support a pull model architecture where grahpics data is pulled from
> the memory rather than requiring a CPU to push data to the pipe.
> This does reduce CPU processing requirements and is a major
> advance which helps with a sigle processor front end.
>
> Real-time computing where determinism is critical is supported by
> IRIX and React but is optimized for multi-processing. React
> supports real-time processing by segregating all non-deterministic
> processing to a single processor, leaving the others free for absolute
> determinism. In a single processor system, non-degrading priorities,
> interrupt handling, and other real-time tasking are supported, but
> absolute determinism is largely based on the complexity of the
> application and demands closer scrutiny.
>
> Memory Capacity.
>
> On-line memory capacity of the Indigo2 is limited to 384 MB (640 for Power
> Indigo2) which is suitable for a wide variety of applications. In cases
> where larger on-line memory capacities are required, Onyx is the obvious
> choice offering up to 2 GB on the deskside and 16 GB on the rack.
>
> VME.
>
> Onyx supports VME and all the associated interfaces. VME is key
> for many customers interested in standard, open system interfaces.
> Although not the fastest, VME is very widely used. If a customer
> needs VME, Onyx or Challenge are the answers.
>
> Pixel fill rates.
>
> Impact has impressive polygon capacities similar to the RE2 but
> cannot match the pixel fill rates of RE2. This is significant for
> applications where high resolution, high depth complexities, and
> multiple channels are required. Impact supports one or two raster
> engines each with a fill rate of 65 million pixels per second for a total
> fill rate of 130 million pixels/second. The RealityEngine2 supports 1,
> 2 or 4 raster managers each supporting 80 million
> pixels/second/raster manager for a grand total of 320 million
> pixels/second.
>
> With 130 million pixels/second, Indigo2 Impact will be suited for
> applications with lower update rate requirements, low resolution
> multi-channel requirements, and applications which can be
> supported with low depth complexities.
>
> Anti-Aliasing.
>
> Generating high fidelity imagery free of distracting visual anomalies
> caused by digital processing (more commonly known as jaggies) is
> essential for many applications in visual simulation, virtual reality,
> and high end design. Indigo2 Impact does not support multi-sample
> antialiasing so lower price points can be achieved. This is very
> apparent on polygon edges and when viewing narrow polygons edge on.
> For applications where image quality is essential in real-time
> processing, RealityEngine2 is the suitable choice.
>
> Video Output Formats.
>
> Indigo2 Impact supports a number of commonly used video formats
> including field sequential video making it scalable for a wide variety
> of applications. However, the Onyx RealityEngine2 supports an
> even wider range of formats and combinations, especially in multi-
> pipe configurations.
>
> Texture Memory.
>
> Indigo2 Impact support 1 or 4 MB of on-line texture memory making
> it suitable for many visual simulation and imaging applications.
> Onyx RealityEngine2 supports 4 or 16 MB of on-line texture memory
> making it more suitable for high end applications involving large
> amounts of high resolution image data, 3D texture, and projected
> texture.
>
> Indigo2 Impact in Visual Simulation.
>
> Indigo2 Impact is a powerful new addition to the broad product line
> of systems and software offered by Silicon Graphics for the
> simulation and training industry. It is designed to support 4 primary
> areas: simulation authoring, basic image generation, C3I, and
> distributed interactive simulation. In the simulation industry, Impact
> complements the existing Onyx product line and greatly enhances
> the utility of the Indigo2 product line.
>
> What it will support:
>
> Basic image generation, database development, cockpit display
> prototyping, image generation software development, numerous
> DIS applications, instructor/operator displays, basic mission
> planning.
>
> What it wonUt support:
>
> Host computing or Host integrated computer image generation -
> Needs multi-processing.
>
> High performance image generation - Needs multi-processing,
> sophisticated load management, anti-aliasing, and additional pixel
> fill.
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> ==============================================================================
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>
> John M. Burwell
> Visual Simulation Market Manager
> Advanced Systems Division
> (415) 390-1743
> (415) 964-8671 fax
> ==============================================================================
>
>-- End of excerpt from John Burwell
--Regards Svend
********************************************************************* * Svend Tang-Petersen Email: svend++at++copen.sgi.com * * Silicon Graphics Denmark Fax: (+45) 43438606 * * Herstedoestervej 27-29 Phone: (+45) 43438600 * * 2620 Albertslund Voice mail: 5-7507 * * DENMARK * *********************************************************************
-- ________________________________________________________________ Rob Jenkins, Software Support Group, Silicon Graphics UK Ltd. 1530 Arlington Business Park, Theale, Reading, UK, RG7 4SB. tel 01734 257736, fax 01734 257553, email robj++at++reading.sgi.com,
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