This chapter provides an overview of your Onyx 350 visualization system. This chapter covers the basic physical, electrical, and mechanical aspects of the Onyx 350 visualization systems. Standard controls and connectors are described and illustrated along with major components that go in the system chassis. These visualization systems are nearly always installed in a rack (or racks) housing a number of base and optional modules. These might include additional graphics pipes, other compute modules, mass storage, or memory and PCI/PCI-X interface modules.
 | Note: This guide generically refers to Onyx 350 visualization systems as Onyx 350 systems regardless of the type of graphics used. |
Figure 1-1 shows an example of an Onyx 350 InfiniteReality graphics system and some of the optional modules that are available. These systems use the same NUMA3 architecture as the SGI Onyx 3000 series systems. The Onyx 350 visualization system is composed of separate, but interconnected, functional units called “modules.”
As with other Onyx series systems, the Onyx 350 visualization system is generally installed and operated in a rack in your lab or server room.
| Note: The NUMAlink, SGI Total Performance (TP900) storage, and 4U PCI expansion modules are optional modules. The 4U PCI expansion module does not support PCI-X functionality and must always be ordered with an optional power bay. |
This modular design allows you to customize your system to meet your specific graphics requirements. For example, you can choose to have single or multiple InfiniteReality or InfinitePerformance graphics pipes.
This chapter consists of the following sections:
The Onyx 350 systems come installed in either a short (17U) or tall (39U) rack configuration. You may also order the individual Onyx 350 InfinitePerformance module as a “standalone” unit that may be installed in your own existing SGI rack or other mounting system.
| Note: All Onyx 350 systems ordered with InfiniteReality graphics are shipped in a 39U rack or racks. |
Table 1-1 lists the functional descriptions of the standard and optional modules that make up an SGI Onyx 350 visualization system.
Table 1-1. Module Descriptions
Module | Description |
|---|---|
InfiniteReality (IR) graphics module | Contains 1 or 2 (IR) graphics pipes. |
Onyx 350 compute module | Provides the compute and I/O functionality for the system. |
Onyx 350 compute and InfinitePerformance (IP) graphics module | Combines system compute and I/O functionality with 1 IP graphics pipe (not used in IR graphics based systems). |
NUMAlink module (optional) (required for systems with more than 8 processors) | Allows expansion and scaling of systems beyond 8 processors or 2 graphics pipes. |
L2 controller module | Provides rack-level control in NUMAlink-based systems. |
TP900 storage module (optional) | Provides additional disk storage. |
4U PCI expansion module (optional) | Provides 12 PCI slots in a 4U enclosure. |
Power bay module (optional) | Provides power to the optional 4U PCI expansion module. |
| Note: An Onyx 350 visualization system requires a power bay only if it contains an optional 12-slot 4U PCI expansion module. |
Two types of systems are discussed in the following subsections:
Onyx 350 with InfiniteReality graphics
Onyx 350 with InfinitePerformance graphics
Figure 1-1 shows an example of the Onyx 350 with InfiniteReality Graphics. The Onyx 350 graphics system has the following features when equipped with InfiniteReality graphics:
Scalable growth of memory, I/O bandwidth, and processor compute power.
As many as 8 InfiniteReality graphics pipes.
As many as 8 monitors on each IR graphics pipe.
The Onyx 350 supports two configurations: a one or two-module “base” configuration and a NUMAlink configuration. For all configurations, one compute module is required for each IR graphics pipe.
Optional high-speed NUMAlink module interconnect that links the Onyx 350 compute modules, MPX modules, and PCI expansion modules together (at a peak rate of up to 3200 MB/s bidirectionally, 1600 MB/s in each direction).
The base configuration is a single-rack system that consists of the following components:
1 or 2 Onyx 350 compute modules (2, 4, 6, or 8 processors total)
1 InfiniteReality graphics module with 1 or 2 graphics pipes
1 L2 controller module with AC power supply
1 or more 2U memory and PCI expansion (MPX) modules (optional)
1 or more TP900 storage modules (optional)
1 power distribution unit (PDU)
1 4U PCI expansion module (optional)
1 power bay (required when the system contains a 4U PCI expansion module)
A monitor, USB keyboard, and mouse
Note: This system does not include a NUMAlink module.
A NUMAlink configuration is a single- or multiple-rack system that consists of the following components:
2 to 8 Onyx 350 compute modules (2 to 32 processors)
1 to 8 InfiniteReality graphics modules (1 to 8 graphics pipes)
1 NUMAlink module
1 L2 controller
1 or more TP900 storage modules (optional)
1 to 4 PCI or MPX expansion modules (optional)
1 PDU
1 power strip or second PDU (required if more than 10 receptacles are needed)
1 power bay (required if the system has a DC-powered 4U PCI expansion module)
A monitor, USB keyboard, and mouse
In both configurations, the InfiniteReality graphics pipeline(s) connects to the XIO port of an Onyx 350 compute module(s).
The Onyx 350 visualization system has the following features when equipped with the combined compute and InfinitePerformance graphics modules:
Scalable growth of memory, I/O bandwidth, and processor compute power.
Support for 1 to 8 InfinitePerformance (IP) graphics pipes.
2 to 8 64-bit RISC processors in base systems, and 4 to 32 processors in NUMAlink systems.
Support for 1 or 2 IP pipes in a base system.
Support for 1 to 8 IP pipes in a NUMAlink system.
Optional high-speed NUMAlink module interconnect that links the Onyx 350 compute modules, MPX modules, and PCI expansion modules together (at a peak rate of up to 3200 MB/s bidirectionally, 1600 MB/s in each direction).
Optional compositor modules enabling 2, 3, or 4 InfinitePerformance graphics pipes to output to a single display or device.
The base configuration is a one- or two-module system that consists of the following:
1 or 2 Onyx 350 graphics/compute or option modules with 2 to 8 total system processors and one or two InfinitePerformance graphics pipes. Note that digital media options or compute-only modules may substitute for one graphics pipe.
Monitor, USB keyboard and mouse.
Rackmounting hardware kit (for SGI or third-party racks).
1 L2 controller (optional)
Compositor module (optional)
1 or more TP900 storage modules (optional)
Note: This configuration can be ordered with an SGI rack, or mounted in customer equipment as required. This system does not include a NUMAlink module.
An Onyx 350 NUMAlink configuration is a single- or multiple-rack system that consists of the following components:
1 to 8 Onyx 350 graphics/compute modules (up to 32 processors)
1 to 8 InfinitePerformance graphics pipes (digital media options or compute-only modules may substitute for individual graphics pipes)
1 NUMAlink module
1 L2 controller (required)
1 or more compositor modules (optional)
1 or more TP900 storage modules (optional)
1 to 4 memory and PCI-X (MPX) expansion modules (optional)
1 PDU
1 power strip or second PDU (required when more than 10 power receptacles are needed)
One to four 4U PCI expansion modules (optional) and 1 power bay (required when the system contains 1 or more DC-powered 4U PCI expansion modules)
A monitor, USB keyboard, and mouse
Figure 1-2 shows a functional block diagram example of the SGI Onyx 350 system. Note that this example shows the InfinitePerformance graphics interface, which is not present in the Onyx 350 compute module used with InfiniteReality graphics.
The Onyx 350 graphics system base module (with IO9 PCI board) features the following standard components:
1 system disk (in base module) additional drive optional
Front-mounted L1 system controller display
10/100/1000 Mbit Ethernet connector
4-connector USB keyboard/mouse PCI card
4 standard 9-pin serial ports
External SCSI connector
Optional module features include the following:
2 PCI audio options (basic or professional)
Internal CD/DVD-ROM option drive
Second (redundant) power supply
Figure 1-3 shows the front controls and the system components behind the doors.
A base Onyx 350 InfinitePerformance module can be ordered without an accompanying SGI rack. All InfiniteReality graphics systems come installed in an SGI 39U tall rack (one U is 1.75 in. [4.45 cm]) and a 17U rack is available with all Onyx 350 InfinitePerformance graphics systems. Both rack types are industry-standard 19-inch racks.
Both racks, as shown in Figure 1-4, have front and rear doors that have keylocks to prevent unauthorized access of the system. The racks also have cable entry/exit areas at the bottom of the racks and cable management hardware in the rear of the racks. Both types are mounted on four casters, two of which are swivel casters.The base of the racks have seismic tie-down attachment points. The base of the tall rack also has leveling pads.
If shipped pre-installed in an SGI rack system, the Onyx 350 products can have one or two power distribution units (PDUs). The second PDU is added to the system if more than 10 AC power receptacles are needed within the rack. Each module comes with its own power cable. See the example in Figure 1-5.
The PDU inputs AC voltage from an external power receptacle and it can output AC voltage to the compute module, NUMAlink module, optional TP900 storage modules, USB hub, power bay module, and power strip.
| Note: A graphics-only rack used with some InfiniteReality systems does not have PDUs, because the IR graphics module always plugs into a wall outlet. |
The optional power distribution unit exists in a rack system only if the system requires 11 to 15 AC power receptacles. The secondary PDU inputs AC voltage from the main system PDU and it can output AC voltage to the compute/graphics modules, NUMAlink module, MPX module, optional TP900 storage modules, USB hub, and optional power bay module.
This section briefly describes the major system options for the Onyx 350 graphics products, as follows:
The NUMAlink module, shown in Figure 1-6, is an air-cooled device that transfers messages between the compute modules via the NUMAlink 3 interconnect. This module is required for systems that contain more than two compute/graphics modules (or additional MPX or PCI expansion modules).
The NUMAlink module consists of eight ports; four ports can connect up to four compute or compute/graphics modules. The other four ports, which carry USB signals, can connect to compute modules, MPX modules, or PCI expansion modules.
| Note: The USB signals enable the compute modules and the PCI expansion modules to communicate with the L2. The compute modules and/or MPX modules that connect to the four ports that do not carry USB signals communicate with the L2 controller via a USB hub. |
The NUMAlink module receives AC power from a PDU or power strip. Note that the front of the NUMAlink module appears to display three cooling fans; however, only the middle and right fans are present.
The 4U PCI expansion module is available with Onyx 350 systems regardless of the type of graphics used in your particular system. For additional information on the 4U PCI expansion module, see the PCI Expansion Module User's Guide (P/N 007-4499-00x).
The PCI expansion module, shown in Figure 1-7, contains six buses (buses 1 through 6) that can seat as many as twelve PCI cards. Each bus has two PCI slots that are labeled 1 and 2.
The USB hub routes information between the L2 control emulator and the following components:
4 compute/graphics modules and/or MPX modules that connect to NUMAlink module ports 1, 6, 7, and 8 (the ports that do not carry USB signals)
InfiniteReality graphics module(s)
Note that the appearance of the USB hub might differ from the one shown in Figure 1-8.
The base compute module contains two disk-drive bays. SGI offers additional mass storage options for your Onyx 350 products as follows:
For a SCSI (small computer system interface) JBOD (just a bunch of disks) solution, SGI offers the SGI Total Performance 900 (TP900) storage module. Two SCSI disks can also be added to each system expansion module (requires IO9 PCI cards).
For a Fibre Channel solution that supports both JBOD and RAID configurations, SGI offers the 2Gb SGI Total Performance 9100 (2Gb TP9100) storage system.
For Fibre Channel RAID solutions, SGI offers the SGI Total Performance 9400 (TP9400) storage system and the SGI Total Performance 9500 (TP9500) storage system.
These solutions are discussed in the subsections that follow.
The SGI TP900 storage module is a 2U-high 8-drive storage system that provides compact, high-capacity, high-availability JBOD storage. The enclosure backplane connects the 8 drives on one SCSI bus. As an option, the storage module can also be configured on two SCSI buses (2 strings of 4 drives).
For additional information on this option, see the SGI Total Performance 900 Storage System User's Guide (P/N 007-4428-00x).
This storage module has the following features:
It mounts in a standard 19-in. rack, and is available in factory-installed configurations.
It uses SCSI Parallel Interface 3 (SPI-3) capable low profile (1-inch high) 3.5-inch disk drives.
Its drive carriers accept SGI qualified 10,000- or 15,000-RPM U160 SCSI disk drives.
The 2Gb TP9100, shown in Figure 1-10, is an entry-level RAID storage array that is easily expandable and comes in either a deskside tower or a rackmounted configuration. You can start with a basic JBOD configuration and later add RAID controllers or you can start with a RAID configuration.
The 2Gb TP9100 storage system connects to the compute module via an optional SGI Fibre Channel PCI card(s).
For additional information on these SGI mass storage options, see the SGI Total Performance 9100 (2Gb TP9100) Storage System User's Guide (P/N 007-4522-00x).
The TP9400, shown in Figure 1-11, and the TP9500 are highly scalable RAID storage subsystems. Each of these systems has a very large and expandable storage capacity that can grow to match storage requirements without disruption to normal processing activities.
Continuous availability enables all active components to be configured redundantly and installed “hot” as customer-replaceable or expansion units.
The TP9400 and TP9500 storage systems connect to compute modules via optional SGI Fibre Channel PCI cards in the Onyx 350 visualization systems.
For additional information on these SGI mass storage options, see the SGI TP9400 and SGI TP9500 RAID Owner's Guide (P/N 007-4304-00x).
