|
|
|
Robert A. Hayden (hayden@krypton.mankato.msus.edu) Vincent Esposito (VESPOSIT@CCVM.sunysb.edu)
The encephalon allows the user to have his attention on one task for a few nanoseconds, and then switches attention to another task for a few nanoseconds. This switching is fast, but not instantaneous, so there is some degradation in response time.
Also, the encephalon was not designed to handle multiple datastreams, so the FIFO (First In/First Out) buffer is required. The buffer stores outgoing commands, and incoming segments of data, so that the encephalon only has to deal with one device. The encephalon simply looks up the region of the buffer that is associated with the datajack it is currently giving attention to, and writes output to that datajack in another partition of that region.
The I/O SPU associated with a datajack looks in it's assigned region of memory for data that is to be sent through the datajack, and places any incoming data in that region also.
Furthermore, a Math SPU added to the encephalon acts as a floating point math coprocessor of the 20th century, speeding up response time so reaction penalties are reduced.
Encephalon # of active datajacks Level 1 2 3 4 5 ---------------------------------------------- 1 0 -1 -- -- -- 2 0 -1 -2 -- -- 3 0 -1 -2 -3 -- 4 0 -1 -2 -3 -4This penalty applies to each "Task" being done.
For example:
OddBall is running 3 datajacks, one is a remote vehicle rig, and the others are cyberdecks. This means that OddBall has a -2 to his reaction for each "task".
NOTE: The addition of a Math SPU whose level is equal or greater than the level of the encephalon will speed up response time somewhat. Adding this extra hardware will reduce all reaction penalties by one point. (Suppose OddBall has a Math SPU, each of his "tasks" will now only have a -1 reaction penalty). A MATH SPU will not bestow a bonus for running only one datajack.
Instead of having an across the board reaction penalty to all processes, the multi-tasking user can distribute his reaction penalties in any fashion. This means that the user can rank the importance of each task by it's reaction penalty (hence the name "priority system".)
The following table shows the total penalty for running a given number of datajacks. The user may distribute these "penalty points" among his active datajacks in any fashion. The penalties assigned must add up to the total given by the table.
Encephalon # of active datajacks Level 1 2 3 4 5 ---------------------------------------------- 1 0 -2 -- -- -- 2 0 -2 -6 -- -- 3 0 -2 -6 -12 -- 4 0 -2 -6 -12 -20NOTE: The figures in this table are derived by multiplying the base penalty (see previous chart) by the number of datajacks.
If the user chooses, he can allow the automatic redistribution functions to take over. If this happens, the penalties are equally divided between all of the active datajacks. This takes no action as it is automatic. (Example: Static is running four datajacks in a prioritized system [total penalty is -12]. He has assigned penalties as 0, -1, - 4, -7. Suddenly, his -7 datajack is disconnected. The system reaction penalty is now -6 and the computer will automatically assign those points as -2, -2, -2 unless Static was to spend the next action assigning them differently.
Because each process must have a minimum amount of CPU time, there is a maximum penalty that you can assign to a process. This penalty is based on the number of datajacks being used and the processing power (rating) of the encephalon. Consult the table below to determine this maximum penalty.
Maximum Penalties:
Encephalon # of active datajacks Level 1 2 3 4 5 ---------------------------------------------- 1 x -2 -- -- -- 2 x -2 -4 -- -- 3 x -2 -5 -7 -- 4 x -2 -6 -8 -11Example: Splut is running four datajacks with a level 3 system. He must distribute 12 priority points. The maximum number of points he could put into one process would be 7, and he would have to use the other 5 in any of the other three datajacks.
>>>>>{This is a classy setup, let me tell you. I
once knew a rigger who had three datajacks. Was
able to plug himself into his car and drive, fire the
car's guns, and control a flying drone all at the
same time with very little apparent loss of control.
It's not JUST for deckers.}<<<<<
-- Joyride <13:18:36/10-10-52>
>>>>>{The biggest problem I see with this
system is the fact that it is not very essence
friendly. I mean, if you want a Level 4
Encephalon, 5 level 4 datajacks, 5 level 4 I/O
SPUs, a level 4 MATH SPU, and 200 Mp of
memory, you are looking at 5.16 points of
essence!!!!!!! Who in their right mind would do
something like that?}<<<<
-- Splut
>>>>>{I would.}<<<<<
-- Datajerk <13:28:21/10-10-52>
>>>>>{Figures. Where this really pays off is that
you can have one person working on five
computer projects at once. I've heard of a bunch
of corps giving their wage-slaves level 4 systems
in order to increase productivity. It isn't very
cheap, but it really pays off in the end.
Deckers can also make good use of this system. I
know a gal who usually runs with three decks.
Each of the personas has a specialty. One can
fight real well, one is the master data-gatherer,
another sleazes and scans. Remarkable setup.
Andeach of the personas of course use the same
memory for utilities, dramatically cutting down on
the amount of data being moved around. Even
Black IC have problems fighting off three deckers
at once. Really remarkable.}<<<<<
-- Wolf 359 <13:41:46/10-10-52>
>>>>>{Christ, Wolfie. You sound like you are in
love.}<<<<<
-- Ramirez <>
>>>>>{Well, just don't tell anyone.}<<<<<
-- Wolf 359 <13:43:04/10-10-52>
Jump to the ShadowLore MenuReturn to the Decrypted Datafiles MenuReturn to the Big Knobi Klub