[Beowulf] modular motherboard prototype

[Lux, Jim (337C)]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: beowulf-bounces at beowulf.org [mailto:beowulf-bounces at beowulf.org]
> On Behalf Of Gerry Creager
> Sent: Friday, August 21, 2009 1:29 PM
> To: Greg Lindahl
> Cc: beowulf at beowulf.org
> Subject: Re: [Beowulf] modular motherboard prototype
> 
> Greg Lindahl wrote:
> > On Fri, Aug 21, 2009 at 12:04:09PM -0700, Lux, Jim (337C) wrote:
> >
> >> We can guess, though.. It's an ARM running at 72 MHz, for which they
> >> claim 64 Dhrystone MIPS. Some of those are going to be burned in
> >> interprocess communication. The LPC2368 (which is what they use)
> >> datasheet says it draws 125mA at 3.3V running at 72MHz. (I'm pretty
> >> sure that doesn't include power to drive I/O pins, which is
> >> separately supplied).  That's about half a watt.  So they're getting
> >> about 128 DMIPS/Watt
> >
> > In comparison, a Sheevaplug is $100, 1.2 Ghz ARM, 15 watts max for
> the
> > whole thing, and you can use gigE networking and program it with MPI.
> > I suppose it depends on how weird you like your hobbies to be :-)
> 
> 
> For Jim's projects to work, however, he's gotta also have the spacecraft
> fly information to keep the PowerSquid in formation, so the SheevaPlugs
> can all get power.  Then there's the real long extension cord back to
> those AC-procuding solar cells....

But that's work..

For hobbies, it's different.  Hmm. 3.3V power.. I wonder if you could string em in series and run them off a rectified and filtered wall socket, just like Christmas tree lights.  One could do all kinds of interesting things with individual processors on each bulb.. display patterns, messages.  If they had photosensors, you could build your own fireflies, and have them blink in synchronism, etc.