Multiple level minimum logic network
AssigneeInteractic Holdings, LLC
InventorCoke Reed
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A network or interconnect structure 100 utilizes a data flow technique that is based on timing and positioning of messages communicating through the interconnect structure. Switching control is distributed throughout multiple nodes 102 in the structure so that a supervisory controller providing a global control function and complex logic structures are avoided. The interconnect structure operates as a “deflection” or “hot potato” system in which processing and storage overhead at each node is minimized. Elimination of a global controller and buffering at the nodes greatly reduces the amount of control and logic structures in the interconnect structure, simplifying overall control components and network interconnect components 104 and improving speed performance of message communication.
Claims37
An interconnect apparatus, comprising:
- a plurality of nodes;
- and
- a plurality of interconnect lines selectively coupling the nodes in a multiple level structure, the multiple level structure being arranged to include:
- a plurality of J+1 levels in a hierarchy of levels T arranged from a level T equal to 0 to a level T equal to J;
- a plurality of 2J−T rings in each level T;
- and
- a plurality of 2TK nodes in a ring.
A method of transmitting a message from a node N to a target destination in a first, a second and a third dimension of three dimensions in an interconnect structure arranged as a plurality of nodes in a topology of the three dimensions, the method comprising the steps of:
- determining whether a node en route to the target destination in the first and second dimensions and advancing one level toward the destination level of the third dimension is blocked by another message;
- advancing the message one level toward the destination level of the third dimension when the en route node is not blocked;
- and
- moving the message in the first and second dimensions along a constant level in the third dimension otherwise.
A communication interconnect structure for transmitting messages, comprising:
- a plurality of nodes arranged in a structure including:
- a hierarchy of levels from a source level to a destination level;
- a plurality of nodes spanning a cross-section of a level;
- and
- a plurality of nodes in a cross-section span;
- a plurality of interconnect lines coupling the nodes in the structure including for a node N on a level L:
- a message input interconnect line coupled to a node on a previous level L+1;
- a message input interconnect line coupled to a node on the level L;
- a message output interconnect line coupled to a node on a subsequent level L−1;
- and
- a message output interconnect line coupled to a node on a subsequent level L−1.
A method of communicating messages in an interconnect structure comprising the steps of:
- arranging a plurality of nodes in a structure including a plurality of hierarchical levels from a source level to a destination level, a plurality of nodes spanning a cross-section of a level and a plurality of nodes in a cross-section span, the nodes having an input connection on the same level, an input connection on a previous level, an output connection on the same level and an output connection on a subsequent level;
- specifying a destination node in the destination level for receiving a message;
- originating the message at a node in the source level;
- communicating a message from node to node including the steps of:
- determining at a node whether a node on a subsequent level is directed toward the destination node;
- determining at a node whether the node on the subsequent level is blocked by another message;
- advancing the message to the node on the subsequent level when the node is directed toward the destination node and a node is unblocked;
- and
- otherwise traversing the message to a node on the same level.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.