Method and apparatus for implementing control of a multiple ring hybrid crossbar partially non-blocking data switch

A method for implementing control of a multiple-ring hybrid crossbar partially non-blocking data switch, the data switch including a plurality of bus units, each bus unit coupled to a respective data ramp and a plurality of data rings connected between each of the data ramps, with each data ramp device only connected to the two adjacent data ramp devices, said control method comprising the steps of:

• providing a respective request handler for an associated bus unit,
• providing a respective destination arbiter for an associated bus unit, and
• providing a respective ring arbiter for an associated one of the plurality of data rings;
• applying a request to said respective request handler from the associated bus unit;
• saving a pending request state until a grant to the bus unit occurs;
• the request including a destination unit identifier;
• forwarding the request to the destination arbiter for the identified destination unit;
• and granting the request by said destination arbiter;
• requesting use of one of the data rings responsive to said destination arbiter granting the request;
• and
• issuing a grant and controlling data flow around the respective ring with one said ring arbiter.

A control apparatus for a multiple-ring data switch comprising:

• a respective request handler for an associated bus unit of a plurality of bus units,
• a respective destination arbiter for an associated bus unit of the plurality of bus units, and
• a respective ring arbiter for an associated one of a plurality of data rings;
• said request handler receiving a request from the respective associated bus unit and saving the pending request state until a grant to the bus unit occurs;
• the request including a destination unit identifier;
• said request handler forwarding the request to the destination arbiter for the destination unit;
• said destination arbiter granting the request;
• said request handler individually asking one of said ring arbiters to use the respective ring responsive to said destination arbiter granting the request;
• and
• one said ring arbiter issuing a grant and controlling data flow around the respective ring.