System and method of flexible comparator reconfiguration to improve comparator availability

Abstract

A processing system including multiple devices each providing a data set, multiple comparators each operative to compare a selected pair of data sets, multiple multiplexers each for selecting from among coupled data sets and providing selected data sets to inputs of corresponding comparators, and a comparator configuration controller that controls each the multiplexers to select pairs of data sets provided to the corresponding comparators. The multiplexers provide flexible comparator reconfiguration for improved comparator availability. In the event of failure of a device using a comparator, the controller reconfigures the corresponding multiplexer to re-use the comparator for a similar or different comparison configuration. Data latch buffers and configurable delay gates may be provided between the multiplexers and the comparators. The buffers may have ports available to be loaded by software. Clock multiplexers may be provided to select a clock signal for each comparator based on usage.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.