US 4,363,106 A · Computation module for addition and multiplication in residue arithmetic

Abstract

A computation module useful as part of a optical numerical computer based on the residue number system includes an M.times.N array of double input, double output electrically actuated optical switches. Optical pathways interconnect each of the outputs of the switches of a row of the array and certain inputs of the switches in the subsequent adjacent row. Each row of the array has an associated bi-stable electrical switch which is interconnected to all of the light switches in that row and causes such light switches to assume a common state dependent upon the state of the electrical switch. The module computes either the sum or product of two modulo M residues, depending upon its interconnection pattern. One of the residues is introduced as a light input to one of the electrical optical switches in the first row of the array. The other residue is operative to condition one of the bi-stable electrical switches to assume a different state than all of the other electrical switches. The output from the module is in the form of a light signal from one of the electro-optical switches in the last row of the array.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A computation module for generating an arithmetic function of two residues in the residue number system, comprising an array of light switches arranged in rows and columns, each of said light switches including an input for receiving light and an output for delivering light and being switchable between first and second light transmitting states for altering the path of light traveling therethrough;

light transmission paths interconnecting each of the outputs of the light switches in one row with the inputs of light switches in a successive row to define a plurality of light transmitting channels through said module;
first input means operably coupled with at least one of the light switches in the first row of the array for inputting a light signal into the input of said one switch as a function of a first of the residues;
a plurality of means operably coupled with at least certain of the rows of the array for simultaneously switching the state of all of the light switches in said certain rows of the array;
and means operably coupled with said means for simultaneously switching and controlled by the second residue for actuating one of said means for switching all of the light switches in said certain of the rows of the array, whereby said light input signal is channeled through the array and outputs from a light switch in a successive row of the array at a position which is a function of the two residue numbers.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Computation module for addition and multiplication in residue arithmetic

Life of this patent

Computation module for addition and multiplication in residue arithmetic

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14