Switching matrix network

Abstract

For switching or, respectively, distributing broadband communication signals in message switching systems, broadband switching matrix networks having crosspoint circuits realized in an ECL technology and which are formed by controllable multiplexers is provided. The controllable multiplexers are mutually interconnected to form multistage crosspoint pyramids respectively exhibiting an outgoing line and a plurality of incoming lines, whereby the controllable multiplexers of a respective plurality of crosspoint pyramids are combined on a chip module. The chip module may be a master slice module. An additional transfer crosspoint in the form of a 2-bit multiplexer can be provided at the tip of the pyramid at each crosspoint pyramid, the additional transfer crosspoint also being connectible to the pyramid chip of a further crosspoint pyramid in order to therefore introduce a corresponding expansion of the switching matrix network. Moreover, when switching or distributing communication signals in the form of frequency-modulated signals and given non-through connection of such a communication signal to the outgoing terminal of the crosspoint pyramid, an unmodulated carrier can be supplied over such an additional transfer crosspoint in order to therefore counter crosstalk interference. The individual crosspoint pyramids can be driven by appertaining drive registers whereby a clock decoder enables the selection of the respective crosspoint pyramid.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.