Pipeline feedback array sorter with multi-string sort array and merge tree array

A pipeline feedback array sorter comprising:

• (a) a multi-string sort array having m inputs and outputs, where m is the width of said array or the number of data strings and is greater than or equal to 2;
• (b) a merge tree array having q leave nodes connected to the output of one of p buffer memories through a multiplexor for successively merging the columns of a buffer memory to fill subsequent buffer memory columns and having an output from the root node, where q is greater than or equal to 2 and p is greater than or equal to 1;
• (c) a first buffer memory having m inputs connected to the corresponding m outputs of said multi-string sort array for filling said first buffer memory and q outputs, said first buffer memory having m.times.q memory units, each of said units for holding one data item, said first buffer memory having two dimensional data movements;
• (d) p-1 buffer memories in feedback loops and having a single dimensional data movement, each of said p-1 buffer memories having an input connected with said output of said merge tree array and q outputs connected to said q leave nodes of said merge tree array, wherein each of said p buffer memories serve as input buffers to said merge tree array;
• and
• (e) a multiplexor for controlling and filling from said first buffer memory and p-1 buffer memories electrically connected to the inputs to said merge tree, whereby merging the columns of the p-th buffer memory a final sort is obtained from said root node of said merge tree array.