Rank cell array structure for sorting by each cell comparing the cell value to previous cell value, next cell value, in value and out value

A rank cell array structure constructed with identically structured, successively arranged rank cells wherein each respective rank cell stores a sample and wherein said array receives a new sample in each of a plurality of successive clock intervals, each rank cell comprising:

• a multiplexer means receiving as inputs the sample in the preceding rank cell, the sample in the succeeding rank cell, the new sample, and the sample in the respective rank cell, said multiplexer means being responsive to a control signal for outputting one of said samples;
• a flip-flop means for storing and outputting the sample in the respective rank cell;
• a first comparator means for comparing the sample in the respective rank cell to the new sample and providing a first comparator output;
• a second comparator means for comparing an out sample to the sample in the respective rank cell and providing greater than and equal to comparator outputs;
• and
• control logic means responsive to the first, second and third comparator outputs and to the respective preceding and succeeding outputs of the first comparator means of each of the rank cell means preceding and succeeding said respective rank cell in said array to generate said control signal.