Database sort and merge apparatus with multiple memory arrays having alternating access

An apparatus for sorting and merging a plurality of keys, comprising:

• first memory array means for storing the keys at respective memory addresses, the first memory array means having first and second addressable areas therein, the first and second addressable areas being independently and simultaneously accessible;
• second memory arrays means for storing the memory addresses of the keys;
• third memory array means for storing the memory addresses of the keys;
• write enable means for alternately reading and write enabling the second and third memory array means for reading and writing said addresses from one of said second and third memory array means to the other memory array means in alternating fashion for each sorting pass until said keys are sorted and merged;
• comparator means coupled with the first memory means, for comparing a first key from one of the first addressable areas with a second key from one of the second addressable areas;
• and
• control means, coupled with the first memory array means, the second memory array means, the third memory array means, the write enable means, the counter means, and the comparator means, for:
• reading first and second addresses of first and second ones of the keys from a non-write enabled one of the second and third memory means,
• causing addressing the first and second addressable areas of the first memory means with the first and second addresses for comparing said keys, and
• writing each winning key into the write-enabled one of the second and third memory array means, responsive to a comparison of the keys by the comparator means.