B-ISDN sequencer chip device

A sequencer chip device for use in a broadband integrated service digital network wherein users' traffic in the form of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cells is scheduled, the sequencer chip device comprising:

• a plurality of modules connected in series for receiving priority data related to the ATM cells;
• and
• means for broadcasting new priority data related to a newly arrived ATM cell to each of the modules in a write-in mode of the sequencer chip device, wherein each of the modules includes:
• memory means for storing prior priority data related to a previously received ATM cell;
• means for comparing the new priority data with the prior priority data to obtain a comparison signal;
• and
• controller means coupled to its respective memory means and means for comparing for alternately retaining said stored prior priority data or replacing said stored prior priority data with the new priority data or with prior priority data from an immediately adjacent memory means based on the comparison signal of its means for comparing and the comparison signal of the immediately adjacent means for comparing wherein high-speed sorting of the ATM cells is achieved.