Method and apparatus for routing data across an n-dimensional grid network

A method for creating a computing system, comprising:

• creating a two-dimensional grid of integrated circuit devices;
• establishing a plurality of communication networks coupling the two-dimensional grid of integrated circuit devices, wherein establishing the plurality of communication networks involves;
• establishing a first separate communication network configured to move data unidirectionally in a North direction and an East direction along communication lines used by only the first communication network;
• establishing a second separate communication network configured to move data unidirectionally in the North direction and a West direction along communication lines used by only the second communication network;
• establishing a third separate communication network configured to move data unidirectionally in a South direction and the East direction along communication lines used by only the third communication network;
• and
• establishing a fourth separate communication network configured to move data unidirectionally in the South direction and the West direction along communication lines used by only the fourth communication network;
• and
• providing a routing mechanism configured to route data across the plurality of communication networks as well as into, out of, and through a given integrated circuit within the two-dimensional grid of integrated circuits;
• whereby a process of routing data across a given communication network only creates a deadlock free cycle within the given communication network;
• and
• whereby the process of routing data yields a shortest path between source and destination.

A means for routing data between integrated circuit devices within a two-dimensional grid of integrated circuit devices, comprising:

• a communication means comprising a plurality of communication networks coupling the two-dimensional grid of integrated circuit devices, wherein
• a first separate communication network moves data unidirectionally in a North direction and an East direction along communication lines used by only the first communication network;
• a second separate communication network moves data unidirectionally in the North direction and a West direction along communication lines used by only the second communication network;
• a third separate communication network moves data unidirectionally in a South direction and the East direction along communication lines used by only the third communication network;
• and
• a fourth separate communication network moves data unidirectionally in the South direction and the West direction along communication lines used by only the fourth communication network;
• and
• a routing means for routing data across the plurality of communication networks as well as into, out of, and through a given integrated circuit within the two-dimensional grid of integrated circuits;
• whereby the means of routing data yields a shortest path between source and destination.