Scalable crosspoint switch

A switch matrix, comprising:

• a plurality of input pathways and a plurality of output pathways, each input pathway partitioned into the groups by respective demultiplexers, wherein:
• first outputs of the demultiplexers define a bypass path connecting the groups together, and
• second outputs of the demultiplexers are coupled to point cells of the respective groups;
• and
• the switch matrix further comprising a control circuit to enable one or more of the demultiplexers, wherein each of the enabled demultiplexers is configured to drive one or both of a main path to the point cells and a bypass path to another demultiplexer.

A switch matrix, comprising:

• a plurality of input pathways and a plurality of output pathways, each output pathway partitioned into the groups by respective multiplexers, wherein:
• first inputs of the multiplexers define a bypass path connecting the groups together, and
• second inputs of the multiplexers are coupled to the point cells of the respective groups;
• and
• the switch matrix further comprising a control circuit to enable one or more of the multiplexers, wherein each of the enabled multiplexers is configured to select one of a main path to the point cells and a bypass path to another multiplexer.

A method, comprising:

• responsive to a control signal that enables a point cell in a crosspoint switch:
• controlling circuitry within a segmented input pathway associated with the enabled point cell to:
• carry an input signal along an input bypass path between the input pathway's origin and an input group to which the enabled point cell belongs, and, within the point cell's group,
• drive the input signal to the point cell's input, and
• controlling circuitry within a segmented output pathway associated with the enabled point cell to:
• carry an output signal from the enabled point cell to a terminus of the point cell's output group, and
• carry the output signal from the group terminus to an output pathway terminus along another output bypass path,
• wherein the input bypass path and the output bypass path bypass point cells of other groups.