Abstract: A system for, and method of, managing out-of-order memory access requests and a memory unit incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a shift register for containing memory addresses and associated request validity indicators corresponding to a plurality of memory access requests and (2) control logic, coupled to the shift register, for modifying a validity indicator for a selected one of the memory access requests, the modifying causing the selected one of the memory access requests to be removed from the shift register.

Abstract: A processing device contains a global free queue, containing a list of pointers linked to memory indicating free space in memory for which to store the data prior to its transmission. A plurality of functional blocks used to process the data in a distributed system, are configured to receive data from a physical interface and store such data in memory once it is received. Each of the plurality of functional blocks allocate a portion of the pointers from said list from which to store the data once the data is received from said physical interface. Each of the plurality of functional blocks are able store data autonomously and directly into memory in a location based on the pointers, immediately after data is received from the physical interface.

Abstract: A device, architecture and system that efficiently supports voice, video, and non-real-time data streams between networks and/or devices in one or more multiple protocol environments. Several interconnected functional blocks that are programmably configuable to perform portions of processing appurtenant to one or more of the protocol environments. A function allocator, associated with the plurality of functional blocks, allocates portions or processing among the functional blocks based on an identity of one or more of the protocol environments. The device may be employed in many data communication-processing environments, I/O processors in computers, and is especially well suited as gateway device for processing real-time communication as well as bursty data between networks and customer premise equipment.

Abstract: Dynamically distributing portions of process functionality among plural functional blocks. A plurality of service point functions are interspersed throughout each function block. Each service point function performs a portion of processing. A service point function may correspond to processing associated with a protocol layer. A service point function may be implemented in hardware, software or firmware with any of the multiple function blocks. After completion of each service point function, a sub-path is called to connect the completed service point function with a next service point function to be performed. The sub-path invokes a pointer which provides the next routine (e.g., the service point functionality) to be performed. If any one functional block is becoming overloaded, the system can simply change one sub-path, to route process functionality associated with a particular service point functionality to be performed in another functional block with the same capability programmed or hardwired therein.