Abstract: A method and system is provided for a multi-level memory. The system includes an internal memory and an external memory. Data packets are received through one or more input ports and initially stored in the internal memory. A control unit determines whether there is congestion of resources within the system and transfers data packets to external memory to ease the congestion. Data packets are eventually transferred from the internal or external memory to one or more output ports.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment may include transmitting a plurality of packets through control pipeline circuitry of an integrated circuit of a switch. The control pipeline circuitry may be capable of making a plurality of memory requests to memory of the switch in response to the plurality of packets. The method may further comprise staggering the plurality of memory requests so that each of the plurality of memory requests occurs during a different one of a plurality of time slots. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating Gray code for any even count value to enable efficient pointer exchange mechanisms in asynchronous FIFO's. Allowing Gray code for any range of even count values provides the benefit of decreasing metastability when exchanging pointers for FIFO buffers in asynchronous environments. Utilizing the Gray code adjacency principle, which provides that only one bit changes for any successive numbers, in a larger class of numbers than previously utilized, decreases metastability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating Gray code for any even count value to enable efficient pointer exchange mechanisms in asynchronous FIFO's. Allowing Gray code for any range of even count values provides the benefit of decreasing metastability when exchanging pointers for FIFO buffers in asynchronous environments. Utilizing the Gray code adjacency principle, which provides that only one bit changes for any successive numbers, in a larger class of numbers than previously utilized, decreases metastability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating Gray code for any even count value to enable efficient pointer exchange mechanisms in asynchronous FIFO's. Allowing Gray code for any range of even count values provides the benefit of decreasing metastability when exchanging pointers for FIFO buffers in asynchronous environments. Utilizing the Gray code adjacency principle, which provides that only one bit changes for any successive numbers, in a larger class of numbers than previously utilized, decreases metastability.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for a multi-level memory. The system includes an internal memory and an external memory. Data packets are received through one or more input ports and initially stored in the internal memory. A control unit determines whether there is congestion of resources within the system and transfers data packets to external memory to ease the congestion. Data packets are eventually transferred from the internal or external memory to one or more output ports.