Abstract: A controller for controlling a one-sided switching matrix comprising a plurality of circuit elements under the control of logic circuitry. The controller interprets a request for connection or disconnection, determines if it is possible, selects a path through the matrix and sends control signals to the matrix. The circuit elements are arranged in a parallel/pipeline architecture with multiple circuit elements simultaneously operating on a request. The controller can fetch a second request while executing a first request. The result of a request is to connect or disconnect interconnection paths on the switching matrix.

Abstract: A cross-point switch comprising an array of cross-point matrices 60, 62, 64, 65 in which the internal lines 22-32 are connected to external lines 45-54 by tri-state buffers 36-44. The external lines can connect different switching matrices. Redundant matrices may be included to provide fault tolerance.