Abstract: A distributed memory array that supports both file storage and random access operations is provided. The distributed memory array includes at least one memory assembly for storing data, each memory assembly having a plurality of memory modules coupled together through a bi-directionally cross-strapped network, each memory module having a switching mechanism. The distributed memory array further includes at least one gateway coupled to the at least one memory assembly through the bi-directionally cross-strapped network. The gateway also includes a plurality of user access ports for providing access to the at least one memory assembly, and a file manager that is configured to receive a request from a user for access to the at least one memory assembly at the user access ports for either file storage or random access operations and to allocate at least one allocation unit of available memory in the at least one memory assembly based on the request from the user.

Abstract: An adaptable virtual network system comprises a plurality of network elements and a plurality of virtual links. Each network element is communicatively coupled to at least one other network element via at least one physical link. At least one physical link comprises at least two virtual links. The adaptable virtual network system supports at least two virtual networks, each virtual network comprising at least one virtual link communicatively coupling at least two network elements.

Abstract: A method of communicatively coupling network elements supporting multiple network protocol types comprises receiving input having multiple network protocol types from an upper-level of the protocol stack at an endpoint-flexible-interface layer in a network endpoint, mapping the input between the upper-level of a protocol stack and a common-lower-level in the protocol stack at the endpoint-flexible-interface layer, and implementing the common-lower-level protocol layer to interface the multiple network protocol types to the physical layer, so that at least two endpoints of a network are communicatively coupled.

Abstract: A method for reducing radiation effects in an electronic circuit is disclosed. The method involves periodically transferring operation of the electronic circuit to at least one alternate processing element of a plurality of processing elements. With the at least one alternate processing element in control, the method reconfigures one or more processing elements of the plurality of processing elements. Once the one or more processing elements are reconfigured, the method synchronizes the one or more processing elements with the at least one alternate processing element.

Abstract: A method of communicatively coupling network elements supporting multiple network protocol types comprises receiving input having multiple network protocol types from an upper-level of the protocol stack at an endpoint-flexible-interface layer in a network endpoint, mapping the input between the upper-level of a protocol stack and a common-lower-level in the protocol stack at the endpoint-flexible-interface layer, and implementing the common-lower-level protocol layer to interface the multiple network protocol types to the physical layer, so that at least two endpoints of a network are communicatively coupled.

Abstract: An adaptable virtual network system comprises a plurality of network elements and a plurality of virtual links. Each network element is communicatively coupled to at least one other network element via at least one physical link. At least one physical link comprises at least two virtual links. The adaptable virtual network system supports at least two virtual networks, each virtual network comprising at least one virtual link communicatively coupling at least two network elements.

Abstract: A method of sending data packets between a control processor and a plurality of peripheral components comprising retrieving information embedded in a command data packet formatted in a first protocol at a switch adapted to function as an alternate bus, forming a reformatted data packet at the switch, and transferring the reformatted data packet from the switch. The reformatted data packet is formatted according to a second protocol, and includes the retrieved information.

Abstract: A method for reducing radiation effects in an electronic circuit is disclosed. The method involves periodically transferring operation of the electronic circuit to at least one alternate processing element of a plurality of processing elements. With the at least one alternate processing element in control, the method reconfigures one or more processing elements of the plurality of processing elements. Once the one or more processing elements are reconfigured, the method synchronizes the one or more processing elements with the at least one alternate processing element.

Abstract: A method of adapting the System Management Bus protocol to increase the number of peripheral components accessible to a control processor, the method including embedding a component address having a length of up to seven bits in a System Management Bus Block Write and completing a system transaction with the System Management Bus Block Write and a second data packet so that data is sent between the control processor and the peripheral component having the component address.