Abstract: A deterministic method and apparatus for defining the size and switch assignments of a switch matrix. The method operates on a switch matrix having a number of inputs (N) and a number of outputs (M). When constructing the switch matrix, there will be M columns in the matrix. The method determines a minimum number of rows (R) for the switch matrix. The resultant general purpose R.times.M switch matrix allows any combination of a subset of the N inputs, with up to M members, to be assigned to the outputs. The resultant R.times.M switch matrix will be smaller than an N.times.M switch matrix.

Abstract: A testing method for connecting a first group of input conductors to output conductors in which the number of switching devices connected to each output conductor at connections with the group of input conductors are summed individually, the output conductor having the least number of switching devices at these intersections is chosen, and the switching devices are summed for each of the group of input conductors having a switching device at an intersection with the chosen output conductor and the input conductor having the least number of switching devices is selected. A switching device at the intersection of this first selected input conductor and the first selected output conductor is chosen for closure to provide the first connection in the output combination desired. The process is repeated until all of the connections are chosen or one fails.

Abstract: A switch matrix including a number of rows of input conductors, a number of columns of output conductors, and switching devices joining selected ones of the input conductors to selected ones of the output conductors, the switching devices being programmable to make connections between input and output conductors, the switching devices joining conductors being positioned on a random basis.