Abstract: A multiprocessor digital data processing system comprises a plurality of processing cells arranged in a hierarchy of rings. The system selectively allocates storage and moves exclusive data copies from cell to cell in response to access requests generated by the cells. Routing elements are employed to selectively broadcast data access requests, updates and transfers on the rings.

Abstract: A multiprocessor digital data processing system comprises a plurality of processing cells arranged in a hierarchy of rings. The system selectively allocates storage and moves exclusive data copies from cell to cell in response to access requests generated by the cells. Routing elements are employed to selectively broadcast data access requests, updates and transfers on the rings.

Abstract: A multiprocessor digital data processing system comprises a plurality of processing cells arranged in a hierarchy of rings. The system selectively allocates storage and moves exclusive data copies from cell to cell in response to access requests generated by the cells. Routing elements are employed to selectively broadcast data access requests, updates and transfers on the rings.

Abstract: A multiprocessor digital data processing system comprises a plurality of processing cells arranged in a hierarchy of rings. The system selectively allocates storage and moves exclusive data copies from cell to cell in response to access requests generated by the cells. Routing elements are employed to selectively broadcast data access requests, updates and transfers on the rings.

Abstract: Digital multiprocessor methods and apparatus comprise a plurality of processors, including a first processor for normally processing an instruction stream including instructions from a first instruction source. At least one of the processors can transmit inserted-instructions to the first processor. Inserted-instructions are executed by the first processor in the same manner as, and without affecting the sequence of, instructions from the first instruction source. The first instruction source can be a memory element, including an instruction cache element for storing digital values representative of instructions and program steps, or an execution unit (CEU) which asserts signals to the instruction cache element to cause instructions to be transmitted to the CEU. The processors include input/output (I/O) processors having direct memory access (DMA) insert elements, which respond to a peripheral device to generate DMA inserted-instructions.

Abstract: An improved digital packet switching apparatus enabling enhanced packet transmission and high bandwidth packet transfer. The digital packet switching methods and apparatus permit selectively switching digital signal packet between a set of nodes. The invention includes multiple processing cells, each having a processor coupled to an associated content-addressable memory element. Packet processors, electrically coupled to the memory elements, selectively receive packets from the nodes and transmit the packets into at least one of the plural memory elements; or receive packets from the memory elements and transmit the packets to at least one of the nodes.

Abstract: A digital data processing apparatus has plural processing cells, each with a memory element that stores data page made up of plural subpages. At least one of the cells includes a CPU that can request access to a data subpage. A memory manager responds to selected data access requests by (i) allocating, within the memory local to the requesting CPU, exclusive physical storage space for a data page associated with the requested subpage, and (ii) storing the requested subpage in that allocated space. The apparatus recombines data pages and deallocates them on the basis of usage and access state. The apparatus also accesses data asynchronously with respect to execution of instructions by the CPU.

Abstract: A digital data communications apparatus includes first and second processing groups, each made up of a plurality of processing cells interconnected by an associated bus. An element (RRC) transfers information packets generated by the processing cells between the first and second processing groups. The RRC includes an input for receiving packets from the bus of the first processing group, as well as first and second outputs for outputting packets to the buses of the first and second groups, respectively. A control element routes packets received at the input to a selected one of the outputs based upon a prior history of routings of the datum referenced in that information packet (or requests for that data) between said first and second processing groups.

Abstract: A digital data processing system includes a plurality of central processor units which share and access a common memory through a memory management element. The memory management element permits, inter alia, data in the common memory to be accessed in at least two modes. In the first mode, all central processing units requesting access to a given datum residing in memory are signalled of the datum's existence. In the second mode, only selected central processing units requesting access to a resident datum are notified that it exists, while others requesting access to the datum are signalled that it does not exist. The common memory can include a plurality of independent memory elements, each coupled to and associated with, a respective one of the central processing units. A central processing unit can include a post-store element for effecting the transfer of copies of data stored in its associated memory element to a memory element associated with another central processing unit.

Abstract: A switch is provided for selectively routing digital information packets received from at least first and second external sources to at least first and second external destinations. At least one of the first sources generates an information packet including a datum, or a request therefore, and a corresponding descriptor. First and second routing interconnects have inputs for receiving packets from respective sources and outputs for transmitting packets to respective destinations. The interconnects are also coupled for transferring packets between one another. Directories within the interconnects store descriptors corresponding to data associated with the first destination, as well as requests routed from the other interconnect. A controller routes packets based on the correspondence, or lack thereof, between the descriptor in that packet and an entry signal allocated to corresponding directory.

Abstract: A digital data processing apparatus includes a shift-register bus that transfers packets of digital information. The bus has a plurality of digital storage and transfer stages connected in series in a ring configuration. A plurality of processing cells, each including at least a memory element, are connected in a ring configuration through the bus, with each cell being in communication with an associated subset of stages of the bus. At least one processing cell includes a cell interconnect that performs at least one of modifying, extracting, replicating and transferring a packet based on an association, if any, between a datum identified in that packet and one or more data stored in said associated memory element.

Abstract: A multiprocessor digital data processing system comprises a plurality of processing cells arranged in a hierarchy of rings. The system selectively allocates storage and moves exclusive data copies from cell to cell in response to access requests generated by the cells. Routing elements are employed to selectively broadcast data access requests, updates and transfers on the rings.