Abstract: A graphics processing system comprises a pair of graphics processing units that are connected to each other via communications bridges that can allow communication between the connected graphics processing units. One of the graphics processing units is operable to act as a master graphics processing unit controlling graphics processing operations on the other graphics processing unit which is operable as a slave graphics processing unit to perform graphics processing operations under the control of the master graphics processing unit. Each graphics processing unit of the pair of graphics processing units is also capable of operating in a standalone mode, in which the graphics processing unit operates independently of the other graphics processing unit to perform a graphics processing task.

Abstract: A data processing system is provided with a bus having separate write channels W and read channels R via which bus transactions are made. Bus transaction buffers 34 are provided within the bus structure to buffer write requests, particularly so as to alleviate problems associated with relatively slow bus slaves. The bus transaction buffers 34 are responsive to the memory addresses associated with write requests and read requests which pass through them to identify those to the same memory address, or memory addresses within a predetermined range, so as to either ensure a strict correct ordering of those transactions, read to follow write, or to satisfy a read following a write with a buffered write data value and then flushing the read request such that it does not reach its final destination.

Abstract: The specification describes a method and associated apparatus for pulverising materials, wherein the pulverising apparatus includes a receptacle, two or more pulverising weights and a driving mechanism linked to the receptacle wherein the pulverising weights are disposed substantially horizontally with respect to the receptacle. The method of operating the apparatus includes the steps of: a) placing the pulverising weights in the receptacle, wherein the pulverising weights are disposed substantially horizontally with respect to the receptacle, and b) activating the driving mechanism, causing material(s) retained in the receptacle to be ground by the pulverising weights.