Abstract: A computer array (10) has a plurality of computers (12). The computers (12) communicate with each other asynchronously, and the computers (12) themselves operate in a generally asynchronous manner internally. When one computer (12) attempts to communicate with another it goes to sleep until the other computer (12) is ready to complete the transaction, thereby saving power and reducing heat production. The sleeping computer (12) can be awaiting data or instructions (12). In the case of instructions, the sleeping computer (12) can be waiting to store the instructions or to immediately execute the instructions. In the later case, the instructions are placed in an instruction register (30a) when they are received and executed therefrom, without first placing the instructions first into memory. The instructions can include a micro-loop (100) which is capable of performing a series of operations repeatedly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting multiple cores to form a multi core processor. Each processor is connected to at least two other processors, each of which is a mirror image of the first processor. The processors are connected to form a two dimensional matrix connected by one drop busses.

Abstract: A computer array (10) has a plurality of computers (12). The computers (12) communicate with each other asynchronously, and the computers (12) themselves operate in a generally asynchronous manner internally. When one computer (12) attempts to communicate with another it goes to sleep until the other computer (12) is ready to complete the transaction, thereby saving power and reducing heat production. The sleeping computer (12) can be awaiting data or instructions (12). In the case of instructions, the sleeping computer (12) can be waiting to store the instructions or to immediately execute the instructions. In the later case, the instructions are placed in an instruction register (30a) when they are received and executed therefrom, without first placing the instructions first into memory. The instructions can include a micro-loop (100) which is capable of performing a series of operations repeatedly.

Abstract: A microprocessor system in which an array of processors communicates more efficiently through the use of a worker mode function. Processors that are not currently executing code remain in an inactive but alert state until a task is sent to them by an adjacent processor. Processors can also be programmed to temporarily suspend a task to check for incoming tasks or messages.

Abstract: A computer array (10) has a plurality of computers (12). The computers (12) communicate with each other asynchronously and operate in a generally asynchronous manner internally. When one computer (12) attempts to communicate with another it goes to sleep until the other computer (12) is ready to complete the transaction, thereby saving power and reducing heat production. The instructions executed by the computers (12) can include a micro-loop (100) which is capable of performing a series of operations repeatedly. In one application, the sleeping computer (12) is awakened by an input such that it commences an action that would otherwise required an interrupt of an otherwise active computer. For example, one computer (12f) can be used to monitor an input/output port of the computer array (10).

Abstract: A computer array (10) has a plurality of computers (12). The computers (12) communicate with each other asynchronously, and the computers (12) themselves operate in a generally asynchronous manner internally. Instruction words (48) can include a micro-loop (100) which is capable of performing a series of operations repeatedly. In a particular example, the series of operations are included in a single instruction word (48). The micro-loop (100) in combination with the ability of the computers (12) to send instruction words (48) to a neighboring computer (12) provides a powerful tool for allowing a computer (12) to utilize the resources of a neighboring computer (12).

Abstract: A microprocessor communications system utilizes a combination of an activity status monitor register and one or more address select registers to read from a communications port of one processor and write to a communications port of an adjacent processor in a single instruction word loop. This circumvents the requirement to save and retrieve data and/or instructions from memory. A stack register selector contains a plurality of stack registers and a plurality of shift registers, which are interconnected. The stack registers are selected by the shift registers in such a way that the stack registers operate in a circular repeating pattern, which prevents overflow and underflow of stacks.

Abstract: A stack processor comprises a data stack with a T register, an S register, and eight hardwired bottom registers which function in a circular repeating pattern. The stack processor also comprises a return stack containing an R register, and eight hardwired bottom registers which function in a circular repeating pattern. The circular register arrays described herein eliminate overflow and underflow stack conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting multiple cores to form a multi core processor. Each processor is connected to at least two other processors, each of which is a mirror image of the first processor. The processors are connected to form a two dimensional matrix connected by one drop busses.

Abstract: A computer (12) having multiple data paths (38a-d) connecting to other devices, which may be similar computers. A register (40d) is provided that has bits (110) programmatically settable to address each of the data paths such that the computer can communicate via multiple of the data paths based on which bits are concurrently set in the register. The bits respectively represent instances of the other devices as source devices that the computer can read data from and instances of the other devices as destination devices that the computer can write data to. A single address in the register can represent both a source device and a destination device for data communicated by the computer. Optionally, multiple of the computers can be connected in series (termed a pipeline) or to form an array (10).

Abstract: A series of computers to process data including a first and a last computer. Each of the computers except the first is preceded by a prior computer and each except the last is followed by a subsequent computer. A logic reads new data via a first data path and a logic writes old data via a second data path. A logic process the new data to produce the old data and, except for the last computer, a storage element stores the old data. The logic to write operates after the logic to read and the logic to write operates before the logic to process.

Abstract: A computer (12) having multiple data paths (38a-d) connecting to other devices, which may be similar computers. A register (40d) is provided that has bits (110) programmatically settable to address each of the data paths such that the computer can communicate via multiple of the data paths based on which bits are concurrently set in the register.

Abstract: A stack processor comprises a data stack with a T register, an S register, and eight hardwired bottom registers which function in a circular repeating pattern. The stack processor also comprises a return stack containing an R register, and eight hardwired bottom registers which function in a circular repeating pattern. The circular register arrays described herein eliminate overflow and underflow stack conditions.