Abstract: A processing device contains a global free queue, containing a list of pointers linked to memory indicating free space in memory for which to store the data prior to its transmission. A plurality of functional blocks used to process the data in a distributed system, are configured to receive data from a physical interface and store such data in memory once it is received. Each of the plurality of functional blocks allocate a portion of the pointers from said list from which to store the data once the data is received from said physical interface. Each of the plurality of functional blocks are able store data autonomously and directly into memory in a location based on the pointers, immediately after data is received from the physical interface.

Abstract: Dynamically distributing portions of process functionality among plural functional blocks. A plurality of service point functions are interspersed throughout each function block. Each service point function performs a portion of processing. A service point function may correspond to processing associated with a protocol layer. A service point function may be implemented in hardware, software or firmware with any of the multiple function blocks. After completion of each service point function, a sub-path is called to connect the completed service point function with a next service point function to be performed. The sub-path invokes a pointer which provides the next routine (e.g., the service point functionality) to be performed. If any one functional block is becoming overloaded, the system can simply change one sub-path, to route process functionality associated with a particular service point functionality to be performed in another functional block with the same capability programmed or hardwired therein.

Abstract: A high-speed area-efficient cross bar switch architecture is embedded on a chip to provide connections between a plurality of ports such that multiple and concurrent point-to-point connections may be established between any devices connected to the cross bar. The cross bar is especially well adapted for distributed communication systems implemented as a system on chip. A protocol system ensures that high priority data flows through the cross bar ahead of lower priority data in the event that there are two or more devices concurrently attempting to send data to the same port. The protocol system also arbitrates between two or more devices concurrently attempting to send data to the same port, if data from such sending devices have equal priorities. In a distributed system, concurrency of transmitting and sending data can provide significant performance advantages, as semaphores and notifications are accomplished quickly. Data transfers experience minimal blocking and throughput degradation.

Abstract: A device, architecture and system that efficiently supports voice, video, and non-real-time data streams between networks and/or devices in one or more multiple protocol environments. Several interconnected functional blocks that are programmably configuable to perform portions of processing appurtenant to one or more of the protocol environments. A function allocator, associated with the plurality of functional blocks, allocates portions or processing among the functional blocks based on an identity of one or more of the protocol environments. The device may be employed in many data communication-processing environments, I/O processors in computers, and is especially well suited as gateway device for processing real-time communication as well as bursty data between networks and customer premise equipment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing for non-blocking shared structures. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a plurality of interconnected functional blocks that cooperate to process communications data, (2) a shared structure, coupled to the plurality of functional blocks, that contains a plurality of shared structures for containing the communications data and (3) an intermediate buffer, coupled to the shared structure, that allows the plurality of functional blocks to write the communications data to the plurality of buffers upon demand and considers requests by one of the plurality of functional blocks to read the communications data from one of the plurality of buffers. In one embodiment, data in the form of a message or command is actually deposited in the intermediate buffer. Such message or command is linked to objects entered and removed in shared stucutres.