Abstract: A synchronous optical bus system for communication between computer system components is described. In one example, the optical bus system is used for communication between a memory controller and memory devices optically coupled to an optical interconnect. Optical bus interface units couple the components to the optical interconnect and are arranged on the optical interconnect in order that a sum of an optical path length from a controller component to each computer system component and from each computer system component to the controller component is the same for all the coupled computer system components. A synchronous protocol is used for communication between the components.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to optical-based barrier methods and systems for synchronizing processing of two or more threads. In one method embodiment of a barrier method, each thread can be processed by a different processing element. The method comprises transmitting a lightwave along a waveguide that is optically coupled to each of the processing elements. Each processing element that processes a thread turns on diverter capable of diverting substantially all of the lightwave from the waveguide. Each processing element that completes processing of a thread turns off a corresponding diverter. A barrier is reached when all of the processing elements have turned off the corresponding diverters and discontinued diverting a portion of the lightwave from the waveguide.

Abstract: Illustrated is a computer system and method that includes a Processing Element (PE) to generate a data packet that is routed along a shortest path that includes a plurality of routers in a multiple dimension network. The system and method further include a router, of the plurality of routers, to de-route the data packet from the shortest path to an additional path, the de-route to occur where the shortest path is congested and the additional path links the router and an additional router in a dimension of the multiple dimension network.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for distributing an intentionally skewed optical-clock signal to nodes of a source synchronous computer system. In one system embodiment, a source synchronous system comprises a waveguide, an optical-system clock optically coupled to the waveguide, and a number of nodes optically coupled to the waveguide. The optical-system clock generates and injects a master optical-clock signal into the waveguide. The master optical-clock signal acquiring a skew as it passes between nodes. Each node extracts a portion of the master optical-clock signal and processes optical signals using the portion of the master optical-clock signal having a different skew for the respective extracting node.

Abstract: A system and method is shown for on-chip and chip-to-chip routing. The system and method includes a processor element residing on a processor die to process a data packet received at the processor die. The system and method also include a router residing on the process die to route the data packet received at the processor die. Further, the system and method includes a switch core residing on the processor die to switch a communication channel along which the data packet is to be transmitted. Additionally, the system and method includes a switch core to identify a destination processing element and router (PE/R) module for a data packet, the switch core and the destination PE/R module residing on a common processor die. Moreover, the system and method includes a communication channel to operatively connect the switch core and the destination PE/R module on the common processor die.

Abstract: A synchronous optical bus system for communication between computer system components is described. In one example, the optical bus system is used for communication between a memory controller and memory devices optically coupled to an optical interconnect. Optical bus interface units couple the components to the optical interconnect and are arranged on the optical interconnect in order that a sum of an optical path length from a controller component to each computer system component and from each computer system component to the controller component is the same for all the coupled computer system components. A synchronous protocol is used for communication between the components.

Abstract: Examples of a computer system packaged in a three-dimensional stack of dies are described. The package includes an electrical die and an optical die coupled to and stacked with the electrical die. The electrical die includes circuitry to process and communicate electrical signals, and the optical die includes structures to transport optical signals. The electrical die has a smaller area than the optical die so that the optical die includes an exposed mezzanine which is configured with optical input/output ports. Additionally, the packaging can be configured to provide structural support against insertion forces for external optical connections.