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EP0225022A2
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Multi-node data processing system
Assignee: Fujitsu Services Ltd
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Filing: 1986-10-15
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2006-10-15
Abstract
Abstract A multi-node data processing system is described in which each node (10-13) includes a processor (PROC) and an inter-node switch (INS). In operation, only one INS is active. The active INS is configured to act as a star coupler, receiving messages from any of the nodes and broadcasting each message to all the nodes including the node in which that INS is located. Each non-active INS is configured to route messages from the local processor to the active INS, and to route incoming messages broadcast by the active INS to the local processor. The system can be reconfigured to make a different INS active.
Inventors
- 👤 Colin Martin Duxbury
- 👤 Raymond Yates
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 21:08
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F15/00; G06F15/16; G06F15/163; G06F15/173; G06F15/17356; G06F15/17368; G06F15/17381; G06F15/17337; G06F15/17343; H; H04; H04L; H04L12/00; H04L12/28; H04L12/44; H04L2012/445
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A data processing system comprising a plurality of data processing nodes (10-13) each node including a data processing unit (PROC) characterised in that each node also includes a switching unit (INS), wherein in operation the switching unit in any one of the nodes can be selected to act as a star coupler for receiving messages from any of the nodes and broadcasting each message to all the nodes, the switching unit in each other node acting to relay messages between the processor in that node and the selected switching unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
A data processing system comprising a plurality of data processing nodes (10-13) each node including a data processing unit (PROC) characterised in that each node also includes a switching unit (INS), wherein in operation the switching unit in any one of the nodes can be selected to act as a star coupler for receiving messages from any of the nodes and broadcasting each message to all the nodes, the switching unit in each other node acting to relay messages between the processor in that node and the selected switching unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system according to Claim 1 wherein the switching units in all the nodes are identical in structure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A system according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein each switching unit includes a configuration register (20) which can be selectively set to indicate which of the switching units is currently to act as the star coupler.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
90 words
A system according to any preceding claim wherein each switching unit (INS) comprises a central switch (330) and a plurality of input channels (CH0-CH3), one of the input channels (CH0) being connected to receive messages from the data processing unit in the same node while the other input channels (CH1-CH3) are connected to receive messages from the other nodes, the central switch being operative to select any one of the input channels, and having an output which is connected to input channels of the switching units in the other nodes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
A system according to Claim 4 wherein each of said input channels, when it receives a message, sends a request signal (C0REQ-C3REQ) to the central switch, and wherein the central switch services each of the request signals in turn, in order of priority, by selecting a message from the corresponding channel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
66 words
A system according to Claim 5 wherein, in the switching unit currently acting as the star coupler, all the input channels (CH0-CH3) are enabled to send request signals to the central switch, while in the other switching units only the input channel (CH0) connected to the data processing unit in the same node is enabled so that the central switch selects only messages from that channel.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
115 words
A system according to any one of Claims 4 to 6 wherein each switching unit (INS) also includes a multiplexer (350) having a first input connected to the output of the central switch (330) and other inputs connected to said other channels (CH1-CH3), the output of the multiplexer being connected to the data processing unit (PROC) in the same node, wherein the switching unit currently acting as the star coupler the multiplexer (350) is set to select its first input, while in each of the other switching units the multiplexer (350) is set to select the input channel (CH1, CH2 or CH3) that is connected to the switching unit currently acting as the star coupler.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
37 words
A system according to any one of Claims 4 to 7 wherein each of the input channels (CH0-CH3) has a buffer (320-323) for holding a queue of messages waiting to be selected by the central switch (330).
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A data processing system according to any preceding claim wherein the switching units are connected together by means of optical fibres.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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