Multiplex communications – Pathfinding or routing – Through a circuit switch
Reexamination Certificate
1998-04-06
2001-04-10
Chin, Wellington (Department: 2664)
Multiplex communications
Pathfinding or routing
Through a circuit switch
C340S870030
Reexamination Certificate
active
06215786
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is related to multi-stage interconnection switching networks which provide for the exchange of data between multiple electronic devices, and more particularly to geometrical patterns of semiconductor die and the associated wiring between such die to implement three-dimensional networks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Switching networks are commonly constructed with switches that are arranged into rows and columns such that all of the switches may be physically located on a common plane, such as on a single circuit panel or on a number of circuit panels adjacent one another. Interconnection wiring between the outputs and the inputs of the various switches is generally also accomplished in the same plane.
The prior art baseline network of
FIG. 1
, the reverse Banyan network of
FIG. 2
, the Cantor network of
FIG. 3
or the two-planed layered network of
FIG. 4
, or any of the other layered networks that are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,468, which is entitled “Layered Network” and which issued in the names of the inventors of this invention on May 23, 1989, are all examples of networks which may utilize the present invention. The wiring pattern and wiring topology of the interconnection wires between the switches are based upon the topology that applies to the particular type of networks to which the technique of the present invention is applied.
The layered network of the U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,468 has a number of desirable features, which were implemented in accordance with precise algorithms such that each network load size required a unique wiring topology and various different kinds of switching panels.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,468 is hereby incorporated by reference into this document. Although the layered network patent is used as an example to illustrate the invention, the invention may be applied to the various other types of multiple-stage switching networks, including baseline, Banyan and Cantor networks, the layered networks that may be constructed in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,468, and numerous other types of networks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Multi-stage switching networks can be expanded from small to very large size networks that are assembled into compact volumes by using the techniques of the present invention. Transformation of the abstract topology design of the network to the physical geometry with the techniques taught by this invention takes three steps, which are called: “rotate”, “fold” and “square” in the manner prescribed herein. The basic network module layout is first designed and then the layout is rotated end-around so that the two columns of switches of the module that require the longest wires are located at the middle of the module. The module layout is next conceptually folded in the middle so that columns equidistant from the center are placed together. The switches are then arranged into a regulator or square configuration so that for each switch in the configuration, every other switch whose row number differs by a single bit is located directly above-or-below or directly to the left-or-right of such switch. When switches are arranged in shapes like these, all wiring between switches is straight and short. The length of the longest wire grows proportionally to the square root of the number of connections made by the network, not linearly with the number of connections as in the prior art.
The geometry of the invention scales to larger networks by combining four smaller networks and adding an additional rectangular panel of switches and wiring for just the additional panel. Arbitrarily large networks may be built this way. The wiring between panels may be on rectangular, multi-layer printed circuits, or on thin ribbons of flexible circuitry. Both rectangular and ribbon wiring geometries may be used in a single network depending on distance between switches to be connected and other considerations. Finally, the networks need not necessarily be square in form. The switches may be configured into other shapes, including parallelograms, without losing the advantageous properties of the invention.
The present invention may also be applied to construct multi-stage networks, which range from small networks to large networks, all of which use the same type of switch. In addition, the construction of the networks in accordance of the present invention provides a number of advantages related to switch and wiring geometry.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4833468 (1989-05-01), Larson et al.
Larson Brian Ralph
Murphy Steven Allen
Bowen Glenn W.
Chin Wellington
Hogan Patrick M.
Jones Prenell
Lockheed Martin Corporation
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