Modular crossbar interconnection network for data transaction between system units in a multi-processor system

Abstract From the Canadian patent

For efficiently handling data transactions between various system units (CPUs, I/O units and main memory units) in a multi-processor system, the system units are linked via a plurality of expandable crossbar modules each providing a set of interconnections or well-defined mappings between the sets of input and output nodes with, each output being defined in terms of only one input. In addition to the nodes provided at the input and output sections, each crossbar module is also provided with discrete input and output expansion ports through which the module may be linked to other identically configured crossbar modules when additional nodes are to be integrated into the system. The expansion …