Abstract:
An associative memory matrix having a writable portion made up of bistable memory cells and a read-only portion made up of monostable memory cells. The memory may be used as a conventional memory by placing an address in the address field of an entry register, masking out all other bits and performing a match interrogation with the unmasked bits. Since the contents of the address portion (read-only memory) of each stored word are unique, the interrogation results in a single match at the location containing the address sought. Included is a circuit for determining whether no match, one match, or a multiple match has occurred.
Abstract:
An input/output interface switching apparatus for switching I/O interfaces connecting I/O control units between channels. A matrix of transistor cross-point switches is provided for attaching one or more strings of control units to one or more channels. These strings of control unit are switched between the channels under configuration control. The cross-points are arranged so that a single failure within one interface affects at most only the channel to which the interface is associated. The switching matrix is physically centralized to minimize the number of I/O interface cables and connectors. The switching functions are, however, logically decentralized from a reliability standpoint so that a single component failure does not result in total switching system failure.