Comparison-based sort in a reconfigurable array processor having multiple processing elements for sorting array elements

摘要

A method for sorting data in an array processor. Each of a first tier of processing elements in the array processor receives data inputs from a load streaming unit. Each of the first tier processing elements compares input data portions received from the load streaming unit, wherein the input data portions are stored for processing in respective queues. The first tier processing elements select one of the input data portions to be an output data portion based on the comparison, and in response to the selection, remove a corresponding queue entry and request next input data from the load streaming unit. Each of the first tier processing elements further provides the output data portion as an input data portion to a second tier processing element that generates output data based on a comparison of output data received from at least two first tier processing elements.