Method and apparatus for broadcasting data in a ring connected multiprocessor

摘要

A method and an apparatus for interprocessor communication in which each processor simultaneously outputs a local data subset of a data set and simultaneously receives foreign data subsets of the data set in both directions around a ring of processors. A destination data memory buffer the size of the entire data set is accessed for transmission and reception and uses four data pointers, two input and two output, whose positions in the memory buffer correspond to the data subsets passing into and out of the processor in each direction at that moment and which correspond to a direction of output or input. The processors pass the subsets one-half of the way around the ring in each direction. Each processor knows whether a data subset should be passed on to neighboring processors. Received each foreign data subset received is stored in the data memory buffer in the correct position as designated by the appropriate input data pointer. The stored data subset, if necessary, is then read out and communicated to the appropriate neighboring processor.