Reconfigurable torus network having switches between all adjacent processor elements for statically or dynamically splitting the network into a plurality of subsystems

摘要

An n-dimensional torus network-based parallel computer, n being an integer greater than 1, is folded n times with the results of folding embedded in an n-dimensional layer for connection with an interleave connecting unit. Four-terminal switches or switch units are placed at the folding positions. The switching units are changed so that any two of the four terminals are linked together. This permits the torus network to be split into subtorus networks or subtori. The subtori can be integrated into the original torus network whereby the reconfiguration of the torus network is realized. The switches are changed over by the switching unit in either a static mode or a dynamic mode. In the static mode, only the system side is allowed to change over the switches. In the dynamic mode, users are allowed to transmit a message to cause the switching unit to change over the switches. By connecting a communications path between the switches, the communication distance between distant processor elements can be reduced, permitting high-speed communication. This permits high- speed global calculations and broadcast processing.