Hardware implemented locking mechanism for parallel/distributed computer system

摘要

A parallel computing system includes multiple nodes, each node including a processor with software control. According to the invention, the parallel computing system includes a distributed lock mechanism that controls access to system resources, the lock mechanism being distributed among the multiple nodes, with each node including hardware-based lock processing apparatus. Such apparatus comprises a communication interface for receiving and transmitting control and data messages and a table arrangement for storing plural lock words. A hardware logic circuitry such as a state machine is present in each node and is connected to the table arrangement and to the communications interface and is responsive to a received lock request to perform hardware-controlled lock processing functions. In preferred embodiments, those functions include: reading a stored lock word from the table arrangement; comparing the stored lock word with a compare lock word in the received lock request; compiling a message which grants the lock request if the comparison indicates a match, or a message denying the lock request if the comparison indicates a non-match, or a message indicating completion of a specified operation. The state machine performs the function without invoking the processor and/or its software control, thereby enabling lock grant/denial/information messages to be handled independently of software controlled processor procedures.