Distributed fair arbitration system using separate grant and request lines for providing access to data communication bus

摘要

A method for arbitrating access by a plurality of agents to a bus utilizes a priority access list. Each agent in the plurality of agents has a position on the priority access list. This position indicates the agent's relative priority level of access to the bus. When at least one agent from the plurality of agents requests access the bus, bus access is granted to the agent among the requesting agents which is highest on the priority access list. Once an agent from the plurality of agents has gained access to the bus, the agent which gained access to the bus is moved to the bottom of the priority access list.