Importance

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Abstract

A data storage system includes a plurality of control/data buses. A memory section is coupled to the plurality of control/data buses. The memory section includes a plurality of memory regions and a plurality of control logic sections arranged in a matrix of rows and columns. The control logic sections in each one of the rows thereof is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of memory regions. The control logic sections in each one of the columns thereof is connected to a corresponding one of the control/data buses. Each one of the rows of control logic sections are interconnected through an arbitration bus. The control logic section is adapted to produce a control/data bus request for the one of the control/data buses coupled thereto and is adapted to effect the transfer in response to a control/data bus grant fed to the control logic section. Each one of the control logic sections also includes a fault tolerant bus arbitration section coupled to the arbitration bus to: (1) receive a control/data bus request from the control logic in such one of the control logic sections and from the other control logic sections coupled to such arbitration bus; (2) grant access to the control/data bus to one of the control logic sections in accordance with the control/data bus requests coupled to the bus arbitration section; (3) receive control/data bus grants from the other control logic sections coupled to such arbitration bus; and (4) distribute the control/data bus request produced by the control logic in said control logic section to the other control logic sections coupled to the arbitration bus.

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First Claim