Importance

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Abstract

The interface modules (LIM1, . . , LIM8) control the access of information packets, received via terminal interconnections (TI11, . . . , TI82), to a common databus (DB). This access is for all interface modules granted by means of a grant signal transmitted over a priority bus (AB). Each interface module includes a priority generation module (PG) which determines a priority value (PR1) for this module. Based on this priority value, the interface modules compete with each other to gain access to the databus. The priority value (PR1) is transmitted over the priority bus (AB) and is determined dynamically based on at least one characteristic of the packets, e.g. on the age of the oldest byte of the packets waiting for transmission in the interface module and/or of the type of information contained in the packets. Two embodiments of the priority generation module (PG) are described, one based on a software program and one based on the value, at the time of receipt of a grant signal, of counters associated with each queued packet of the interface module.

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First Claim