Intelligent distributed data transfer system

Abstract

The present invention discloses a distributed data transfer system for transferring data among several processing units and an integrated data storage means, e.g., a memory sub-system. The distributed data transfer system includes a plurality of distributed data transfer means for connecting to the processing units. The distributed data transfer system further includes a distribution control means connected to the distributed data transfer means and the integrated data storage means. The distributed data transfer means, under the control of the distribution control means, is capable of transferring the data in divisible portions over a plurality of scheduled time periods. In a preferred embodiment, the distributed data transfer means further includes a plurality of data bus branches and a bus trunk connecting to the data bus branches. The distribution control means further includes a programmable control means for down-loading of control programs for controlling the distributed data transfers. The programmable control means further includes a plurality of finite state machines (FSMs) each including a programmable logic array for receiving the down-loading of control programs and a state register for storing a state of the FSM.