System for generating and sending a critical-world-first data response

Abstract

A system for efficiently supporting critical-word-first data transfers comprises a data storage device, a controller, a data selector, and a multiplexer. The data storage device is preferably capable of outputting data in one or more word orderings. The controller is preferably a state machine that processes data transfer requests by determining the orderings of data that the associated data storage device, data selector and multiplexer can provide, determining the ordering for the data requested and creating a response packet with the data ordered in critical-word-aligned order beginning with the word containing the requested address. The present invention also includes a method for efficiently supporting critical-word-first data transfers. The method includes the steps of: monitoring the bus for a data request packet; determining the desired order for the requested data; determining the transmission orders in which the data storage device can provide the data; determining the transmission order best matching the requested order and creating a response packet with the data ordered in the order best matching the desired requested order; adding response format information to the header of the response packet and transmitting the response packet on the bus.