Multiple parallel digital data stream channel controller

Abstract

A data channel controller, coupleable to a base computer system including a base memory, for managing the transport of multiple data streams through a base system interface including a first buffer, a pool memory including a plurality of second buffers, and one or more peripheral devices each having a third buffer. An arbiter system is coupled to said pool memory for selectively enabling the transfer of data with respect to a predetermined first buffer in response to first and second request signals. The peripheral devices operate to transport data through their third buffers with respect to a peripheral interfaces characterized as each having a predetermined data transfer rate. The peripheral devices first request signals to the arbiter system under first predetermined conditions with respect to the presence of data in corresponding third buffers to obtain a transfer of data between corresponding second and third buffers. The base system interface provides the second request signal under second predetermined conditions with respect to the presence of data in the second buffers to obtain corresponding transfers of data between the second buffers and the base memory through the first buffer.