Switch architecture for digital multiplexed signals

Abstract

In a switch in accordance with the principles of the present invention, switch modules that include a disassembly block, a switching core, and an assembly block are combined to implement an N×M multi-port switch that effectively connects N input ports to M output ports, provides broadcast capability, and may be non-blocking. The switch operates on data channels that all have their respective data blocks organized in the same number of bit-packs. Disassemblers within each module slice incoming data blocks into bit-packs and route the bit-packs to switching cores. A switching core within each module connects each input channel with each output channel at the bit-pack level. Assemblers within each module receive the switched bit-packs from each switching core and assemble the bit-packs into data blocks for each of the output channels.