Multiprocessor data processing system having a data routing mechanism regulated through control communication

Abstract

A data interconnect and routing mechanism reduces data communication latency, supports dynamic route determination based upon processor activity level/traffic, and implements an architecture that supports scalable improvements in communication frequencies. In one implementation, a data processing system includes at least first through third processing units, data storage coupled to the plurality of processing units, and an interconnect fabric. The interconnect fabric includes at least a first data bus coupling the first processing unit to the second processing unit and a second data bus coupling the third processing unit to the second processing unit so that the first and third processing units can transmit data traffic to the second processing unit. The data processing system further includes a control channel coupling the first and third processing units. The first processing unit requests approval from the third processing unit via the control channel to transmit a data communication to the second processing unit, and the third processing unit approves or delays transmission of the data communication in a response transmitted via the control channel.