A microcoded multiprocessor crossbar network communications controller

Abstract

This paper describes the architecture and microcode organization of an Interprocessor Communications Controller (ICC) for a multi-microcomputer system employing a fully parallel crossbar switch. The communications controller provides fast data transmission between seven microcomputers via nonvectored interrupts. Also, within the communications controller, programmable 16-bit down-counting timers are available to each of the microcomputers within the multi-microcomputer system.