Optically interconnected switching networks

Work on hybrid multistage switching networks is presented. A simple mapping rule is used to form a network using two-dimensional perfect shuffle interconnections, and other 2-D patterns are developed from other mappings. The general conditions for a 1-D net to be mappable into two dimensions are established, and it is pointed out that in practice all multistage interconnection networks (MINs) are mappable-a suitable mapping transformation is what is required. It is shown how to use the mapping process to produce hybrid MINs with a variable electronic island size. It is concluded that the design flexibility exists to take multistage processors and transform them into formats which are highly suitable for the employment of optical interconnects