Robert B Mizell

US Patent:

6631131, Oct 7, 2003

Filed:

May 17, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/312923

Inventors:

David P. Sonnier - Austin TX
William J. Watson - Austin TX
Robert B. Mizell - Austin TX
Robert W. Horst - Saratoga CA

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. - Houston TX

International Classification:

H04L 1256

US Classification:

370357, 370467

Abstract:

A biased arbitration technique utilizes a transpose table to arbitrate access to a shared resource. Each column of transpose table is a binary bias vector encoding a bias value assigned to one of the requestors. The rows of the table are fetched to assure that requestors having high bias values are granted more frequent access to the shared resource. A look-ahead feature skips rows having all zeros and an unbiased cycle that assures all requesting ports are serviced regardless of their bias values.