Abstract

Networks of compare-and-exchange (C&E) units can perform many useful functions including sorting, selecting, merging, packet switching, and the logical set operations. The throughput of these functions is critical to the performance of parallel operations for relational data bases and interconnection networks for telecommunications and parallel processors. Optics is well suited for the implementation of C&E since the simple units are hardwired, and they must be globally connected in multistage networks to perform the desired operations. Thus we present designs for C&E modules based on a variety of optical technology. The designs are evaluated in terms of their potential performance on the above applications.

© 1987 Optical Society of America