Intelligent memory

ABSTRACT

The intelligent memory is a computer memory formed of circulating serial storage loops and distributed processing logic. In addition to the basic information storage function, the memory performs off-line sort processing, associative searching, updating and retrieval. The memory is also capable of dynamically varying its loop size to accommodate varying data requirements.

A number of memory configurations which trade performance for economy are possible. The options range from single record per loop and on-chip logic (aimed at CCD technology) to multiple records per loop and off-chip logic (aimed at magnetic bubble memories). The latter option is made possible by a new sort algorithm named "gyro sort" in which loop contents are caused to "precess" at appropriate intervals.

As one component of a storage hierarchy, the intelligent memory offers potential performance gains ranging from one to three orders of magnitude over random access memories at comparable cost.

REFERENCES

• 1: Knuth, D. E., "Sorting and Searching" The Art of Computer Programming, Vol. 3, Addison-Wesley, 1973.