SORTING SYSTEM

摘要

A sorter sorts a list of elements using a plurality of registers. Each register stores a value of at most one element. Each register receives an input from a previous one of the registers indicating whether the previous one of the registers is storing a value of a list element before storing a value of a list element. Each register supplies an indication to a next register whether the register is storing a list element value. A register sends a stored value and the register identification to a register stack. The register stack uses the value as an index to store a pointer to the register. In that way a sorted list is created in the register stack. A register stores list location information for one or more occurrences of a value stored by the register. Overflow of list location information is handled in a duplicate values stack.

主权项

1. A sorting apparatus to sort a list of items comprising:
a list communication bus to supply the list of elements; a plurality of registers, coupled in parallel to the list communication bus, wherein a register of the plurality of registers includes,
a value storage to store a value of one of the elements in the list;an input node to receive an input value exist indication;an output node to supply an output value exist indication to indicate, when asserted, that the register is storing a value of an element of the list in the value storage; and compare logic responsive to assert a match exist signal line coupled in parallel to the registers if a list value currently being supplied on the list communication bus matches the value in the value storage.