Method and system for controlling access to a shared resource in a data processing system utilizing pseudo-random priorities

摘要

A method and system for controlling access to a shared resource in a data processing system are described. According to the method, a number of requests for access to the resource are generated by a number of requesters that share the resource. Each of the requesters is assigned a current priority, at least the highest current priority being determined substantially randomly with respect to previous priorities of the requestors. In response to the current priorities of the requestors, a request for access to the resource is granted. In one embodiment, a requester corresponding to a granted request is signaled that its request has been granted, and a requester corresponding to a rejected request is signaled that its request was not granted.