Arrangement and method of arbitration for a resource with shared user request signals and dynamic priority assignment

摘要

A method and apparatus for arbitration among users for a resource has a single shared user request line over which each of the users asserts request signals for use of the resource. Dynamic priority assignment is provided, in which the sequence of users is changed as a function of the last user to use the resource. A time multiplexed format for arbitration is followed, with each user keeping track of which user's turn it is to request use of the resource. This prevents starvation of an individual user and allows great flexibility in assigning priority to the users, while reducing pin counts and signal traces.