Optical multistage interconnection networks for large-scale multiprocessor systems

In numerical computing systems with a tightly coupled large-scale multiprocessor architecture (MIMD or multiple SIMD), the interconnection network among the system elements is of considerable importance. Such a network may bo built by nodes and channels made with optical components presently available. In this work two types of optical reversible node are discussed: the symmetrical exchange box and the complete node, and two examples of optical interconnection networks of the multistage nonblocking type are considered: two-sided, based on thu symmetrical interchange box, and one-sided, based on the complete node. These networks may be used either in digital optical computer architectures or in traditional multiprocessor systems and may function both in guided transmission and free transmission nf optical information.