Steven C Thompson

US Patent:

54817072, Jan 2, 1996

Filed:

Apr 11, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/420329

Inventors:

Philip A. Murphy - King of Prussia PA
Wayne A. Genetti - Phoenixville PA
Gunnar K. Gunnarsson - West Chester PA
Edward J. Pullin - Norwood PA
Steven A. Thompson - Coatesville PA
Robert H. Tickner - Jeffersonville PA
Gary C-F Wu - Audubon PA

Assignee:

Unisys Corporation - Blue Bell PA

International Classification:

G06F 300
G06F 1206
G06F 1320
G06F 1516

US Classification:

395650

Abstract:

A computer system performs memory to memory transfer, task scheduling and I/O request handling via a group of dedicated processors (e. g. a memory interface unit, an I/O unit, a data transfer unit, and a task control unit). The memory interface unit facilitates data interaction between the memory and the remainder of the system. The I/O unit is coupled to the memory interface unit and performs high level I/O job functions including I/O job scheduling, I/O job path selection, gathering of job statistics and device management. The data transfer unit is coupled to the memory interface unit and moves data between memory locations. The task control unit, coupled to the memory interface unit, allocates and deallocates events, maintains the status of tasks running on the system and schedules the execution of tasks. A hierarchical error reporting scheme is used by all of the processors.