Patent ID: 6711604
Filing Date: 2004-03-23
Classification: G06E,G06F

Abstract:
A summing apparatus for determining the sum of a first optical binary word and a second optical binary word, each binary word having a plurality of bit slots, the apparatus comprising:at least one optical logic element of a first type and at least one optical logic element of a second type, each optical logic element including: receiving means for receiving binary words; and means for generating an output word that is a logical combination of the received binary words; wherein the or each logic element of the first type is configured to perform a function which results in a first functional combination on received words and wherein the or each logical element of the second type is configured to perform a function which results in a second functional combination on received words; coupling means coupled to the logic elements so that the logic elements are coupled to one another by the coupling means such that in use and for each logic element, the output word from a logic element of one type is passed to a logic element of the same type and to a logic element of the other type; and delay means provided between the logic elements such that the output words from the different logic elements are delayed with respect to one another by at least one bit slot.