Patent ID: 6188249
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
An arbiter for arbitrating between a first signal at a first input and a second signal at a second input, the arbiter comprising:a first path connecting the first input of The arbiter with a first output of the arbiter, the first path having a first delay associated with propagation of the first signal from the first input to the first output;a second path connecting the second input of the arbiter with a second output of the arbiter, the second path having a second delay associated with propagation of the second signal from the second input to the second output, the second delay being substantially greater than the first delay;logic elements fordesignating, as a closed path, a path selected from the first path and the second path, the closed path having a closed path input and a closed path output, said closed path output being independent of the closed path input;designating, as an open path, a path selected from the first path and the second path, the open path having an open path input and an open path output, said open path output being dependent on the open path input;a pass gate which is a transmission gate for the second path, responsive to at least one of the logic elements, that opens and closes the second path; anda pass gate which is a transmission gate for the first path, responsive to at least one of the logic elements, that opens and closes the first path.