DAMP - A Dynamic Reconfigurable Multiprocessor System with a Distributed Switching Network

In this paper the dynamic reconfigurable multiprocessor system DAMP is introduced which is currently under development at the University of Paderborn. Its architecture is based on a single type of building block (DAMP-module) consisting of a transputer, memory and a local switching network. These building blocks are interconnected according to a fixed topology with restricted neighborhood (octagonal torus). Circuit-switching is used to establish and to release communication paths between nodes dynamically during runtime under program control. Currently an 8-processor prototype is operational, a redesign for a 64-processor system is under way. After describing the basic architecture of the DAMP system the paper concentrates on its reconfiguration properties (especially blocking problems). Finally the implementations of centralized and decentralized switch control on the prototype system are presented and first measurements of communication setup times are discussed.