Inventors:
Fataneh F. Ghodrat - Fort Collins CO
David A. Thomas - Fort Collins CO
Assignee:
LSI Logic Corporation - Milpitas CA
International Classification:
G06F 1300
US Classification:
710 40, 710 15, 710 18, 710 22, 710 28, 710 36, 710244, 711147, 711150
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for processing data packets through direct memory access (DMA) in transferring data packets between a bus and an apparatus containing DMA engines. The DMA engines process different contexts, also referred to as distinct logical data streams. The phase of a bus along with the status of DMA transactions are monitored. The phase and the status are used to dynamically allocate priorities to the DMA engines to maximize the efficiency in processing data.