Abstract:
The paper aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of reducing complexity of the distributed switches interconnecting the units of the data processing systems. Simplification was obtained by the use of optical facilities: to switch
$n$ devices, it is possible to design the single-step switches of $n\log_2n$ switching elements assuming any of the two possible states. Retroreflectors were proposed to simplify organization of the group connections. Methods for using the proposed devices in the switching modes that underlie many tasks of control of interaction of the data processing devices were presented.