The Block-Oriented Computer

LSI will have a profound effect on the design of computer systems ranging from evolutionary changes in implementation to revolutionary changes in basic architecture. This paper discusses a computer composed of an array of processors. Entire wafers are used, rather than wafers diced into chips. The computer utilizes software to substitute process elements for the purpose of compensating for imperfect yield on the wafer. The computer organization possesses a property called block orientation which permits the use of whole LSI wafers with low yields without requiring a secondary metalization manufacturing step. Through the use of a unique computing algorithm, the parallelism and communication problems inherent to array processors are minimized. Processing systems of the sort discussed can possess a self-healing capability.