Digital Logic
Priority
A ranking that determines service order when multiple requestors compete for a shared resource.
Detailed Explanation
Priority schemes range from fixed (same order always) to dynamic (changes based on history or fairness). Fixed priority is simple but can starve low-priority requestors. Round-robin provides fairness. Priority inversion occurs when low-priority holders block high-priority waiters.
Priority encoders convert multiple requests to the highest-priority selection. Priority arbiters grant access based on rankings. Configurable priorities allow software to adjust behavior.