Arbitration and select logic for accessing a shared memory

A technique for arbitrating and selecting one access request to a shared memory from among multiple contenders is disclosed. In a first aspect, the invention includes a method for accessing a shared memory. The method includes receiving a plurality of access requests; presenting a plurality of characteristics for each access request; ascertaining a plurality of operational characteristics; and selecting one of the access requests for processing upon consideration of the access request characteristics and the operational characteristics. In a second aspect, the invention includes an arbitration and select logic ("ASL") unit. The ASL unit comprises a plurality of input sorting units, each input sorting unit capable of receiving a respective access request and a merge and interleave unit ("MIU"). The MIU is capable of receiving a plurality of characteristics for each access request; receiving a plurality of operational characteristics; and selecting one of the access requests for processing upon consideration of the access request characteristics and the operational characteristics.