Abstract:
A memory loopback system and method including an address/command transmit source configured to transmit a command and associated address through an address/command path. A transmit data source is configured to transmit write data associated with the command through a write path. Test control logic is configured to generate gaps between successive commands. A loopback connection is configured to route the write data from the write path to a read path. A data comparator is configured to compare the data received via the read path to a receive data source and generate a data loopback status output. Pattern generation logic can be configured to generate a loopback strobe, the loopback strobe being coupled to the read path. The pattern generation logic may be configured to synthesize a read strobe based on the test control logic and to use the synthesized read strobe as the loopback strobe. The loopback connection may be configured to route the address/command data from the address/command path to an address/command comparator, the address/command comparator being configured to compare the address/command data to an address/command receive source and generate an address/command loopback status output.
Abstract:
Processor overclocking techniques are disclosed. Upon automatically determining that overclocking entry criteria are satisfied, one or more cores are clocked above their standard operation frequencies. The cores may be overclocked until one or more exit criteria are satisfied. At that point, an exit procedure is performed, with the one or more overclocked cores return to their normal operating frequency.
Abstract:
A method is provided for selectively using a PCIXCAP pin input to detect PCI/PCI-X bus mode or as DC pin input. The method provides a PCI/PCI-X device having PCIXCAP pin input, and a circuit having a plurality of voltage level detection structures and an output corresponding to each voltage level detection structure. Each output is received by a first logic to detect the PCI bus mode of a device defining a first, PCIXCAP mode for the pin input. The method ensures that one of the plurality of voltage level detection structures may be used as a DC signal logic to provide a DC output signal to a second logic. A mode of the PCIXCAP pin input is selected so as to provide the DC output signal under conditions where the PCI/PCI-X bus mode is not being detected. In an embodiment, the DC output signal is used in as a PCI Hot-Plug interface signal.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for training read latency of a memory are disclosed. A memory controller includes a command FIFO configured to convey commands to a memory, a data queue coupled to receive data from the memory, and a register configured to provide a value indicative of a number of cycles of a first clock signal after which data is valid. During a startup routine, the memory controller is configured to compare data received by the data queue to a known data pattern after a specified number of cycles of the first clock signal have elapsed. The memory controller is further to configured to decrement the first value and repeat conveying and comparing if the data received matches the data pattern. If the received data does not match the data pattern for any attempted read of the memory, the memory controller is configured to program a second value into the register.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for training read latency of a memory are disclosed. A memory controller includes a command FIFO configured to convey commands to a memory, a data queue coupled to receive data from the memory, and a register configured to provide a value indicative of a number of cycles of a first clock signal after which data is valid. During a startup routine, the memory controller is configured to compare data received by the data queue to a known data pattern after a specified number of cycles of the first clock signal have elapsed. The memory controller is further to configured to decrement the first value and repeat conveying and comparing if the data received matches the data pattern. If the received data does not match the data pattern for any attempted read of the memory, the memory controller is configured to program a second value into the register.
Abstract:
In a common processor module/motherboard interface, an interface protocol is defined such that a replacement processor module can be recognized by a common motherboard and such that a common processor module can be compatible with multiple motherboards. A module information field stored on a processor module includes status information pertaining to the processor module. When the processor module is coupled to a motherboard, the motherboard downloads the module information field and generates initialization commands for the processor module based on the retrieved module information field. The commands are transferred to the processor module for initialization of the processor.
Abstract:
A control system includes a locomotion device that is configured to accompany a moving object such as a human operator or a robotic device. The control system is configured to control a motion of the locomotion device based on a location of at least one of the moving object relative to the locomotion device or a location of the locomotion device relative to the moving object. The control system is configured to control the locomotion device to maintain a position of the locomotion device with respect to the moving object to thereby synchronize the motion of the locomotion device with a motion of the moving object.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for operating horizontal axis wind turbine systems are disclosed. A system includes a turbine rotor and a rotor blade adapted to rotate about a horizontal axis, two vertical shafts, a plurality of gears adapted to translate a rotational motion of the turbine rotor into counter-rotating vertical rotational motions of the shafts, and two generators fixed to a tower, adapted to translate a rotational motion of the shafts into electrical power. A method of operating a horizontal axis wind turbine system includes obtaining a turbine rotor and a rotor blade adapted to rotate about a horizontal axis, obtaining two vertical shafts, obtaining a plurality of gears, and obtaining two generators fixed to a tower, translating a rotational motion of the turbine rotor into counter-rotating vertical rotational motions of the shafts using the gears, and translating a rotational motion of the shafts into electrical power using the generators.
Abstract:
A physical memory interface (Phy) and method of operating is disclosed. The Phy interface includes command and status registers (CSRs) configured to receive a first power context and second power context. Selection circuitry is configured to switch between the first and second power contexts. A plurality of adjustable delay elements are provided, each having a delay time responsive to the selected power context. A first set of CSRs configured may store the first power context and a second set of CSRs configured may store the second power context. The Phy interface may also include a plurality of drivers each having a selectable drive strength responsive to the selected power context. The Phy interface may also include a plurality of receivers each having a selectable termination impedance responsive to the selected power context. Switching between power contexts may result in adjusting of the delay elements, drive strength and/or termination impedance of one or more drivers/receivers.
Abstract:
In a microprocessor module assembly, voltage regulators are integrated into the module and adapted for use with a processor and support electronics likewise mounted on the module. The voltage regulators receive a fixed imput voltage from a motherboard interface and provide modified regulated output voltages to the processor and support electronics. In this manner, the processor module is readily upgradable such that future generations are compatible with a fixed motherboard interface without the need for upgrading voltage regulators on the motherboard. In a preferred embodiment, bulk decoupling capacitance is provided on the processor assembly to stabilize the DC output voltage of the voltage regulators.