Peripheral device controller with an EEPROM with microinstructions for a RAM control store
March 31, 2009. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesTerminal configuration manager Multilevel bootstrap apparatus Co-processor combination Multiple port integrated DMA and interrupt controller and arbitrator Security system for microcomputers Memory patching system Universal peripheral controller self-configuring bootloadable ramware Multiple DMA controller chip sequencer Vehicle computer diagnostic interface apparatus Power supply controller InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 295318 filed on 01/10/1989US Classes:710/15, Peripheral monitoring710/8Peripheral configurationExaminersPrimary: Lee, Thomas C.Assistant: Geckil, Mehmet B. Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassG06F 009/22AbstractA peripheral device controller has an EEPROM which stores microinstructions to be placed in a random access memory control store. The EEPROM also stores peripheral configuration information. This information is obtained by polling the peripheral devices connected to the controller and storing the resulting information in the EEPROM. Upon powering up, the microinstructions stored in the EEPROM are transferred to the control store via execution of instructions held in a boot PROM. The controller, therefore, provides a fast control store while maintaining permanence of the microinstructions after power is extinguished. Means are also provided to update the control store and EEPROM. The EEPROM may upon CPU command be updated with new microinstructions held in main memory or obtained from peripheral devices. | |
