Computer system with modular upgrade capability
US5321827A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jun 14, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/5009
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for upgrading a computer is disclosed. Certain essential chips present in the original computer system are functionally, but not necessarily physically, removed from the computer system. Functions which would otherwise be performed by the original chips are instead performed by higher-performance chips on a plug-in module which is plugged into the computer system. The functional removal of the certain chips from the original computer system is achieved through simple insertion of the plug-in module. No replacement or substitution of original chips or boards is necessary. Furthermore, upgraded computer systems may be further upgraded by replacement of a first plug-in module with a second plug-in module with different performance characteristics.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.