Apparatus and method using an ID instruction to identify a computer microprocessor
US5790834A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 1992 |
| Grant date | Aug 4, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 31, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2207/7219
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An identification apparatus and method for identifying the microprocessor, including a read-only memory for storing microprocessor ID data having data fields for identifying the microprocessor, and control logic for executing an ID instruction that reads the microprocessor ID data from the read-only memory and stores it in a register that can be selectively read by a programmer. The identification apparatus and method also include an ID flag indicative of implementation of the ID instruction in the microprocessor, and a test flag program for testing the ID flag to determine whether or not to execute the ID instruction. The method is available at any time while the microprocessor is operating, for example during initialization of the system software, installation of a program, or while a program is running. Once a microprocessor has been identified, features appropriate to the specific microprocessor can be enabled, and work-around programs can be installed. The method prevents execution of the ID instruction on microprocessors that do not have the identification system, and prevents execution of the test flag program on microprocessors that do not have a test flag location. The inv…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.