System and method for initiating an operating frequency using dual-use signal lines
US6505261B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 27, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 27, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F13/4059
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for inputting a set of values, e.g. an operating frequency, using dual-use signal connections. In an exemplary computer system, one or more processors are each coupled to a bridge. The dual-use signal connections are used to input an operating frequency ratio to a processor. The operating frequency ratio may also be input to the bridge. Once the operation of the processor has been initialized, the dual-use signal connections may be used to output operating parameters of the processor. The use of the using dual-use signal connections may advantageously allow for the operating frequency ratio to be input to the processor without dedicated signal lines or pins.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.