Hardware initialization with or without processor intervention
US7328334B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 21, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/24
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In an embodiment, an initialization extension device may provide an extended initialization period to enable a processor to configure a device, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), prior to entering an operating mode. The device may include a number of control registers that may be configured to default settings in a register initialization period commenced in response to a reset signal. The reset signal may also trigger an extension timer to countdown a timer extended initialization period. During the timer extended initialization period, the processor may write an extension control signal, e.g., an extension bit, to a register. An initialization extension unit may maintain the device in an initialization mode during the timer extended initialization period and/or while the register contains the extension control signal. The processor may configure the control registers for one or more operations the device may perform when it enters the operating mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.