Abstract: An interconnection topography for microprocessor-based communication nodes consists of opposite arrays of client nodes and resource nodes, with each client node connected to one resource node by a data transfer link, each resource node connected to a resource trunk by a data transfer link, and each node connected to just four neighboring nodes by data transfer links. Communication nodes in the topography are microprocessor controlled, and comprise random access memory and data routing circuitry interfaced to the data transfer links. In one aspect resource nodes are provided with a map of the interconnection topography for use in routing data. In another aspect, individual ones of the communication nodes are programmed as servers for receiving client requests and scheduling routing of resource data.

Abstract: A system for controlling temperature buildup in an IC employs a temperature sensor to provide an indication of the IC temperature to a control circuit which is configured to provide an operational clock rate to the IC which is less than the system clock rate, based on a function of the temperature of the IC or its package. In one embodiment temperature sensors are implemented as solid-state circuitry within different functional areas of a single IC, such as a microprocessor, In other embodiments, operating voltage is lowered as operating frequency is lowered. In yet another embodiment temperature sensing of multiple processors in a system is provided to a controller or controllers which are configured to allocate workload between the processors as a means to limit temperature rise, as well as to lower operational clock rate and to lower operating voltage.

Abstract: A selective call-waiting system for telephony use samples transmission on a busy line if the line subscribes to the selective call-waiting service, and avoids interrupting the transmission with a call-waiting signal if the transmission is data-type. If the transmission on the busy line subscribing to the selective call-waiting service is voice-type, the system sends a call-waiting signal. Signal analyzers are disclosed, as well as methods for practicing the invention.

Abstract: A system using a printer with a fuser-heater has control means for turning off the fuser-heater during times when no printing is required, while leaving the rest of the printing system operable. Time between print requests is monitored, and the fuser-heater is turned off when a preset time is reached without a print request. A next request turns the fuser-heater back on again. Data is accepted at a reduced rate while a heater warms up.