Abstract: Systems and methods for cache-based compressed display data storage are provided. One system includes memory operable to store compressed display data, a processor comprising a processing core and a cache, a cache storage module operably coupled to the memory and the processor, wherein the cache storage module is to initiate a storage of at least a portion of the compressed display data in the cache in response to an indication that the processing core is in an inactive mode. One method comprises, in response to an indication that a processor is in an inactive mode, transferring compressed display data from a frame buffer in memory to a cache associated with the processor, obtaining a first compressed display data from the cache, and decompressing the first compressed display data to generate a first uncompressed display data.

Abstract: Video control signals are received at a video input port of a system. A determination is made whether the video control signals are valid or invalid. When video control signals represent a valid video signal, providing a delayed representation of a control signal to a synchronization input of a display engine of the system, and when the video control signals represent an invalid video signal, providing a an alternative signal to the synchronization input of the display engine.

Abstract: There is disclosed a bus interface unit for transferring machine specific register (MSR) requests between a plurality of bus devices. The bus interface unit comprises: 1) a plurality of input ports for receiving incoming MSR requests from the plurality of bus devices; 2) a plurality of output ports for transmitting data to the plurality of bus devices; and 3) a controller for reading N routing associated with a first received MSR request and comparing a first identification (ID) value in a predetermined M-bit field in the N routing bits to a first designated value. The controller, in response to a determination that the first ID value does not equal the first designated value: 1) realigns the N routing bits such that remaining ones of the N-M bits outside the predetermined M-bit field are moved into the predetermined M-bit field and 2) transmits the realigned N routing bits via a first one of the plurality of output ports identified by the first ID value.

Abstract: A master unit and a slave unit in a data processor are coupled together by a data bus. The master unit sends data transactions to the slave unit through the data bus and the slave unit executes the data transactions. The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for executing a data transaction either (1) by executing the data transaction “in order” with respect to other data transactions received by the slave unit, or (2) by executing the data transaction “out of order” with respect to other data transactions received by the slave unit. The master unit assigns a priority identifier to each data transaction. The slave unit reads the priority identifier to determine whether to execute the data transaction “in order” or “out of order” with respect to the other data transactions.

Abstract: A secondary bus controller allows for hot insertion and ejection of devices from the secondary bus without ceasing operations or halting software in the host computer. When a device is to be inserted a signal is sent to the secondary bus controller. The secondary bus controller suspends operation of the secondary bus, placing devices on the secondary bus in stasis. An interrupt handler reconfigures the system for the newly inserted card once it has been inserted. Attempts to access devices on the secondary bus during the insertion process may be met with a retry signal until insertion is complete. The ejection process follows similar steps, isolating and suspending operations on the secondary bus and triggering an interrupt routine in the host processor to reconfigure the system. The host processor and primary busses, along with the secondary bus controller remain active throughout the insertion or ejection processes.

Abstract: A fast centralized arbitrator for avoiding contention between up to eight processors or other smart devices having access to a shared computer facility. Each of the processors or smart devices is assigned a unique three digit octal formatted priority level. A first set of 1-of-8 decoders, AND gates and a prioritizer circuit are employed to determine the priority level of the highest priority device requesting access to the shared facility. A second set of 1-of-8 decoders, each having associated therewith a set of OR gates for combining the decoder outputs with the outputs of the prioritizer circuit and an AND gate for combining the outputs of the set of OR gates, are employed to generate a set of acknowledge signals for the smart devices.