Abstract: A memory containing a plurality of memory banks and a plurality of sense amplifiers. Also, the memory device contains a multiplexer and logic. The logic receives a refresh request for one of the plurality of memory banks and instructs the multiplexer to select one of the plurality of sense amplifiers in response to the refresh request.

Abstract: A method of operating a memory device includes determining whether a read command is to be issued after a write command. A posted read command is issued before issuance of the write command. The posted read command is issued in place of the read command to be issued after the write command. The write command is issued. Next, write data is transported onto a main bus in response to the write command. Data is read from the memory device, in response to the posted read command, prior to writing the write data to the memory device. The data is stored in a buffer. The write data is transported from the main bus to the memory device to write the write data to the memory device. Then, the data is outputted from the buffer onto the main bus.

Abstract: A page closing method and apparatus for multi-port host bridges. According to a method disclosed, a plurality of memory access commands are received from a plurality of command ports. A command is selected from one of the command ports to be the next memory access command executed. A number of pages of memory are closed in response to the command selected as the next memory access command. The number of pages closed is determined at least in part on which command port provides the next memory access command.

Abstract: A break-away end cap assembly includes a tube member of predetermined characteristics and an end cap member for releasably securing the open end of the tube member. An annular recessed groove is formed in the inner surface of the tube member. The end cap member includes an outer flange portion having an outer peripheral surface consistent in diameter with an outer diameter of the tube member and a body portion depending from the outer flange portion. At least one recessed opening is laterally formed within the body portion with a pilot hole formed at the base end of each recessed opening. A normally biased spring member is seated in a base of the recessed opening and a retractable pin is positioned over the normally biased spring member.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a method for decoding a memory access address. A portion of the memory access address is compared to a plurality of boundary values, each of the plurality of boundary values representing an uppermost address for a group of memory devices, each of the memory devices in the group having the same configuration. A group number is generated that represents an addressed group that contains an addressed memory device that contains the memory access address. A device number is generated that represents the location of the addressed memory device within the addressed group. A device selection signal is generated responsive to the group number and the device number.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accessing a memory. A source address that includes a page address and a page offset is received. The page address requires translation in order to form a first address that can be used to transfer data from a row of memory cells into a sense amplifier array in a memory. The page address is compared to contents of one or more page registers to determine if the data is present in the sense amplifier array as a result of a previous memory access. A second address is asserted to access a portion of the data if the data is determined to be present in the sense amplifier array.

Abstract: A pipelined memory controller that includes a decode stage, and a schedule stage, wherein the schedule stage includes a command queue to store multiple commands. In one embodiment, the schedule stage further includes look ahead logic which can modify an order memory commands are stored in the command queue.

Abstract: A page closing method and apparatus for multi-port host bridges. According to a method disclosed, a plurality of memory access commands are received from a plurality of command ports. A command is selected from one of the command ports to be the next memory access command executed. A number of pages of memory are closed in response to the command selected as the next memory access command. The number of pages closed is determined at least in part on which command port provides the next memory access command.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selecting a row of memory devices. A row value that indicates one of a plurality of chip select signals is stored in a storage element that is associated with a first address. A memory access request is received that includes the first address. The one of the plurality of chip select signals indicated by the row value is asserted to select one of a plurality of rows of memory devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accessing a memory resource, such as an array of DRAM modules, is described. The methodology commences with the receipt of a memory address during a memory access cycle. A row address is then generated by selecting predetermined bits of the memory address as the row address. Concurrently with the generation of the row address, a determination is made as to the configuration of a memory device within the memory resource and targeted by the memory address. Thereafter, a column address is generated by selecting bits of the memory address as the column address based on the configuration of the targeted memory device. The time required for the determination of the configuration of the targeted memory device is thus absorbed within the time expended generating the row address.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring units of information between clock domains. A respective set of N units of information is loaded from an output circuit in a first clock domain into a storage circuit in a second clock domain during each cycle of the first clock domain. Each set of N units is selected by the output circuit to include (1) units of information that have previously been loaded into the storage circuit and that will not be output from the storage circuit prior to the storage circuit being loaded with a subsequent set of N units of information, and (2) a complement number of units of information that have not previously been loaded into the storage circuit.

Abstract: A self-synchronizing method and apparatus for exiting a dynamic random access memory from a low power state is provided. The exit from the low power state is initiated. After the expiration of an exit delay period, a first quiet time is sent on a column-access pin. A second quiet time is sent on a row-access pins to reset the memory. The first quiet time and the second quiet time are not necessarily concurrent.

Abstract: A computer system employs DRAM devices in a memory sub-system, which devices are assigned into particular pools corresponding to different power consumption states with a most-recently-accessed (MRA) device being assigned to an active pool and placed at the top of a stack structure. A LRA device in the active pool is evicted from the active pool and placed in a standby pool when the active pool is full and the processor accesses another device, which is not currently assigned to the active pool. A LRA device of the standby pool gets evicted into a nap pool upon one of two conditions: either a timeout occurs, or the standby and active pools are full and the processor accesses another device, which is not currently assigned to either the active or standby pools.

Abstract: A test apparatus for testing the performance of a rotary drive includes a aft which extends along a longitudinal axis, at least one support for supporting the shaft in an elevated position, and a flywheel of predetermined weight rotatably attached to the shaft so that upon rotation of the shaft the flywheel rotates as well. A rotary drive powers the rotation of the shaft and flywheel, the rotary drive having a hydraulic motor which is in fluid communication with a reservoir containing hydraulic fluid by way of a servo valve. A microprocessor controls the rotation of the shaft by the rotary drive. The test apparatus further includes a rotary encoder, a torque sensor, and pressure sensors for monitoring the angular displacement of the system, the torque on the shaft, and various system pressures respectively.

Abstract: A novel method for performing memory accesses. Falling edges of a column address strobe (CAS) signal are used to cause dynamic random access memories (DRAMs) to drive data corresponding to the current address onto a data bus coupled to the input of a set of latches. A memory latch data (MLAD) signal is used to enable the set of latches. When the MLAD signal is asserted, the latches latch the data at the input in response to a falling edge of the CAS signal. When the MLAD signal is deasserted, the latch does not latch the data at the input in response to the falling edge of the CAS signal. Since the same signal (CAS) is used to control when the data is driven by the DRAMs and when the data is latched by the latches, the differences in output timings, signal path delays, and loads are avoided. The use of expensive timing compensation circuits and special tuning of these circuits for each circuit board redesign is thereby avoided.