Abstract: A high-bandwidth cache system serves computer elements such as processors and disk arrays through a serial interconnection architecture. The system includes a set of adapters, each adapter connected to at least one computer element, and a cache memory. The system also includes a set of bidirectional multichannel serial data links, each link connecting one of the adapters to the cache.

Abstract: A system for busing data in a DASD controller is described. The system includes adapters serving computer elements such as processors and disk arrays. Cache memory in the controller is divided amongst memory cards. At least one switch is connected to each memory card. Bidirectional multichannel serial links connect each adapter with a switch. Each switch can establish at least one path between each adapter connected to the switch and each memory card.

Abstract: A direct access storage device (DASD) controller system for serves computer elements such as processors and disk arrays through a serial interconnect scheme. The system includes a plurality of adapters belonging to either a first set or a second set. Cache memory is divided into master memory cards and slave memory cards, each slave memory card in communication with a corresponding master memory card. A plurality of bidirectional multichannel serial data links connects one adapter with one memory card such that every adapter in the first set of adapters is connected to every master memory card and such that every adapter in the second set of adapters is connected to every slave memory card.

Abstract: The invention is for an improved method and apparatus of driving a stepper motor with multiple voltages. A first voltage is applied to the step motor winding for a driving phase, and a second higher voltage is applied to the same motor winding during the same driving phase just prior to and substantially until the time that the winding is de-energized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quieting the operation of a dot matrix printer by logically dividing the data to be printed among timed spaced printing passes is disclosed. A matrix of data to be printed is stored in a memory. A slice of data is selected from the stored data and the number of dots to be printed simultaneously is reduced by logically allocating the data in each slice among complementary submatrices. Each submatrix of data is printed substantially aligned with each other submatrix in two passes of the print head across the print medium to represent the entire selected slice of data. Noise reduction is achieved by reducing the number of data dots simultaneously printed at each print location.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanism for positioning an output member of a mechanical system and in particular a mechanical system that has backlash present. The mechanism has a step motor, regulated by control means, connected to the output member by a mechanical transmission. The control means delivers units of electrical energy to the step motor in response to a number of steps specified to be moved. The control means also has means for detecting whether the step to be performed by the step motor is a single remaining step or single step only. The control means responds to detection of the single remaining step or detection of the single step only by applying a unit of energy to the step motor at a rate that is substantially slower than the rate that would be applied for the other steps.