Patents by Inventor Terry Hulett

Terry Hulett has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Heuristic clock speed optimizing mechanism and computer system employing the same
    Patent number: 5490059
    Abstract: A microprocessor includes a programmable thermal sensor incorporated on an associated semiconductor die for generating a signal indicative of the temperature of the semiconductor die. The control signal is provided to a frequency synthesizer which controls the frequency of the CPU clock signal. The frequency synthesizer is dynamically controlled such that the frequency of the CPU clock signal is varied to run at an optimal frequency while preventing the microprocessor from overheating. In one embodiment, upon reset of the computer system, the clock frequency is set at an initial frequency. The clock frequency is gradually and incrementally increased until the temperature of the semiconductor die reaches a predetermined threshold. The frequency at which the predetermined temperature threshold was reached is then saved, and the operating frequency is reduced by a certain level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Rupaka Mahalingaiah, Terry Hulett