Abstract: SMP computers systems can add to the first level cache a fill mode latch and achieve straightforward, high-performance loading of a writable cache code array that is part of a hierarchical cache structure.A new code array's write control elements include a control latch called "fill mode" for the BCE controls which when fill mode is active, then a disable is also active, since reads of the code array may not give accurate data when the array is not yet filled-up/fully valid. New mode follows the sequential steps which process code by:a) purge the cache array; thenb) disable the code array; thenc) turn on fill mode with a buffer control element fill mode latch; and then processd) code increments once through a range of line addresses, where the range is at least as wide as the range(s) specified in the code array's lookup mechanism.e) turn off fill mode; thenf) purge the cache array again: and theng) enable the code array (turn off the code array disable bit).h) resume normal operation to end the sequence.

Abstract: A light sensitive dimmer switch circuit for controlling the illumination level of a light as a function of the ambient illumination level surrounding the dimmer switch circuit by selectively controlling an AC power signal provided to the light includes a photocell and a phase control circuit. The photocell is responsive to the ambient illumination level and has a conduction state associated therewith. The conduction state changes, in response to the ambient illumination level, such that the photocell effectively exhibits either a substantially open circuit or a substantially short circuit. The phase control circuit selectively varies a conduction phase angle associated with the AC power signal which correspondingly causes a variation in the illumination level of the light.

Abstract: A memory and sense amplifier with latched output included therein derives high speed and noise immunity with precharged logic circuits through the separation of sense amplifier enablement and resetting by use of the precharge operation. Inclusion of bit line decoders which are wholly or partially self-resetting and self-precharging in sense amplifier support circuitry allows high performance at extremely short memory operation cycle times. A multiplexor is included which is usable in operating cycles as well as test cycles of the memory and further, in combination with other elements of the memory and sense amplifier arrangement, enables the pipelining of plural memory operations in a single memory cycle.

Abstract: A pipelined set-associative cache data READ/WRITE access circuit advancing the processing performance speeds in microprocessor memories. It provides an apparatus and method to obtain quick access to multi-way cache memory associates for both READ and WRITE operations satisfying the required increased memory access performance speeds for modern microprocessor utilizations. Special methodology is employed to minimize the number of pathways and the pathway through-time of the longest time critical path even with a provision of array built in self test (ABIST) capability.