Abstract: A method for preventing access to a system management random access memory (SMRAM) space is disclosed. The method intercepts access to an accelerated graphics port (AGP) aperture memory space and re-directs the access to non-SMRAM space if the access is directed to the SMRAM space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selective automatic precharge of dynamic random access memory banks is disclosed. By automatically precharging memory banks under certain conditions overall memory throughput can be improved because precharging is performed on a more selective basis. In one embodiment, the present invention provides support for multiple open banks of memory within a single memory sub-system. When multiple banks of memory are open simultaneously, a bank of memory that is less likely to be accessed in the future can be precharged when a new bank of memory is to be opened to service a memory request.

Abstract: A method for controlling core logic temperature. The core logic having a memory controller and memory components coupled to system memory. The method having the step of determining access rate to the system memory through the core logic and controlling the temperature of the core logic by adjusting the access rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoupling internal latencies of a bus bridge from those on an external bus is described. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting a write cycle by an initiator for transmitting data to a device. The method further includes asserting a write request to the device, responsive to detecting the write cycle, asserting a ready request to the initiator without detecting an acknowledge from the device, and receiving the data from the initiator.

Abstract: A method for graphics device read and processor write coherency receives a write request from a processor to write data to a storage element for a component to read and flushes the data to the storage element prior to the component reading the address associated with the data in the storage element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dynamically placing portions of a memory in a reduced power consumption state. Requests to access a memory that includes a plurality of rows of memory components are received. One or more of the plurality of rows of memory components are placed in a reduced power consumption state based on the requests while one or more other rows of the plurality of rows are accessed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for correcting corrupted data. Access logic accesses a memory. Error detection logic generates an error signal for each data value output by the memory to indicate whether the data value has a correctable error. Correction logic requests the access logic to write to the memory a corrected version of each data value indicated by the error signal to have a correctable error.

Abstract: A semiconductor component is described which is capable of controlling transmission of information between a plurality of semiconductor components in a computer system. The semiconductor component comprises of a first signal generator capable of sending a signal of a first type over a shared line and a second signal generator capable of sending a signal of a second type over the line. It also comprises of a first logic device capable of controlling the first signal generator and a second logic device capable of controlling the second signal generator.

Abstract: A method for controlling core logic temperature. The core logic having a memory controller and memory components coupled to system memory. The method having the step of determining access rate to the system memory through the core logic and controlling the temperature of the core logic by adjusting the access rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for providing an interlocked broadcast message that solves the problem of a system component taking action in response to a broadcast message issued by a processor before the processor receives communication that the broadcast message has been delivered. A broadcast message transaction request is issued from a processor. The broadcast message transaction request is posted in a transaction request buffer. A reply is communicated to the processor that the broadcast message transaction request has been posted, and the broadcast message is then delivered over the bus. In an alternative embodiment, after the broadcast message transaction request is issued from the processor, the broadcast message transaction request is stored in a transaction request buffer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dynamically placing portions of a memory in a reduced power consumption state. Requests to access a memory that includes a plurality of rows of memory components are received. One or more of the plurality of rows of memory components are placed in a reduced power consumption state based on the requests while one or more other rows of the plurality of rows are accessed.

Abstract: A semiconductor component which is capable of controlling transmission of information between a plurality of semiconductor components in a computer system. The semiconductor component comprises of a first signal generator capable of sending a signal of a first type over a shared line and a second signal generator capable of sending a signal of a second type over the line. It also comprises of a first logic device capable of controlling the first signal generator and a second logic device capable of controlling the second signal generator.

Abstract: A computer system having a responsive low-power mode and a full-power mode of operation. The computer system includes a power consumption controller, a processor and a communication device. The power consumption controller generates an interrupt signal in response to a low power event or a fully operational event. The power consumption controller also generates a clock control signal. The clock control signal is deasserted during the full-power mode of operation and alternatively asserted for a first duration and deasserted for a second duration during the low-power mode of operation. In response to an asserted clock control signal, the processor suppresses the internal clock signal to at least one functional block within the processor and in response to a deasserted clock control signal, the processor transmits the internal clock signal to at least one functional block within the processor.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling interrupt request signal transmission in a computer system. An input receives an interrupt request from an external component. First circuitry coupled to the input generates a signal in response to the interrupt request from the external component. The signal causes a processor to switch to fully operational mode. Second circuitry coupled to the input generates an interrupt request signal to the processor in response to the interrupt request from the external component. A signal processing circuit coupled to the second circuitry suppresses transmission of the interrupt request signal to the processor until the signal is transmitted to the processor.

Abstract: A semiconductor component is which is capable of controlling transmission of information between a plurality of semiconductor components in a computer system. The semiconductor component comprises of a first signal generator capable of sending a signal of a first type over a shared line and a second signal generator capable of sending a signal of a second type over the line. It also comprises of a first logic device capable of controlling the first signal generator and a second logic device capable of controlling the second signal generator.