Abstract: A server is provided having a port for receiving a data request that includes an identifier (e.g., an HTTP request that includes a URL). Recognition logic is provided to extract the identifier, using delimiters present in the data request. Padding logic fixes the length of the identifier at a predetermined length (e.g., by adding zeros to the end of the identifier), thereby creating a fixed-length identifier. Hashing logic is provided to perform a hashing function on the fixed-length identifier, thereby creating a hashed identifier. A CAM array provides an index value in response to the hashed identifier if the hashed identifier matches a hashed identifier value stored in the CAM array. A cache memory stores information associated with the identifier (e.g., web page data), at a location associated with the index value. The cache memory provides this information to a requesting party in response to the index value.

Abstract: A rate limiting circuit for data stream transmissions provides a generated clock signal to a buffer interposed between source and destination components so as to programmably adjust the maximum rate that data can be passed through the buffer. A counter is incremented by one each (1+RLmax) cycles of a clock signal, where RLmax is the larger of a user programmable value (RL) and a manufacturer one-time programmed value (SERL). A controller receiving a request to access the buffer for a read or write operation, checks the count of the counter before activating the access enable line. If the count is greater than zero, then the controller activates the access enable line while decrementing the counter by one. If the count is zero, however, then the controller waits until the count is greater than zero before activating the access enable line to grant the request.

Abstract: A micro leadframe package and a method for forming a micro leadframe package are disclosed in which two leadframes that include paddles are coupled together such that only dielectric material extends between the two paddles. Semiconductor die are attached to paddles on the top leadframe, and a wire bonding process is then performed, followed by a molding process, plating, and a singulation process. This forms a micro leadframe package that, when ground is coupled to one paddle and power is coupled to the other paddle, provides a low inductance path for both power and ground supply to the semiconductor die. Moreover, as only dielectric material extends between the two paddles, the two paddles and the dielectric material that extends between the paddles form a capacitor, providing decoupling capacitance within the micro leadframe package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for parameter monitoring, adjustment, testing, and/or configuration of devices have been disclosed.

Abstract: A process for forming a void-free dielectric layer is disclosed in which adjoining gate film stacks are formed on a semiconductor substrate. Each gate film stack includes a silicide layer and a hard mask that overlies the silicide layer. A first selective etch is performed so as to reduce the width of the hard mask on each of the gate film stacks, exposing portions of the top surface of the silicide layer. A second selective etch is then performed to reduce the width of the silicide layer. Spacers are then formed on opposite sides of each of the gate film stacks, and a dielectric film is formed that extends over the gate film stacks. By reducing the width of the hard mask layer and the silicide layer, gate film stacks are obtained that have reduced width near the top of each gate film stack, preventing voids from forming in the dielectric film.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device utilizes a serial scan chain register to support efficient reliability testing of internal circuitry that is not readily accessible from the I/O pins of the device. The scan chain register has scan chain latch units that support a toggle mode of operation. The scan chain register is provided with serial and parallel input ports and serial and parallel output ports. Each of the plurality of scan chain latch units includes a latch element and additional circuit elements that are configured to selectively establish a feedback path in the respective latch unit. This feedback path operates to pass an inversion of a signal at an output of the latch to an input of the latch when the corresponding scan chain latch unit is enabled to support a toggle mode of operation.

Abstract: First-in first-out (FIFO) memory devices are configured to support all four of the following FIFO memory modes: (1) DDR write with DDR read, (2) DDR write with SDR read, (3) SDR write with DDR read and (4) SDR write with SDR read. These FIFO memory devices provide flexible x4N, x2N and xN bus matching on both read and write ports and enable data to be written and read on both rising and falling edges of the write and read clock signals. Custom flag generation and retransmit circuitry is also provided that can efficiently handle any width DDR write mode with any width SDR read mode or any width SDR write mode with any width DDR read mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for source synchronous testing have been disclosed.

Abstract: A write counter provides a write count value synchronized with a write clock signal. A read counter provides a read count value synchronized with a read clock signal. The read and write count values are routed through logic, which introduces noise to these values. A first delay circuit generates a first blanking signal, which has a duration corresponding with the duration of the noise introduced to the write count value, in response to the write clock signal. A second delay circuit generates a second blanking signal, which has a duration corresponding with the duration of the noise introduced to the read count value, in response to the second clock signal. The read and write count values are latched into read and write blanking registers, respectively, in response to the first and second blanking signals, respectively, effectively filtering the introduced noise prior to a subsequently performed comparison operation.

Abstract: Clock signal generators include an integrated circuit chip having a PLL-based or DLL-based clock driver therein. The clock driver is configured to support generation of a plurality of clock signals having different frequencies in a range between 1 and 1/N times a frequency of an internal clock signal and full-period programmable skew characteristic, where N is a positive integer greater than one. The clock driver also includes a divide-by-N clock generator that is configured to generate N divide-by-N clock signals that have the same frequency but are phase shifted relative to each other. This clock generator operates in response to a first skew signal having a frequency equal to the frequency of the internal clock signal. A one-of-N select circuit is provided. This select circuit is configured to select one of the N divide-by-N clock signals in response to a time unit position signal.

Abstract: A switch queue predictive protocol (SQPP) includes a packet switching system including: a switch fabric having a cross-point switch, and a plurality of line cards, each coupled to the switch fabric. A cross-point buffer is located at each cross-point of the cross-point switch. The switch fabric also includes a plurality of actual available queue space tables (AAQSTs), each identifying the actual queue space available in a row of the cross-point buffers. Each of the line cards includes an input buffer, an output buffer, and a predicted available queue space table (PAQST) identifying predicted queue space available in a corresponding row of the cross-point buffers. Packet information is transmitted from a source line card to the switch fabric only if available queue space is predicted by the corresponding PAQST. The switch fabric uses the AAQST to update the PAQST after packet information is transmitted to a destination line card.

Abstract: An integrated circuit chip is provided having a port for receiving a character string. A hardware hashing circuit on the integrated circuit chip is configured to perform a hashing function on the character string, thereby creating a hashed output value. A binary content addressable memory (CAM) array on the integrated circuit chip is coupled to receive the hashed output value. The binary CAM array provides an index value in response to the hashed output value if the hashed output value matches an entry of the binary CAM array. In a particular embodiment, the hardware hashing circuit can be configured to process character strings having different lengths (greater than the width of the binary CAM array) in response to one or more configuration bits. The hardware hashing circuit can include, an input register, Data Encryption Standard (DES) circuitry and exclusive OR circuitry.

Abstract: A data path includes a downstream stage that strobes data at an input thereof responsive to a first control signal, an upstream stage that sends data to the input of the downstream stage responsive to a second control signal, and a control circuit operative to fix timing of the second control signal to timing of the first control signal. The data path may further include a second upstream stage that sends data to an input of the first upstream stage responsive to a third control signal having a timing with respect to the second control signal that varies responsive to a frequency at which data is transferred along the data path. A fixed delay circuit, e.g., a fixed delay circuit in a forward path of a DLL or PLL, may generate the first control signal from the second control signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shallow trench isolation structure and a method for forming a shallow trench isolation structure on a semiconductor substrate. A masking structure that includes a hard mask is formed over the semiconductor substrate, and an etch is performed so as to form trenches within the semiconductor substrate. An anti-reflective film is deposited such that it extends within the trench. A dielectric film is deposited over the anti-reflective film such that it fills the trench. A heating process step is then performed to anneal the substrate, rounding the corners of the trench. A chemical mechanical polishing process is performed to remove those portions of the anti-reflective film and the dielectric film that overlie the hard mask. The hard mask is then removed, producing a shallow trench isolation structure that prevents lifting and notching in subsequent fabrication steps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an output buffer with dynamic impedance control have been disclosed.

Abstract: A network device may perform traffic policing to determine if incoming data cells are in conformance with policing parameters, including a theoretical arrival time (TAT), for each cell's communication channel. Each cell may have an arrival time according to a timer value. The timer value and TAT may rollover upon reaching a maximum value. The network device may be configured to account for such rollovers when determining cell conformance. For each communication channel, a table entry may include the policing parameters and rollover data. Each entry may also include operations and maintenance (OAM) data. The rollover data indicates the rollover phase relationship between the timer value and TAT parameter for each channel. The rollover data may be updated each rollover phase of the timer, for example as part of an OAM table scan process. The network device may be an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) traffic policing device or switch.

Abstract: A method for preventing the formation of watermark defects includes the steps of forming a pad oxide, a silicon nitride layer and a silicon oxynitride layer over a semiconductor substrate. A photoresist mask is formed over the resulting structure, with the silicon oxynitride layer being used as an anti-reflective coating during exposure of the photoresist material. An etch is performed through the photoresist mask, thereby forming a trench in the substrate. The photoresist mask is stripped, and the silicon oxynitride layer is conditioned. For example, the silicon oxynitride layer may be conditioned by a rapid thermal anneal in the presence of oxygen or nitrogen. A wet clean step is subsequently performed to remove a native oxide layer in the trench. The conditioned silicon oxynitride layer prevents the formation of watermarks during the wet clean process.

Abstract: A method for forming self-aligned contact devices in a core region of a semiconductor substrate and non-self-aligned contact devices in a non-core region of the semiconductor substrate is disclosed in which a single gate film stack is used for forming gate structures in both the core region and in the non-core region. A dielectric layer is formed over a semiconductor substrate and a gate film stack is formed over the dielectric layer. The gate film stack is then patterned so as to form gate structures within both the core region and the non-core region.

Abstract: Impedance-matched output driver circuits include a first totem pole driver stage and a second totem pole driver stage. The first totem pole driver stage includes at least one PMOS pull-up transistor and at least one NMOS pull-down transistor therein responsive to a first pull-up signal and a first pull-down signal, respectively. The second totem pole driver stage has at least one NMOS pull-up transistor and at least one PMOS pull-down transistor therein responsive to a second pull-up signal and second pull-down signal, respectively. The linearity of the output driver circuit is enhanced by including a first resistive element that extends between the first and second totem pole driver stages.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of signal processing are described. In a method according to one embodiment, a high-frequency region of a digital signal is detected. In response to the detecting, the high-frequency content of the digitized signal is increased in at least a portion of that region.