Patents Examined by Trisha Vu
  • Patent number: 8645718
    Abstract: In the computer apparatus which has a processing unit, a power consumption measuring unit, and a power counter, the power consumption of running programs on the processing unit is measured at arbitrary constant period, wherein the measuring value is integrated to the power counter. When the power counter overflows, the processing unit is interrupted for sampling information required for analysis. Then the processing unit which received the interruption executes a sampling of the power consumption base. So, power consumption based sampling and profiling becomes to be enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Masao Yamamoto, Kouichi Kumon
  • Patent number: 8626972
    Abstract: An I2C multi-slot circuit system includes a plurality of I2C slots for receiving a plurality of slave processors, a CPU, a logic control unit, and a I2C switch unit. The CPU determines an address of one of the I2C slots which to-be-transmitted data will be transmitted to, and generates a first logic control signal according to the determined address. The logic control unit enables the one of the I2C slots which the to-be-transmitted data will be transmitted to according to the first logic control signal. The I2C switch unit receives and transmits I2C signal converted from the to-be-transmitted data by the CPU to the I2C slot. A related method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Yung Liao, Ruey-Shyang You, Han-Che Wang, Zhuo Chen
  • Patent number: 8626983
    Abstract: A motherboard includes a processor, a platform controller hub (PCH), a switch, a power connector, a switch unit, and an expansion slot. The PCH is connected to the expansion slot to output a bus signal to a serial advanced technology attachment dual in-line memory module (SATA DIMM), which is connected to the expansion slot, in response to the movement of a switch. The processor connected to the processor socket outputs a bus signal to an expansion card, which is connected to the expansion slot, in response to another movement of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiao-Gang Yin, Guo-Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 8601303
    Abstract: A storage system includes: a basic apparatus for transmitting an access request through a data input line for transmitting data; and an extension apparatus for receiving an access request from the basic apparatus through the data input line, the extension apparatus including a storage for storing data and a controller for controlling the access request from the basic apparatus, wherein the basic apparatus superimposes a voltage to the data input line in accordance with the access request, and wherein the extension apparatus includes an upper input voltage detector for detecting the voltage superimposed on the upper data input line and includes a power controller for controlling the power supply to the controller on the basis of the detected voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Junichi Ogawa, Yuichi Sakagami
  • Patent number: 8566620
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a data processing system having a memory. The memory is coupled between a first power supply voltage terminal for receiving a first variable potential and a second power supply voltage terminal for receiving a second variable potential. An initial difference between the first variable potential and the second variable potential is not less than a first voltage. The method comprises: receiving a command to transition the data processing system from a first power supply voltage to a second power supply voltage; changing the second variable potential so that a difference between the second variable potential and the first variable potential is greater than the first voltage; and after changing the second variable potential, changing the first variable potential, wherein a difference between the first variable potential and the second variable potential is not less than the first voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew C. Russell, Ravindraraj Ramaraju, Shayan Zhang
  • Patent number: 8543750
    Abstract: A method is provided for interfacing a plurality of processing components with a shared resource component. A token signal path is provided to allow propagation of a token through the processing components, wherein possession of the token by a given processing component enables the latter to conduct a transaction with the shared resource component. Token processing logic is also provided for propagating the token from one processing component to another along the token signal path, the propagating being done at a propagation rate that is related to a transaction rate associated with the shared resource component. The token processing logic also generates a trigger signal at least in part based on the token and propagates to trigger signal to the shared resource component to convey initiation of a transaction with the shared resource component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Octasic Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Awad, Martin Laurence, Martin Filteau, Pascal Gervais, Douglas Morrissey
  • Patent number: 8527681
    Abstract: A data processing system may include a first data path and a second data path. A set of components may include a system component and a partner component, each having a communication interface for communicating data. The components are operable in a synchronized mode and a non-synchronized mode with respect to each other. The set may further include a configuration control system connected to the system component and the partner component, for controlling the set to be in a synchronized mode configuration or a non-synchronized mode configuration. The configuration control system may include a first path selector module connecting the communication interface of the system component to the first data path and the second data path and a partner path selector module connecting the communication interface of the partner component to the first data path and the second data path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Florian Bogenberger, Joachim Kruecken, Christopher Temple
  • Patent number: 8527782
    Abstract: A USB hub utilizes an external power supply connection and rechargeable battery to provide a fully functional USB hub that provides portable backup power for USB devices. The hub includes a housing with a host connector that is adapted to be coupled to a host. Device connectors are also positioned on the housing that are adapted to be coupled to electronic devices. A hub circuit enables USB communications between the devices and host connected to the hub. The rechargeable battery is selectively charged from the host or external power supply connection. A microcontroller controls the hub circuitry such that power is provided to the hub circuit and the device connectors from an external power source or host if available or the rechargeable battery if they are not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul P. Griffin, Jr., Beat Zenerino, Cameron E. Boone, Lester V. Marks, Mark David Rowan, David M. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8522058
    Abstract: A computer system with power source control and a power source control method are presented. The computer system at least includes a first storage unit and a second storage unit, and the first storage unit stores a system program required by the computer system in basic operation. A switch is disposed on a power supply path between a power supply module and the second storage unit, such that the power supply module provides an electric power for the second storage unit to operate through the switch. When the second storage unit is in an idle state, the switch is used to cut off the power supply to the second storage unit, so as to effectively reduce the power consumption of the computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: MSI Computer (SHENZHEN) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Yu Chang, Chun-Chieh Chien, Wei Hao Chen, Ruei-Chang Hsu, Tsung-Hai Hsu
  • Patent number: 8516293
    Abstract: One embodiment is a clocking system for a computing environment. The system comprises a first set of processes executing in a first computing environment; a first local clock mechanism associated with the first set of processes; and a first communications channel for connecting the first local clock mechanism with the first set of processes. The first local clock mechanism stores clock rates of the first set of processes, wherein each clock rate is specified by function and source and destination combination, the first local clock mechanism further coordinating the clock speeds of the first set of processes as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Novell, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Carter, Carolyn Bennion McClain, Lloyd Leon Burch
  • Patent number: 8504860
    Abstract: Power is routed from one or more power supplies. As consistent with one or more example embodiments, a data storage device senses and/or is informed of the availability and voltage level of one or more power supplies. Based upon the availability and voltage level of power supplies, circuits in the memory device are powered using one or more of the sensed power supplies. In some applications, the power is drawn in a manner that emulates the behavior of one or more circuits that are respectively powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Jon David Trantham, Christopher Thomas Cole
  • Patent number: 8484399
    Abstract: A system and method for configuring expansion bus links to generate a double-bandwidth link slot are disclosed. An information handling system includes a central processing unit (CPU) and memory operable to store program instructions executable by the CPU. A chip set operably couples the CPU and the memory to a first slot and a second slot. The chipset includes a root port that generates a first link coupled to the first slot and a second link coupled to the second slot. An adapter card is inserted into either of the first or second slots such that the adapter card routes either the first or second link to the slot not populated by the adapter card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Stuart A. Berke, Sandor T. Farkas, Mukund P. Khatri
  • Patent number: 8479028
    Abstract: Techniques for communications based power management are described. An apparatus may comprise a managed power system having a communications sub-system and a computing sub-system, the communications sub-system to include a network state module operative to determine communications power state information, and send a power management message with the communications power state information. The apparatus may further comprise a power management module to receive the power management message, retrieve the communications power state information from the power management message, and manage power states for the computing sub-system based on the communications power state information. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Jr-Shian Tsai, Tsung-Yuan Tai
  • Patent number: 8479032
    Abstract: Power-backup capabilities are provided by implementing a variety of different methods, systems and devices. According to one such implementation, a data-storage device is implemented having a memory control circuit controlling nonvolatile and volatile memory. An operating power circuit carries primary-operating power from the host-system to the memories and control circuitry. A backup power circuit includes energy-storage circuitry with one or more energy storage devices. An isolation-regulation circuit provides voltage regulation of power from the host-system and also isolates the host-system provided power from the energy storage devices. A regulation power circuit carries the regulated power from the isolation-regulation circuit to the energy storage devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Jon David Trantham, Darren Edward Johnston, Dean Clark Wilson
  • Patent number: 8468283
    Abstract: An arbitration diagnostic circuit and method provide diagnostic information in arbitration-based systems and/or provide detection of and response to excessive arbitration delays. For example, in one embodiment, an arbitration diagnostic circuit maintains a chronological memory trace of arbitration events, including resource request events and corresponding resource grant events for two or more entities having arbitrated access to a shared resource. The trace, which may be regarded as a running, ordered list, may comprise time-stamped event identifiers, which aid the analysis of arbitration related errors or failures. Indeed, in one or more embodiments, an arbitration diagnostic circuit is configured to track elapsed times for resource requests, and to detect resource grant delay violations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventor: John Stewart Petty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8468379
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a solid-state drive contains a plurality of data memory devices requiring elevated voltages for erasure and programming operations. A common voltage regulator, external to the data memory devices, provides the elevated voltage, thereby reducing the overall power consumption of the data storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventor: Jon David Trantham
  • Patent number: 8458373
    Abstract: A power supply unit includes a communication unit and a control unit. The communication unit is capable of performing communication with a first processing unit group constituted of a plurality of processing units connected thereto. The control unit controls powers to the plurality of processing units through the communication so that the powers are turned on in an order corresponding to an order of connection and assigns, to the plurality of processing units, respectively, IDs of numbers corresponding to the order of turning-on of the powers each time the power is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takayoshi Koizumi
  • Patent number: 8447906
    Abstract: The invention is a portable electronic device comprising a non volatile memory and a memory controller. The portable electronic device comprises a connector having eight pads able to communicate using a protocol of Secure DigitalĀ® type. The connector comprises at least one additional pad intended to be linked to an antenna. The additional pad is able to communicate using a protocol of SWP type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Gemalto SA
    Inventors: Francois-Xavier Marseille, Michel Thill
  • Patent number: 8429324
    Abstract: A bus-protocol converting device includes: a command detecting unit that detects a command sent from an external-memory control device, connected to a primary bus, to a primary bus interface controller; a command converting unit that converts the detected command into a command to be sent from a secondary bus interface controller to an external memory device through a secondary bus; a status detecting unit that detects a status sent from the external memory device; a status converting unit that converts the detected status into a status to be sent from the primary-bus interface controller to the external-memory control device through the primary bus; and a data transfer controller that is provided between the primary bus interface controller and the secondary bus interface controller to perform data transfer between the external-memory control device and the external memory device through a DMA bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Shinji Ushigami
  • Patent number: 8412871
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program capable of simplifying an interrupt processing and reducing a time necessary to the interrupt processing. An interrupt generation unit 140 generates an interrupt signal. An interrupt status holding unit 142 stores an interrupt status showing a cause of generation of the interrupt signal. An interrupt status supply unit 141 supplies an interrupt status stored by an interrupt status holding unit to a RAM and causes the RAM to store it. A CPU executes a predetermined processing in response to the interrupt status stored to the RAM. The present invention can be applied to, for example, a network card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kyusojin, Hideki Matsumoto, Masato Kajimoto, Chiaki Yamana, Tsuyoshi Kano, Mitsuki Hinosugi