Patents by Inventor Benjamin Fox

Benjamin Fox 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).

  • Patent number: 10684319
    Abstract: Embodiments herein discuss tuning a testing apparatus to better match the input response of a target system in which a cable will be used. For example, conductors in the cable may have a different skew depending on the system in which they are used. The testing apparatus may be tuned using frequency information regarding the type of signals that will be driven on the cable when installed in the target system. In one embodiment, the testing apparatus adjusts a testing cycle refresh rate for generating a testing signal which changes the frequency content of the testing signal. Using the adjusted testing cycle refresh rate results in the driver outputting a testing signal that better reflects the actual signals that will be transmitted on the cable in the target system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Layne A. Berge, Benjamin A. Fox, Wesley D. Martin, David W. Siljenberg, George R. Zettles, IV
  • Patent number: 10664607
    Abstract: A system includes a transmit equalizer to equalize a data stream using a set of transmit parameters to generate an input signal. The system further includes a communication channel to receive the input signal. The system further includes a receive equalizer to receive an output signal from the communication channel in response to the input signal and detect the data stream from the output signal using a set of receive parameters. The system additionally includes a controller to change the set of transmit parameters in response to a condition, where the transmit parameters, the receive parameters, and the condition are selected to both enable the receive equalizer to detect the data stream from the output signal and reduce the likelihood of an external circuit detecting the data stream from the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Layne A. Berge, Benjamin A. Fox, Wesley D. Martin, George Zettles
  • Patent number: 10528493
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure identify a target chip from among multiple chips coupled to a shared bus and customize an optimization parameter for the particular chip. Stated differently, in a communication system where only one chip (or a subset of chips) on a shared bus is the intended target, the system can customize an optimization parameter for the specific location of the target chip on the bus. As new data is received that is intended for a different chip—i.e., the target chip changes—the system can dynamically change the parameter based on the location of the new target chip on the bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Layne A. Berge, Benjamin A. Fox, Wesley D. Martin, George R. Zettles, IV
  • Patent number: 10423545
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure identify a target chip from among multiple chips coupled to a shared bus and customize an optimization parameter for the particular chip. Stated differently, in a communication system where only one chip (or a subset of chips) on a shared bus is the intended target, the system can customize an optimization parameter for the specific location of the target chip on the bus. As new data is received that is intended for a different chip—i.e., the target chip changes—the system can dynamically change the parameter based on the location of the new target chip on the bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Layne A. Berge, Benjamin A. Fox, Wesley D. Martin, George R. Zettles, IV
  • Publication number: 20190171827
    Abstract: A system includes a transmit equalizer to equalize a data stream using a set of transmit parameters to generate an input signal. The system further includes a communication channel to receive the input signal. The system further includes a receive equalizer to receive an output signal from the communication channel in response to the input signal and detect the data stream from the output signal using a set of receive parameters. The system additionally includes a controller to change the set of transmit parameters in response to a condition, where the transmit parameters, the receive parameters, and the condition are selected to both enable the receive equalizer to detect the data stream from the output signal and reduce the likelihood of an external circuit detecting the data stream from the output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: Layne A. Berge, Benjamin A. Fox, Wesley D. Martin, George Zettles
  • Publication number: 20190108354
    Abstract: A system includes a transmit equalizer to equalize a data stream using a set of transmit parameters to generate an input signal. The system further includes a communication channel to receive the input signal. The system further includes a receive equalizer to receive an output signal from the communication channel in response to the input signal and detect the data stream from the output signal using a set of receive parameters. The system additionally includes a controller to change the set of transmit parameters in response to a condition, where the transmit parameters, the receive parameters, and the condition are selected to both enable the receive equalizer to detect the data stream from the output signal and reduce the likelihood of an external circuit detecting the data stream from the output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Layne A. Berge, Benjamin A. Fox, Wesley D. Martin, George Zettles
  • Patent number: 10255448
    Abstract: A system includes a transmit equalizer to equalize a data stream using a set of transmit parameters to generate an input signal. The system further includes a communication channel to receive the input signal. The system further includes a receive equalizer to receive an output signal from the communication channel in response to the input signal and detect the data stream from the output signal using a set of receive parameters. The system additionally includes a controller to change the set of transmit parameters in response to a condition, where the transmit parameters, the receive parameters, and the condition are selected to both enable the receive equalizer to detect the data stream from the output signal and reduce the likelihood of an external circuit detecting the data stream from the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Layne A. Berge, Benjamin A. Fox, Wesley D. Martin, George Zettles
  • Patent number: 10241937
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure identify a target chip from among multiple chips coupled to a shared bus and customize an optimization parameter for the particular chip. Stated differently, in a communication system where only one chip (or a subset of chips) on a shared bus is the intended target, the system can customize an optimization parameter for the specific location of the target chip on the bus. As new data is received that is intended for a different chip—i.e., the target chip changes—the system can dynamically change the parameter based on the location of the new target chip on the bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Layne A. Berge, Benjamin A. Fox, Wesley D. Martin, George R. Zettles, IV
  • Patent number: 10223320
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure identify a target chip from among multiple chips coupled to a shared bus and customize an optimization parameter for the particular chip. Stated differently, in a communication system where only one chip (or a subset of chips) on a shared bus is the intended target, the system can customize an optimization parameter for the specific location of the target chip on the bus. As new data is received that is intended for a different chip—i.e., the target chip changes—the system can dynamically change the parameter based on the location of the new target chip on the bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Layne A. Berge, Benjamin A. Fox, Wesley D. Martin, George R. Zettles, IV
  • Patent number: 10162002
    Abstract: Embodiments herein discuss tuning a testing apparatus to better match the input response of a target system in which a cable will be used. For example, conductors in the cable may have a different skew depending on the system in which they are used. The testing apparatus may be tuned using frequency information regarding the type of signals that will be driven on the cable when installed in the target system. In one embodiment, the testing apparatus uses the frequency information to configure a programmable clock source that can be used to shape a reference clock and control a driver to match the signals in the target system. Using the clock source to modify the reference clock results in the driver outputting a testing signal that better reflects the actual signals that will be transmitted on the cable in the target system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Layne A. Berge, Benjamin A. Fox, Wesley D. Martin, David W. Siljenberg, George R. Zettles, IV
  • Patent number: 10114788
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure identify a target chip from among multiple chips coupled to a shared bus and customize an optimization parameter for the particular chip. Stated differently, in a communication system where only one chip (or a subset of chips) on a shared bus is the intended target, the system can customize an optimization parameter for the specific location of the target chip on the bus. As new data is received that is intended for a different chip—i.e., the target chip changes—the system can dynamically change the parameter based on the location of the new target chip on the bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Layne A. Berge, Benjamin A. Fox, Wesley D. Martin, George R. Zettles
  • Patent number: 10013368
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure identify a target chip from among multiple chips coupled to a shared bus and customize an optimization parameter for the particular chip. Stated differently, in a communication system where only one chip (or a subset of chips) on a shared bus is the intended target, the system can customize an optimization parameter for the specific location of the target chip on the bus. As new data is received that is intended for a different chip—i.e., the target chip changes—the system can dynamically change the parameter based on the location of the new target chip on the bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Layne A. Berge, Benjamin A. Fox, Wesley D. Martin, George R. Zettles, IV
  • Patent number: 9778678
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for clocked data eye measurement at synchronous interfaces is provided. A receiver may generate first vector information corresponding to data received on at least one communication channel at the receiver. The receiver may generate second information regarding when the data was latched by a clock signal, the clock signal being received on a separate communication channel at the receiver. The first vector information may be combined with the second information to generate combined information, the combined information indicating a quality of latching the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Layne A. Berge, Benjamin A. Fox, Wesley D. Martin, George R. Zettles, IV
  • Publication number: 20170180226
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a memory array to generate a data eye diagram. The memory array includes a plurality of rows of memory cells. The memory cells include a first row corresponding to a first sampling circuit of a first plurality of sampling circuits. The first sampling circuit is configured to compare an input voltage signal to a first reference voltage. The memory cells also include a second row corresponding to a second sampling circuit of the first plurality of sampling circuits. The second sampling circuit is configured to compare the input voltage signal to a second reference voltage. Each memory cell of the memory array is an incremental multi-bit counter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Layne A. Berge, Benjamin A. Fox, Wesley D. Martin, George R. Zettles, IV
  • Patent number: 9674062
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a memory array to generate a data eye diagram. The memory array includes a plurality of rows of memory cells. The memory cells include a first row corresponding to a first sampling circuit of a first plurality of sampling circuits. The first sampling circuit is configured to compare an input voltage signal to a first reference voltage. The memory cells also include a second row corresponding to a second sampling circuit of the first plurality of sampling circuits. The second sampling circuit is configured to compare the input voltage signal to a second reference voltage. Each memory cell of the memory array is an incremental multi-bit counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Layne A. Berge, Benjamin A. Fox, Wesley D. Martin, George R. Zettles, IV
  • Publication number: 20170052558
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for clocked data eye measurement at synchronous interfaces is provided. A receiver may generate first vector information corresponding to data received on at least one communication channel at the receiver. The receiver may generate second information regarding when the data was latched by a clock signal, the clock signal being received on a separate communication channel at the receiver. The first vector information may be combined with the second information to generate combined information, the combined information indicating a quality of latching the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Layne A. BERGE, Benjamin A. FOX, Wesley D. MARTIN, George R. ZETTLES, IV
  • Publication number: 20170023646
    Abstract: Embodiments herein discuss tuning a testing apparatus to better match the input response of a target system in which a cable will be used. For example, conductors in the cable may have a different skew depending on the system in which they are used. The testing apparatus may be tuned using frequency information regarding the type of signals that will be driven on the cable when installed in the target system. In one embodiment, the testing apparatus uses the frequency information to configure a programmable clock source that can be used to shape a reference clock and control a driver to match the signals in the target system. Using the clock source to modify the reference clock results in the driver outputting a testing signal that better reflects the actual signals that will be transmitted on the cable in the target system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Layne A. BERGE, Benjamin A. FOX, Wesley D. MARTIN, David W. SILJENBERG, George R. ZETTLES, IV
  • Publication number: 20170023629
    Abstract: Embodiments herein discuss tuning a testing apparatus to better match the input response of a target system in which a cable will be used. For example, conductors in the cable may have a different skew depending on the system in which they are used. The testing apparatus may be tuned using frequency information regarding the type of signals that will be driven on the cable when installed in the target system. In one embodiment, the testing apparatus adjusts a testing cycle refresh rate for generating a testing signal which changes the frequency content of the testing signal. Using the adjusted testing cycle refresh rate results in the driver outputting a testing signal that better reflects the actual signals that will be transmitted on the cable in the target system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Layne A. BERGE, Benjamin A. FOX, Wesley D. MARTIN, David W. SILJENBERG, George R. ZETTLES, IV
  • Publication number: 20170010984
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure identify a target chip from among multiple chips coupled to a shared bus and customize an optimization parameter for the particular chip. Stated differently, in a communication system where only one chip (or a subset of chips) on a shared bus is the intended target, the system can customize an optimization parameter for the specific location of the target chip on the bus. As new data is received that is intended for a different chip—i.e., the target chip changes—the system can dynamically change the parameter based on the location of the new target chip on the bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Layne A. BERGE, Benjamin A. FOX, Wesley D. MARTIN, George R. ZETTLES, IV
  • Publication number: 20170011785
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure identify a target chip from among multiple chips coupled to a shared bus and customize an optimization parameter for the particular chip. Stated differently, in a communication system where only one chip (or a subset of chips) on a shared bus is the intended target, the system can customize an optimization parameter for the specific location of the target chip on the bus. As new data is received that is intended for a different chip—i.e., the target chip changes—the system can dynamically change the parameter based on the location of the new target chip on the bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Layne A. BERGE, Benjamin A. FOX, Wesley D. MARTIN, George R. ZETTLES, IV