Patents by Inventor Bryan L. Spry

Bryan L. Spry 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: 10496152
    Abstract: Improved power control techniques for integrated peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) controllers are described. In one embodiment, for example, a processor circuit may comprise an integrated PCIe controller and logic to detect a power reduction trigger, disable the integrated PCIe controller, and remove power from the integrated PCIe controller based on a power removal setting for the integrated PCIe controller. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bryan L. Spry, Lily P. Looi, Shaun M. Conrad
  • Patent number: 10347319
    Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for dynamically adjusting a voltage reference level for optimizing an I/O system to achieve a certain performance metric. The apparatus comprises: a voltage reference generator to generate a voltage reference; and a dynamic voltage reference control unit, coupled with the voltage reference generator, to dynamically adjust a level of the voltage reference in response to an event. The apparatus is used to perform the method comprising: generating a voltage reference for an input/output (I/O) system; determining a worst case voltage level of the voltage reference; dynamically adjusting, via a dynamic voltage reference control unit, the voltage reference level based on determining the worst case voltage level; and computing a center of an asymmetrical eye based on the dynamically adjusted voltage reference level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher P. Mozak, Kevin B. Moore, John V. Lovelace, Theodore Z. Schoenborn, Bryan L. Spry, Christopher E. Yunker
  • Patent number: 10282341
    Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for configuring an integrated circuit (IC) chip to implement a protocol stack. In an embodiment, a transaction layer of the IC chip is operable to exchange with a link layer of the IC chip transaction layer packets (TLPs) having a format compatible with one defined in a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express™ (PCIe™) specification. Configuration circuitry of the IC chip provides for configuration of a first protocol stack including the transaction layer, circuitry of the link layer and a first physical layer of the IC chip. The configuration circuitry further provides for an alternative configuration of a second protocol stack including the transaction layer, circuitry of the link layer and a second physical layer of the IC chip. In another embodiment, the first protocol stack supports single-ended signaling to communicate TLP information, whereas the second protocol stack supports differential signaling to communicate TLP information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan L. Spry, Marcus W. Song, Deepak M. Rangaraj, Avinash N. Ananthakrishnan, Robert J. Hayes, Aimee D. Wood, Adam E. Letendre, Brent R. Boswell
  • Publication number: 20180210857
    Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for configuring an integrated circuit (IC) chip to implement a protocol stack. In an embodiment, a transaction layer of the IC chip is operable to exchange with a link layer of the IC chip transaction layer packets (TLPs) having a format compatible with one defined in a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express™ (PCIe™) specification. Configuration circuitry of the IC chip provides for configuration of a first protocol stack including the transaction layer, circuitry of the link layer and a first physical layer of the IC chip. The configuration circuitry further provides for an alternative configuration of a second protocol stack including the transaction layer, circuitry of the link layer and a second physical layer of the IC chip. In another embodiment, the first protocol stack supports single-ended signaling to communicate TLP information, whereas the second protocol stack supports differential signaling to communicate TLP information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Bryan L. Spry, Marcus W. Song, Deepak M. Rangaraj, Avinash N. Ananthakrishnan, Robert J. Hayes, Aimee D. Wood, Brent R. Boswell
  • Patent number: 9910814
    Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for exchanging single-ended communications with a protocol stack of an integrated circuit package. In an embodiment, an integrated circuit (IC) chip includes a protocol stack comprising a transaction layer which performs operations compatible with a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express™ (PCIe™) specification. Transaction layer packets, exchanged between the transaction layer and a link layer of the protocol stack, are compatible with a PCIe™ format. In another embodiment, a physical layer of the protocol stack is to couple the IC chip to another IC chip for an exchange of the transaction layer packets via single-ended communications. A packaged device includes both of the IC chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bryan L. Spry, Su Wei Lim, Mikal C. Hunsaker, Rohit R. Verma, Lily P. Looi, Ronald W. Swartz, Michael W. Leddige, Vui Yong Liew
  • Patent number: 9734116
    Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for configuring an integrated circuit (IC) chip to implement a protocol stack. In an embodiment, a transaction layer of the IC chip is operable to exchange with a link layer of the IC chip transaction layer packets (TLPs) having a format compatible with one defined in a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express™ (PCIe™) specification. Configuration circuitry of the IC chip provides for configuration of a first protocol stack including the transaction layer, circuitry of the link layer and a first physical layer of the IC chip. The configuration circuitry further provides for an alternative configuration of a second protocol stack including the transaction layer, circuitry of the link layer and a second physical layer of the IC chip. In another embodiment, the first protocol stack supports single-ended signaling to communicate TLP information, whereas the second protocol stack supports differential signaling to communicate TLP information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan L. Spry, Marcus W. Song, Deepak M. Rangaraj, Avinash N. Ananthakrishnan, Robert J. Hayes, Aimee D. Wood, Adam E. Letendre, Brent R. Boswell
  • Publication number: 20160232962
    Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for dynamically adjusting a voltage reference level for optimizing an I/O system to achieve a certain performance metric. The apparatus comprises: a voltage reference generator to generate a voltage reference; and a dynamic voltage reference control unit, coupled with the voltage reference generator, to dynamically adjust a level of the voltage reference in response to an event. The apparatus is used to perform the method comprising: generating a voltage reference for an input/output (I/O) system; determining a worst case voltage level of the voltage reference; dynamically adjusting, via a dynamic voltage reference control unit, the voltage reference level based on determining the worst case voltage level; and computing a center of an asymmetrical eye based on the dynamically adjusted voltage reference level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher P. Mozak, Kevin B. Moore, John V. Lovelace, Theodore Z. Schoenborn, Bryan L. Spry, Christopher E. Yunker
  • Patent number: 9373365
    Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for dynamically adjusting a voltage reference level for optimizing an I/O system to achieve a certain performance metric. The apparatus comprises: a voltage reference generator to generate a voltage reference; and a dynamic voltage reference control unit, coupled with the voltage reference generator, to dynamically adjust a level of the voltage reference in response to an event. The apparatus is used to perform the method comprising: generating a voltage reference for an input/output (I/O) system; determining a worst case voltage level of the voltage reference; dynamically adjusting, via a dynamic voltage reference control unit, the voltage reference level based on determining the worst case voltage level; and computing a center of an asymmetrical eye based on the dynamically adjusted voltage reference level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher P. Mozak, Kevin B. Moore, John V. Lovelace, Theodore Z. Schoenborn, Bryan L. Spry, Christopher E. Yunker
  • Patent number: 9330734
    Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for dynamically adjusting a voltage reference level for optimizing an I/O system to achieve a certain performance metric. The apparatus comprises: a voltage reference generator to generate a voltage reference; and a dynamic voltage reference control unit, coupled with the voltage reference generator, to dynamically adjust a level of the voltage reference in response to an event. The apparatus is used to perform the method comprising: generating a voltage reference for an input/output (I/O) system; determining a worst case voltage level of the voltage reference; dynamically adjusting, via a dynamic voltage reference control unit, the voltage reference level based on determining the worst case voltage level; and computing a center of an asymmetrical eye based on the dynamically adjusted voltage reference level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher P. Mozak, Kevin B. Moore, John V. Lovelace, Theodore Z. Schoenborn, Bryan L. Spry, Christopher E. Yunker
  • Publication number: 20150269108
    Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for configuring an integrated circuit (IC) chip to implement a protocol stack. In an embodiment, a transaction layer of the IC chip is operable to exchange with a link layer of the IC chip transaction layer packets (TLPs) having a format compatible with one defined in a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express™ (PCIe™) specification. Configuration circuitry of the IC chip provides for configuration of a first protocol stack including the transaction layer, circuitry of the link layer and a first physical layer of the IC chip. The configuration circuitry further provides for an alternative configuration of a second protocol stack including the transaction layer, circuitry of the link layer and a second physical layer of the IC chip. In another embodiment, the first protocol stack supports single-ended signaling to communicate TLP information, whereas the second protocol stack supports differential signaling to communicate TLP information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Bryan L. Spry, Marcus W. Song, Deepak M. Rangaraj, Avinash N. Ananthakrishnan, Robert J. Hayes, Aimee D. Wood, Adam E. Letendre, Brent R. Boswell
  • Publication number: 20150269109
    Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for exchanging single-ended communications with a protocol stack of an integrated circuit package. In an embodiment, an integrated circuit (IC) chip includes a protocol stack comprising a transaction layer which performs operations compatible with a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express™ (PCIe™) specification. Transaction layer packets, exchanged between the transaction layer and a link layer of the protocol stack, are compatible with a PCIe™ format. In another embodiment, a physical layer of the protocol stack is to couple the IC chip to another IC chip for an exchange of the transaction layer packets via single-ended communications. A packaged device includes both of the IC chips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Bryan L. Spry, Su Wei Lim, Mikal C. Hunsaker, Rohit R. Verma, Lily P. Looi, Ronald W. Swartz, Michael W. Leddige, Vui Yong Liew
  • Publication number: 20150095687
    Abstract: Improved power control techniques for integrated peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) controllers are described. In one embodiment, for example, a processor circuit may comprise an integrated PCIe controller and logic to detect a power reduction trigger, disable the integrated PCIe controller, and remove power from the integrated PCIe controller based on a power removal setting for the integrated PCIe controller. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: BRYAN L. SPRY, LILY P. LOOI, Shaun M. CONRAD
  • Patent number: 8868992
    Abstract: REUT (Robust Electrical Unified Testing) for memory links is introduced which speeds testing, tool development, and debug. In addition it provides training hooks that have enough performance to be used by BIOS to train parameters and conditions that have not been possible with past implementations. Address pattern generation circuitry is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan L. Spry, Theodore Z. Schoenborn, Philip Abraham, Christopher P. Mozak, David G. Ellis, Jay J. Nejedlo, Bruce Querbach, Zvika Greenfield, Rony Ghattas, Jayasekhar Tholiyil, Charles D. Lucas, Christopher E. Yunker
  • Patent number: 8819474
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to systems, methods, and apparatuses for the active training of memory command timing. In some embodiments, the CMD/CTL timing is actively trained using active feedback between memory modules and the memory controller. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Theodore Z. Schoenborn, John V. Lovelace, Christopher P. Mozak, Bryan L. Spry
  • Publication number: 20140119137
    Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for dynamically adjusting a voltage reference level for optimizing an I/O system to achieve a certain performance metric. The apparatus comprises: a voltage reference generator to generate a voltage reference; and a dynamic voltage reference control unit, coupled with the voltage reference generator, to dynamically adjust a level of the voltage reference in response to an event. The apparatus is used to perform the method comprising: generating a voltage reference for an input/output (I/O) system; determining a worst case voltage level of the voltage reference; dynamically adjusting, via a dynamic voltage reference control unit, the voltage reference level based on determining the worst case voltage level; and computing a center of an asymmetrical eye based on the dynamically adjusted voltage reference level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher P. MOZAK, Kevin B. MOORE, John V. LOVELACE, Theodore Z. SCHOENBORN, Bryan L. SPRY, Christopher E. YUNKER
  • Publication number: 20140063982
    Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for dynamically adjusting a voltage reference level for optimizing an I/O system to achieve a certain performance metric. The apparatus comprises: a voltage reference generator to generate a voltage reference; and a dynamic voltage reference control unit, coupled with the voltage reference generator, to dynamically adjust a level of the voltage reference in response to an event. The apparatus is used to perform the method comprising: generating a voltage reference for an input/output (I/O) system; determining a worst case voltage level of the voltage reference; dynamically adjusting, via a dynamic voltage reference control unit, the voltage reference level based on determining the worst case voltage level; and computing a center of an asymmetrical eye based on the dynamically adjusted voltage reference level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher P. MOZAK, Kevin B. MOORE, John V. LOVELACE, Theodore Z. SCHOENBORN, Bryan L. SPRY, Christopher E. YUNKER
  • Patent number: 8582374
    Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for dynamically adjusting a voltage reference level for optimizing an I/O system to achieve a certain performance metric. The apparatus comprises: a voltage reference generator to generate a voltage reference; and a dynamic voltage reference control unit, coupled with the voltage reference generator, to dynamically adjust a level of the voltage reference in response to an event. The apparatus is used to perform the method comprising: generating a voltage reference for an input/output (I/O) system; determining a worst case voltage level of the voltage reference; dynamically adjusting, via a dynamic voltage reference control unit, the voltage reference level based on determining the worst case voltage level; and computing a center of an asymmetrical eye based on the dynamically adjusted voltage reference level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Mozak, Kevin Moore, John V. Lovelace, Zale Theodore Schoenborn, Bryan L. Spry, Chris Yunker
  • Patent number: 8331176
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the effect of signal phase difference on a memory system is tested for various operating states. The various operating states may be represented as respective sample points on a plane defined by a range of values for a difference in signal phases and a range of values for another operating state parameter. In various embodiments, sample points for a round of crosstalk testing may include two sample points which are offset from the same reference point on the plane along different respective axes, where the axes are oblique to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher P. Mozak, Kevin B. Moore, John V. Lovelace, Zale Theodore Schoenborn, Bryan L. Spry, Christopher E. Yunker
  • Publication number: 20110161752
    Abstract: REUT (Robust Electrical Unified Testing) for memory links is introduced which speeds testing, tool development, and debug. In addition it provides training hooks that have enough performance to be used by BIOS to train parameters and conditions that have not been possible with past implementations. Address pattern generation circuitry is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: BRYAN L. SPRY, THEODORE Z. SCHOENBORN, PHILIP ABRAHAM, CHRISTOPHER P. MOZAK, DAVID G. ELLIS, JAY J. NEJEDLO, BRUCE QUERBACH, ZVIKA GREENFIELD, RONY GHATTAS, JAYASEKHAR THOLIYIL, CHARLES D. LUCAS, CHRISTOPHER E. YUNKER
  • Publication number: 20110141827
    Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for dynamically adjusting a voltage reference level for optimizing an I/O system to achieve a certain performance metric. The apparatus comprises: a voltage reference generator to generate a voltage reference; and a dynamic voltage reference control unit, coupled with the voltage reference generator, to dynamically adjust a level of the voltage reference in response to an event. The apparatus is used to perform the method comprising: generating a voltage reference for an input/output (I/O) system; determining a worst case voltage level of the voltage reference; dynamically adjusting, via a dynamic voltage reference control unit, the voltage reference level based on determining the worst case voltage level; and computing a center of an asymmetrical eye based on the dynamically adjusted voltage reference level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher Mozak, Kevin Moore, John V. Lovelace, Zale Theodore Schoenborn, Bryan L. Spry, Chris Yunker