Patents by Inventor Christopher B. Reynolds

Christopher B. Reynolds 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: 8381161
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method identifies at least one proprietary geometric figure from a plurality of geometric figures within a design data layout format file. The proprietary geometric figure in the design data layout format file may be replaced with a placeholder geometric figure. Cell names and connection names associated with the proprietary geometric figure are renamed from a netlist file that defines electrical connections between the geometric figures with obfuscating names. A modified design data layout format file may be generated that includes the placeholder geometric figure and a modified netlist file including the obfuscating names. The modified file enables IC designers to complete their design and checking activities, but inhibits reverse-engineering of the proprietary geometric & netlist data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Andersen, Oded Katz, Rina Kipnis, Lansing D. Pickup, Christopher B. Reynolds, Joseph H. Underwood
  • Patent number: 8174329
    Abstract: A method and system for modulating logic clock oscillator frequency based on voltage supply. The system comprises a logic unit having a logic operation and a device to produce self-adjusting clocks to match the logic operation. The device is configured to use supply voltage as an independent variable to optimize device parameters for voltage variations. The invention is also directed to a design structure on which a circuit resides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Goodnow, Clarence R. Ogilvie, Christopher B. Reynolds, Sebastian T. Ventrone, Keith R. Williams
  • Patent number: 7937560
    Abstract: A solution for retaining a logic state of a processor pipeline architecture are disclosed. A comparator is positioned between two stages of the processor pipeline architecture. A storage capacitor is coupled between a storage node of the comparator and a ground to store an output of the early one of the two stages. A reference logic is provided, which has the same value as the output of the early stage. A logic storing and dividing device is coupled between the reference logic and a reference node of the comparator to generate a logic at the reference node, which is a fraction of the reference logic, and to retain a logic state of the information stored on the storage capacitor. Further mechanisms are provided to determine validity of data stored in the logic storing and dividing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry Bernstein, Kenneth J. Goodnow, Clarence R. Ogilvie, Christopher B. Reynolds, Sebastian T. Ventrone, Keith R. Williams
  • Patent number: 7882334
    Abstract: A system, method and program product for retaining a logic state of a processor pipeline architecture are disclosed. A comparator is positioned between two stages of the processor pipeline architecture. A storage capacitor is coupled between a storage node of the comparator and a ground to store an output of the early one of the two stages. A reference logic is provided, which has the same value as the output of the early stage. A logic storing and dividing device is coupled between the reference logic and a reference node of the comparator to generate a logic at the reference node, which is a fraction of the reference logic, and to retain a logic state of the information stored on the storage capacitor. Further mechanisms are provided to determine validity of data stored in the logic storing and dividing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry Bernstein, Kenneth J. Goodnow, Clarence R. Ogilvie, Christopher B. Reynolds, Sebastian T. Ventrone, Keith R. Williams
  • Publication number: 20100333058
    Abstract: A method for increasing the manufacturing yield of field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices (PLDs). An FPGA or other PLD is formed in several sections, each of the sections having its own power bus and input/output connections. Each section of the FPGA or other PLD is tested to identify defects in the FPGA or other PLD. The FPGA or other PLD is sorted according to whether the section has an acceptable number of defects. An assigned unique number for the FPGA or other PLD chip or part identifies it as partially good. Software for execution and configuring the FPGA or other PLD may use the unique number for programming only the identified functional sections of the FPGA or other PLD. The result is an increase in yield as partially good FPGAs or other PLDs may still be utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Goodnow, Clarence R. Ogilvie, Christopher B. Reynolds, Sebastian T. Ventrone, Paul S. Zuchowski
  • Publication number: 20100231306
    Abstract: A method and system for modulating logic clock oscillator frequency based on voltage supply. The system comprises a logic unit having a logic operation and a device to produce self-adjusting clocks to match the logic operation. The device is configured to use supply voltage as an independent variable to optimize device parameters for voltage variations. The invention is also directed to a design structure on which a circuit resides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth J. GOODNOW, Clarence R. Ogilvie, Christopher B. Reynolds, Sebastian T. Ventrone, Keith R. Williams
  • Patent number: 7793251
    Abstract: A method for increasing the manufacturing yield of field programmable gate arrays (FPGAS) or other programmable logic devices (PLDs). An FPGA or other PLD is formed in several sections, each of the sections having its own power bus and input/output connections. Each section of the FPGA or other PLD is tested to identify defects in the FPGA or other PLD. The FPGA or other PLD is sorted according to whether the section has an acceptable number of defects. An assigned unique number for the FPGA or other PLD chip or part identifies it as partially good. Software for execution and configuring the FPGA or other PLD may use the unique number for programming only the identified functional sections of the FPGA or other PLD. The result is an increase in yield as partially good FPGAs or other PLDs may still be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Goodnow, Clarence R. Ogilvie, Christopher B. Reynolds, Sebastian T. Ventrone, Paul S. Zuchowski
  • Patent number: 7750670
    Abstract: A reconfigurable logic array (RLA) having a logic capacity and configured to process a function having a total logic requirement that exceeds the logic capacity of the RLA. The RLA includes first and second storage regions and a plurality of programmable logic elements located between the first and second storage regions. When the function is parsed into a plurality of functional blocks, this configuration allows the RLA to process the function by sequentially processing the functional blocks in alternating directions within the RLA, using the plurality of programmable logic elements to sequentially process each of the functional blocks and using the first and second storage regions to temporarily hold the input and output for that one of the functional blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Goodnow, Clarence R. Ogilvie, Christopher B. Reynolds, Jack R. Smith, Sebastian T. Ventrone
  • Patent number: 7644327
    Abstract: A system and method of providing error detection and correction capability in an IC using redundant logic cells and an embedded field programmable gate array (FPGA). The system and method provide error correction (EC) to enable a defective logic function implemented within an IC chip design to be replaced, wherein at least one embedded FPGA is provided in the IC chip to perform a logic function. If a defective logic function is identified in the IC design, the embedded FPGA is programmed to correctly perform the defective logic function. All inputs in an input cone of logic of the defective logic function are identified and are directed into the embedded FPGA, such that the embedded FPGA performs the logic function of the defective logic function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Cohn, Christopher B. Reynolds, Sebastian T. Ventrone, Paul S. Zuchowski
  • Publication number: 20090287905
    Abstract: A solution for retaining a logic state of a processor pipeline architecture are disclosed. A comparator is positioned between two stages of the processor pipeline architecture. A storage capacitor is coupled between a storage node of the comparator and a ground to store an output of the early one of the two stages. A reference logic is provided, which has the same value as the output of the early stage. A logic storing and dividing device is coupled between the reference logic and a reference node of the comparator to generate a logic at the reference node, which is a fraction of the reference logic, and to retain a logic state of the information stored on the storage capacitor. Further mechanisms are provided to determine validity of data stored in the logic storing and dividing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kerry Bernstein, Kenneth J. Goodnow, Clarence R. Ogilvie, Christopher B. Reynolds, Sebastian T. Ventrone, Keith R. Williams
  • Patent number: 7512813
    Abstract: A method for protecting a dynamically reconfigurable computing system includes generating an encoding key and passing the encoding key, through a system level bus, to at least one field programmable logic device and to a function library included within the system. The function library contains a plurality of functions for selective programming into the at least one field programmable logic device. A lock is generated so as to prevent external resources with respect to the system from accessing the encoding key during the passing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Goodnow, Clarence R. Ogilvie, Christopher B. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7489163
    Abstract: A field programmable gate array (FPGA) device including a non-non-programming-based default power-on electronic configuration. The non-non-programming-based default power-on electronic configuration defines a default state to initial a first logic function. Upon power-up, the FPGA device would be enabled to enter the default state without having first to be configured via a conventional programming mode, thus saving precious processing time during power-up. Several embodiments are disclosed, such as a mask via circuit, an asynchronized set/reset circuit, an unbalanced latch circuit and a flush and scan circuit. A related method is also disclosed to reduce the memory size dedicated to the first logic function to facilitate further programming after power-up. In addition to time saving and further programming, the FPGA device can also allow partial or incremental programming to expand the full functionality to match customer's different needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Goodnow, Clarence R. Ogilvie, Christopher B. Reynolds, Jack R. Smith, Sebastian T. Ventrone, Keith R. Williams
  • Publication number: 20080290896
    Abstract: A reconfigurable logic array (RLA) system that includes an RLA and a programmer for reprogramming the RLA on a cyclical basis. A function (F) requiring a larger amount of logic than contained in the RLA is partitioned into multiple functional blocks. The programmer contains software that partitions the RLA into a function region FR located between two storage regions SR1, SR2. The programmer then programs functional region sequentially with the functional blocks of the function so that the functional blocks process in alternating directions between the storage regions. While the programmer is reconfiguring function region with the next functional block and reconfiguring one of the storage regions for receiving the output of the next functional block, data being passed from the current functional block to the next functional block is held in the other storage region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Goodnow, Clarence R. Ogilvie, Christopher B. Reynolds, Jack R. Smith, Sebastian T. Ventrone
  • Publication number: 20080256503
    Abstract: A method and system for modulating logic clock oscillator frequency based on voltage supply. The system comprises a logic unit having a logic operation and a device to produce self-adjusting clocks to match the logic operation. The device is configured to use supply voltage as an independent variable to optimize device parameters for voltage variations. The invention is also directed to a design structure on which a circuit resides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth J. GOODNOW, Clarence R. Ogilvie, Christopher B. Reynolds, Sebastian T. Ventrone, Keith R. Williams
  • Patent number: 7417453
    Abstract: A reconfigurable logic array (RLA) system (104) that includes an RLA (108) and a programmer (112) for reprogramming the RLA on a cyclical basis. A function (F) requiring a larger amount of logic than contained in the RLA is partitioned into multiple functional blocks (FB1, FB2, FB3). The programmer contains software (144) that partitions the RLA into a function region FR located between two storage regions SR1, SR2. The programmer then programs functional region sequentially with the functional blocks of the function so that the functional blocks process in alternating directions between the storage regions. While the programmer is reconfiguring function region with the next functional block and reconfiguring one of the storage regions for receiving the output of the next functional block, data being passed from the current functional block to the next functional block is held in the other storage region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J Goodnow, Clarence R Ogilvie, Christopher B Reynolds, Jack R Smith, Sebastian T Ventrone
  • Publication number: 20080163016
    Abstract: A system and method of providing error detection and correction capability in an IC using redundant logic cells and an embedded field programmable gate array (FPGA). The system and method provide error correction (EC) to enable a defective logic function implemented within an IC chip design to be replaced, wherein at least one embedded FPGA is provided in the IC chip to perform a logic function. If a defective logic function is identified in the IC design, the embedded FPGA is programmed to correctly perform the defective logic function. All inputs in an input cone of logic of the defective logic function are identified and are directed into the embedded FPGA, such that the embedded FPGA performs the logic function of the defective logic function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: John M. Cohn, Christopher B. Reynolds, Sebastian T. Ventrone, Paul S. Zuchowski
  • Patent number: 7373567
    Abstract: A system and method of providing error detection and correction capability in an IC using redundant logic cells and an embedded field programmable gate array (FPGA). The system and method provide error correction (EC) to enable a defective logic function implemented within an IC chip design to be replaced, wherein at least one embedded FPGA is provided in the IC chip to perform a logic function. If a defective logic function is identified in the IC design, the embedded FPGA is programmed to correctly perform the defective logic function. All inputs in an input cone of logic of the defective logic function are identified and are directed into the embedded FPGA, such that the embedded FPGA performs the logic function of the defective logic function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Cohn, Christopher B. Reynolds, Sebastian T. Ventrone, Paul S. Zuchowski
  • Publication number: 20080068100
    Abstract: A method and system for modulating logic clock oscillator frequency based on voltage supply. The system comprises a logic unit having a logic operation and a device to produce self-adjusting clocks to match the logic operation. The device is configured to use supply voltage as an independent variable to optimize device parameters for voltage variations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Goodnow, Clarence R. Ogilvie, Christopher B. Reynolds, Sebastian T. Ventrone, Keith R. Williams
  • Patent number: 7304493
    Abstract: A field programmable gate array (FPGA) device including a non-programming-based default power-on electronic configuration. The non-programming-based default power-on electronic configuration defines a default state to initial a first logic function. Upon power-up, the FPGA device would be enabled to enter the default state without having first to be configured via a conventional programming mode, thus saving processing time during power-up. Several embodiments are disclosed, such as a mask via circuit, an asynchronous set/reset circuit, an unbalanced latch circuit and a flush and scan circuit. A related method is also disclosed to reduce the memory size dedicated to the first logic function to facilitate further programming after power-up. In addition to time saving and further programming, the FPGA device can also allow partial or incremental programming to expand the full functionality to match customer's different needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Goodnow, Clarence R. Ogilvie, Christopher B. Reynolds, Jack R. Smith, Sebastian T. Ventrone, Keith R. Williams
  • Patent number: 7282949
    Abstract: A field programmable gate array (FPGA) device including a non-programming-based default power-on electronic configuration. The non-programming-based default power-on electronic configuration defines a default state to initial a first logic function. Upon power-up, the FPGA device would be enabled to enter the default state without having first to be configured via a conventional programming mode, thus saving processing time during power-up. Several embodiments are disclosed, such as a mask via circuit, an asynchronous set/reset circuit, an unbalanced latch circuit and a flush and scan circuit. A related method is also disclosed to reduce the memory size dedicated to the first logic function to facilitate further programming after power-up. In addition to time saving and further programming, the FPGA device can also allow partial or incremental programming to expand the full functionality to match customer's different needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Goodnow, Clarence R. Ogilvie, Christopher B. Reynolds, Jack R. Smith, Sebastian T. Ventrone, Keith R. Williams