Abstract: Disclosed are a system, a method, and an article of manufacture to provide for configuring an automated data storage library having one or more storage frames that operate with different types of data storage media. The automated data storage library is configured to operate with sequential storage shelf addresses assigned to consecutive storage frames that use the same type of data storage media. The storage frames that operate with different types of data storage media may be physically assembled in any order. The automated data storage library may be expanded by attaching storage frames that operate with different types of data storage media in any order while maintaining sequential storage shelf addresses that span across multiple library frames.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately tuning the speed of an integrated circuit, i.e. a computer chip, using a built-in sense circuit and controller are provided. The sense circuit is provided in association with a monitored path. The sense circuit includes a variable delay element coupled to a controller. A data signal from the monitored path is provided to the sense circuit which adds an amount of delay as determined by the controller to the data signal. The delayed data signal and the original data signal are compared to determine if their values match. If they match, then the amount of delay added by the variable delay element is increased. If they do not match, then a previous amount of delay, prior to the mismatch, is output as the slack of the monitored path. The slack may then be used to tune the speed of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A data processing system includes a mechanism to periodically idle the normal system operation to allow recalibration of its interface circuitry by transmission of data with transitions and logic levels indicative of actual operation. Provision is made to protect actual data of the system from corruption during recalibration.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for interface failure survivability using error correction provides operation of an interface when a number of bits of the interface less than or equal to available error correction depth are present. Initialization tests are used to determine whether the interface errors due to failed interconnects or circuits can be corrected, or whether the interface must be disabled. Subsequent alignment at initialization or during operation idle periods may be disabled for any failed bit paths. The failed bit path indications are determined and maintained in hardware, and used to bypass subsequent calibrations that could otherwise corrupt the interface. A fault indication specifying total failure may be generated and used to shut down the interface and/or connected subsystem in response to an uncorrectable condition and request immediate repair. A second fault indication specifying correctable failure may be generated and used to indicate a need for eventual repair.

Abstract: In order to test the memory access signal connections between a data processing circuit, such as a processor core 2, and a memory 4, a subset of memory access signal connections 8 are provided with associated scan chain cells 10 so that they may be directly tested. The remainder memory access signal connections 12 which are common to all the expected configurations of the memory 4 are tested by being driven by the processor core 2 itself with data being passed through the memory and captured back within the processor core 2 for checking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sorbent collector material based on polyorganosiloxane for the microextraction of substances to be analysed, the collector material having an open-cell foam structure, and to a collector and a liner which include this collector material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and program for using storage slots efficiently. A move command is received to move a portable data storage medium from a source address to a destination address. An empty storage slot that has no association with the destination address is located. The portable data storage medium is moved from the source address to the located empty storage slot. An association is stored between the located empty storage slot and the destination address.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interface signaling using single-ended and differential data signals improves performance of an interface. A differential pair of data signals and at least one single-ended data signal are transmitted over the interface. The differential pair of data signals is received by a differential receiver and the single-ended data signals are received by a receiver that uses the differential pair of data signals to improve the detection of the single-ended data signal. A novel receiver having a differential input and a single-ended input combines the differential pair of data signals with a single-ended data signal to detect the single-ended data signal providing improved common-mode rejection and reducing the error rate of the single-ended signal. Multiple single-ended signals may be associated with one differential signal, providing a scalable architecture grouping a number of single-ended signals with each differential pair of signals.

Abstract: A comparator and method for detecting a signal using a reference derived from a differential data signal pair improves performance of an interface. A differential pair of data signals and at least one single-ended data signal are transmitted over the interface. The differential pair of data signals is received by a differential receiver and the single-ended data signals are received by a receiver that uses the differential pair of data signals to improve the detection of the single-ended data signal. A novel comparator circuit provides the comparison, using a voltage or current level of the single-ended signal to determine states of the differential data signal pair.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of controlling content includes receiving an input from the user and monitoring content in an application program or content exchanged between the application program and an operating system residing at the user's computer system. The method includes determining whether monitored content corresponds to a predetermined advertisement. If the monitored content corresponds to the predetermined advertisement, the predetermined advertisement is replaced with another predetermined advertisement based on the user input.