Abstract: A design structure for a cache memory system (200) having a cache memory (204) partitioned into a number of banks, or “ways” (204A, 204B). The memory system includes a power controller (244) that selectively powers up and down the ways depending upon which way contains the data being sought by each incoming address (232) coming into the memory system.

Abstract: A design structure comprising an apparatus which reduces the power in memory devices in general and, in particular, static random access memory (SRAM) arrays featuring sense amplifier assist (SAA) circuitry. The design structure limits the implementation of the SAA circuitry to SRAM array blocks that do not meet the application voltage requirements.

Abstract: A keeper device for dynamic logic includes a first keeper path statically coupled to a dynamic data path, the first keeper path configured to prevent false discharge of the dynamic data path during an evaluation thereof, and a second keeper path selectively coupled to the dynamic data path. The second keeper path is configured to maintain the dynamic data path at a nominal precharge level prior to an evaluation thereof, wherein the second keeper path is decoupled from the dynamic data path during the evaluation.

Abstract: A cache memory system (200) having a cache memory (204) partitioned into a number of banks, or “ways” (204A, 204B). The memory system includes a power controller (244) that selectively powers up and down the ways depending upon which way contains the data being sought by each incoming address (232) coming into the memory system.

Abstract: A memory is provided which can be operated at an active rate of power consumption in an active operational mode and at a predetermined reduced rate of power consumption in a standby operational mode. The memory includes a current generating circuit which is operable to supply a predetermined magnitude of current to a sample power supply input terminal of a sample memory cell representative of memory cells of the memory, the predetermined magnitude of current corresponding to the predetermined reduced rate of power consumption. A voltage follower circuit is operable to output a standby voltage level equal to a voltage level at the sample power supply input terminal when the predetermined magnitude of current is supplied thereto. A memory cell array of the memory is operable to store data. In the standby operational mode, a switching circuit is operable to supply power at the standby voltage level to a power supply input terminal of the memory cell array.

Abstract: A content addressable memory including a first array of memory cells, and a second array of memory cells. A search logic circuit is configured to prevent a discharge of the second array of memory cells when a search of the first array of memory cells finds certain data.

Abstract: A solution for determining minimum operating voltages due to performance/power requirements would be valid for a wide range of actual uses. The solution includes a test flow methodology for dynamically reducing power consumption under applied conditions while maintaining application performance via a BIST circuit. There is additionally provided a test flow method for dynamically reducing power consumption to the lowest possible stand-by/very low power level under applied conditions that will still be sufficient to maintain data/state information. One possible application would be for controlling the voltage supply to a group of particular circuits on an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). These circuits are grouped together in a voltage island where they would receive a voltage supply that can be different from the voltage supply other circuits on the same chip are receiving. The same solution could be applied to a portion of a microprocessor (the cache logic control, for example).

Abstract: A method for small signal sensing during a read operation of a static random access memory (SRAM) cell includes coupling a pair of complementary sense amplifier data lines to a corresponding pair of complementary bit lines associated with the SRAM cell, and setting a sense amplifier so as to amplify a signal developed on the sense amplifier data lines, wherein the bit line pair remains coupled to the sense amplifier data lines at the time the sense amplifier is set.

Abstract: A method for small signal sensing during a read operation of a static random access memory (SRAM) cell includes coupling a pair of complementary sense amplifier data lines to a corresponding pair of complementary bit lines associated with the SRAM cell, and setting a sense amplifier so as to amplify a signal developed on the sense amplifier data lines, wherein the bit line pair remains coupled to the sense amplifier data lines at the time the sense amplifier is set.

Abstract: A method for implementing a self-timed, read to write operation in a memory storage device. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes capturing a read address during a first half of a current clock cycle, and commencing a read operation so as to read data corresponding to the captured read address onto a pair of bit lines. A write operation is commenced for the current clock cycle so as to cause write data to appear on the pair of bit lines as soon as the read data from the captured read address is amplified by a sense amplifier, wherein the write operation uses a previous write address captured during a preceding clock cycle. A current write address is captured during a second half of the current clock cycle, said current write address used for a write operation implemented during a subsequent clock cycle, wherein the write operation for the current clock cycle is timed independent of the current write address captured during said second half of the current clock cycle.

Abstract: A structure, apparatus and method for reducing the power requirement of CAM memories, where the memory cells of the memory array are divided into groups of rows of multiple memory segments. Each memory segment has its own search driver and is searched separately. The memory segments are also searched in a prescribed order. If the search data is found in a particular memory segment, the search is stopped, leaving subsequent memory segments unsearched. By searching memory segments only until the search data is found, match lines of the subsequent memory segments are not unnecessarily discharge and recharged thereby reducing the current demands placed upon the power supply by the CAM memory. A selectable option to do a full search of the CAM memory is also provided for when the power supply is able to meet such current demands.

Abstract: BUR920020148US13 A method of tuning an integrated circuit on an integrated circuit chip including: performing a drain current at saturation measurement of one or more test field effect transistors on the integrated circuit chip; selectively programming fuses of a bank of fuses on the integrated circuit chip based on the drain current at saturation measurement; and tuning an output of the integrated circuit based on a pattern of blown and un-blown fuses in the bank of fuses.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a first method is provided for providing multiple termination values using a plurality of binary termination signals. The first method includes the steps of (1) determining a characteristic impedance of a first port by generating a plurality of binary termination signals; and (2) modifying a characteristic impedance of a second port by manipulating one or more of the plurality of binary termination signals. Numerous other aspects are provided.