Patents by Inventor James Michael Buchanan

James Michael Buchanan 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: 5751173
    Abstract: A variable strength clock signal driver circuit and method of manufacturing the same are provided that accommodate either full or reduced drive strength of a generated clock signal. The clock driver circuit includes a package bonding option to select the desired strength of drive. Thus, the clock driver circuit may be operated at either fast or slow clock frequencies as determined by the system requirements. As a result, both high performance, high drive versions and low cost, low drive versions of a digital circuit such as a microprocessor may be provided that differ only in package bonding. The same set of masks may be used to produce either version of the circuit, thus permitting greater manufacturing flexibility and reducing cost. Furthermore, electromagnetic interference may be reduced by selecting the low drive strength option for cost sensitive applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott H. R. McMahon, James Michael Buchanan, Stephen C. Horne