Abstract: In a semi-open loop rate adaptation scheme for a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system, a transmitter can advantageously use one or more quality metrics of an uplink as well as knowledge of device characteristics of both ends to perform fast and accurate rate adaptation.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for efficiently enforcing global ordering in a computing system using an inter-queue ordering mechanism (IQOM). The IQOM may be located in a bridge (e.g., a caching bridge) coupling two interconnects: an internal interconnect to connect different processing units (e.g., processing cores inside a processor or a single core processor) and a system interconnect to connect different processors and/or different internal interconnects. The bridge handles transactions from two directions: inbound—from the system interconnect to an internal interconnect, and outbound—from an internal interconnect to the system interconnect. The IQOM may be used to enforce strict ordering among inbound transactions and among outbound transactions separately and thus allow certain inbound transactions that occur on the system interconnect after an outbound transaction to be completed before the outbound transaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cache coherency sequencing implementation and an adaptive LLC access priority control is disclosed. One embodiment provides mechanisms to resolve last level cache access priority among multiple internal CMP cores, internal snoops and external snoops. Another embodiment provides mechanisms for implementing cache coherency in multi-core CMP system.

Abstract: A system and method for signaling a deferred response to a data request in a bus connected system is described. In one embodiment, a responding agent on the bus issues a deferred response message when it cannot supply the requested data in a short period of time. When the responding agent knows that the requested data will shortly arrive in its buffers, it may first send an identification signal to the requesting agent, indicating to the requesting agent that it should prepare to receive the data shortly. After one or more bus clock cycles, the responding agent may then subsequently send the corresponding data message to the requesting agent.

Abstract: A transmitter can send frames with a range of transmitter powers to another device in a wireless network. The quality metrics computed from these frames can be advantageously used to determine an optimal transmit power. These quality metrics can be computed by the other device or by the transmitter. Each quality metric can include an EVM and, optionally, also an RSSI. The transmitter can calibrate its optimal transmit power using the quality metrics. The optimal transmit power can be a maximum power that meets a minimum quality specification for a given supported modulation format, the transmit power that allows for a greatest path loss while maintaining a given packet error rate (PER), or the transmit power that maximizes a throughput supported in the wireless network.

Abstract: Devices such as amplifiers are built on a heat sink having a perimeter wall surrounding active electronic devices. Surprisingly formation of wire bonds to such devices tends to be degraded if they have an aspect ratio greater than 2:1. This problem is overcome by forming wire bonds before such walls have a height of 30 mils and after bond formation extending the walls to their final height.

Abstract: To provide an extra wide bandwidth communication using standard channels, multiple non-overlapping channels can be used. To provide a 40 MHz communication, two non-overlapping 20 MHz channels, i.e. a control channel and an extension channel, can be used to provide an effective 40 MHz channel. Advantageously, a wireless device can dynamically detect 20/40 MHz signals on a packet-by-packet basis, thereby facilitating commercially viable 40 MHz communication. The wireless device can monitor traffic on the extension channel to facilitate accurate 20/40 MHz decision making. Protection, e.g. legacy preambles and RTS/CTS headers, can be provided on the control and extension channels.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing control registers in a computer system is described. In one embodiment, a control register is given an address which is outside the normal input/output addressable range. Additionally, this control register may be physically located in system circuits separate from the processor functional circuitry. Such a control register may not be accessible via normal user input/output instructions. Special microcode may be used to access these control registers. The special microcode may be executed by special system events. These special events may include loading a microcode patch, or by entering a special debug mode, or by test access using a test access port.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an exterior telephone service interface for exterior mounting at a customer's premises. The telephone service interface combines both a terminal chamber for delivery of telephone service to the customer and a splicing chamber for connection to the incoming telephone service lines into a single wall mountable unite. The combination terminal chamber and splicing chamber can accommodate a plurality of splices and terminal interfaces and reduces installation time significantly.

Abstract: Preventing cache conflicts within microprocessors and/or computer systems. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to a technique to prevent cache conflicts within a processor and/or computer system in which a number of accesses may be made to a particular cache or group of caches.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved performance for handling priority agent bus requests when symmetric agent bus parking is enabled is disclosed. In one embodiment, a modified priority agent may be used. The modified priority agent may assert an unused symmetric agent bus request when it asserts its priority agent bus request. When a symmetric agent parks on the bus, continually asserting its symmetric agent bus request, the assertion of the otherwise unused symmetric agent bus request may cause the symmetric agent to withdraw its symmetric agent bus request. This may reduce bus response time for subsequent modified priority agent bus requests.

Abstract: A system and method for targeting marketing messages at a point-of-sale consumer by collecting current transactional receipt data, such as the time of a retail transaction, the date of the transaction, the number of items purchased the transaction, and the total dollar value of a transaction. The data collected from the receipt is then applied to one or more algorithms to determine which marketing messages are most likely to be successful. A predetermined number of marketing messages found most likely to be successful are then printed on the customer receipt in order of priority of expected effectiveness. The system is designed to be used in connection with a point-of-sale terminal without the need for additional hardware, such as a second printer, or the need to access historical customer data.

Abstract: Preventing request conflicts within microprocessors and/or computer systems. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to a technique to manage request conflicts within a processor and/or computer system in which a number of accesses may be made to a particular cache or group of caches shared amongst a set of cores or processors or agents.

Abstract: A process for forming at least one interface region between two regions of semiconductor material. At least one region of dielectric material comprising nitrogen is formed in the vicinity of at least a portion of a boundary between the two regions of semiconductor material, thereby controlling electrical resistance at the interface.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for transmitting data over a wireless channel. In some embodiments, transmitting data includes receiving convolutionally encoded data and enhancing the transmission of the data by further repetition encoding the data.

Abstract: A telecommunications network for a high-rise Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) is provided. In the telecommunications network eliminates much of the wiring and space required for voice, video and data services, electrical closets, security cameras, building automation, fire annunciation systems, hard-wired smoke detectors, hard-wired heat detectors, electrical meters through the use of an integrated Ethernet communication system. Additionally, a video program guide (VPG) is provided that allows a user to interact with multiple streams of video in real time. The VPG includes techniques for displaying multiple streams of data on a single screen for a user.

Abstract: Current OFDM systems use a limited number of symbols and/or sub-channels to provide approximations for channel estimations and pilot tracking, i.e. phase estimations. For example, two training symbols in the preamble of a data packet are used to provide channel estimation. Four of the fifty-four sub-channels are reserved for providing phase estimation. However, noise and other imperfections can cause errors in both of these estimations, thereby degrading system performance. Advantageously, decision feedback mechanisms can be provided to significantly improve channel estimation and pilot tracking in OFDM systems. The decision feedback mechanisms can use data symbols in the data packet to improve channel estimation as well as data sub-channels to improve pilot tracking.

Abstract: A yard waste bag loading assembly includes a base having dimensions able to accommodate a yard waste bag therein, the yard waste bag having a given opening size. A plurality of vertical supports extend from the base to a height necessary to accommodate the yard waste bag. A funnel is hingeably secured to the tops of the vertical supports. The funnel has a mouth greater than the bag opening size. The components of the loading assembly are readily formed from tubular plastic pieces, elbow fittings and tee fittings to facilitate easy breakdown and storage.

Abstract: A process for forming at least one interface region between two regions of semiconductor material. At least one region of dielectric material comprising nitrogen is formed in the vicinity of at least a portion of a boundary between the two regions of semiconductor material, thereby controlling electrical resistance at the interface.

Abstract: A system and method for targeting marketing messages at a point-of-sale consumer by collecting current transactional receipt data, such as the time of a retail transaction, the date of the transaction, the number of items purchased the transaction, and the total dollar value of a transaction. The data collected from the receipt is then applied to one or more algorithms to determine which marketing messages are most likely to be successful. A predetermined number of marketing messages found most likely to be successful are then printed on the customer receipt in order of priority of expected effectiveness. The system is designed to be used in connection with a point-of-sale terminal without the need for additional hardware, such as a second printer, or the need to access historical customer data.