Abstract: A memory hub permits a graphics processor to access random access memories, such as dynamic random access memories (DRAMs). In one implementation, the memory hub permits an increase in effective memory bandwidth by aggregating the memory of two or more memories. In another implementation, the memory hub permits a graphics processor to offload memory access interfacing operations to the memory hub.

Abstract: In a graphics processor, a rendering object and a post-processing object share access to a host processor with a programmable execution core. The rendering object generates fragment data for an image from geometry data. The post-processing object operates to generate a frame of pixel data from the fragment data and to store the pixel data in a frame buffer. In parallel with operations of the host processor, a scanout engine reads pixel data for a previously generated frame and supplies the pixel data to a display device. The scanout engine periodically triggers the host processor to operate the post-processing object to generate the next frame. Timing between the scanout engine and the post-processing object can be controlled such that the next frame to be displayed is ready in a frame buffer when the scanout engine finishes reading a current frame.

Abstract: A computer system includes an integrated graphics subsystem and a graphics connector for attaching either an auxiliary graphics subsystem or a loopback card. A first bus connection communicates data from the computer system to the integrated graphics subsystem. With a loopback card in place, data travels from the integrated graphics subsystem back to the computer system via a second bus connection. When the auxiliary graphics subsystem is attached, the integrated graphics subsystem operates in a data forwarding mode. Data is communicated to the integrated graphics subsystem via the first bus connection. The integrated graphics subsystem then forwards data to the auxiliary graphics subsystem. A portion of the second bus connection communicates data from the auxiliary graphics subsystem back to the computer system. The auxiliary graphics subsystem communicates display information back to the integrated graphics subsystem, where it is used to control a display device.

Abstract: A graphics processing device implementing a set of techniques for power management, preferably at both a subsystem level and a device level, and preferably including peak: power management, a system including a graphics processing device that implements such a set of techniques for power management, and the power management methods performed by such a device or system. In preferred embodiments, the device includes at least two subsystems and hardware mechanisms that automatically seek the lowest power state for the device that does not impact performance of the device or of a system that includes the device. Preferably, the device includes a control unit operable in any selected one of multiple power management modes, and system software can intervene to cause the control unit to operate in any of these modes. For example, the device can include a register interface to which an external processor can write control bits to select among the modes.

Abstract: A computer system includes an integrated graphics subsystem and a graphics connector for attaching either an auxiliary graphics subsystem or a loopback card. A first bus connection communicates data from the computer system to the integrated graphics subsystem. With a loopback card in place, data travels from the integrated graphics subsystem back to the computer system via a second bus connection. When the auxiliary graphics subsystem is attached, the integrated graphics subsystem operates in a data forwarding mode. Data is communicated to the integrated graphics subsystem via the first bus connection. The integrated graphics subsystem then forwards data to the auxiliary graphics subsystem. A portion of the second bus connection communicates data from the auxiliary graphics subsystem back to the computer system. The auxiliary graphics subsystem communicates display information back to the integrated graphics subsystem, where it is used to control a display device.

Abstract: A graphics processing subsystem uses system memory as its graphics memory for rendering and scanout of images. To prevent deadlock of the data bus, the graphics processing subsystem may use an alternate virtual channel of the data bus to access additional data from system memory needed to complete a write operation of a first data. In communicating with the system memory, a data packet including extended byte enable information allows the graphics processing subsystem to write large quantities of data with arbitrary byte masking to system memory. To leverage the high degree of two-dimensional locality of rendered image data, the graphics processing subsystem arranges image data in a tiled format in system memory. A tile translation unit converts image data virtual addresses to corresponding system memory addresses. The graphics processing subsystem reads image data from system memory and converts it into a display signal.

Abstract: A graphics processor or display device including a microcontroller that functions as a sequencer, a computer system including at least one such graphics processor or display device, and a microcontroller for use in such a graphics processor or display device. In preferred embodiments, the microcontroller functions as a sequencer for controlling the timing of power up and/or power down operations by one or both of a graphics processor and a display device. The microcontroller is implemented to exclude any capacity to handle interrupts and so can provide guaranteed timing, and is preferably implemented to be small, simple, and programmable, and to store a small number of programs. Each program consists of instructions belonging to a small instruction set, such as a set consisting of set and clear instructions (for overriding or overwriting specified register bits) and wait, release, and stop instructions.

Abstract: A graphics processing device implementing a set of techniques for power management, preferably at both a subsystem level and a device level, and preferably including peak power management, a system including a graphics processing device that implements such a set of techniques for power management, and the power management methods performed by such a device or system. In preferred embodiments, the device includes at least two subsystems and hardware mechanisms that automatically seek the lowest power state for the device that does not impact performance of the device or of a system that includes the device. Preferably, the device includes a control unit operable in any selected one of multiple power management modes, and system software can intervene to cause the control unit to operate in any of these modes.