Abstract: The present invention relates to a data processing unit for executing instructions stored in a memory comprising a plurality of registers coupled with an execution unit comprising a logic unit for execution of logic operations. The logic unit comprises a first logic operator which can be coupled with a first and second register as an input register and which generates an output bit as a result of a logic operation. It further comprises a Boolean operator which receives the output bit of the first logic operator as a first input and second input bit from a third register which generates an output bit as a result of a Boolean operation.

Abstract: An integrated peripheral device comprises an associated register. The register comprises a data area containing a password. The register is connected to a read/write control unit, which generates an enabling signal after a first access which allows a data word to be written to the register during a following second write access. The read/write control unit comprises a comparator which compares data transmitted to the peripheral device during a first access with the password and generates a comparison signal, the read/write control unit only generates the enabling signal if the comparator generates a predefined comparison signal, for example, an equality signal.

Abstract: A method and system for accurately indicating test results from testing routines of a self-check operation during initialization or reset of the system utilize test result bits in a secure status register that must be sequentially reset to indicate a successful completion of the self-check operation. The system is a microcontroller that can be incorporated into various consumer products requiring digital processing. Each test result bit represents a distinct component of the system that is tested during the self-check operation. The test result bits in the status register can only be reset one at a time, by activating a demultiplexer which resets a particular test result bit in response to a successful testing of a component. However, the demultiplexer can only be activated by modifying a control bit in an access register that is protected by a double password scheme. To modify the control bit, the CPU must provide two valid passwords.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a data handling system comprising a central processing unit for executing a sequence of commands stored in a memory. This central processing unit comprises an interrupt request input and a priority input as well as means for servicing an interrupt request by executing a command sequence at a predefined address in said memory. The predefined address is an interrupt base address plus an offset address value defined by a priority number provided at the priority input. The system further comprises an interrupt request control unit comprising interrupt arbitration means and generating, after determining the interrupt request, the highest priority by said interrupt arbitration means, an interrupt request signal fed to said interrupt request input and providing a priority number at said priority input.

Abstract: Th present invention relates to a DMA-controller having a definable plurality of transfer channels. According to the present invention such a unit comprises a data processing unit with a bus interface unit being coupled with a bus for transferring data. The data processing unit executes a data transfer on said bus dependent on programmable parameters. It further comprises a parameter memory storing those parameters for each transfer channel, whereby the parameter memory provides a first memory area which stores for each defined transfer channel a word comprising a vector address to a second memory area comprising specific parameters for said transfer channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for furnishing instructions having a multi-stage pipeline processing unit for processing at least a "fetch instruction" phase, a "decode instruction" phase and an "execute instruction" phase, includes a memory; an address register having contents pointing to an instruction to be processed in said memory; an instruction register for receiving a loading of the instruction during an instruction loading phase; an arithmetic calculation unit for calculating addresses; an incrementing stage for incrementing the contents of said address register; and a multiplexer for selecting a calculated address or an incremented successor address. One embodiment also includes a first additional memory unit; a second additional memory unit; an address comparator; and a third additional memory unit. Another embodiment also includes a first additional memory unit; a second additional memory unit; an address comparator; and a third additional memory unit.

Abstract: A circuit configuration and a method for priority selection of interrupts for a microprocessor in an integrated circuit which includes a central processing unit, a central interrupt node connected to the central processing unit, N interrupt sources for presenting interrupt requests to the central processing unit, peripheral interrupt nodes each being connected to a respective one of the N interrupt sources. A common interrupt bus is connected to the peripheral interrupt nodes and to the central interrupt node. The method for priority selection includes activating the interrupt bus in a prioritizing round in accordance with a priority value with a peripheral interrupt node assigned to an interrupt source in the presence of an interrupt request of the interrupt source.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for improving the resolution of successive pulsed signals over time includes first and second counters each having one clock input, the clock input of the first counter being supplied with a first clock signal, and the clock input of the second counter being supplied with a second clock signal having a n-multiple frequency of the first clock signal. The first counter has a control input and a counter output, the control input of the first counter being supplied with successive pulsed signals. The second counter has a counter input, an overflow output and a write input, the write input of the second counter being connected to the overflow output of the second counter.

Abstract: A counter/timer circuit for a microcontroller includes a central register and two auxiliary registers each having transfer outputs and counting inputs. Bistable output storage elements are each connected to a respective one of the transfer outputs. Interrupt request flags are also each connected to a respective one of the transfer outputs. Start/stop elements are each connected to a respective one of the counting inputs. Input control blocks are each connected to a respective one of the start/stop elements. First reload, capture and compare units are connected between one of the auxiliary registers and the central register, and second reload, capture and compare units are connected between the other of the auxiliary registers and the central register.