Patents by Inventor Marc R. Faucher

Marc R. Faucher 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: 8244880
    Abstract: The invention provides a method, system, and program product for managing a connection. In particular, the invention manages connection information in memory based on an expected usage of the corresponding connection. Connection information can be stored in faster memory, such as cache memory, when the connection is expected to have numerous additional messages. Similarly, the connection information for a connection not expected to have many additional messages can be swapped out of the cache memory and stored in relatively slower memory. As a result, the connection information that is more frequently used is more likely to be available in a faster memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Marc R. Faucher, Christos J. Georgiou, Ann Marie Rincon
  • Patent number: 8019970
    Abstract: A design structure embodied in a machine readable medium used in a design process includes a multi-layer silicon stack architecture having one or more processing layers comprised of one or more computing elements; one or more networking layers disposed between the processing layers, the network layer comprised of one or more networking elements, wherein each computing element comprises a plurality of network connections to adjacently disposed networking elements and each networking element may provide network access to a plurality of other computing elements through a single hop of the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry Bernstein, Timothy J. Dalton, Marc R. Faucher, Peter A. Sandon
  • Patent number: 7962695
    Abstract: A method of integrating a hybrid architecture in a set associative cache having a first type of memory structure for one or more ways in each congruence class, and a second type of memory structure for the remaining ways of the congruence class, includes determining whether a memory access request results in a cache hit or a cache miss; in the event of a cache miss, determining whether LRU way of the first type memory structure is also the LRU way of the entire congruence class, and if not, then copying the contents of the LRU way of the first type memory structure into the LRU way of the entire congruence class, and filling the LRU way of the first type memory structure with a new cache line in the event of a cache miss; and updating LRU bits, depending upon the results of the memory access request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Marc R. Faucher, Hillery C. Hunter, William R. Reohr, Peter A. Sandon, Vijayalakshmi Srinivasan, Arnold S. Tran
  • Patent number: 7882302
    Abstract: A method for implementing prioritized refresh of a multiple way, set associative DRAM based cache includes identifying, for each of a plurality of sets of the cache, the existence of a most recently used way that has not been accessed during a current assessment period; and for each set, refreshing only the identified most recently used way of the set not accessed during the current assessment period, while ignoring the remaining ways of the set; wherein a complete examination of each set for most recently used ways therein during the current assessment period constitutes a sweep of the cache.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Marc R. Faucher, Peter A. Sandon, Arnold S. Tran
  • Patent number: 7865694
    Abstract: A multi-layer silicon stack architecture includes one or more processing layers including one or more computing elements; one or more networking layers disposed between the processing layers, the network layer includes one or more networking elements, wherein each computing element includes a plurality of network connections to adjacently disposed networking elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry Bernstein, Timothy J. Dalton, Marc R. Faucher, Peter A. Sandon
  • Publication number: 20090144503
    Abstract: A method of integrating a hybrid architecture in a set associative cache having a first type of memory structure for one or more ways in each congruence class, and a second type of memory structure for the remaining ways of the congruence class, includes determining whether a memory access request results in a cache hit or a cache miss; in the event of a cache miss, determining whether LRU way of the first type memory structure is also the LRU way of the entire congruence class, and if not, then copying the contents of the LRU way of the first type memory structure into the LRU way of the entire congruence class, and filling the LRU way of the first type memory structure with a new cache line in the event of a cache miss; and updating LRU bits, depending upon the results of the memory access request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Marc R. Faucher, Hillery C. Hunter, William R. Reohr, Peter A. Sandon, Vijayalakshmi Srinivasan, Arnold S. Tran
  • Publication number: 20090144491
    Abstract: A method for implementing prioritized refresh of a multiple way, set associative DRAM based cache includes identifying, for each of a plurality of sets of the cache, the existence of a most recently used way that has not been accessed during a current assessment period; and for each set, refreshing only the identified most recently used way of the set not accessed during the current assessment period, while ignoring the remaining ways of the set; wherein a complete examination of each set for most recently used ways therein during the current assessment period constitutes a sweep of the cache.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Marc R. Faucher, Peter A. Sandon, Arnold S. Tran
  • Publication number: 20090138581
    Abstract: A design structure embodied in a machine readable medium used in a design process includes a multi-layer silicon stack architecture having one or more processing layers comprised of one or more computing elements; one or more networking layers disposed between the processing layers, the network layer comprised of one or more networking elements, wherein each computing element comprises a plurality of network connections to adjacently disposed networking elements and each networking element may provide network access to a plurality of other computing elements through a single hop of the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry Bernstein, Timothy J. Dalton, Marc R. Faucher, Peter A. Sandon
  • Publication number: 20080313339
    Abstract: The invention provides a method, system, and program product for managing a connection. In particular, the invention manages connection information in memory based on an expected usage of the corresponding connection. Connection information can be stored in faster memory, such as cache memory, when the connection is expected to have numerous additional messages. Similarly, the connection information for a connection not expected to have many additional messages can be swapped out of the cache memory and stored in relatively slower memory. As a result, the connection information that is more frequently used is more likely to be available in a faster memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Marc R. Faucher, Christos J. Georgiou, Ann Marie Rincon
  • Patent number: 6578155
    Abstract: A data processing system (20) having a synchronous interface and partitioned clock and I/O logic controller structure. The system includes a plurality of processing components (22), each having a plurality of I/O logic controllers (24). In addition, the system includes a plurality of clock sources (30) for providing clock signals and a plurality of multiplexers (36) connected to said plurality of clock sources and to at least two of said I/O logic controllers. The clock signals differ from one another in frequency or in skew, i.e., time delay. By appropriate control of clock select registers connected to the plurality of multiplexers, one of the plurality of clock signals from the clock sources may be provided to the two or more I/O logic controllers connected to a given multiplexer. This permits different groups of I/O logic controllers to receive different clock signals in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Marc R. Faucher, Jack R. Smith
  • Patent number: 6532520
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for managing cache allocation for a plurality of data types in a unified cache having dynamically allocable lines for first type data and for second type data. Cache allocation is managed by counting misses to first type data and misses to second type data in the unified cache, and by determining when a difference between a number of first type data misses and a number of second type data misses crosses a preselected threshold. A replacement algorithm of the unified cache then is adjusted in response to the detected crossing of the preselected threshold, the adjusting step including increasing a replacement priority of the first type data lines in the cache. The replacement algorithm preferably is an LRU algorithm wherein the adjusting step includes incrementing an age indication of the first type data lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alvar A. Dean, Marc R. Faucher, John W. Goetz, Kenneth J. Goodnow, Paul T. Gutwin, Stephen W. Mahin, Wilbur D. Pricer
  • Patent number: 6457155
    Abstract: A memory card adapter and method is provided which can add features or provide functions to a computer system's memory modules without having to replace and discard existing memory modules. An adapter is provided which has electrical contacts that are capable of being plugged into a memory module receiving socket of. a motherboard and a memory module receiving socket capable of receiving and retaining a memory module such as a SIMM. The adapter has logic, circuitry and/or memory chips to add new function to the existing memory module and also has all information and hardware needed for proper interface with the motherboard of the computer system. The present invention can add a variety of function such as parity, error correction code and error correction code on SIMM as well as convert signals which form from the system for use on the SIMM which signals in the form generate by the computer are not compatible with the SIMM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines
    Inventors: Timothy J. Dell, Kent A. Dramstad, Marc R. Faucher, Bruce G. Hazelzet
  • Patent number: 6185718
    Abstract: A memory card design which adds parity for non-parity computer systems to supply error detection capabilities is provided. The apparatus includes a memory card, parity DRAM locatable on the memory card, logic for generating and checking parity bits and logic for the control of the generating, checking and storing parity bits. Also, in another embodiment, the apparatus adds error correction code to the memory card to provide error detection and correction code to systems lacking such capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Dell, Kamal E. Dimitri, Kent A. Dramstad, Marc R. Faucher, Bruce G. Hazelzet, Bruce W. Singer
  • Patent number: 6178467
    Abstract: A method and system for transferring data between a processor and a device residing at a non-cacheable address. The method includes the steps of asserting the non-cacheable address onto an address bus, asserting a first signal indicating that the processor has data ready for burst mode transfer between the processor and a device residing at the non-cacheable address, asserting a second signal indicating that the device is ready for the burst mode transfer, and performing a burst mode transfer of a plurality of bytes between the processor and the non-cacheable address. The method of the invention provides both sequential and non-sequential burst transfer modes. The system of the invention provides a processor, a device, bus control logic, and non-cacheable address logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Marc R. Faucher, Paul T. Gutwin
  • Patent number: 6108730
    Abstract: A memory card adapter and method is provided which can add features or provide functions to a computer system's memory modules without having to replace and discard existing memory modules. An adapter is provided which has electrical contacts that are capable of being plugged into a memory module receiving socket of a motherboard and a memory module receiving socket capable of receiving and retaining a memory module such as a SIMM. The adapter has logic, circuitry and/or memory chips to add new function to the existing memory module and also has all information and hardware needed for proper interface with the motherboard of the computer system. The present invention can add a variety of function such as parity, error correction code and error correction code on SIMM as well as convert signals which form from the system for use on the SIMM which signals in the form generate by the computer are not compatible with the SIMM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Dell, Kent A. Dramstad, Marc R. Faucher, Bruce G. Hazelzet
  • Patent number: 6052818
    Abstract: An apparatus and method in which ECC bus protection capability can be generated on a memory card in conjunction with a computer system with a built-in ECC capability to reduce data transmission errors. Data generated by the system is transmitted to the card and stored in DRAMs. On a read cycle, the card generates a set of checkbits which are sent to the system on a checkbit bus. The system generates a set of checkbits from the data read from the memory card and compares these checkbits with those received from the memory card. A mismatch indicates transmission error on the bus(s) during a read cycle. Any correctable error is corrected. Data is invalidated if an uncorrectable error is detected. In another embodiment checkbits generated by the system during a write cycle are transmitted to the card an checkbits are generated by the card. These two sets of checkbits are compared and if there is a mismatch data is either flagged as bad or corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Dell, Marc R. Faucher, Bruce G. Hazelzet
  • Patent number: 5969997
    Abstract: A high speed Random Access Memory (RAM) array device includes several logical banks, each of which can be uniquely addressed. Each of these logical banks contains a unique memory array segment and associated page register, the latter serving as a temporary storage location during high-speed page hit operations. To reduce latency during an initial page hit, further array optimization is realized by segmenting each logical bank into two segments with one, smaller segment, comprising a faster random access memory (FRAM) for storing initial data in a data stream. A high speed page register connects the FRAM directly to a multiplexer/demultiplexer connected to the device I/O ports bypassing an internal bus protocol such that the initial data can be transferred between the FRAM and the I/O ports faster thereby improving page-hit latency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Clinton, Marc R. Faucher, Erik L. Hedberg, Mark W. Kellogg, Wilbur D. Pricer
  • Patent number: 5963464
    Abstract: A memory card design which allows for stackable memory cards so that a computer system's memory capabilities can be expanded by connecting a first memory card to sockets of the computer system's motherboard and then stacking subsequent memory cards on top of this first memory card. The memory card design includes connector sockets on a top surface of the card which allow for another card to be plugged into these sockets. Also, a presence detect serial EPROM and steer and encode logic are provided to assign a unique system address to each presence detect. The serial presence detect address select wiring are offset within the stack as are RAS lines so that all lines do not have to be hard-wired through each card of a stack of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Dell, Marc R. Faucher, Bruce G. Hazelzet, Dale Edward Pontius
  • Patent number: 5959845
    Abstract: A circuit board for receiving different chip modules at each chip module site has a site for receiving a chip module having electrical connectors thereon and a first set of contacts at the chip module site having a first arrangement for receiving a chip module having an electrical connector footprint conforming to the first module contact arrangement. There is also provided a second set of contacts at the chip module site having a second arrangement for receiving a chip module having an electrical connector footprint conforming to the second module contact arrangement, the second set of contacts having a different arrangement than, and being electrically connected to, the first set of contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Marc R. Faucher
  • Patent number: 5548746
    Abstract: A system and method for protecting individual segments of a contiguous I/O address space on a system bus using the page access protection resources of a processor operating on a processor bus address space. The contiguous I/O address space is segmented and mapped by translation into the processor address space by distributing I/O segments non-contiguously among successive processor bus pages. Individual I/O address space segments, as may be associated with I/O ports, are protected directly by the processor through the selective enablement of page protection for correspondingly mapped ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gary D. Carpenter, Mark E. Dean, Marc R. Faucher, James C. Peterson, Howard C. Tanner