Abstract: An input/output buffer capable of supporting multiple transmission logic bus specifications. The input/output buffer has a coordinating controller, a logic control circuit, a first transistor, a second transistor, a first resistor element, and a second resistor element. The logic control circuit picks up a microprocessor-type signal to determine the type of microprocessors used. According to the microprocessor type, conductivity of the first transistor, the second transistor, the first resistor element and the second resistor element are reassigned to fit the particular logic bus specification of the microprocessor. Hence, a single chipset on a main circuit board is able to accommodate various types of microprocessors.

Abstract: A system and a method capable of automatically reading out the multiple value of clock frequency on system bus are provided. The system includes a central processing unit and a chipset. The central processing unit has a storage unit for holding a multiple value of clock frequency. The storage unit is capable of synchronizing with an external device through a serial initialization packet (SIP) protocol. The chipset attempts to synchronize with the central processing unit in a SIP protocol that uses a preset multiple value of clock frequency as a parameter. If synchronization between the central processing unit and the chipset cannot be established, the preset multiple value of clock frequency is changed and the SIP protocol is executed again. The multiple value of clock frequency is reset until synchronization is established. After synchronization, the multiple value of clock frequency in the central processing unit is retrieved and compared with the preset multiple value of clock frequency.

Abstract: A debugging device is provided for use in a system controller chip on a computer motherboard, such as a Pentium-based computer motherboard, to facilitate a debugging procedure on the system controller chip whenever a malfunction occurs to the system controller chip. Consequently, internal signals of the chip are correctly connected to chip leads. Under normal operating conditions of the system controller chip, the debugging device connects the connecting-pad area to the control unit and disconnects the connecting-pad the control unit and connects the connecting-pad area successively in a predetermined sequence to the function blocks, allowing the function blocks to undergo an on-site debugging procedure one by one. The debugging device allows an on-site debugging procedure on the system controller chip in real time, and also allows the system controller chip to undergo a benchmark test to check for the reliability in the overall functionality of the system controller chip.

Abstract: A cross memory bank, cross memory page data accessing and controlling unit that provides more efficient transfer of data between a CPU and a memory cluster is described. The data accessing and controlling unit comprises a CPU interface circuit and a memory controlling circuit. When the CPU submits consecutive data access requests to the CPU interface circuit for accessing memory, addresses of the requested data do not necessarily lie in the same memory bank or the same memory page of the memory cluster. If the requested data lie on a different page or a different bank, the CPU interface circuit sends out cross-bank or cross-page signals to the memory controlling circuit in addition to the internal data request signal. Therefore, the required page in the memory bank can be opened in advance. Consequently, time for memory access is shortened and overall efficiency of the system can be improved.

Abstract: A multi-option setting device is provided for use in association with a connecting pin of a chipset for the purpose of allowing user-selection from more than two setting options to set the chipset to perform one of more than two I/O functions through the associated connecting pin. The multi-option setting device includes voltage setting means for generating a user-specified input voltage; a voltage comparison circuit for use to determine which prespecified voltage range the user-specified input voltage lies; a latch circuit for latching the output of the voltage comparison circuit; and a control unit for setting the connecting pin to the user-selected I/O function corresponding to the user-specified input voltage. The user-specified input voltage is obtained from an externally-connected voltage divider and is compared by the voltage comparison circuit to determine which voltage range the user-specified input voltage lies to thereby generate an output logic signal whose value corresponds to the desired option.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes voltage identification (VID) logic and frequency identification logic (FID) for a CPU, as well as power good circuitry for indicating the suitability of electrical power supplies. A VID output signal to control a core voltage provided to the CPU is generated according to an input VID signal provided by the CPU, a sleep state signal, and a CPU mobility-type signal. FID, VID and power detection logic all level shift signals as required for external devices. A programmable table enables overriding of output FID and VID values.

Abstract: A temperature sensing system for monitoring and controlling temperatures of various peripheral devices inside a notebook type of computer. The temperature sensing system uses thermistor as temperature sensor. The thermistor is positioned around a peripheral device and formed a potential divider circuit with another resistor. Next, the voltage produced by the divider circuit is fed to a voltage detection pin of a chipset. Inside the chipset, the divider voltage can be compared with a reference so that appropriate action can be taken to cool down particular peripheral device. In addition, the temperature sensor of this invention can be placed anywhere inside a notebook computer including the area surrounding the peripheral device or even inside the peripheral device. Moreover, no additional control chips for operating those temperature sensors are needed, and hence production cost can be lowered.

Abstract: A memory access control method and system is provided for use on a computer system to control the memory access operation by a central processing unit (CPU) to a memory unit in a more efficient manner. This memory access control method and system is characterized in the capability of switching the memory access operation between a waiting mode and a non-waiting mode based on the current L1 write-back condition of the read requests from the CPU. In the waiting mode, the memory unit responds to each read request in such a manner as to wait until the L1 write-back signal of the read request is issued and then either perform a read operation for the current read request if the L1 write-back signal indicates a cache miss, or perform a cache write-back operation if the L1 write-back signal indicates a cache hit.

Abstract: An input/output control device used to enhance the efficiency of accesses to input/output devices in a computer system is provided. The input/output control device includes a means for storing a mapping table containing pairs of address and response time data associated with the input/output control devices, respectively. When a central processing unit (CPU) accesses an input/output device, a ready signal RDY or a defer signal DEFER is transmitted to the central processing unit from the input/output control device according to a response time corresponding to the accessed input/output device. Thus, the standby time of the central processing unit is greatly reduced, resulting in a better efficiency for the entire computer system.

Abstract: A memory access control method and system is provided for use on a computer system having a CPU and a memory unit for controlling the memory access operation by the CPU to the memory unit. The memory unit is of the type having an auto-precharge feature. By this method and system, a CPU interface is coupled to the CPU, which is capable of promptly issuing an internal read-request signal in response to each read request from the CPU and is further capable of generating a cross-page signal concurrently with the internal read-request signal in the event that the data requested by the read request are located in a closed page in the memory unit.

Abstract: A clock circuit for supporting a plurality of memory module types is provided. The clock circuit is connected to a first type memory module slot, and a second type memory module slot. The clock circuit includes a clock generator for producing a clock signal and a clock buffer having doubly defined clock pins for outputting the first type memory clock signal or the second type memory clock signal. The clock buffer receives the clock signal and outputs a first type memory clock signal to the first type memory clock pin. The doubly defined clock pin is also capable of outputting a second type memory clock signal to the second type memory clock pin. This invention is capable of using just a single clock buffer to drive a plurality of different memory module types.

Abstract: An I/O pad has a data transmitting circuit, a data monitoring control circuit, and a control selection circuit. The control selection circuit controls the data transmitting circuit at the control end, so as to enable or disable the transmission. When it is enabled, data in the data transmitting circuit are exported to a receiving circuit. When it is disabled, data exportation stops. The data monitoring circuit receives signals of the data transmission circuit and export signals to the control selection circuit. The data monitoring circuit judges whether the data transmission is under a stable condition. If it is not yet, an unstable signal is exported to a first input end of the control selection circuit. A second input end of the control selection circuit receives an output enabling signal. The output end of the control selection circuit is connected to the control end of the data transmitting circuit.

Abstract: A method of operating a chipset for saving power consumption is provided. Basic operating units, control units and input/output ports are used to simulate the operation inside the chipset. Any idling operating units are temporarily shut down, only to be activated again on demand. Ultimately, less power consumption is used and less heat is generated by the chipset.

Abstract: A circuit sub-board for regulating constant power source and strengthening ground connections. The circuit sub-board is a double-layered printed circuit board having a large surface power-source layer and a ground-connection layer. The circuit sub-board is utilized to cover the insufficiently ground-covered main board signaling lines as well as insufficiently ground-connected power and ground signaling lines on the main board. With the installation of the circuit sub-board, signals can be transmitted more reliably and with less interference.

Abstract: A memory accessing and controlling unit that controls the transfer of data between a CPU and a memory cluster. The memory accessing and controlling unit comprises a CPU interface circuit and a memory controlling circuit. When the CPU interface circuit picks up a data read request signal from the CPU, a corresponding internal data read request is forwarded to the memory controlling circuit. Next, the memory controlling circuit is sent out some controlling instructions to the memory cluster for reading out the requested data to the CPU. If the CPU also sends out an L1 write-back signal some time later, the memory controlling circuit immediately terminates the current reading operation so that data from the CPU can be written back to the memory cluster.

Abstract: A memory access control method and system is provided for use on a computer system to control the memory access operation by a central processing unit (CPU) to a memory unit in a more efficient manner. This memory access control method and system is characterized in the capability of switching the memory access operation between a waiting mode and a non-waiting mode based on the current L1write-back condition of the read requests from the CPU. In the waiting mode, the memory unit responds to each read request in such a manner as to wait until the L1write-back signal of the read request is issued and then either perform a read operation for the current read request if the L1write-back signal indicates a cache miss, or perform a cache write-back operation if the L1write-back signal indicates a cache hit.

Abstract: A trace layout of a printed circuit board (PCB) is provided with a north bridge, at least a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) slot, and an accelerate graphics port (AGP) slot. The PCB includes at least a first trace layer and a second trace layer under the first trace layer. The AGP slot is mounted between the north bridge and the PCI slot. The PCB further includes a number of first traces, and a number of second traces. The first traces are used for connecting the north bridge to the PCI slot while the second traces are used to connect the north bridge to the AGP slot. Some of the first traces are on the second trace layer under the AGP slot, while the other of the first traces are on the first trace layer or the second trace layer and trace aside the AGP slot. Most of the second traces are on the first trace layer and the other of the second traces are on the second trace layer.

Abstract: A memory control system for controlling write-enable signals. The memory control system has a first memory slot having a write-enable pin thereon, a second memory slot having a first write-enable pin and a second write-enable pin thereon and a control chipset having a write-enable pin and a dual-purpose write-enable/memory-parity-data pin thereon. The write-enable pin of the control chipset is connected to the write-enable pin of the first memory slot and the first write-enable pin of the second memory slot. The write-enable/memory-parity-data pin of the control chipset is connected to the second write-enable pin of the second memory slot. In this invention, since the design of the write-enable system is more flexible, length of trace line on a computer board can be greatly reduced. In addition, the system permits the incorporation of one cycle (1T) timing into design of memory access commands.

Abstract: A memory accessing and controlling unit that controls the transfer of data between a CPU and a memory cluster. The memory accessing and controlling unit comprises a CPU interface circuit and a memory controlling circuit. When the CPU interface circuit picks up a data read request signal from the CPU, a corresponding internal data read request is forwarded to the memory controlling circuit. Next, the memory controlling circuit is sent out some controlling instructions to the memory cluster for reading out the requested data to the CPU. If the CPU also sends out an L1 write-back signal some time later, the memory controlling circuit immediately terminates the current reading operation so that data from the CPU can be written back to the memory cluster.

Abstract: A memory address driver circuit with memory module slots on a computer main board that can be divided into two groups. One group of memory module slots includes the slots whose trace line to a control chipset is smaller than 2500 mils or closest to the control chipset. The other group of memory module slots includes all the remaining slots. The control chipset includes two memory control circuits. The memory control circuit for supporting DDR DRAM is connected to the address leads of the memory module slot closest to the control chipset. However, no terminal resistors are connected to any address leads of the memory module slot. Hence, engineers may have to design one set of terminal resistors only. In addition, the memory control circuit uses one-cycle access command timing to boost system performance.