Abstract: A processor link that couples a first processor and a second processor is selected for validation and a plurality of communication parameter settings associated with the first and the second processors is identified. The first and the second processors are successively configured with each of the communication parameter settings. One or more test data pattern(s) are provided from the first processor to the second processor in accordance with the communication parameter setting. Performance measurements associated with the selected processor link and with the communication parameter setting are determined based, at least in part, on the test data pattern as received at the second processor. One of the communication parameter settings that is associated with the highest performance measurements is selected. The selected communication parameter setting is applied to the first and the second processors for subsequent communication between the first and the second processors via the processor link.

Abstract: A method comprises providing a golden ROM unit comprising known good ROM code. The golden ROM is coupled to a ROM socket of a target system. The target system is booted, wherein booting comprises providing power to the target system and independently providing power to the ROM socket. The known good ROM code is loaded from the golden ROM to a system memory of the target system. Power is removed from the ROM socket and the golden ROM is decoupled from the ROM socket. A first subject ROM is coupled to the ROM socket. Power is provided to the ROM socket and the first subject ROM is programmed with the known good ROM code.

Abstract: A frequency guard band validation unit can determine whether at least one of a plurality of previously validated processors was validated on a first system having a substantially similar configuration as a second system in which an unvalidated processor is being tested. If at least one of the plurality of previously validated processors was validated on the first system, a validation start frequency associated with the unvalidated processor can be computed based, at least in part, on system parametric data associated with a subset of the plurality of previously validated processors that were validated on the first system. Otherwise, the validation start frequency associated with the unvalidated processor is computed based, at least in part, on tester parametric data associated with the unvalidated processor. Validation of the guard band frequency for the unvalidated processor is initiated at the validation start frequency. This can reduce the overall validation cycle time.

Abstract: A system for integrating multiple electrical system testing functions into a single peripheral component interconnect (PCI) card. The functions of system bring-up and debug are integrated into a single PCI card, which utilizes an operating system and a set of industry standard interfaces to interconnect with standard lab instrumentation. The integrated PCI card utilizes an embedded high performance microprocessor and a compact operating system to provide control over: system-under-test (SUT) power on/off; system device sequencing via programmable General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO); system parametric control (e.g. voltage, temperature, and frequency); system parametric measurement; system debug; and remote control operation via internet interface. In one embodiment, the integrated PCI card comprises the instrumentation controller, Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) Debugger, SUT system controller, and a computer-controlled GPIO card in a single, self aware, half-slot PCI card.

Abstract: A computer-implementable method, system and computer-usable medium for aiding in debugging operations of a System Under Test (SUT) through the use of an external DRONE card is presented. System test software that is running on the SUT “sets aside” debug/status information in a reserved/dedicated Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) section of system memory in the SUT. This information is communicated between the SUT and a DRONE card via a PCI bus. Debug/status information is thus accessed and manipulated by the DRONE card without disturbing (interrupting) normal operations of the SUT.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-usable medium for implementing a programmable DMA master with date checking utilizing a drone system controller. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a drone processor generates a collection of random data and stores a first and second copy of the collection of random data in a first and second memory location in a drone memory. The drone processor writes a third copy of the collection of random data in a processor memory. When the drone processor retrieves the third copy from the processor memory, the drone processor writes the third copy in the second memory location in the drone memory. When the drone processor compares the first copy with the third copy, the results of the compare is written in a status location within the drone processor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and resulting package which provide an optical fiber seal. One or more fibers are fed through a housing utilizing an apertured insert with a fiber located in each aperture. The housing preferably includes adjacent openings having unequal diameters. A sealing material, such as epoxy is deposited in the larger opening, and/or in the apertures, and the insert is pushed into that opening. The sealing material is thereby forced through the small opening and also into the apertures of the insert to seal the fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting tool especially useful for cut-off, threading and grooving operations. The tool includes a massive block-like body with serrations along one or both sides. An adjustable plate with interengaging complemental serrations is mounted on the side of the body and retained by bolts which transfix the plate and anchor in the body. The plate has a top recess to receive short cutting elements backed up by a similarly shaped rod. A broached out-of-round hole is cut into the body parallel to the serrated wall to receive at one end a threaded anchor nut and at the other end a shank of a clamp bar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a crossover structure and method of fabricating such structure which contributes low capacitance to the circuit performance. The crossover utilizes a dielectric material which includes spheres of an insulating material in order to separate the conductors. In one aspect of the invention, a UV curable epoxy including hollow glass spheres is deposited on the crosspoint areas and the crossover connector deposited thereon. In another aspect of the invention, the crossover is formed with an air gap and the gap is subsequently filled with an encapsulating material including the spheres.

Abstract: A vertical thrust boring machine adapted to be positioned in the horizontal drift of a mine and to cut a tunnel extending upwardly from the drift so as to remove ore or other cuttings therefrom. The machine includes a rotary table for lifting a drill string which in turn supports the cutter head, and is characterized by drill stem sections having a spline connection on their lower ends, and a drive coupling ring associated with the rotary platform having a mating spline connection, so that when changing the length of the drill string the lowermost drill stem section can slide or float vertically relative to the rotary platform at the same time that it is being drivingly rotated.

Abstract: A drill stem especially adapted for use in a boring machine which drills upwardly, having pin and box joints on its respective ends, having a circumferential collar that is utilized for both vertical and rotational support of the drill stem section, and additionally having a spline connection on its lower end which is utilized for imparting rotating drive.

Abstract: Apparatus for aligning, supporting and stabilizing a drill string within a hole that is being drilled includes three elongated ski-like members which are disposed in circumferentially spaced positions about the drill string and in supporting engagement with the hole wall. Rotating bearing structures carried by the drill string are secured to the interior side of the ski-like members. The ski-like members are made in a number of longitudinal sections that are removably fastened together.According to the disclosed method, as the drill string is being extended and driven into the hole the ski-like members are assembled a section at a time and in such manner as not to interfere with the extension of the drill string.