Abstract: A frame buffer designed to be coupled to a data bus and to an output display in a computer system, the frame buffer including an array of memory cells for storing data indicating pixels to be displayed on the output display, address decoding apparatus for controlling access to the array, the address decoding apparatus including column address decoding apparatus for selecting groups of adjacent columns of the array, a plurality of apparatus for selectively writing to each of the columns of any of said groups of adjacent columns, a plurality of color value registers, latching apparatus for storing pixel data equivalent to a row of pixel data to be displayed on the output display, apparatus for writing pixel data from selected groups of adjacent columns of the array to the latching apparatus, and apparatus for connecting either selected ones of the color value registers, the latches, or the data bus to the apparatus for selectively writing to each of the columns of any of said groups of adjacent columns.

Abstract: A frame buffer including an array of memory cells, circuitry for accessing the memory cells to derive selected pixel data, and output circuitry for providing data signals at an output port, the output circuitry including circuitry for determining the precise time required for a data signal to rise and fall at the output port, such circuitry being selected to provide the minimum delay between succeeding data signals at the output port.

Abstract: A frame buffer including a plurality of array planes of memory cells, row decoding circuitry for selecting rows of memory cells in each of the array planes to be accessed, column decoding circuitry for selecting columns of memory cells in each of the array planes to be accessed, a plurality of bitlines associated with the columns of memory cells of each array plane, each of the bitlines connecting to a column of memory cells and including a bitline sensing amplifier and a column select switch for providing access to the memory cells of that column of the array plane, a plurality of output sense amplifiers adapted to be connected to a selected number of bitlines in an array plane by closing of particular ones of the column select switches in the bitlines, first apparatus for providing output signals from the plurality of output sense amplifiers associated with each array plane to a data bus, and second apparatus for providing output signals from the plurality of output sense amplifiers associated with each arr

Abstract: An arbitrary number of member computer stations are inter-connected by a "party" communication network. Each member station is normally in a high impedance Monitor Mode, for monitoring in-coming messages. The incoming messages latch the monitoring stations into a Receive Only Mode for preventing "interrupts" of on-going communications. Each station continuously monitors the input impedance from the network, to determine when the network is available for transmission. Member stations may enter the low impedance Transmit Mode only when the network is available, because all of the other stations are in the Monitor Mode. A high Z from the network indicates to each station that the network is available. A low Z indicates that another station is in the transmit Mode, and is in control of the network. The random entry of two (or more) parties at the same time is resolved by a Pre-Transmission Test Cycle.