Location History:
- San Jose, CA (US) (1992 - 1999)
- Los Gatos, CA (US) (1996 - 2002)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1992-2002
Title: Harold L McFarland: Innovator in Integrated Circuit Design
Introduction
Harold L McFarland is a prominent inventor based in San Jose, California, known for his significant contributions to the field of integrated circuit design. With a total of 14 patents to his name, McFarland has developed innovative methods and apparatuses that enhance the functionality and efficiency of integrated circuits.
Latest Patents
Among his latest patents is a "Method and apparatus for debugging an integrated circuit." This invention features an integrated circuit that operates in both a normal mode and a debug mode, allowing for effective testing and debugging. The integrated circuit includes multiple output pins that carry different signals depending on the mode, with one embodiment incorporating a microprocessor that utilizes logic circuitry to manage signal output based on specific events.
Another notable patent is the "Method and apparatus for executing string instructions." This invention introduces a pipeline control system that implements a virtual architecture with a complex instruction set distributed over RISC-like semi-autonomous functional units. The system efficiently fetches and translates instructions into simpler operations, enabling multiple operations to be executed in a speculative and out-of-order manner, thereby optimizing processor resource utilization.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, McFarland has worked with leading technology companies, including Advanced Micro Devices Corporation and Nexgen Microsystems. His experience in these organizations has allowed him to refine his skills and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in integrated circuit technology.
Collaborations
McFarland has collaborated with notable colleagues such as David R Stiles and Korbin S Van Dyke, further enhancing his innovative work in the field.
Conclusion
Harold L McFarland's contributions to integrated circuit design through his patents and collaborations have significantly impacted the technology landscape. His innovative approaches continue to influence the development of advanced electronic systems.