Mark D Nicol

Title: Mark D Nicol: Innovator in Processor Testing Technologies

Introduction

Mark D Nicol is a prominent inventor based in Austin, TX, known for his contributions to processor testing technologies. With a total of 5 patents to his name, Nicol has made significant advancements in the field of computer engineering. His innovative approaches have paved the way for more efficient and reliable processor testing systems.

Latest Patents

One of Nicol's latest patents is a "Processor test system utilizing functional redundancy." This system includes a gold processor and a test processor, where the test processor serves as the device under test (DUT). Both processors are identical, and the system features a first memory coupled to the gold processor and a second memory, independent of the first, coupled to the test processor. A memory bus comparator is included to compare memory bus signals and provide indications of any mismatches. Additionally, a peripheral bus comparator is integrated to compare downstream transactions and signal discrepancies.

Another notable patent is the "Split-transaction bus decoder." This decoder receives a plurality of packets, including a request packet and a response packet. Upon receiving the request packet, the decoder stores the address and request tag. When the response packet is received, the decoder matches the response tag to the request tag, producing a decoded packet that includes the address, command, and data.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Mark D Nicol has worked with leading companies in the technology sector, including Advanced Micro Devices Corporation and GlobalFoundries Inc. His experience in these organizations has contributed to his expertise in processor design and testing methodologies.

Collaborations

Nicol has collaborated with notable professionals in the field, including Sanjiv K Lakhanpal and Chandrakant Pandya. These collaborations have further enhanced his innovative capabilities and have led to the development of cutting-edge technologies.

Conclusion

Mark D Nicol's contributions to processor testing technologies exemplify his dedication to innovation in the field of computer engineering. His patents reflect a commitment to improving the reliability and efficiency of processor systems.