Melissa Ann Barnum

Title: Innovations by Melissa Ann Barnum

Introduction

Melissa Ann Barnum is a notable inventor based in Kasson, Minnesota. She has made significant contributions to the field of memory controllers, holding a total of six patents. Her work focuses on enhancing the efficiency and functionality of memory systems, particularly in environments with variable clock frequencies.

Latest Patents

One of her latest patents is titled "Memory controller operating in a system with a variable system clock." This invention addresses the challenges faced by memory controllers in systems that operate with variable processor clock frequencies. The memory controller is designed to perform memory accesses at a constant memory clock frequency, utilizing asynchronous buffers to facilitate data transfer across different clock domains. This innovation ensures that read buffer overflow is prevented while transitioning to a lower processor clock frequency by pacing read data from the sequencers at a slower rate.

Another significant patent is related to the "Separate handling of read and write of read-modify-write." This invention allows for the efficient execution of Read-Modify-Write commands in an XDR™ memory system. By enabling the system to issue other commands between the reads and writes of a RMW, it minimizes dataflow time penalties. The use of a RMW buffer and a write buffer ensures that data is effectively managed and transmitted to the target DRAM.

Career Highlights

Melissa Ann Barnum is currently employed at International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), where she continues to innovate in the field of memory technology. Her work has been instrumental in advancing the capabilities of memory systems, making them more adaptable to varying operational conditions.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Melissa has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Lonny Lambrecht and Paul Allen Ganfield. These partnerships have contributed to her success and the development of her innovative patents.

Conclusion

Melissa Ann Barnum's contributions to memory controller technology exemplify her dedication to innovation. Her patents reflect a deep understanding of the complexities involved in memory systems, and her work continues to influence the industry positively.