Wang Laboratories, Inc.

Dennis J Kayser

James B MacDonald

Robert R Trottier

John M Martins

Apparatus and method for reconfiguring a memory in a data processing system to increase the rate of information transfer between system memory and processor. The system memory is comprised of a plurality M of memory banks, each having a separate data output path. In a first configuration a memory controller addresses the memory banks sequentially to read from one address location at a time. The memory is reconfigured by an address translator providing addresses addressing M banks in parallel, so that M locations are read in each read operation, and a bus reconfiguration multiplexer which reconfigures the bank output busses in parallel and selects one or more bank output busses as the memory output to the system processor. In a further embodiment, a cache is connected in parallel with the parallel bank outputs for storing information appearing upon the non-selected bank output busses paths for subsequent transfer to the memory output in a subsequent reading from memory of previously read but non-selected information.

Reconfigurable memory system

A modular power system for use with a digital computer is disclosed. The following major components of the power system are mounted in a convenient removable module, with at least one module for each required power output level: a pass transistor, a power transformer, a rectifier/filter, and a feedback circuit which controls the pulse width of the pass transistor. The modules contain air channels surrounding the pass transistor, for introducing cooling air via an air duct (manifold), so that the pass transistor is efficiently cooled. The need for potentiometers is abrogated by using a precision voltage reference in the feedback circuit to derive output voltages. The modules can also be used in a battery backed-up power system, in which a power system controller monitors and controls the inputs and outputs of the modules and other major components in the system in the case of line power failure. In the preferred embodiment each output voltage level for each module has associated with it a separate group of the following: pass transistor, power transformer, rectifier/filter and feedback circuit. The modules and the power system controller are slidably mounted in a card cage.

Modular power system

A power switching means for connecting a power source to a digital data processing system. The switching means includes a power switch for connecting the power source to the system and two control switches. A first control switch determines whether system power is to be turned on or off and is responsive to a turn-on selection signal to provide an initial turn-on signal to the power switch if a power turn-on is to be performed. The second control switch is responsive to a power turn-on/turn-off initialization signal to initiate and control the turn-on and turn-off operations. The second control switch is responsive to the initialization signals at power turn-on to enable the first control switch to be responsive to a power-on selection signal to provide the initial turn-on signal to the power switch. The second control switch thereafter provides a sustaining signal to the power switch during the period in which power is to be provided to the system and is responsive a subsequent initialization signal to terminate the sustaining signal to the power switch, thereby turning off system power. The power switching means further includes a current limiter connected between the power source and the system to limit inrush current during power turn-on and the second switch further includes a bypass switch for providing a low resistance path around the current limiting means during system power on state.

Growing community of inventors

Hudson, NH, United States of America

Dennis J Kayser