Ramtron International Corporation

Enhanced Memory Systems, Inc.

Doyle James Heisler

James Dean Joseph

Dion Nickolas Heisler

The method and apparatus of the current invention relates to an intelligent cache management system for servicing a main memory and a cache. The cache resources are allocated to segments of main memory rows based on a simple or complex allocation process. The complex allocation performs a predictive function allocating scarce resources based on the probability of future use. The apparatus comprises a main memory coupled by a steering unit to a cache. The steering unit controls where in cache a given main memory row segment will be placed. The operation of the steering unit is controlled by an intelligent cache allocation unit. The unit allocates new memory access requests cache locations which are least frequently utilized. Since a given row segment may be placed anywhere in a cache row, the allocation unit performs the additional function of adjusting the column portion of a memory access request to compensate for the placement of the requested segment in the cache. The allocation unit accepts as input hit or miss information from page segment comparators greater than or equal to in number the number of segments of cache.

EDRAM having a dynamically-sized cache memory and associated method

An EDRAM device includes an EDRAM memory array on a semiconductor chip. A row enable signal generator and a column address latch signal generator are provided on the same semiconductor chip for generating row enable and column address latch signals for application to the EDRAM memory array.

EDRAM with integrated generation and control of write enable and column

A method and apparatus for use in computer systems utilizes a memory chip employing multiple distributed SRAM caches directly linked to a single DRAM main memory block. Each cache is directly linked to a different bus. Each chip further contains a partially distributed arbitration and control circuit for implementing cache policy and arbitrating memory refresh cycles.

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Colorado Springs, CO, United States of America

Doyle James Heisler