International Business Machines Corporation

Frank A Almquist

John E Campbell

Thor A Larsen

Charles H Milligan

William F Washburn

Steven F Hajek

Roy A Wood

Michael James Chan

George A Williams, Ii

Cyril A Price

Roger Gjone

Roman Hawryluk

Andrew M Simon

John F Larsen

Stephen W Flaherty

David F Anderson

A method and system are disclosed for selectively altering the functional characteristics of a data processing system without physical or mechanical manipulation. A data processing system is first manufactured having a predetermined set of functional characteristics. A multibit alterable code which includes a functional characteristic definition is then initially loaded into physically secure, nonvolatile memory within the data processing system, utilizing an existing bus, or a fusible link which may be opened after loading is complete. The functional characteristic definition is loaded from nonvolatile memory into a nonscannable register within a secure portion of a control logic circuit each time power is applied to the data processing system and the definition is then utilized to enable only selected functional characteristics. Alternate functional characteristics may thereafter be selectively enabled by entering a security code which matches one of a number of preloaded codes and an encoded alternate functional characteristic definition. The alternate functional characteristic definition may be enabled on a one-time, metered, or regularly scheduled basis and variable capability data processing systems may be implemented in this manner utilizing a single manufactured system, without the necessity of manufacturing and storing multiple data processing system models.

Method and system for selectively altering data processing system

An electro-optical transducer assembly for translating between an optical high speed serial data transmission path and parallel electrical data transmission paths is provided by a light emitting or light detecting device with serial terminals, a logic chip with timing, amplifying, serializing or de-serializing circuitry, and a multi-layer coupling chip with parallel input or output contacts mounted between the device and the logic chip for coupling the serial terminals of the device to the serial terminals on the logic chip and coupling the logic chip parallel terminals to the parallel input or output contacts.

Electro-optical transducer assembly

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Saugerties, NY, United States of America

Frank A Almquist