Intel Corporation

Louis W Agatstein

James R Neal

Michael Gutman

Ted W Pickerrell, Jr

Peter F Brown

An apparatus for regulating voltage and power in a computer system is disclosed. The voltage and power regulation is performed by voltage regulation circuitry on a voltage regulator module. The voltage regulator module is a detachable unit which interfaces with the motherboard through a socket connector. The socket connector has a fixed pin definition which allows a variety of voltage regulator modules programmed to regulate voltages and power at different levels to be implemented on the motherboard.

Upgradeable voltage regulator modules

An upgrade integrated circuit is used in a board without redesigning the board. The board is operative at a first voltage level, and the upgrade integrated circuit is operative at a second voltage level. The method comprises the steps of intercepting a first set of signals originating from the board. These signals are shifted using a voltage level shifter to be operative at a second voltage level. The voltage level shifter, however, does not reside on the board. The voltage level shifted signals are provided to the upgrade integrated circuit. The upgrade integrated circuit and the voltage level shifter may reside on a processor card.

Method and apparatus for voltage level shifting and deskewing the inputs

A circuit and method for reducing an internal clocking frequency of the semiconductor device upon receiving a first signal indicating that a fan element disposed on the semiconductor device is operating at an unacceptable performance level and/or a second signal indicating that the semiconductor device is operating at a temperature greater than a prescribed boundary temperature.

Growing community of inventors

El Dorado Hills, CA, United States of America

Louis W Agatstein