International Business Machines Corporation

Robert B Haig

Richard Bealkowski

Dennis L Moeller

Dhruvkumar M Desai

Edmond H Barakat

Essy Tashakori

A computer system is provided wherein dynamic random access memory within the system is refreshed by executing one of two refresh cycles. The computer system includes system dynamic random access memory and optional expansion dynamic random access memory which may be installed on an input/output bus. Circuitry is provided for detecting if at least one input/output device having dynamic random access memory incorporated therein is installed on the input/output bus. A refresh control unit incorporates control logic for alternatively executing (i) a first refresh cycle if no input/output device is connected to the input/output bus or (ii) a second refresh cycle if at least one of the input/output devices is connected to the input/output bus. The first refresh cycle is a faster than the second refresh cycle.

Method and system for determining memory refresh rate

A personal computer is provided with primary and secondary non-volatile storage devices for initializing the system when power is turned on. The primary device is a flash RAM. A flash ROM memory controller include means to detect when the flash ROM becomes corrupted and to switch over to the secondary device for initialization allowing the flash ROM to be later reprogrammed.

Growing community of inventors

Delray Beach, FL, United States of America

Robert B Haig