International Business Machines Corporation

Ronald William Kohake

James Norris Dieffenderfer

Anthony Correale, Jr

Trevor Scott Garner

Ketan Vitthal Patel

Howard Kazan

A method and system for manufacturing integrated circuit devices having multiple memory units embedded therein. Initially, a single reusable configurable test circuit is fabricated within an integrated circuit device. A number and type of each memory unit embedded within the integrated circuit device are then identified. Finally, the single reusable configurable test circuit is configured, in response to the identifying of a number and type of each memory unit, such that only one test circuit is required for use with multiple integrated circuit devices having multiple diverse memory units embedded therein. The single reusable configurable test circuit can be placed within or outside a fixed core of the integrated circuit device. In addition, the single reusable configurable test circuit can include array built-in self test (ABIST) controller which includes a hierarchical memory configuration that includes a state machine, address counter, compare register and data pattern generator.

Method and system for providing a reusable configurable self-test

A multi-protocol communications adapter (MPCA) is used to interconnect a Local Area Network (such as a store computing system) to a communications highway. The MPCA includes a plurality of protocol controllers, each one of the controllers being operable for converting a data stream into a predetermined format. A programmable configuration register is provided for selecting one of the protocol controllers. A controlled interface is provided for gating the selected controller onto the communications highway. The MPCA is packaged as a card or module. It is coupled to a primary computer that controls the Local Area Network. The primary computer may effectuate a protocol change by changing the contents of the configuration register. Thus, the MPCA can be used with a pre-existing primary computer without significantly changing the architecture and/or programming of said computer.

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Cary, NC, United States of America

Ronald William Kohake