General Computer Corporation

Steven E Golson

Larry R Dennison

Kevin G Curran

Christian S Rode

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for providing an increased flexibility and rate in processing data in a random access memory (RAM) system. The apparatus comprises, in a first embodiment, a switching circuit which is coupled to the word lines of the RAM array and which is selectively operable in two modes. The switching circuit operates in a first mode to transmit word line signals to a single row of memory cells in the RAM array in accordance with principles well known in the prior art. The switching circuit is responsive to a control circuit, and operates in a second mode to alter, along the row of memory cells in the RAM array, the word line signal path, to provide simultaneous accessing of portions of at least two adjacent rows of memory cells in the RAM array. Such simultaneous accessing allows the processing of more data through the memory system that was previously possible in accordance with principles known in the prior art.

Apparatus and methods for processing data through a random access memory

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for inhibiting the unauthorized copying of ROM-resident computer software or the like, for example, the audio-visual display of an electronic video game. A protection circuit including encryption/decryption means is coupled between the microprocessor and the ROM-memory and is operable in a first mode to properly encrypt/decrypt the program information according to a first algorithm and in a second mode to prevent proper encryption/decryption. The address-data buses are monitored by the protection circuit to detect an invalid program event, such as may occur when a microprocessor emulator is used to attempt an unauthorized copying or 'dumping' of the program information. Upon detection of the invalid program event or 'trap condition', the protection circuit switches to its second operating mode thereby to prevent copying of the decrypted program information.

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Wayland, MA, United States of America

Steven E Golson