Ricky C Hetherington

Title: **Ricky C Hetherington: Innovator in Computer Systems Performance**

Introduction

Ricky C Hetherington, based in Northboro, MA, is a prolific inventor with a remarkable portfolio consisting of 19 patents. His contributions primarily focus on enhancing computer systems' performance, particularly in memory management and bus efficiency. Through his inventive work, Hetherington has improved the way processors communicate and utilize memory, reducing bottlenecks that hinder computing speed.

Latest Patents

Among his latest inventions is an "Apparatus for determining memory bank availability in a computer system." This innovation addresses the critical need for efficient memory usage. The apparatus includes a system bus that carries memory bank availability signals transmitted by multiple memory modules. Each module has built-in logic to ascertain the status of each memory bank and communicates its availability, which prevents controller modules from attempting to access busy memory banks. This system significantly optimizes performance by ensuring the system bus operates smoothly without unnecessary delays.

Another notable patent is the "Performance optimization and system bus duty cycle reduction by I/O bridge partial cache line write." This invention showcases a multiprocessor configuration that enhances bus efficiency. By incorporating an advanced cache coherency protocol, Hetherington's method minimizes bus utilization during partial cache line writes. Additionally, it facilitates peer-to-peer communication between I/O devices, allowing them to operate independently of central processing units, thus improving interrupt performance and overall system responsiveness.

Career Highlights

Ricky C Hetherington has made significant strides in the tech industry, working with renowned companies like Digital Equipment Corporation and Compaq Computer Corporation. His innovative mindset and technical prowess have positioned him as a key contributor to important advancements in computer systems technology.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Hetherington has collaborated with several distinguished professionals in the field, including Tryggve Fossum and John E. Murray. These collaborations have further enriched his insights and propelled his inventions to new heights.

Conclusion

Ricky C Hetherington represents the spirit of innovation in the realm of computer systems. His 19 patents exemplify his dedication to enhancing technology, and his work continues to influence performance improvements across various computing applications. As technology evolves, contributions like Wettherington's remain vital in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the digital landscape.