Tom Riordan

Title: **The Innovations of Tom Riordan: Pioneering Cache Memory Architectures**

Introduction

Tom Riordan is an accomplished inventor based in Los Altos, California. He holds two significant patents primarily focused on enhancing cache memory architecture and system controller devices. His innovations represent a leap forward in high-speed external cache memory implementations, catering to the needs of modern microprocessors.

Latest Patents

Riordan’s latest patents showcase his cutting-edge work in cache memory architecture. The first patent outlines a system that employs a single memory element, comprising general purpose SRAM chips, to implement both tag and data cache memory functions. This approach results in an efficient and cost-effective high-speed external cache memory solution. During read operations, the microprocessor retrieves cache tags and data from a bank of general-purpose RAM, comparing the cache tags to the memory addresses to check for data presence in cache. This design is enhanced by a system controller device that can abort main memory access upon detecting a cache hit.

In his second patent, he further refines the cache memory architecture with a focus on microprocessor design. By leveraging a bank of general purpose random access memory, the innovation stores cache tags and data in separate locations, facilitating quicker access to data. His design emphasizes memory mapping functions that optimize the microprocessor's access to both cache tag and data addresses.

Career Highlights

Tom Riordan's career is marked by his work at PMC-Sierra, Inc., a company known for its innovative semiconductor solutions. Throughout his tenure, he has contributed significantly to the field of microprocessor architectures, focusing on efficiency and speed. His patented methodologies have positioned him as a thought leader in the development of advanced memory solutions.

Collaborations

Riordan collaborates with many talented professionals, including his coworkers Michael DeMar Taylor and John R. Kinsel. Their combined expertise in semiconductor technology fosters a collaborative environment that fuels innovation and drives the development of groundbreaking technologies.

Conclusion

Tom Riordan stands out as an influential inventor, with his work in cache memory architecture setting new standards in the industry. His patents not only contribute to the advancement of technology but also lay the foundation for future innovations in microprocessor design. As technology continues to evolve, Riordan’s contributions will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the landscape of computing.