The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 28, 1992
Filed:
May. 22, 1989
Ancil B Cruickshank, Earlysville, VA (US);
Richard K Davis, Crozet, VA (US);
GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc., Charlottesville, VA (US);
Abstract
A reconfigurable counter is provided which includes first and second memories coupled via a common bus to a microprocessor which controls the process of configuring and reconfiguring the counter. A programmable hardware array, coupled to the microprocessor, is capable of being programmed to emulate a plurality of different counter types. The first memory stores a plurality of different counter configuration profiles, each of which corresponds to a different type counter configuraiton. In one or more of the selected counter types, different counter modes such as an up-down counter mode, pulse direction counter mode and A quad B counter modes are available. When the user indicates a selected counter profile to the microprocessor, the microprocessor writes the corresponding counter configuration profile from the first memory into the programmable hardware array using the parameters or modes of operation stored in the second memory until such time as the user indicates the choice of another counter profile to the microprocessor.