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:
Nov. 03, 1998
Filed:
Aug. 13, 1996
Robert M Reinschmidt, Los Gatos, CA (US);
MicroModule Systems, Cupertino, CA (US);
Abstract
A dual-microprocessor module includes two microprocessors each of a kind which has two selectable modes of operation, an independent mode in which it can operate independently and a cooperative mode in which it can cooperate with another microprocessor when interconnected in a predefined way with the other microprocessor. Conductors interconnect the microprocessors in the predefined way for operation in the cooperative mode. A housing supports the microprocessors and the conductors. An array of pins are used to mount the module in a socket on a circuit board and the pins are connected to the microprocessors. A socket/circuit board combination includes a socket having an array of holes for receiving pins of a microprocessor package. The holes are connected to runs on the circuit board, the array of holes and the runs being organized to accept either a package containing a single microprocessor or a package containing dual microprocessors interconnected to permit them to operate cooperatively, without requiring rewiring of the circuit board.