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:
Mar. 30, 1999
Filed:
Oct. 21, 1996
Jeffery E Downs, Colorado Springs, CO (US);
Ramtron International Corporation, Colorado Springs, CO (US);
Abstract
A data processor incorporating a memory array which is selectably configurable as either read/write or read only memory or the combination of both read/write and read only memory includes a memory mapper for receiving logical addresses from an arithmetic logic unit ('ALU') and converting the same to physical addresses within the memory array in accordance with configuration instructions stored in a local non-volatile memory. By utilizing a common memory technology for the memory array, such as non-volatile ferroelectric random access memory ('FRAM'), the proportions and layout of the memory array which may be utilized for MPU instructions and data may be selectably controlled. The use of a memory mapper also allows for the establishment of an effective password or encryption protection function for the memory array data of particular utility in conjunction with radio frequency identification ('RF/ID') transponders and other applications which must store sensitive data in non-volatile storage.