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EP0366433A2 Expired / Lapsed EP ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Multiprocessor interlock

Assignee: HP Inc
•
Filing: 1989-10-25
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2009-10-25
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Abstract

Abstract A method and apparatus for granting to a select processor in a multiprocessor in a multiprocessor, exclusive access to the bus for issuance of address, data and command signals thereover, wherein each processor includes bus lock request and bus lock assert elements which provide corresponding bus request and bus hold signals which are recognized by corresponding elements on the other processors. The bus lock according to the present invention assures the processor having lock status of privacy on the bus to complete a specified operation without interruption from the other processors.

Inventors

  • 👤 Richard G. Bahr
  • 👤 Andrew Milia
  • 👤 Barry F. Flahive

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction EP
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-28 21:24
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F13/00; G06F13/14; G06F13/36; G06F13/368; G06F13/374; G06F15/00; G06F15/16; G06F15/163; G06F15/17

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim 146 words
For use in a computer system having a bus, a plurality of access requesting units and at least one requested resource connected to said bus, a bus lock system comprising: plural means for generating a LOCK_REQUEST signals disposed in each access requesting units and connected to said bus, each independently providing said LOCK_REQUEST to said bus; arbitration means disposed in at least one access requesting units receiving said LOCK_REQUEST signal, enabling one said access requesting unit to provide a LOCK_HELD signal, wherein; each said means for generating a LOCK_REQUEST signal includes means for terminating LOCK_REQUEST signals not having a corresponding LOCK_HELD signal, being operative in response to a LOCK_HELD signal generated by another access requesting unit; and means for inhibiting said arbitration means, said means for inhibiting being responsive to said LOCK_HELD signal and pending LOCK_REQUEST signals, and being operative until pending LOCK_REQUEST signals are removed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 146 words
For use in a computer system having a bus, a plurality of access requesting units and at least one requested resource connected to said bus, a bus lock system comprising: plural means for generating a LOCK_REQUEST signals disposed in each access requesting units and connected to said bus, each independently providing said LOCK_REQUEST to said bus; arbitration means disposed in at least one access requesting units receiving said LOCK_REQUEST signal, enabling one said access requesting unit to provide a LOCK_HELD signal, wherein; each said means for generating a LOCK_REQUEST signal includes means for terminating LOCK_REQUEST signals not having a corresponding LOCK_HELD signal, being operative in response to a LOCK_HELD signal generated by another access requesting unit; and means for inhibiting said arbitration means, said means for inhibiting being responsive to said LOCK_HELD signal and pending LOCK_REQUEST signals, and being operative until pending LOCK_REQUEST signals are removed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 84 words
The bus lock system of claim 1, further including: means for detecting the continuous assertion of said LOCK_REQUEST signal disposed in each said access requesting units; means for detection of the occurrence of generation of a previous LOCK_REQUEST by a selected access requesting unit during said detected continuous assertion, wherein said means for generating a LOCK_REQUEST signal of said selected access unit is inhibited during the detected continuous assertion and upon detection of a generation of a previous lock signal during said continuous assertion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 32 words
The bus lock system of claim 2, further including means for inhibiting generation of a LOCK_REQUEST signal by means for generating a LOCK_REQUEST signal on the access unit providing said LOCK_HELD signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 31 words
The bus lock system of claim 3, further including timer means operative to cause the access requesting unit to remove said LOCK_HELD signal after a specified duration of said LOCK_HELD signal.

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