Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
289 words
An expandable memory for converting an incoming bit stream of a first bit frequency, divided into a succession of n-bit words where n is an integer greater than 2, into an outgoing bit stream of a second bit frequency, comprising: first timing means controlled by the incoming bit stream for generating on a first pair of outputs a pair of interleaved pulse trains of a cadence 1/2n times said first bit frequency; second timing means independent of said incoming bit stream for generating on a second pair of outputs a second pair of interleaved pulse trains of a cadence 1/2n times said second bit frequency, the pulses of each train of said second pair being normally spaced from the pulses of corresponding trains of said first pair; bit-storing means including a pair of n-stage buffer registers, with writing inputs respectively connected to said first pair of outputs and with reading inputs respectively connected to said second pair of outputs; first circuit means for alternately writing the words of said incoming bit stream into said buffer registers under the control of said first pair of pulse trains; second circuit means for alternately reading the words written in said buffer registers under the control of said second pair of pulse trains; monitoring means connected to said first and second circuit means for detecting a near-coincidence of a pulse from one of said second pair of pulse trains with a pulse from the corresponding one of said first pair of pulse trains; and switchover means controlled by said monitoring means for transposing the pulse trains on one of said pairs of outputs, thereby re-establishing a normal spacing between the pulses of corresponding trains of said first and second pairs of pulse trains.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
289 words
An expandable memory for converting an incoming bit stream of a first bit frequency, divided into a succession of n-bit words where n is an integer greater than 2, into an outgoing bit stream of a second bit frequency, comprising: first timing means controlled by the incoming bit stream for generating on a first pair of outputs a pair of interleaved pulse trains of a cadence 1/2n times said first bit frequency; second timing means independent of said incoming bit stream for generating on a second pair of outputs a second pair of interleaved pulse trains of a cadence 1/2n times said second bit frequency, the pulses of each train of said second pair being normally spaced from the pulses of corresponding trains of said first pair; bit-storing means including a pair of n-stage buffer registers, with writing inputs respectively connected to said first pair of outputs and with reading inputs respectively connected to said second pair of outputs; first circuit means for alternately writing the words of said incoming bit stream into said buffer registers under the control of said first pair of pulse trains; second circuit means for alternately reading the words written in said buffer registers under the control of said second pair of pulse trains; monitoring means connected to said first and second circuit means for detecting a near-coincidence of a pulse from one of said second pair of pulse trains with a pulse from the corresponding one of said first pair of pulse trains; and switchover means controlled by said monitoring means for transposing the pulse trains on one of said pairs of outputs, thereby re-establishing a normal spacing between the pulses of corresponding trains of said first and second pairs of pulse trains.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
An expandable memory as defined in claim 1 wherein said first circuit means comprises a series/parallel converter and said second circuit means comprises a parallel/series converter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
An expandable memory as defined in claim 2 wherein said bit-storing means further comprises a multiplexer provided with said reading inputs and inserted between said buffer registers and said parallel/series converter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
88 words
An expandable memory as defined in claim 1 wherein one of said timing means has outputs producing a first and a second guard pulse immediately before and immediately after each pulse of one of the trains of the respective pair of pulse trains, said monitoring means comprising a logic network connected to said outputs for generating a transposition command for said switchover means in response to a coincidence of either of said guard pulses with a pulse of the corresponding train of the other pair of pulse trains.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
An expandable memory as defined in claim 4 wherein said one of said timing means is said first timing means, said switchover means being inserted between said first timing means and said writing inputs.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
An expandable memory as defined in claim 4 wherein said logic network includes storage means for temporarily preserving said transposition command, and a source of periodic test pulses connected to said storage means for forwarding a stored transposition command to said switchover means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
An expandable memory as defined in claim 6 wherein said source is coupled with said second timing means for producing said test pulses at a submultiple of the cadence of said second pair of pulse trains.