US4158147A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Unidirectional signal paths
Assignee: National Research Development Corp UK
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Filing: 1977-07-22
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Granted: 1979-06-12
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Expires: 1997-07-22
Abstract
Abstract A circuit element for forming a unidirectional signal path between two signal connections is programmable both to choose the direction of signal travel on the signal path and whether the signal path passes a direct signal or a logical inverse signal. The programming is carried out by applying programming signals to the two signal connection points to cause selective fusing of one or more fusible links.
Inventors
- 👤 Colin R. Edwards
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 22:16
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03K; H03K19/00; H03K19/02; H03K19/173; H03K19/1733; H03K19/1735
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
66 words
A circuit element comprising first and second unidirectional signal paths connected between two signal connection points so as to pass signals in respective opposite directions therebetween, a respective fusible link in series with each signal path and programming means operative to selectively fuse one or the other of the fusible links thereby to select the direction which signals are to be passed by the circuit element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
66 words
A circuit element comprising first and second unidirectional signal paths connected between two signal connection points so as to pass signals in respective opposite directions therebetween, a respective fusible link in series with each signal path and programming means operative to selectively fuse one or the other of the fusible links thereby to select the direction which signals are to be passed by the circuit element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A circuit element according to claim 1, wherein each signal path includes programmable means for determining whether such signal path is a direct signal path or a logical inverted signal path.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
73 words
A circuit element according to claim 2, wherein each signal path comprises an EXCLUSIVE-OR gate having one input connected directly in the signal path and the other input connected in the signal path via a diode, the said programmable means comprising a resistor connecting the said other input to means for supplying a first reference potential and a fusible link connecting the said other input to means for supplying a second reference potential.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
76 words
A circuit element according to claim 2, wherein each signal path comprises an EXCLUSIVE-OR gate having one input connected directly in the signal path and the other input connected to the output of the signal path via a diode, the said programmable means comprising a resistor connecting the said other input to means for supplying a first reference potential and a fusible link connecting the said other input to means for supplying a second reference potential.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
95 words
A mounting arrangement for an integrated circuit package comprising a socket having a connector for each electrical connection of the integrated circuits, at least one of said connectors including a circuit element comprising first and second unidirectional signal paths connected between two signal connection points so as to pass signals in respective opposite directions therebetween, a respective fusible link in series with each signal path and programming means operative to selectively fuse one or the other of the fusible links thereby to select the direction which signals are to be passed by the circuit element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
95 words
A mounting arrangement for an integrated circuit package comprising a socket having a connector for each electrical connection of the integrated circuits, at least one of said connectors including a circuit element comprising first and second unidirectional signal paths connected between two signal connection points so as to pass signals in respective opposite directions therebetween, a respective fusible link in series with each signal path and programming means operative to selectively fuse one or the other of the fusible links thereby to select the direction which signals are to be passed by the circuit element.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-06-11 | 1982-12-11 | 1983-06-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-06-11 | 1986-12-11 | 1987-06-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-06-11 | 1990-12-11 | 1991-06-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |