US4949084A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Programmable integrated crosspoint switch
Assignee: Ohio Associated Enterprises Inc
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Filing: 1988-10-17
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Granted: 1990-08-14
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Expires: 2008-10-17
Abstract
Abstract An interconnection device in the form of a programmable integrated crosspoint switch includes a matrix of first and second pluralities of electrically conductive paths, e.g. an M line by N line matrix, and selectively permanently and affirmatively programmable switch elements for completing passive conductive circuit paths between one or more of the conductive paths of such first and second pluralities thereof. The programmable integrated crosspoint switch invention may be utilized in various hierarchical levels of interconnection. Each switch element is an irreversible semiconductor switching element, for example of high resistivity polycrystalline material, that initially is a high impedance and, thus, effectively presents an open circuit-like condition, and each may be programmed by applying an appropriate electrical input thereto exceeding a given threshold level, whereupon the element permanently takes on a low impedance characteristic and effectively becomes a closed or short circuit between a respective pair of conductive paths without the need for transistor driving, logic or other circuits for useful operation. Thus, the semiconductor elements provide selectable interconnection at each crosspoint by application of programming voltage between the proper M line and N line of the matrix. The invention also relates to a method for rerouting electrical signals for various purposes.
Inventors
- 👤 Rod Schwartz
- 👤 John T. Venaleck
- 👤 Kenneth W. Braund
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 00:16
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10N; H10N70/00; H10N70/20; H10N70/24; H10N70/245; H10B; H10B63/00; H10B63/80; H10N70/801; H10N70/821; H10N70/826; H10N70/881; H10N70/884; H05; H05K; H05K1/00; H05K1/02; H05K1/0286; H05K2201/00; H05K2201/10; H05K2201/10007; H05K2201/10212
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
A programmable integrated crosspoint switch, comprising a matrix of first and second pluralities of electrically conductive paths, and selectively permanently and affirmatively programmable means for completing respective passive, bilateral electrically conductive circuit paths between electrically conductive paths of such first plurality of electrically conductive paths and electrically conductive paths of such second plurality of electrically conductive paths, and wherein said programmable means comprises a plurality of irreversible semiconductor switching elements each of said switching elements initially having a high impedance and, thus, effectively presenting an open circuit-like condition, and each being programmable by applying an appropriate electrical input thereto to exceed a given threshold level, whereupon the element takes on a low impedance characteristic and effectively becomes a closed circuit between a respective pair of conductive paths without the need for transistor driving, logic or other circuits for useful operation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
140 words
A programmable integrated crosspoint switch, comprising a matrix of first and second pluralities of electrically conductive paths, and selectively permanently and affirmatively programmable means for completing respective passive, bilateral electrically conductive circuit paths between electrically conductive paths of such first plurality of electrically conductive paths and electrically conductive paths of such second plurality of electrically conductive paths, and wherein said programmable means comprises a plurality of irreversible semiconductor switching elements each of said switching elements initially having a high impedance and, thus, effectively presenting an open circuit-like condition, and each being programmable by applying an appropriate electrical input thereto to exceed a given threshold level, whereupon the element takes on a low impedance characteristic and effectively becomes a closed circuit between a respective pair of conductive paths without the need for transistor driving, logic or other circuits for useful operation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
126 words
A programmable integrated circuit socket comprising a housing shaped as an integrated circuit socket, plural electrical contacts having a contact portion inside said housing and a contact portion outside said housing, and a programmable integrated crosspoint switch, said programmable integrated crosspoint switch comprising a matrix of first and second pluralities of electrically conductive paths, and selectively permanently and affirmatively programmable means for completing respective passive, bilateral electrically conductive circuit paths between electrically conductive paths of such first plurality of electrically conductive paths and electrically conductive paths of such second plurality of electrically conductive paths, and wherein said programmable means comprise programmable switch elements, and wherein said housing contains said programmable means and matrix, and said contacts are electrically coupled to respective conductive paths of said matrix.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
126 words
A programmable integrated circuit socket comprising a housing shaped as an integrated circuit socket, plural electrical contacts having a contact portion inside said housing and a contact portion outside said housing, and a programmable integrated crosspoint switch, said programmable integrated crosspoint switch comprising a matrix of first and second pluralities of electrically conductive paths, and selectively permanently and affirmatively programmable means for completing respective passive, bilateral electrically conductive circuit paths between electrically conductive paths of such first plurality of electrically conductive paths and electrically conductive paths of such second plurality of electrically conductive paths, and wherein said programmable means comprise programmable switch elements, and wherein said housing contains said programmable means and matrix, and said contacts are electrically coupled to respective conductive paths of said matrix.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
109 words
A programmable integrated crosspoint switch, comprising a matrix of first and second pluralities of electrically conductive paths, and selectively permanently and affirmatively programmable means for completing respective passive, bilateral electrically conductive circuit paths between electrically conductive paths of such first plurality of electrically conductive paths and electrically conductive paths of such second plurality of electrically conductive paths, and, further comprising further circuit means for carrying out prescribed functions in response to signals applied thereto, plural conductors coupled to said further circuit means, and said conductive paths being electrically connected to conductors of said further circuit means, and said programmable means being programmable to switch the positions of such conductors.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
109 words
A programmable integrated crosspoint switch, comprising a matrix of first and second pluralities of electrically conductive paths, and selectively permanently and affirmatively programmable means for completing respective passive, bilateral electrically conductive circuit paths between electrically conductive paths of such first plurality of electrically conductive paths and electrically conductive paths of such second plurality of electrically conductive paths, and, further comprising further circuit means for carrying out prescribed functions in response to signals applied thereto, plural conductors coupled to said further circuit means, and said conductive paths being electrically connected to conductors of said further circuit means, and said programmable means being programmable to switch the positions of such conductors.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
A signal scrambler/unscrambler comprising the programmable integrated crosspoint switch of claim 3, and means for receiving signals, and wherein said programmable integrated crosspoint switch is operable for at least one of scrambling and unscrambling such signals.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
88 words
A programmable cable termination assembly comprising a programmable integrated crosspoint switch, comprising a matrix of first and second pluralities of electrically conductive paths, and selectively permanently and affirmatively programmable means for completing respective passive, bilateral electrically conductive circuit paths between electrically conductive paths of such first plurality of electrically conductive paths and electrically conductive paths of such second plurality of electrically conductive paths, and an electrical cable having conductors connected to respective electrically conductive paths of said programmable integrated crosspoing switch, and means for terminating said electrical cable.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
88 words
A programmable cable termination assembly comprising a programmable integrated crosspoint switch, comprising a matrix of first and second pluralities of electrically conductive paths, and selectively permanently and affirmatively programmable means for completing respective passive, bilateral electrically conductive circuit paths between electrically conductive paths of such first plurality of electrically conductive paths and electrically conductive paths of such second plurality of electrically conductive paths, and an electrical cable having conductors connected to respective electrically conductive paths of said programmable integrated crosspoing switch, and means for terminating said electrical cable.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
114 words
A programmable integrated crosspoint switch, comprising a matrix of first and second pluralities of electrically conductive paths, and selectively permanently and affirmatively programmable means for completing respective passive, bilateral electrically conductive circuit paths between electrically conductive paths of such first plurality of electrically conductive paths and electrically conductive paths of such second plurality of electrically conductive paths, and further comprising a printed circuit board, plural electrically separated circuit traces on said printed circuit board, said programmable integrated crosspoint switch being mounted with respect to said printed circuit board in operative electrical connection with a plurality of said traces, and said programmable integrated crosspoint switch being programmable to effect selected electrical connections between respective traces.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
114 words
A programmable integrated crosspoint switch, comprising a matrix of first and second pluralities of electrically conductive paths, and selectively permanently and affirmatively programmable means for completing respective passive, bilateral electrically conductive circuit paths between electrically conductive paths of such first plurality of electrically conductive paths and electrically conductive paths of such second plurality of electrically conductive paths, and further comprising a printed circuit board, plural electrically separated circuit traces on said printed circuit board, said programmable integrated crosspoint switch being mounted with respect to said printed circuit board in operative electrical connection with a plurality of said traces, and said programmable integrated crosspoint switch being programmable to effect selected electrical connections between respective traces.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
44 words
A programmable integrated crosspoint switch as is set forth in claim 6, further comprising further circuit means mounted with respect to said printed circuit board, and said programmable integrated crosspoint switch being programmable to effect connections between said further circuit means and respective traces.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
86 words
An electrical system, comprising a plurality of programmable integrated crosspoint switches of claim 7, and an electrical chassis, said printed circuit board comprising a plurality of printed circuit boards, each of said plurality of printed circuit boards being mountable and electrically connectable to said electrical chassis, and each of said printed circuit boards including at least one of said programmable integrated crosspoint switches thereon, said programmable means of said programmable integrated crosspoint switches being operative for determining respective electrical connection circuit paths to said electrical chassis.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
61 words
A signature device comprises a programmable integrated crosspoint switch, including a matrix of first and second pluralities of electrically conductive paths, and selectively permanently and affirmatively programmable means for completing respective passive, bilateral electrically conductive circuit paths between electrically conductive paths of such first plurality of electrically conductive paths and electrically conductive paths of such second plurality of electrically conductive paths.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
61 words
A signature device comprises a programmable integrated crosspoint switch, including a matrix of first and second pluralities of electrically conductive paths, and selectively permanently and affirmatively programmable means for completing respective passive, bilateral electrically conductive circuit paths between electrically conductive paths of such first plurality of electrically conductive paths and electrically conductive paths of such second plurality of electrically conductive paths.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
97 words
A circuit select device comprising a programmable integrated crosspoint switch including a matrix of first and second pluralities of electrically conductive paths, and selectively permanently and affirmatively programmable means for completing respective passive, bilateral electrically conductive circuit paths between electrically conductive paths of such first plurality of electrically conductive paths and electrically conductive paths of such second plurality of electrically conductive paths, and a plurality of circuits, and wherein said programmable integrated crosspoint switch is electrically connected to said plurality of circuits and is programmable to select for operation at least one of said plurality of circuits.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
97 words
A circuit select device comprising a programmable integrated crosspoint switch including a matrix of first and second pluralities of electrically conductive paths, and selectively permanently and affirmatively programmable means for completing respective passive, bilateral electrically conductive circuit paths between electrically conductive paths of such first plurality of electrically conductive paths and electrically conductive paths of such second plurality of electrically conductive paths, and a plurality of circuits, and wherein said programmable integrated crosspoint switch is electrically connected to said plurality of circuits and is programmable to select for operation at least one of said plurality of circuits.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
153 words
A method for rerouting electrical signals, comprising coupling a plurality of such signals to a first plurality of electrically conductive paths, selectively affirmatively passively bilaterally coupling a plurality of such first plurality of electrically conductive paths to respective conductive paths of a second plurality of electrically conductive paths, wherein polycrystalline silicon material switch elements couple respective ones of said first plurality of electrically conductive paths to respective ones of said second plurality of electrically conductive paths, and said selectively affirmatively coupling comprising applying an electrical signal to respective switch elements above a threshold level to cause such respective switch elements to go from a high impedance level to a relatively low impedance level, and wherein said selectively affirmatively passively coupling comprises at least one of scrambling and unscrambling electrically conductive paths to reroute such paths on at least one of a plurality of printed circuit boards of a multiple layer printed circuit board.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
153 words
A method for rerouting electrical signals, comprising coupling a plurality of such signals to a first plurality of electrically conductive paths, selectively affirmatively passively bilaterally coupling a plurality of such first plurality of electrically conductive paths to respective conductive paths of a second plurality of electrically conductive paths, wherein polycrystalline silicon material switch elements couple respective ones of said first plurality of electrically conductive paths to respective ones of said second plurality of electrically conductive paths, and said selectively affirmatively coupling comprising applying an electrical signal to respective switch elements above a threshold level to cause such respective switch elements to go from a high impedance level to a relatively low impedance level, and wherein said selectively affirmatively passively coupling comprises at least one of scrambling and unscrambling electrically conductive paths to reroute such paths on at least one of a plurality of printed circuit boards of a multiple layer printed circuit board.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
151 words
A method for rerouting electrical signals, comprising coupling a plurality of such signals to a first plurality of electrically conductive paths, selectively affirmatively passively bilaterally coupling a plurality of such first plurality of electrically conductive paths to respective conductive paths of a second plurality of electrically conductive paths, wherein polycrystalline silicon material switch elements couple respective ones of said first plurality of electrically conductive paths to respective ones of said second plurality of electrically conductive paths, and said selectively affirmatively coupling comprising applying an electrical signal to respective switch elements above a threshold level to cause such respective switch elements to go from a high impedance level to a relatively low impedance level, and wherein respective ones of such electrically conductive paths are coupled to plural respective circuits, and said rerouting comprises completing respecive conductive paths to a given one of such plural respective circuits to enable the same for operation.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
151 words
A method for rerouting electrical signals, comprising coupling a plurality of such signals to a first plurality of electrically conductive paths, selectively affirmatively passively bilaterally coupling a plurality of such first plurality of electrically conductive paths to respective conductive paths of a second plurality of electrically conductive paths, wherein polycrystalline silicon material switch elements couple respective ones of said first plurality of electrically conductive paths to respective ones of said second plurality of electrically conductive paths, and said selectively affirmatively coupling comprising applying an electrical signal to respective switch elements above a threshold level to cause such respective switch elements to go from a high impedance level to a relatively low impedance level, and wherein respective ones of such electrically conductive paths are coupled to plural respective circuits, and said rerouting comprises completing respecive conductive paths to a given one of such plural respective circuits to enable the same for operation.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 12, wherein such respective circuits comprise plural respective integrated circuits in a common integrated circuit package, and such plural conductive paths comprise a matrix of conductors and a programmable integrated crosspoint switch, and such rerouting comprises enabling less than all of such plural integrated circuit for operation in such integrated circuit package.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
123 words
A programmable shunt, comprising a housing shaped as an integrated circuit, plural electrical contacts having a contact portion inside said housing and a contact portion outside said housing, and a programmable integrated crosspoint switch, said programmable integrated crosspoint switch comprising a matrix of first and second pluralities of electrically conductive paths, and selectively permanently and affirmatively programmable means for completing respective passive, bilateral electrically conductive circuit paths between electrically conductive paths of such first plurality of electrically conductive paths and electrically conductive paths of such second plurality of electrically conductive paths, and wherein said programmable means comprise programmable switch elements, and wherein said housing contains said programmable means and matrix, and said contacts are electrically coupled to respective conductive paths of said matrix.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
123 words
A programmable shunt, comprising a housing shaped as an integrated circuit, plural electrical contacts having a contact portion inside said housing and a contact portion outside said housing, and a programmable integrated crosspoint switch, said programmable integrated crosspoint switch comprising a matrix of first and second pluralities of electrically conductive paths, and selectively permanently and affirmatively programmable means for completing respective passive, bilateral electrically conductive circuit paths between electrically conductive paths of such first plurality of electrically conductive paths and electrically conductive paths of such second plurality of electrically conductive paths, and wherein said programmable means comprise programmable switch elements, and wherein said housing contains said programmable means and matrix, and said contacts are electrically coupled to respective conductive paths of said matrix.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4420820A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-08-13 | 1994-02-12 | 1994-08-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-08-13 | 1998-02-12 | 1998-08-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-08-13 | 2002-02-12 | 2002-08-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |