US5859792A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Circuit for on-board programming of PRD serial EEPROMs
Assignee: Micron Technology Inc
•
Filing: 1997-06-12
•
Granted: 1999-01-12
•
Expires: 2017-06-12
Abstract
Abstract A memory module is described which can be programmed with module information, identifying the type and size of the memory module, after completed assembly of the memory module. The memory module includes a plurality of edge connectors for electrically connecting the memory module circuitry external to the memory module, and a plurality of DRAM memory devices electrically connected to corresponding edge connectors for receiving and providing data from and to the external circuitry. The memory module also includes a Serial EEPROM for storing the module information. The Serial EEPROM has a Serial Data pin connected to a first of the edge connectors for providing the module information to the external circuitry. The Serial EEPROM has a Write Control pin for receiving an enabling signal which selectively enables the operation of the Serial EEPROM in Write or Read-Only mode. The memory module further includes interface circuitry which couples the Write Control pin with a second and a third of the edge connectors. The Write Control pin is coupled to the second edge connector, where V ss is applied, by a circuit element, such as a jumper, suitable for temporarily connecting the Write Control pin to the second edge connector. A resistor couples the Write Control pin to the third edge connector where V cc is applied.
Inventors
- 👤 II Thomas C. Rondeau
- 👤 Allan R. Magee
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 07:19
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11C; G11C5/00; G11C5/06; G11C11/00; G11C11/005; G11C16/00; G11C16/02; G11C16/06; G11C16/10; G11C16/102; G11C16/20; G11C5/02; G11C5/04; H; H05; H05K; H05K1/00; H05K1/02; H05K1/0266; G11C29/00; G11C29/04; G11C29/08; G11C29/12; G11C2029/4402; H05K1/0286; H05K1/029; H05K1/18; H05K2201/00; H05K2201/10; H05K2201/10007; H05K2201/10022
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 70
Claim 1
Independent Claim
63 words
A memory module for storing data, comprising: a substrate having a plurality of electrical terminals; a volatile memory device mounted on the substrate and electrically connected to a first of the terminals; and a non-volatile memory device mounted on the substrate and electrically connected to a second of the terminals, the non-volatile memory device operable to receive module identification information for storage therein.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
63 words
A memory module for storing data, comprising: a substrate having a plurality of electrical terminals; a volatile memory device mounted on the substrate and electrically connected to a first of the terminals; and a non-volatile memory device mounted on the substrate and electrically connected to a second of the terminals, the non-volatile memory device operable to receive module identification information for storage therein.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The memory module of claim 1 wherein the non-volatile memory device includes a port coupled with the second terminal and operable to receive a signal enabling the non-volatile memory device to receive the module identification information for storage therein.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
The memory module of claim 1 wherein the non-volatile memory device includes a port coupled with the second terminal by a low impedance element, the port being operable to receive a signal enabling the non-volatile memory device to receive the module identification information for storage therein.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
74 words
The memory module of claim 1, further comprising interface circuitry mounted on the substrate and coupling a port of the non-volatile memory device with the second terminal, the port being operable to receive a signal enabling the non-volatile memory device to receive the module identification information for storage therein, the interface circuitry including a temporary connection device coupling the port with the second terminal and operable to temporarily apply the signal to the port.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
72 words
The memory module of claim 1, further comprising interface circuitry mounted on the substrate and coupling a port of the non-volatile memory device with the second terminal, the port being operable to receive a signal enabling the non-volatile memory device to receive the module identification information for storage therein, the interface circuitry including a switch coupling the port with the second terminal and operable to temporarily apply the signal to the port.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
72 words
The memory module of claim 1, further comprising interface circuitry mounted on the substrate and coupling a port of the non-volatile memory device with the second terminal, the port being operable to receive a signal enabling the non-volatile memory device to receive the module identification information for storage therein, the interface circuitry including a jumper coupling the port with the second terminal and operable to temporarily apply the signal to the port.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
110 words
The memory module of claim 1, further comprising interface circuitry mounted on the substrate and coupling a port of the non-volatile memory device with the second terminal and with a third of the terminals, the port being operable to receive signals selectively enabling or disabling the non-volatile memory device to receive the module identification information for storage therein, the interface circuitry including a first coupling element coupling the port with the second terminal and operable to temporarily apply the enabling signal to the port, the interface circuitry further including a second coupling element coupling the port with the third terminal and operable to apply the disabling signal to the port.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
109 words
The memory module of claim 1, further comprising interface circuitry mounted on the substrate and coupling a port of the non-volatile memory device with the second terminal and with a third of the terminals, the port being operable to receive signals selectively enabling or disabling the non-volatile memory device to receive the module identification information for storage therein, the interface circuitry including a temporary connection device coupling the port with the second terminal and operable to temporarily apply the enabling signal to the port, the interface circuitry further including an impedance element coupling the port with the third terminal and operable to apply the disabling signal to the port.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
109 words
The memory module of claim 1, further comprising interface circuitry mounted on the substrate and coupling a port of the non-volatile memory device with the second terminal and with a third of the terminals, the port being operable to receive signals selectively enabling or disabling the non-volatile memory device to receive the module identification information for storage therein, the interface circuitry including a low impedance element coupling the port with the second terminal and operable to apply the enabling signal to the port, the interface circuitry further including a high impedance element coupling the port with the third terminal and operable to apply the disabling signal to the port.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
136 words
The memory module of claim 1, further comprising interface circuitry mounted on the substrate and coupling a port of the non-volatile memory device with the second terminal and with a third and a fourth of the terminals, the port being operable to receive signals selectively enabling or disabling the non-volatile memory device to receive the module identification information for storage therein, the interface circuitry including a low impedance element coupling the port with the second terminal and operable to apply the enabling signal to the port, the interface circuitry also including a high impedance element coupling the port with the third terminal and operable to apply the disabling signal to the port, the interface circuit further including a jumper coupling the port with the fourth terminal and operable to apply the enabling signal to the port.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The memory module of claim 1 wherein the non-volatile memory device includes a port coupled with the second terminal and operable to receive the module identification information.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
106 words
A memory module adapted to receive data from external circuitry for storing and to provide stored data to the external circuitry, the memory module comprising: a substrate having a plurality of electrical terminals; a volatile memory device mounted on the substrate and electrically connected to a first set of the terminals, the volatile memory device operable to store data; and a non-volatile memory device mounted on the substrate and electrically coupled to a second set of the terminals, the non-volatile memory device operable to receive a plurality of signals applied to the second set of terminals and to responsively store module information identifying the memory module.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
106 words
A memory module adapted to receive data from external circuitry for storing and to provide stored data to the external circuitry, the memory module comprising: a substrate having a plurality of electrical terminals; a volatile memory device mounted on the substrate and electrically connected to a first set of the terminals, the volatile memory device operable to store data; and a non-volatile memory device mounted on the substrate and electrically coupled to a second set of the terminals, the non-volatile memory device operable to receive a plurality of signals applied to the second set of terminals and to responsively store module information identifying the memory module.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
48 words
The memory module of claim 12 wherein the non-volatile memory device is operable to receive a write enabling signal as one of the plurality of signals applied to the second set of terminals, the non-volatile memory device being responsively operable to receive the module information for storage therein.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
42 words
The memory module of claim 12 wherein the non-volatile memory device is operable to receive a data signal as one of the plurality of signals applied to the second set of terminals, the data signal being a portion of the module information.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
56 words
The memory module of claim 12 wherein the non-volatile memory device is coupled to the second set of terminals by interface circuitry mounted on the substrate, the interface circuitry including a temporary connection device operable to temporarily apply to the non-volatile memory device one of the plurality of signals applied to the second set of terminals.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
66 words
The memory module of claim 12, further comprising a temporary connection device coupling one of the second set of terminals to the non-volatile memory device and operable to temporarily apply to the non-volatile memory device a write enabling signal applied to the one terminal, the non-volatile memory device being operable to receive the write enabling signal and to responsively receive the module information for storage therein.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
159 words
A computer system, comprising: a data input device; a data output device; and computer circuitry coupled with the data input and output devices and including processing circuitry coupled with a memory module, the memory module being operable to receive data from the processing circuitry for storing and to provide stored data to the processing circuitry, the memory module comprising: a substrate having a plurality of terminals coupled with the processing circuitry; a volatile memory device mounted on the substrate and coupled with a first plurality of the terminals to provide data to the processing circuitry and receive data from the processing circuitry; a non-volatile memory device mounted and coupled with a second plurality of the terminals and operable to provide module information identifying the type and size of the memory module to the processing circuitry, the memory module being adapted to receive the module identification information for storage within the non-volatile memory device after assembly of the memory module.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
159 words
A computer system, comprising: a data input device; a data output device; and computer circuitry coupled with the data input and output devices and including processing circuitry coupled with a memory module, the memory module being operable to receive data from the processing circuitry for storing and to provide stored data to the processing circuitry, the memory module comprising: a substrate having a plurality of terminals coupled with the processing circuitry; a volatile memory device mounted on the substrate and coupled with a first plurality of the terminals to provide data to the processing circuitry and receive data from the processing circuitry; a non-volatile memory device mounted and coupled with a second plurality of the terminals and operable to provide module information identifying the type and size of the memory module to the processing circuitry, the memory module being adapted to receive the module identification information for storage within the non-volatile memory device after assembly of the memory module.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computer system of claim 17 wherein the volatile memory device is a dynamic random access memory device, and wherein the non-volatile memory device is an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The computer system of claim 17, further comprising a data storage device coupled with the computer circuitry.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
202 words
A memory module operable to receive data from external circuitry for storing and to provide stored data to the external circuitry, the memory module comprising: a substrate having a plurality of terminals for electrically connecting the memory module to the external circuitry; a plurality of volatile memory devices mounted on said substrate for storing data, each volatile memory device being electrically connected to at least one of the terminals to provide data to the external circuitry and receive data from the external circuitry; a non-volatile memory device mounted on said substrate, said non-volatile memory device having a first port and a second port, the first port electrically connected to a first of the terminals, said non-volatile memory device storing module information and providing the module information to the external circuitry via the first port and the first terminal, the second port of said non-volatile memory device operable to receive an enabling signal to enable said non-volatile memory device to transfer the module information between the non-volatile memory device and the external circuitry; and interface circuitry mounted on said substrate, said interface circuitry coupling the second port of said non-volatile memory device with a second of the terminals for receiving the enabling signal.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
202 words
A memory module operable to receive data from external circuitry for storing and to provide stored data to the external circuitry, the memory module comprising: a substrate having a plurality of terminals for electrically connecting the memory module to the external circuitry; a plurality of volatile memory devices mounted on said substrate for storing data, each volatile memory device being electrically connected to at least one of the terminals to provide data to the external circuitry and receive data from the external circuitry; a non-volatile memory device mounted on said substrate, said non-volatile memory device having a first port and a second port, the first port electrically connected to a first of the terminals, said non-volatile memory device storing module information and providing the module information to the external circuitry via the first port and the first terminal, the second port of said non-volatile memory device operable to receive an enabling signal to enable said non-volatile memory device to transfer the module information between the non-volatile memory device and the external circuitry; and interface circuitry mounted on said substrate, said interface circuitry coupling the second port of said non-volatile memory device with a second of the terminals for receiving the enabling signal.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
The memory module of claim 20 wherein said interface circuitry comprises a signal conductor connecting the second port of said non-volatile memory device to the second terminal.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
29 words
The memory module of claim 20 wherein said interface circuitry comprises at least one electrical component connecting the second port of said non-volatile memory device to the second terminal.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
15 words
The memory module of claim 22 wherein said electrical component comprises a passive electrical component.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
30 words
The memory module of claim 20 wherein the first terminal is a terminal that is different from the terminals that electrically connect said volatile memory devices to the external circuitry.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
30 words
The memory module of claim 20 wherein the second terminal is a terminal that is different from the terminals that electrically connect said volatile memory devices to the external circuitry.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
35 words
The memory module of claim 20 wherein the second port of said non-volatile memory device is biased to an enabling signal that enables said non-volatile memory to provide the module information to the external circuitry.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
19 words
The memory module of claim 20 wherein said module information comprise data identifying the type of the memory module.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
The memory module of claim 20 wherein said module information comprise data identifying the size of the memory module.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
19 words
The memory module of claim 20 wherein said module information comprise data identifying the configuration of the memory module.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
29 words
The memory module of claim 20 wherein the enable signal enables said non-volatile memory device to transfer the module information from the non-volatile memory device to the external circuitry.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
29 words
The memory module of claim 20 wherein the enable signal enables said volatile memory device to transfer the module information to the non-volatile memory device from the external circuitry.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
197 words
A memory module operable to receive data from external circuitry for storing and to provide stored data to the external circuitry, the memory module comprising: a substrate having a plurality of terminals for electrically connecting the memory module to the external circuitry; a plurality of volatile memory devices mounted on said substrate for storing data, each volatile memory device being electrically connected to at least one of the terminals to provide data to the external circuitry and receive data from the external circuitry; a non-volatile memory device mounted on said substrate, said non-volatile memory device having a first port and a second port, the first port electrically connected to a first of the terminals, said non-volatile memory device storing module information and providing the module information to the external circuitry via the first port and the first terminal, the second port of said non-volatile memory device operable to receive an enabling signal to enable said non-volatile memory device to provide the module information to the external circuitry; and interface circuitry mounted on said substrate, said interface circuitry coupling the second port of said non-volatile memory device with a second of the terminals for receiving the enabling signal.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
197 words
A memory module operable to receive data from external circuitry for storing and to provide stored data to the external circuitry, the memory module comprising: a substrate having a plurality of terminals for electrically connecting the memory module to the external circuitry; a plurality of volatile memory devices mounted on said substrate for storing data, each volatile memory device being electrically connected to at least one of the terminals to provide data to the external circuitry and receive data from the external circuitry; a non-volatile memory device mounted on said substrate, said non-volatile memory device having a first port and a second port, the first port electrically connected to a first of the terminals, said non-volatile memory device storing module information and providing the module information to the external circuitry via the first port and the first terminal, the second port of said non-volatile memory device operable to receive an enabling signal to enable said non-volatile memory device to provide the module information to the external circuitry; and interface circuitry mounted on said substrate, said interface circuitry coupling the second port of said non-volatile memory device with a second of the terminals for receiving the enabling signal.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
27 words
The memory module of claim 32 wherein said interface circuitry comprises a signal conductor connecting the second port of said non-volatile memory device to the second terminal.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
29 words
The memory module of claim 32 wherein said interface circuitry comprises at least one electrical component connecting the second port of said non-volatile memory device to the second terminal.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
15 words
The memory module of claim 34 wherein said electrical component comprises a passive electrical component.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
30 words
The memory module of claim 32 wherein the first terminal is a terminal that is different from the terminals that electrically connect said volatile memory devices to the external circuitry.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
30 words
The memory module of claim 32 wherein the second terminal is a terminal that is different from the terminals that electrically connect said volatile memory devices to the external circuitry.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
The memory module of claim 32 wherein said module information comprise data identifying the type of the memory module.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
19 words
The memory module of claim 32 wherein said module information comprise data identifying the size of the memory module.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
19 words
The memory module of claim 32 wherein said module information comprise data identifying the configuration of the memory module.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
232 words
A computer system, comprising: a data input device; a data output device; a computer processing device coupled to said data input device and said data output device; and a memory module operable to receive and store data from the computer processing device and to provide stored data to the processing device, the memory module comprising: a substrate having a plurality of terminals for electrically connecting the memory module to the computer processing device; a plurality of volatile memory devices mounted on said substrate for storing data, each volatile memory device being electrically connected to at least one of the terminals to provide data to the external circuitry and receive data from the external circuitry; a non-volatile memory device mounted on said substrate, said non-volatile memory device having a first port and a second port, the first port electrically connected to a first of the terminals, said non-volatile memory device storing module and providing the module information to an external device via the first port and the first terminal, the second port of said non-volatile memory device operable to receive an enabling signal to enable said non-volatile memory device to transfer the module information between the non-volatile memory device and the external circuitry, and interface circuitry mounted on said substrate, said interface circuitry coupling the second port of said non-volatile memory device with a second of the terminals for receiving the enabling signal.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
232 words
A computer system, comprising: a data input device; a data output device; a computer processing device coupled to said data input device and said data output device; and a memory module operable to receive and store data from the computer processing device and to provide stored data to the processing device, the memory module comprising: a substrate having a plurality of terminals for electrically connecting the memory module to the computer processing device; a plurality of volatile memory devices mounted on said substrate for storing data, each volatile memory device being electrically connected to at least one of the terminals to provide data to the external circuitry and receive data from the external circuitry; a non-volatile memory device mounted on said substrate, said non-volatile memory device having a first port and a second port, the first port electrically connected to a first of the terminals, said non-volatile memory device storing module and providing the module information to an external device via the first port and the first terminal, the second port of said non-volatile memory device operable to receive an enabling signal to enable said non-volatile memory device to transfer the module information between the non-volatile memory device and the external circuitry, and interface circuitry mounted on said substrate, said interface circuitry coupling the second port of said non-volatile memory device with a second of the terminals for receiving the enabling signal.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
15 words
The computer system of claim 41 wherein said external device comprises said computer processing device.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
27 words
The computer system of claim 41 wherein said interface circuitry comprises a signal conductor connecting the second port of said non-volatile memory device to the second terminal.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
29 words
The computer system of claim 41 wherein said interface circuitry comprises at least one electrical component connecting the second port of said non-volatile memory device to the second terminal.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
15 words
The computer system of claim 44 wherein said electrical component comprises a passive electrical component.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
31 words
The computer system of claim 41 wherein the first terminal is a terminal that is different from the terminals that electrically connect said volatile memory devices to the computer processing device.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
31 words
The computer system of claim 41 wherein the second terminal is a terminal that is different from the terminals that electrically connect said volatile memory devices to the computer processing device.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
36 words
The computer system of claim 41 wherein the second port of said non-volatile memory device is biased to an enabling signal that enables said non-volatile memory to provide the module information to the computer processing device.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
19 words
The computer system of claim 41 wherein said module information comprise data identifying the type of the memory module.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
19 words
The computer system of claim 41 wherein said module information comprise data identifying the size of the memory module.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
19 words
The computer system of claim 41 wherein said module information comprise data identifying the configuration of the memory module.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
29 words
The computer system of claim 41 wherein the enable signal enables said non-volatile memory device to transfer the module information from the non-volatile memory device to the external circuitry.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
29 words
The computer system of claim 41 wherein the enable signal enables said volatile memory device to transfer the module information to the non-volatile memory device from the external circuitry.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
230 words
A computer system, comprising: a data input device; a data output device; a computer processing device coupled to said data input device and said data output device; and a memory module operable to receive and store data from the computer processing device and to provide stored data to the processing device, the memory module comprising: a substrate having a plurality of terminals for electrically connecting the memory module to the computer processing device; a plurality of volatile memory devices mounted on said substrate for storing data, each volatile memory device being electrically connected to at least one of the terminals to provide data to the computer processing device and receive data from the computer processing device; a non-volatile memory device mounted on said substrate, said non-volatile memory device having a first port and a second port, the first port electrically connected to a first of the terminals, said non-volatile memory device storing module information and providing the module information to an external device via the first port and the first terminal, the second port of said non-volatile memory device operable to receive an enabling signal to enable said non-volatile memory device to provide the module information to the external device; and interface circuitry mounted on said substrate, said interface circuitry coupling the second port of said non-volatile memory device with a second of the terminals for receiving the enabling signal.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
230 words
A computer system, comprising: a data input device; a data output device; a computer processing device coupled to said data input device and said data output device; and a memory module operable to receive and store data from the computer processing device and to provide stored data to the processing device, the memory module comprising: a substrate having a plurality of terminals for electrically connecting the memory module to the computer processing device; a plurality of volatile memory devices mounted on said substrate for storing data, each volatile memory device being electrically connected to at least one of the terminals to provide data to the computer processing device and receive data from the computer processing device; a non-volatile memory device mounted on said substrate, said non-volatile memory device having a first port and a second port, the first port electrically connected to a first of the terminals, said non-volatile memory device storing module information and providing the module information to an external device via the first port and the first terminal, the second port of said non-volatile memory device operable to receive an enabling signal to enable said non-volatile memory device to provide the module information to the external device; and interface circuitry mounted on said substrate, said interface circuitry coupling the second port of said non-volatile memory device with a second of the terminals for receiving the enabling signal.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
15 words
The computer system of claim 54 wherein said external device comprises said computer processing device.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
27 words
The computer system of claim 54 wherein said interface circuitry comprises a signal conductor connecting the second port of said non-volatile memory device to the second terminal.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
29 words
The computer system of claim 54 wherein said interface circuitry comprises at least one electrical component connecting the second port of said non-volatile memory device to the second terminal.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
15 words
The computer system of claim 57 wherein said electrical component comprises a passive electrical component.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
31 words
The computer system of claim 54 wherein the first terminal is a terminal that is different from the terminals that electrically connect said volatile memory devices to the computer processing device.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
31 words
The computer system of claim 54 wherein the second terminal is a terminal that is different from the terminals that electrically connect said volatile memory devices to the computer processing device.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
19 words
The computer system of claim 54 wherein said module information comprise data identifying the type of the memory module.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
19 words
The memory module of claim 54 wherein said module information comprise data identifying the size of the memory module.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
19 words
The memory module of claim 54 wherein said module information comprise data identifying the configuration of the memory module.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-01-11 | 2002-07-13 | 2003-01-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-01-11 | 2006-07-13 | 2007-01-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-01-11 | 2010-07-13 | 2011-01-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |