Method and apparatus for upgrading a central processing unit and existing memory structure in a computer system

• US 5,586,270 A
• Filed: 09/30/1993
• Issued: 12/17/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Original Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Inventors: Huffman, William A., Rotier, Michael J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Harvey, Jack B.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Myers, Paul R.
• Application Number:
  US08/129,686
• Time in Patent Office: 1,174 Days
• Field of Search: 395/325, 395/282, 395/283, 395/833, 395/467, 395/457
• US Class Current: 710/301
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/4068 Electrical coupling

Abstract

The computer system having a first circuit board with a processor for processing information and a slot for receiving an IC card. The slot includes multiple pins for connection to the IC card. The IC card includes a second processor coupled to a second circuit board, where the processor is contained within outer framing structure. An interface coupled to the circuit board may be coupled to the multiple pins in the slot, such that the second processor in the integrated circuit card is able to control the computer system.

Claims

1. A computer system comprising:

a first circuit board having a first processor to process information and a memory control system;

an integrated circuit (IC) card having;

(a) an outer frame structure;

(b) a second circuit board;

(c) a second processor to process information, wherein the second processor is coupled to the second circuit board;

(d) a pin interface, coupled to the second circuit board, to transfer signals to and from the second circuit board, wherein the second circuit board the second processor and the memory system are disposed within the outer framing structure;

(e) a plurality of IC card contacts, each located on the surface of the outer framing structure and each coupled to the second circuit board, to supply power to the second circuit board; and

(f) a cache memory coupled to the second circuit board that temporarily stores information from the second processor;

(g) a cache memory bus coupling the memory control system of the first circuit board to the cache memory on the second circuit board; and

a slot for receiving the IC card, wherein the slot includes a plurality of mating connectors coupled to the first circuit board, wherein the second processor controls the computer system and the first processor is disabled when the plurality of mating connectors are coupled to the pin interface, wherein signals propagate between the IC card and the first circuit board using the pin interface and the plurality of mating connectors, and wherein the signals from the second processor are compatible with the computer system, such that the signals from the second processor are not translated.

2. The computer system defined in claim 1 wherein the second processing means comprises a microprocessor fabricated as a tape carrier package (TCP).

3. The computer system defined in claim 1 wherein the second level cache memory comprises a cache controller fabricated as a thin small outline package (TSOP).

4. The computer system defined in claim 1 wherein the second level cache memory comprises a cache controller fabricated as a TCP package.

5. The computer system defined in claim 1 wherein IC card further includes a thermal sensor coupled to the second circuit board for detecting temperature on the IC card;

stop clock logic coupled to and responsive to the thermal sensor detecting temperature on the IC card above the predetermined temperature, wherein the stop clock logic reduces the frequency of a clock signal to the IC card.

6. The computer system defined in claim 1 wherein the outer framing structure includes at least one key for ensuring proper insertion of the IC card in the slot.

7. The computer system defined in claim 1 wherein each of the IC card contacts comprises a "U" shaped piece of metal.

8. The computer system defined in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of spring loaded contacts, each coupled to the first circuit board and each located so as to connect with a corresponding one of the IC card contacts, to transfer power to the IC card wherein the IC is inserted in the slot.

9. A computer system comprising:

an integrated (IC) card;

a first slot receiving the IC card, wherein the first slot includes a plurality of mating connectors;

a first circuit board having a system bus coupled to the first slot, wherein the plurality of mating connectors are electrically coupled to the first circuit board;

a first processor coupled to said system bus on the first circuit board;

wherein the IC card comprises;

a second circuit board;

a second processor coupled to the second circuit board;

a second level cache memory coupled to the second circuit board and the second processor via the second circuit board;

a plurality of pin receptors coupled to the second circuit board coupled to the plurality of mating connectors when the IC card is inserted in the first slot, wherein signals transferring between the IC card and the first circuit board travel through the plurality of pin receptors and the plurality of mating connectors;

an outer structure enclosing the second processor, cache memory, a second circuit board and the interface, such that only the plurality of pin receptors are exposed for coupling to the plurality of mating connectors;

a main memory for storing information;

a memory control mechanism coupled to the first circuit board, the second processor via the system bus and coupled to the main memory to control access;

a cache memory bus coupling the memory control mechanism of the first circuit board to the second level cache memory via the second circuit board;

wherein the second processor controls the computer system using compatible signals when the IC card is inserted into the first slot and the first processor is disabled, such that the signals from the second processor are not translated, and further wherein signals between the second level cache memory and the memory control mechanism are not translated when interacting with the main memory.

10. The computer system defined in claim 9 wherein the second processor comprises a microprocessor fabricated as a tape carrier package (TCP).

11. The computer system defined in claim 9 wherein the cache memory includes a cache controller fabricated as a thin small outline package (TSOP).

12. The computer system defined in claim 9 wherein the cache memory includes a cache controller fabricated as a TCP package.

13. The computer system defined in claim 9 wherein the outer structure includes at least one key for ensuring proper insertion of the IC card in the slot.

14. The computer system defined in claim 9 wherein the IC card further includes a thermal sensor coupled to the second circuit board for detecting temperature on the IC card;

and

stop clock logic coupled to and responsive to the thermal sensor detecting temperature on the IC card above a predetermined temperature, wherein the stop clock logic reduces the frequency of a clock signal to the IC card.

15. The computer system defined in claim 9 wherein the IC card further comprises a plurality of IC card contacts, each located on the surface of the outer framing structure and each coupled to the second circuit board, to supply power to the second circuit board.

16. The computer system defined in claim 15 wherein each of the IC card contacts comprises a "U" shaped piece of metal.

17. The computer system defined in claim 15 further comprises a plurality of spring loaded contacts, each coupled to the first circuit board and each located so as to connect with a corresponding one of the IC card contacts, to transfer power to the IC card wherein the IC is inserted in the slot.