Multi-voltage level CPU module
First Claim
1. A method for configuring performance of a computer module removable from a peripheral console, the method comprising:
- attaching the computer module to the peripheral console;
supplying power from the peripheral console to the computer module, such that the computer module receives power only when attached to the peripheral console;
supplying configuration data from the peripheral console to the computer module;
determining performance configuration signals in the computer module in response to the configuration data; and
applying the performance configuration signals to control a performance level of a central processing unit of the computer module.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A computer module includes a central processing unit capable of operating at a first performance level and capable of operating at a second performance level in response to configuration signals, and a control logic coupled to the central processing unit for receiving configuration signals and for generating the performance configuration signals, the performance configuration signals comprising a bus clock, a speed multiplier, and an operating voltage, the control logic having a clocked control for receiving the performance configuration signals and in response specifying the speed multiplier, clock configuration signals, and voltage configuration signals, a clock driver coupled to the clocked control logic for receiving the clock configuration signals and in response for outputting the bus clock, and a voltage converter coupled to the clocked control logic for receiving the voltage configuration signals and in response outputting the operating voltage.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method for configuring performance of a computer module removable from a peripheral console, the method comprising:
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attaching the computer module to the peripheral console;
supplying power from the peripheral console to the computer module, such that the computer module receives power only when attached to the peripheral console;
supplying configuration data from the peripheral console to the computer module;
determining performance configuration signals in the computer module in response to the configuration data; and
applying the performance configuration signals to control a performance level of a central processing unit of the computer module. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A modular computer system comprising:
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a peripheral console including, a power supply, and a first controller configured to emit configuration data; and
a computer module receiving power only when attached to the peripheral console, the computer module including, a configuration control logic configured to receive the configuration data and in response transmit a performance configuration signal, and a central processing unit configured to receive power only from the power supply and to operate at one of a first performance level and a second performance level in response to the performance configuration signal. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A modular computer system comprising:
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a peripheral console including, a power supply, a peripheral interface controller configured to emit configuration data indicative of a type of the peripheral console, and a display device; and
a computer module removable from the peripheral console wherein the computer module receives power only when attached to the peripheral console, the computer module including, a central processing unit configured to operate at one of a first performance level and a second performance level in response to the performance configuration signal, and a graphics controller configured to drive only the display device in response to the configuration data. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
the video signals comprise analog RGB signals, vertical synchronization signals, and horizontal synchronization signals; and
the display device comprises a color monitor displaying an image only when the computer module is attached to the peripheral console.
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17. The modular computer system of claim 15 wherein:
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the video signals comprise digital RGB signals, vertical synchronization signals, and horizontal synchronization signals; and
the display device comprises a color flat panel display displaying an image only when the computer module is attached to the peripheral console.
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18. The modular computer system of claim 14 wherein:
the computer module further comprises a variable clock frequency driver coupled to the central processing unit, the variable clock frequency driver configured to operate the central processing unit at one of a first clock speed and a second clock speed in response to the configuration signal.
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19. The modular computer system of claim 14 wherein:
the computer module further comprises a variable DC to DC voltage converter coupled to the central processing unit, the variable voltage converter configured to operate the central processing unit at one of a first operating voltage and a second operating voltage in response to the configuration signal.
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20. A modular computer system comprising:
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a peripheral console including, a power supply, a peripheral interface controller configured to emit configuration data indicative of a type of the peripheral console, a user input device; and
a computer module removable from the peripheral console wherein the computer module receives power only when attached to the peripheral console, the computer module including, a central processing unit configured to operate at one of a first performance level and a second performance level in response to the performance configuration signal, and an input device controller configured to receive input signals from the user input device in response to the configuration data. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22)
the computer module further comprises a variable clock frequency driver coupled to the central processing unit, the variable clock frequency driver configured to operate the central processing unit at one of a first clock speed and a second clock speed in response to the configuration signal.
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22. The modular computer system of claim 20 wherein:
the computer module further comprises a variable DC to DC voltage converter coupled to the central processing unit, the variable voltage converter configured to operate the central processing unit at one of a first operating voltage and a second operating voltage in response to the configuration signal.
Specification