Multi-function controller and method for a computer graphics display system
AssigneeS3 Graphics Co., Ltd.
InventorDan C. Kang
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multi-function controller in a computer graphics system performs the functions of a graphics processor, a video processor, a system memory controller, a cache controller, and a PCI bridge. The multi-function controller is connected to the host bus of the computer graphics display system to maximize performance. A graphics frame buffer and a system memory are combined into a unified system memory, which is controlled by and coupled to the multi-function controller.
Claims13
A controller for use in a computer graphics system having a system memory, the graphics processor comprising:
- a graphics processor;
- and
- a system memory controller coupled to the graphics processor, the system memory controller controlling the system memory.
An integrated controller for use in a computer graphics system having a system memory, a cache, and a first bus, the controller comprising:
- a graphics controller, the graphics controller generating graphics information and controlling the system memory;
- a combined bus bridge and cache controller, the combined bus bridge and system memory controller controlling the bus and the cache;
- and
- a second bus coupling the graphics controller and the combined bus bridge and cache controller.
A graphics display system comprising:
- a central processor;
- a memory device;
- a first controller coupled to the central processor and the memory device, the first controller having a graphics processor for generating graphics information, a memory controller for controlling the memory device, and an input and an output for receiving data from the central processor and for sending data to the central processor;
- and
- a second controller coupled to the central processor and the first controller for receiving a command from the processor and, based on the command, controlling the flow of data between the processor and the first controller.
A graphics display system comprising:
- a central processor;
- a memory device for storing graphics data and non-graphics data;
- and
- a controller coupled to the central processor and the memory device and including:
- a graphics processor for generating graphics data;
- a memory controller coupled to the graphics processor, for controlling the memory device;
- and
- a plurality of data buffers coupled to the memory controller for storing data traveling between the memory device and a remainder of the graphics display system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.