US 2011/0235727 A1Published application

Communication channel calibration with nonvolatile parameter store for recovery

AssigneeRambus Inc.

InventorsPHILIP YEUNG, Richard E. Perego, Scott C. Best

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Abstract

A communication channel is operated by storing a calibrated parameter value in nonvolatile memory during manufacturing, testing, or during a first operation of the device. Upon starting operation of the communication channel in the field, the calibrated parameter value is obtained from the nonvolatile memory, and used in applying an operating parameter of the communication channel. After applying the operating parameter, communication is initiated on a communication channel. The operating parameter can be adjusted to account for drift immediately after starting up, or periodically. The process of starting operation in the field includes power up events after a power management operation. In embodiments where one component includes memory, steps can be taken prior to a power management operation using the communication channel, such as transferring calibration patterns to be used in calibration procedures.

Claims1

Dependent claims

A method of operation in a system including a communication channel, the communication channel including a first component having a transmitter, a second component having a receiver and a communication link coupling the first and second components, comprising:

upon a power up event, accessing a parameter value stored in nonvolatile memory, wherein the parameter value is determined using a first calibration process, and setting a value for an operating parameter of the communication channel using the calibrated parameter value;
communicating data on the communication channel using the operating parameter;
and
adjusting the value for the operating parameter to account for changes in environmental conditions which have an effect on the communication channel using a second calibration process that includes transmitting a calibration pattern from the first component and receiving the calibration pattern in the second component after setting the operating parameter using the calibrated parameter value.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 13/152,170Filed 2 Jun 2011
Priority: 28 May 2004
Published: 29 Sep 2011
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification12 codes

G11C 7/20
Arrangements for writing information into, or reading information out from, a digital store: memory cell initialisation circuits, e.g. when…
G11C 29/02
Checking stores for correct operation ; Subsequent repair; Testing stores during standby or offline operation: detection or location of defective…
G11C 29/022
Detection or location of defective auxiliary circuits, e.g. defective refresh counters: in I/O circuitry
G11C 29/028
Detection or location of defective auxiliary circuits, e.g. defective refresh counters: with adaption or trimming of parameters

Family

Application10/857,483Continuation · filed 28 May 2004
Application13/152,170Continuation
US 2005/0265437 A1Published application
US 7,978,754 B2Related patent
US 8,488,686 B2Related patent
US 2011/0235727 A1This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.

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