Device and Method for Enabling Multi-Value Digital Computation and Control
OwnerBenjamin J. Cooperinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Hardware and processes are provided for efficient interpretation of multi-value signals. The multi-value signals have a first voltage range with is used to indicate multiple numerical or logical values, and a second voltage range that is used to provide control functions. In one example, the multi-value circuitry is arranged as a set of rows and columns, which may be cascaded together. The control function can be implemented to cause portions of rows, columns, or cascaded connections to be powered off, thereby saving power and enabling more efficient operation.
Claims12
-20. (canceled)
A method of interpreting a multi-value signal on a line in a computational device, comprising:
- interpreting the multi-value signal as a logical value when its voltage is in a first range;
- interpreting the multi-value signal as indicating a control state when its voltage is in a second range that is outside the first range;
- and
- wherein, the control state communicates control information on the line to a portion of circuitry of the computation device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.