System and method for expanding processor functionality

Details System and method for expanding processor functionality System and method for expanding processor functionality

2006-12-05

2006-12-05

Kim, Kenneth S. (Department: 2111)

Electrical computers and digital processing systems: processing

Processing architecture

Microprocessor or multichip or multimodule processor having...

C711S118000, C717S168000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07146488

ABSTRACT:
A system comprises at least one processor, and supporting firmware for supporting at least one function of the at least one processor. The system further comprises logic operable to expand the functionality of the at least one function in a fashion that is not natively supported by the supporting firmware, and an interposer for supporting the expanded functionality of the at least one function. A method for expanding the functionality of an execution unit of a system comprises implementing an execution unit in a system, and implementing pre-existing support firmware for the execution unit in the system, wherein the pre-existing support firmware supports at least one function of the execution unit. The method further comprises implementing logic expanding the at least one function in a manner not supported by the pre-existing support firmware, and implementing an interposer to support the expansion of the at least one function.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4193113 (1980-03-01), Cykowski
patent: 5481713 (1996-01-01), Wetmore et al.
patent: 5687376 (1997-11-01), Celi et al.
patent: 5809303 (1998-09-01), Senator
patent: 5829012 (1998-10-01), Marlan et al.
patent: 6128731 (2000-10-01), Zarrin et al.
patent: 6401201 (2002-06-01), Fish et al.
patent: 6470408 (2002-10-01), Morrison et al.
patent: 6892383 (2005-05-01), Arndt
INTEL Itanium Architecture Software Developer's Manual, vol. 2: System Architecture, Section 11.1 Firmware Model, Oct. 2002, Cover Page and pp. 2:249 through 2:258.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

System and method for expanding processor functionality does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with System and method for expanding processor functionality, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and System and method for expanding processor functionality will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3696634