Rambus Inc. lands two more patents

United States Patent 7,130,944
Perino, et al. October 31, 2006

Chip-to-chip communication system using an ac-coupled bus and devices employed in same

Abstract
A chip-to-chip communication system and interface technique. A master and at least two devices are interconnected with a signal line of a high speed bus. A capacitive coupling element, for example a diode, is employed to capacitively couple the interface of the device to the signal line. By employing the capacitive coupling element, along with a suitable signaling technique which supports capacitive information transfer, high speed rates of information transfer between the master and device over the signal line are achieved.

Inventors: Perino; Donald V. (Los Altos, CA), Liaw; Haw-Jyh (Fremont, CA), Moncayo; Alfredo (Redwood City, CA), Donnelly; Kevin (Los Altos, CA), Barth; Richard M. (Palo Alto, CA), Garlepp; Bruno W. (Sunnyvale, CA)

Assignee: Rambus Inc. (Los Altos, CA)

Appl. No.: 11/021,207

Filed: December 23, 2004

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United States Patent 7,129,739
Best, et al. October 31, 2006

Method and apparatus for selectably providing single-ended and differential signaling with controllable impedence and transition time

Abstract
A method and apparatus for selectably providing single-ended and differential signaling with controllable impedance and transition time is provided. According to the method and apparatus, a differential signal can be transmitted over two wires or two single-ended signals can be transmitted over the two wires. According to the method and apparatus, termination may be selected among a single-reference termination, a center termination, or a high-impedance termination. Regardless of the type of termination selected, a capability for dynamic control of the termination impedance is provided. Moreover, an ability to change impedances of termination elements to maintain a desired termination impedance for both single-reference termination and center termination modes by shifting bits is provided. Also, a capability for dynamic control of transition times of signals is provided.

Inventors: Best; Scott (Palo Alto, CA), Yang; Chiping (Sunnyvale, CA)

Assignee: Rambus Inc. (Los Altos, CA)

Appl. No.: 11/131,285

Filed: May 18, 2005

Hat tip to FinzToRite for the links.