US3577073A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for automated computer maintenance comprising means for varying the input signal switching threshold voltage for any of a plurality of electronic circuits
Assignee: Control Data Corp
•
Filing: 1969-02-18
•
Granted: 1971-05-04
•
Expires: 1989-02-18
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for providing the automated maintenance checkout of large-scale computers by selectively stressing the operating voltage margins of any of the plurality of electronic logic modules comprising the computer is disclosed. The selective stressing is accomplished under the control of an auxiliary data processing system.
Inventors
- 👤 Seymour R Cray
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 19:33
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/28; G01R31/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
A computer-controlled apparatus for varying the input signal switching threshold voltage for any of a plurality of electronic switching circuits where said switching circuits have their input signal switching threshold voltage levels determined by connection to reference voltage sources, comprising: a. a plurality of bidirectional current switching means for connection to the reference voltage sources for increasing and decreasing the reference voltage magnitudes; b. control means connected to the bidirectional current switching means, for controlling the direction of current flow; c. selection means connected to the bidirectional current switching means and to the control means, for selectively activating any of the plurality of bidirectional current switching means and the control means; d. data processing means connected to the selection means for energizing the selection means in response to computer program commands.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
131 words
A computer-controlled apparatus for varying the input signal switching threshold voltage for any of a plurality of electronic switching circuits where said switching circuits have their input signal switching threshold voltage levels determined by connection to reference voltage sources, comprising: a. a plurality of bidirectional current switching means for connection to the reference voltage sources for increasing and decreasing the reference voltage magnitudes; b. control means connected to the bidirectional current switching means, for controlling the direction of current flow; c. selection means connected to the bidirectional current switching means and to the control means, for selectively activating any of the plurality of bidirectional current switching means and the control means; d. data processing means connected to the selection means for energizing the selection means in response to computer program commands.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
66 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the selection means further comprises: a. a first register means for storing numbers representative of the locations of the voltage reference sources; b. a first decoding means connected to the register means for converting the stored numbers into a plurality of activating signals; c. connection means for connecting the plurality of activating signals to the bidirectional current switching means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the selection means further comprises: a. second register means for storing numbers representative of the direction of current flow in the bidirectional current switching means; b. second decoding means cOnnected to the second register means for converting the stored numbers into directional activating signals for transmission to the control means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
102 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein each bidirectional current switching means further comprises: a. first and second transistors connected in a series conducting relationship between a source of positive voltage and a source of negative voltage; b. conducting means having its first end connected to the common junction point between the first and second transistors, and having its second end connected to at least one of the voltage reference sources; c. transistor switching means connected to the control elements of the first and second transistors, and responsive to the selection means to selectively cause conduction in the first and second transistors.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the data processing means comprise a stored program, binary digital computer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
126 words
Apparatus for varying the signal switching threshold voltage for any of a plurality of logic circuit modules wherein each logic circuit module has its signal switching threshold voltage level determined from a reference voltage supply provided by tapping a voltage divider network, comprising: a. current supply means for providing current to said voltage divider tap; b. current drain means for drawing current from said voltage divider tap; c. selection means for selectively connecting the current supply means or the current drain means to said voltage divider tap; d. register means connected to said selection means for storing numbers representative of whether a current supply means or a current drain means is to be connected to the voltage divider tap; e. means for activating the register means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
126 words
Apparatus for varying the signal switching threshold voltage for any of a plurality of logic circuit modules wherein each logic circuit module has its signal switching threshold voltage level determined from a reference voltage supply provided by tapping a voltage divider network, comprising: a. current supply means for providing current to said voltage divider tap; b. current drain means for drawing current from said voltage divider tap; c. selection means for selectively connecting the current supply means or the current drain means to said voltage divider tap; d. register means connected to said selection means for storing numbers representative of whether a current supply means or a current drain means is to be connected to the voltage divider tap; e. means for activating the register means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
70 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the means for activating the register means further comprising: f. data processing means connected to said register means, for selecting one of the plurality of logic circuit modules and a signal switching threshold voltage level in response to its internally operated computer program, and for developing numbers representative of the selected module and voltage level, and transferring these numbers into the register means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-03 | 1974-11-02 | 1975-05-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-03 | 1978-11-02 | 1979-05-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-03 | 1982-11-02 | 1983-05-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |