Inventors:
J. Michael Andrewartha - Plano TX
Donald H. Friedberg - Breinigsville PA
Assignee:
Hewlett-Packard - Palo Alto CA
International Classification:
G06F 1208
Abstract:
In a computer system having SDRAM memory banks that use a full burst read-modify-write operation as the sole mode for conducting memory operations, by selectively truncating the memory operation, it is possible to simulate either a burst read operation or a burst write operation. In a truncated read operation, a full read portion of the memory operation is performed. The tag is read with the first data line and is updated while the remaining lines of the burst are read. The tag is written using the write portion, but then the burst operation is aborted or truncated by issuing a precharge command to abort the write after the first line of the write is completed. This saves three clock periods out of a cycle of seventeen clock periods. A truncated write operation is similar to the read operation. A full burst read is started to retrieve the tag, which is stored to the first line, but the burst is truncated after the first line has been read.
