System for configuring an input/output board in a computer
First Claim
1. A method of automatically configuring an input/output board in a computer having a programmable processor and a memory means, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. connecting an input/output board and a computer through an input/output bus;
b. initiating operation of said computer through operation of said programmable processor;
c. selecting an initial address for said I/O board through operation of said programmable processor;
d. operating said programmable processor to assess if said initial address is unique to said I/O board by causing said I/O board to respond to commands such that if said initial address is not unique, more than one I/O board is likely to respond to said commands;
e. assigning said address to said I/O board through operation of said programmable processor upon deciding that said address is unique to said I/O board; and
f. storing said unique address in said memory means.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An automatically configurable I/O board and associated software avoids any need for jumpers, switches, or other configuration changes upon installation of the board. Utilization of the main computer capability to select addresses and values likely to be available involves an installation or other routine which arrives at a unique parameter through common commands and repetitive execution. Uniqueness of the parameter or address is accomplished by checking for use elsewhere in the system prior to operation of the board. Steps are taken to avoid any inappropriate changes in conflicting I/O boards by activating components on the board through use of a state machine, by using non-destructive commands for initial checks, by tristating unnecessary lines, and by re-initializing registers whenever a conflict is encountered. Additionally no address space is used to activate the board.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method of automatically configuring an input/output board in a computer having a programmable processor and a memory means, the method comprising the steps of:
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a. connecting an input/output board and a computer through an input/output bus; b. initiating operation of said computer through operation of said programmable processor; c. selecting an initial address for said I/O board through operation of said programmable processor; d. operating said programmable processor to assess if said initial address is unique to said I/O board by causing said I/O board to respond to commands such that if said initial address is not unique, more than one I/O board is likely to respond to said commands; e. assigning said address to said I/O board through operation of said programmable processor upon deciding that said address is unique to said I/O board; and f. storing said unique address in said memory means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of automatically configuring an input/output board in a computer having a programmable processor and a memory means, the method comprising the steps of:
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a. connecting an input/output board and a computer through plugging said input/output board into a standard I/O bus; b. initiating operation of said computer through operation of said programmable processor; c. assigning a unique address to said I/O board through operation of said programmable processor wherein said step of assigning an address to said I/O board comprises the steps of; i. selecting an initial address for said I/O board through operation of said computer; ii. operating said programmable processor to check if said initial address is in use elsewhere to assess if said address is unique to said I/O board; iii. assigning said address to said I/O board upon deciding that said address is unique to said I/O board; and d. storing said unique address in said memory means. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of automatically configuring an input/output board in a computer having a programmable processor and a memory means, the method comprising the steps of:
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a. connecting an input/output board and a computer through an input/output bus; b. initiating operation of said computer through operation of said programmable processor; c. selecting an initial address for said I/O board through operation of said programmable processor; d. operating said programmable processor to check if said initial address is in use elsewhere to assess if said initial address is unique to said I/O board; e. assigning said address to said I/O board through operation of said programmable processor upon deciding that said address is unique to said I/O board; and f. storing said unique address in said memory means; and g. confirming that said address is unique through operation of said programmable processor. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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18. An apparatus for configuring an input/output board having a plurality of components thereon in a computer having a programmable processor comprising:
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a. a computer having a means for assigning an address; b. an input/output board having components responsive to signals from said computer; c. a means for communicating between said I/O board and said programmable processor of said computer; and d. a means for assessing if said address is unique to said I/O board through operation of said computer to check if said initial address is in use elsewhere by issuing a command to said I/O board and wherein said means for assigning is responsive to said means for assessing. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification