Interfacing system using an auto-adapting multi-ported control module between an i/o port and a plurality of peripheral adaptors via bus extending cables
First Claim
1. A self-adapting interface assembly connected to i/o port of a host data processor for communicating with a variety of data processing devices, said I/O port including means for presenting a first set of signals generated by said host data processor and for accepting a second set of signals from said data processing devices, said assembly comprising:
- a plurality of multi-conductor cables;
a plurality of adaptor modules, wherein any one adaptor module comprises;
means for connection to one of said data processing devices;
means for generating a signal, indicative of a type of device connected to said any one adaptor module, comprising means for transmitting said signal to said multi-port control module over said any one multi-conductor cable;
a multi-port control module, associated with the host data processor and connected to said plurality of said multi-conductor cables, whereby said any one multi-conductor cable connects said any one adaptor module, comprises;
a. a first interface connected to said I/O port;
b. means for requesting said signal over said any one multi-conductor cable;
c. means for receiving and storing said signal;
d. means for interpreting said signal;
e. means, responsive to means for interpreting, for conditioning signals between said any one multi-conductor cable and the first interface including;
i. first means for translating a plurality of said first set of signals appearing on said I/O port and directed to said one of said data processing devices;
ii. second means for translating a plurality of said second set of signals received from said one of said data processing devices through said any one adaptor modules via said any one multi-conductor cables for presentation to said I/O port;
iii. means for simultaneously enabling said first and second means for translating upon a power-on or a reset of the host data processor.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A self-adapting interface assembly on a data processor allows communication with a variety of other data processing devices operating under different communication protocols. The assembly comprises an input and output signal translating module installed between the data processor input/output port and a cable terminated by simple adaptor modules for coupling to various types of data processing devices. The adaptor can sense the type of device and send to the translating module an identifying bit stream. The translating module uses the device identification to programmatically change the configuration of data receivers and drivers and control signal buffers in order to assure exchange of data between the data processor and the device connected to the adaptor module regardless of their respective electrical interface characteristics.
101 Citations
16 Claims
-
1. A self-adapting interface assembly connected to i/o port of a host data processor for communicating with a variety of data processing devices, said I/O port including means for presenting a first set of signals generated by said host data processor and for accepting a second set of signals from said data processing devices, said assembly comprising:
-
a plurality of multi-conductor cables; a plurality of adaptor modules, wherein any one adaptor module comprises; means for connection to one of said data processing devices; means for generating a signal, indicative of a type of device connected to said any one adaptor module, comprising means for transmitting said signal to said multi-port control module over said any one multi-conductor cable; a multi-port control module, associated with the host data processor and connected to said plurality of said multi-conductor cables, whereby said any one multi-conductor cable connects said any one adaptor module, comprises; a. a first interface connected to said I/O port; b. means for requesting said signal over said any one multi-conductor cable; c. means for receiving and storing said signal; d. means for interpreting said signal; e. means, responsive to means for interpreting, for conditioning signals between said any one multi-conductor cable and the first interface including; i. first means for translating a plurality of said first set of signals appearing on said I/O port and directed to said one of said data processing devices; ii. second means for translating a plurality of said second set of signals received from said one of said data processing devices through said any one adaptor modules via said any one multi-conductor cables for presentation to said I/O port; iii. means for simultaneously enabling said first and second means for translating upon a power-on or a reset of the host data processor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
Specification