Enhanced universal serial bus

• US 6,086,430 A
• Filed: 02/27/1997
• Issued: 07/11/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Kangas, Paul Daniel, Amoni, Sergio, Brookie, Timothy Scott
• Primary Examiner(s): Bradley, Paula
• Assistant Examiner(s): TA, THO DAC
• Application Number:
  US08/807,493
• Time in Patent Office: 1,230 Days
• Field of Search: 439/680, 439/677, 439/674, 439/660, 439/295, 439/284, 439/639, 439/701, 361/701, 361/752, 361/728, 361/796, 361/786
• US Class Current: 439/680
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/645 by exchangeable elements on case or base

Abstract

An enhanced Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface provides for the communication of standard USB signalling and non-standard USB signalling, which may be alternate voltage signals. The chassis within data processing devices operable for receiving such an enhanced USB connector into an enclosed enhanced USB receptacle provide a keying configuration so that the standard USB connector portion is not matable with the non-standard USB portion.

Claims

1. A data processing system, comprising:

a hub including a processor, said hub further comprising;

an enhanced universal serial bus ("USB") receptacle operable for providing (1) standard USB signalling via a

standard USB receptacle, and (2) non-standard USB signalling via a non-standard

USB receptacle;

a node device coupled to said hub by an enhanced USB connection carrying said standard and non-standard signalling,

wherein said enhanced USB connection having a plug connector which comprises;

a standard USB portion operable for carrying said standard USB signalling; and

a non-standard USB portion operable for carrying said non-standard USB signalling; and

a chassis enclosing said hub and said enhanced USB receptacle, wherein said chassis includes a keyed hole for preventing said standard USB portion of said plug connector from mating with said non-standard USB receptacle.

2. The data processing system as recited in claim 1, wherein said keyed hole permits a polarized coupling of said non-standard USB portion with said non-standard USB receptacle.

3. The data processing system as recited in claim 1, wherein said keyed hole permits a coupling of said non-standard USB portion with said non-standard USB receptacle.

4. The data processing system as recited in claim 3, wherein said non-standard USB portion has a cut-out in its connector housing.

5. The data processing system as recited in claim 1, wherein said enhanced USB receptacle is operable for providing said standard USB signalling that includes a differential data signal and a 5 volt signal.

6. The data processing system as recited in claim 5, wherein said enhanced USB receptacle is operable for providing said non-standard USB signalling that includes a non-5 volt signal.