Integrated multi-function adapters using standard interfaces through single a access point
First Claim
1. A method of communicating to multiple functions on a single adapter device over an external communications bus, wherein the external communications bus is configured so as to allow only a single access point to the external communications bus for each adapter device, the method comprising:
- providing communications on the external communications bus through the single access point to functions of a first type in the adapter device utilizing a function specific communications interface configured for communicating with functions of the first type; and
providing communications on the external communications bus through the single access point to functions in the adapter device other than functions of the first type utilizing management capabilities of the function specific communications interface so as to provide communications with the functions of the second type without requiring modification of the configuration of the function specific communications interface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for communicating to multiple functions on a single adapter device over an external communications bus, where the external communications bus is configured so as to allow only a single access point to the external communications bus for each adapter device. Communications on the external communications bus are provided through the single access point to functions of a first type in the adapter device utilizing a function specific communications interface configured for communicating with functions of the first type. Communications on the external communications bus are also provided through the single access point to functions in the adapter device other than functions of the first type utilizing management capabilities of the function specific communications interface so as to provide communications with the functions of the second type without modifying the configuration of the function specific communications interface.
131 Citations
32 Claims
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1. A method of communicating to multiple functions on a single adapter device over an external communications bus, wherein the external communications bus is configured so as to allow only a single access point to the external communications bus for each adapter device, the method comprising:
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providing communications on the external communications bus through the single access point to functions of a first type in the adapter device utilizing a function specific communications interface configured for communicating with functions of the first type; and
providing communications on the external communications bus through the single access point to functions in the adapter device other than functions of the first type utilizing management capabilities of the function specific communications interface so as to provide communications with the functions of the second type without requiring modification of the configuration of the function specific communications interface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 31, 32)
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11. A system for communicating to multiple functions on a single adapter device over an external communications bus, wherein the external communications bus is configured so as to allow only a single access point to the external communications bus for each adapter device, comprising:
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means for providing communications on the external communications bus through the single access point to functions of a first type in the adapter device utilizing a function specific communications interface configured for communicating with functions of the first type; and
means for providing communications on the external communications bus through the single access point to functions in the adapter device other than functions of the first type utilizing management capabilities of the function specific communications interface so as to provide communications with the functions of the second type without modifying the configuration of the function specific communications interface. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A multi-function adapter device comprising:
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a controller which provides a single access point to an external communications bus;
at least one function of a first type;
an internal function specific communications interface, the interface configured to provided communication between functions of the first type and the external communications bus through the controller; and
at least one function of a second type, each function of the second type configured to utilize management capabilities of the function specific communications interface so as to provide communications without requiring modification of the function specific communications interface. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification