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Controlling modular measurement cartridges that convey interface information with cartridge controllers

  • US 7,478,006 B2
  • Filed: 04/12/2006
  • Issued: 01/13/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/14/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A cartridge controller, comprising:

  • interface circuitry, wherein the interface circuitry is operable to provide an interface between a cartridge coupled to the cartridge controller and the cartridge controller;

    detection circuitry coupled to the interface circuitry, wherein the detection circuitry is operable to detect coupling of the cartridge to the cartridge controller via the interface circuitry; and

    a processor interface, operable to provide information regarding configuration, status, interrupts, and/or direct memory access (DMA) to a first processor coupled to the cartridge controller;

    wherein the interface circuitry is further operable to;

    query the cartridge for a cartridge type of the cartridge;

    determine a communication protocol from a plurality of communication protocols based on the cartridge type, wherein the communication protocol is required to communicate with the cartridge; and

    establish communications with the cartridge based on the determined communication protocol;

    wherein the cartridge is operable to implement one or more of;

    one or more data-acquisition (DAQ) operations;

    one or more control operations;

    one or more analysis operations;

    one or more measurement operations;

    one or more user interface operations;

    one or more image-acquisition operations;

    orone or more automation operations.

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