Local proactive hot swap request/acknowledge system
US5579491A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 7, 1994 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 7, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F13/4081
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and method for implementing a local proactive hot plug request/acknowledge scheme is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, each hot pluggable device installable on a computer bus, such as a SCSI bus, is provided with a physical user interface comprising a mechanical request initiator, such as a button or two-position switch, for allowing a user to generate a hot swap request to a controller associated with the bus prior to actual installation of the device on, or removal of the device from, the bus. Upon receipt of the request, the controller determines whether the requested action may be performed, provides a visual indication of its determination to the user via an LED on the user interface and, if installation or removal is determined to be prudent, performs the hot installation/removal in an orderly manner so as not to adversely affect ongoing system operations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.