Hot plug port adapter with separate PCI local bus and auxiliary bus
US5793987A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 22, 1996 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 22, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F13/4081
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A pluggable port adapter is used for connecting PCI devices to a host system through a PCI local bus while also adding functionality to the host system. The port adapter communicates with the host system through a port adapter/host interface that includes the PCI local bus and an auxiliary bus. The auxiliary bus is used for controlling the additional circuitry on the port adapter. A PROM on the adapter card is used for identifying the port adapter type, serial number and hardware revision. The auxiliary bus is used for conducting JTAG testing and is used by the host system to program logic devices on the port adapter. The logic devices can be reprogrammed in the field by the host system to repair bugs and to enhance performance and/or functionality. A power control circuit on the port adapter is controlled by the auxiliary bus for conducting hot swap operations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.