Configurable universal serial bus (USB) controller implemented on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip with media access control (MAC)
US6370603B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F13/385
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An interface device is provided which enables communications between devices having disparate protocols (e.g., USB and Ethernet), and can be fabricated on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip. A system incorporating the interface device provides plug-and-play capability for both MAC and nonMAC environments. A “smart” cable incorporating the interface device has the ability to recognize what type of external device using what type of protocol is connected to the “other” end of the cable, thereby enabling a host to communicate with the external device. An electronic component (e.g., integrated circuit) incorporating the technique is suitably included in a system or subsystem having electrical functionality, such as general purpose computers, telecommunications devices, and the like.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.