Use of pointers to enhance flexibility of serial port interface for an integrated circuit with programmable components
US6522274B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 28, 1999 |
| Grant date | Feb 18, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 28, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03M1/1225
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus are used to process a plurality of analog signals on a corresponding plurality of physical channels using a circuit having analog to digital converter (ADC) components, a serial port interface, and a serial port controller. Logical channel information for one or more logical channels is stored in a register on the serial port controller. Each logical channel specifies one of the physical channels and conversion information. Command bits are set over a serial port input pin, and include at least one pointer bit indicative of a selected logical channel. In response to the command bits, the serial port controller sends signals indicative of the physical channel and the converter property specified in the selected logical channel to the ADC components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.