Immediate cut-off protocol and interface for a packet-based bus connecting processors
US6665306B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 24, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 16, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L63/0428
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A bus interface and method allow a special purpose processor and other components on a bus to efficiently communicate with a network controller. The interface and protocol support a variety of functions, including the ability to directly indicate to the network controller whether received data packets are destined for an external network entity, such as an external Ethernet controller, or for local computer memory. Additionally, the network controller can cut-off packets of data in mid-transfer to the network controller, and then later, at the command of the network controller, the data transfer may be resumed at the point within the packet at which it line was cut-off. Separate signal lines are used to inform the network controller of the general destination of the received data packets. In particular, a Transmit Request line is used to inform the network controller that data received from the special purpose processor is destined for the external network and a Loopback Request line is used to inform the network controller that data received from the special purpose processor is destined for internal computer memory.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.