Selectively operating a host's device controller in a first mode or a second mode
US6701402B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 26, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0689
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention includes an integrated circuit that is operable to connect a redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) or other peripheral device to a disk controller, such as a small computer system interface (SCSI) controller in a host device. The integrated circuit provides the peripheral device with sole access to the disk controller when operating in a straight mode. In straight mode, the peripheral device may communicate with the disk controller through a PCI bus to perform operations, such as retrieving or writing data to the peripheral device. Also, when in straight mode, other controllers, including the host's CPU, may be prevented from using the disk controller to avoid data collisions, data loss and possible system failure. The integrated circuit may also function in standard mode, such that other controllers connected to the host may access the disk controller.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.