Dual communication port sharing apparatus
US6924953B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 10, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 2, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0674
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An arbitration and data source selection mechanism arbitrating access to a shared communication port between a servo engine and a controller of a disc drive is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the arbitration and data source selection mechanism, the shared communication port, the servo engine and the controller collectively share a common die of an application specific integrate circuit (ASIC). Servo control code and control code are each loaded into the ASIC for operation of the disc drive. The servo engine is allowed to hold service of the shared serial port dedicated to the servo control code for any length of time required by the servo engine. During periods of non-use by the servo control code, the servo engine releases the shared serial port to the controller for dedicated use by the control code, for a predetermined period of time.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.