Abstract: A method and system for downloading firmware by a device controller from a data source while connected to a host. The device controller connects to the host and waits for a signal or communication from the host. The device controller responds to the signal or communication with a negative acknowledgement (NAK), and downloads data for a predetermined period of time based on the request signal or communication type received from the host. The device may use a pointer to track the progress of the download. Once the device has completed the download, the device responds normally to the host.

Abstract: A bridge controller controls the data flow to/from a USB bus to/from an ATA/ATAPI drive, such as an ATA hard drive or ATAPI CD or DVD drive. The bridge controller has a state machine which receives the CBW in a background mode in real time as the packet is being transferred to the bridge controller. The state machine uses the CBW to set up the data transfer. The bridge controller also has a programmable processor which is coupled to the CBW once it is received in a buffer memory. The programmable processor makes changes in the set up of the receiving device for the transfer, if needed, and initiates the data transfer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a circuit physically realizing a Universal Asynchronous Receive/Transmit (UART) circuit 31, 40 having an automatic flow control feature. A preferred embodiment includes a UART 31 provided with additional control circuitry 39, 34 for automatically pausing transfers from the transmit data circuitry 35, 32 in response to a transition at the CTS (Clear to Send) input, and further provided with control circuitry 39 for automatically asserting and deasserting a RTS (Ready to Send) output when a receiver data threshold is reached.