Abstract: In some examples, a method comprises determining, at an electronic device having a first component of a first component type, a unique identifier associated with the first component. In some examples, in accordance with a determination that the unique identifier does not match the expected identifier of the component of the first component type in the electronic device, determining that the first component associated with the unique identifier satisfies one or more eligibility criteria. In some examples, in accordance with the determination that the first component associated with the unique identifier satisfies the one or more eligibility criteria, authenticating an association of the first component with the electronic device, including updating an installation counter associated with the first component, and updating the expected identifier for the component of the first type based on the unique identifier of the first component.

Abstract: In some examples, a method comprises determining, at an electronic device having a first component of a first component type, a unique identifier associated with the first component. In some examples, in accordance with a determination that the unique identifier does not match the expected identifier of the component of the first component type in the electronic device, determining that the first component associated with the unique identifier satisfies one or more eligibility criteria. In some examples, in accordance with the determination that the first component associated with the unique identifier satisfies the one or more eligibility criteria, authenticating an association of the first component with the electronic device, including updating an installation counter associated with the first component, and updating the expected identifier for the component of the first type based on the unique identifier of the first component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus relating to the behavior of border nodes within a high performance serial bus system is disclosed. A method for determining and communicating the existence of a hybrid bus is disclosed. A method for determining a path to a senior border node is disclosed, as is a method for identifying a senior border node Various methods for properly issuing gap tokens within a beta cloud are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for preventing loops in a full-duplex bus. One method has the acts of: selecting at least two candidates to join said bus; establishing a dominant candidate from one of said at least two candidates; testing for loops in said bus; and joining said dominant candidate if no loops are found in said bus. Another method has the acts of: selecting a plurality candidates to join said bus; establishing at least one dominant candidate; testing for loops in said bus; and joining said at least one dominant candidate if no loops are found in said bus. Alternative embodiments are shown that utilize unique identifiers to facilitate candidate selection and to establish dominance on the bus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus relating to the behavior of border nodes within a high performance serial bus system is disclosed. A method for determining and communicating the existence of a hybrid bus is disclosed. A method for determining a path to a senior border node is disclosed, as is a method for identifying a senior border node Various methods for properly issuing gap tokens within a beta cloud are disclosed.

Abstract: A data communications system is disclosed having at least one Legacy cloud coupled to at least one Beta cloud. The system further having at least one BOSS node and at least one border node. A method for ensuring compatibility is disclosed comprising determining when the BOSS node is idle, determining whether the last packet transmitted by any border node was an Alpha format packet if the BOSS node is idle, and unlocking the Legacy cloud if the last packet transmitted by the border node was not an Alpha format packet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for preventing loops in a full-duplex bus. One method has the acts of: selecting at least two candidates to join said bus; establishing a dominant candidate from one of said at least two candidates; testing for loops in said bus; and joining said dominant candidate if no loops are found in said bus. Another method has the acts of: selecting a plurality candidates to join said bus; establishing at least one dominant candidate; testing for loops in said bus; and joining said at least one dominant candidate if no loops are found in said bus. Alternative embodiments are shown that utilize unique identifiers to facilitate candidate selection and to establish dominance on the bus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a gap count for a serial bus network is described. A round-trip delay time for transmitting a packet from a first leaf node to a second leaf node and back over a communication path between the nodes for each pair of leaf nodes in the network is determined. A maximum round-trip delay time for each communication path is calculated. A node latency delay time for each leaf node in the network is determined. A longest maximum round-trip delay time and a longest node latency delay time is selected for the network, and a gap count is calculated using the selected times.