Abstract: An apparatus and method for communicating between a controller and a message processing device over a universal serial bus (USB). The apparatus may comprise an interface having a bulk data-out endpoint for receiving a data-out packet from the controller that requests data from the device. The interface also has an interrupt-in endpoint for receiving interrupt-in packets from the controller requesting a status of the requested data from the device. When the requested data becomes available, logic at the interface transmits the status from the interrupt-in endpoint to the controller. In addition, when USB bandwidth so permits, logic at the interface also transmits the data with the status from the interrupt-in endpoint to the controller. Alternatively, where the data is not transmitted with the status, upon receiving the status the controller queries the interface at a bulk data-in endpoint for the requested data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for communicating between a controller and a message processing device over a universal serial bus (USB). The apparatus may comprise an interface having a bulk data-out endpoint for receiving a data-out packet from the controller that requests data from the device. The interface also has an interrupt-in endpoint for receiving interrupt-in packets from the controller requesting a status of the requested data from the device. When the requested data becomes available, logic at the interface transmits the status from the interrupt-in endpoint to the controller. In addition, when USB bandwidth so permits, logic at the interface also transmits the data with the status from the interrupt-in endpoint to the controller. Alternatively, where the data is not transmitted with the status, upon receiving the status the controller queries the interface at a bulk data-in endpoint for the requested data.

Abstract: Methods and associated apparatus for using a dual-boot capable programmable device and for updating programmed information in such a dual-boot capable programmable device. The apparatus of the present invention includes a primary boot memory device, a secondary boot memory device, and means for selecting between the two memory devices for purposes of "booting" the dual-boot mode device. In particular, a reset switch of the apparatus of the present invention resets devices in the dual-boot capable programmable device and is coupled to a selection device. The selection device multiplexes signals from the two boot memory devices onto the corresponding bus signals of the dual-boot capable programmable device. When a "long" reset switch activation is sensed, the selection device selects a first of the two boot memory devices for coupling to the programmable device. A "short" activation of the reset switch selects the other boot memory device.