Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for hot-swapping devices in a computer system while maintaining the system integrity. One embodiment of the techniques uses an interface bridge between the system and a device complying with the Integrated Drive Electronic (IDE) standard. The bridge uses the IDE protocol to communicate with the device and uses the Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) protocol to communicate with the system. Consequently, with respect to the system, the bridge is treated as a SCSI device. In accordance with the techniques disclosed herein, hot swapping the device occurs on one side of the bridge, and the system on the other side of the bridge is well informed of such hot swapping in order to respond accordingly. As a result, the bus on the system side, is shielded from hot swapping disruption, thereby maintaining the system integrity.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for hot-swapping devices in a computer system while maintaining the system integrity. One embodiment of the techniques uses an interface bridge between the system and a device complying with the Integrated Drive Electronic (IDE) standard. The bridge uses the IDE protocol to communicate with the device and uses the Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) protocol to communicate with the system. Consequently, with respect to the system, the bridge is treated as a SCSI device. In accordance with the techniques disclosed herein, hot swapping the device occurs on one side of the bridge, and the system on the other side of the bridge is well informed of such hot swapping in order to respond accordingly. As a result, the bus on the system side, is shielded from hot swapping disruption, thereby maintaining the system integrity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a data bus cable that allows the simultaneous transfer of both SCSI and IIC signals over a conventional SCSI bus cable without changing the functionality of the same during the transfer of either signal. More specifically, the present invention utilizes two unused conductive wires of a conventional SCSI bus cable to transfer the desired IIC signals before, during, or after a SCSI signal has been sent. With this invention, a conventional system for handling both SCSI and IIC signals has been simplified to increase efficiency and reduce cost.

Abstract: A link device establishes links automatically to all 10Base-T and 100Base-TX partners regardless of their capability thereby assuring that the link device establishes links with all partners without the need to select a mode of operation manually. The modes of operation provided include 10Base-T half duplex, 100Base-TX half duplex, and 100Base-TX full duplex. The technique includes an algorithm that assures linkability between 10Base-T and 100Base-TX devices that are not 100% compliant with IEEE 802.3u, Clause 28. Using this algorithm, a link device links with 10Base-T and 100Base-TX half duplex legacy partners. Such devices also link with compliant 10Base-T and 100Base-TX auto-negotiating partners at 100Base-TX full duplex, and with non-compliant 10Base-T and 100Base-TX auto-negotiating devices at 100Base-TX half duplex.