Abstract: Provided herein are various devices for communicating out-of-band (OOB) signals. One device may comprise an in-band controller element, an out-of-band controller element and a modulation circuit operable to modulate a reference clock for the out-of-band signal, while another device may utilize a circuit operable to generate an out-of-band signal based on information carried by an Ethernet signal. Yet another device is operable to communicate according to an Ethernet communication protocol using an out-of-band signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for generating path length information for two (usually redundant) receive paths in a receiving device such as a server blade so that the proper amount of equalization and/or pre-emphasis may be applied to receiver and driver circuits in the server blade. In one embodiment, the path length information comprises a longer or shorter path determination, and may also include a estimation of the slot location. In another embodiment, the path length information comprises a representation of the length of two receive paths. The path length information generating circuit is connected to the two receive inputs of the receiving device though high impedance elements, and the path length information may be utilized by hardware or a processor to set the equalization or pre-emphasis in the receiver and/or driver.

Abstract: Provided herein are various schemes for transmitting out of band (OOB) signals over optical connections that may not support the transmission of such signals. One scheme may involve converting the OOB signals to different types of signals that are supported by the optical connection, while another scheme may utilize a separate parallel connection that supports the transmission of out of band signals in order to extend the optical connection. Yet another scheme modulates the reference clock of the original (in-band) signal to transmit and receive the OOB information.

Abstract: Provided herein are various schemes for transmitting out of band (OOB) signals over optical connections that may not support the transmission of such signals. One scheme may involve converting the OOB signals to different types of signals that are supported by the optical connection, while another scheme may utilize a separate parallel connection that supports the transmission of out of band signals in order to extend the optical connection. Yet another scheme modulates the reference clock of the original (in-band) signal to transmit and receive the OOB information.

Abstract: Provided herein are various schemes for transmitting out of band (OOB) signals over optical connections that may not support the transmission of such signals. One scheme may involve converting the OOB signals to different types of signals that are supported by the optical connection, while another scheme may utilize a separate parallel connection that supports the transmission of out of band signals in order to extend the optical connection. Yet another scheme modulates the reference clock of the original (in-band) signal to transmit and receive the OOB information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for generating path length information for two (usually redundant) receive paths in a receiving device such as a server blade so that the proper amount of equalization and/or pre-emphasis may be applied to receiver and driver circuits in the server blade. In one embodiment, the path length information comprises a longer or shorter path determination, and may also include a estimation of the slot location. In another embodiment, the path length information comprises a representation of the length of two receive paths. The path length information generating circuit is connected to the two receive inputs of the receiving device though high impedance elements, and the path length information may be utilized by hardware or a processor to set the equalization or pre-emphasis in the receiver and/or driver.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for generating path length information for two (usually redundant) receive paths in a receiving device such as a server blade so that the proper amount of equalization and/or pre-emphasis may be applied to receiver and driver circuits in the server blade. In one embodiment, the path length information comprises a longer or shorter path determination, and may also include a estimation of the slot location. In another embodiment, the path length information comprises a representation of the length of two receive paths. The path length information generating circuit is connected to the two receive inputs of the receiving device though high impedance elements, and the path length information may be utilized by hardware or a processor to set the equalization or pre-emphasis in the receiver and/or driver.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing configuration data to an EEPROM within a sealed enclosure without having to open the enclosure, using a Test Interface Card (TIC) connected to a particular external multi-use port on the enclosure. The present invention is generally applicable to any sealed enclosure containing a device that receives information through an internal serial bus, where the enclosure includes ports that have both high speed, low voltage connections and lower speed DC connections. DC blocking capacitors are placed on the high speed lines, and when a TIC is inserted into the multi-use port, a voltage detection circuit coupled to the high speed connections detects a DC control voltage, tri-states a Switch On a Chip (SOC) and configures switches to connect the lower speed connections to the serial bus and an EEPROM so that the TIC can supply new configuration data to the EEPROM.