Abstract: Connectors having a smaller profile. These connectors are useful as a reduced form factor DisplayPort connector. Keys on a receptacle are used to indicate when an insert is fully engaged. Edges of the receptacle and insert are chamfered in such a way as to prevent the pins of the connector from being damaged when an improper insertion is attempted. User experience is also enhanced by the use of one or more latches. As the connector is inserted, the latch provides resistance that builds until the connector is inserted a certain distance, after which the latch enters a cutout portion of the insert thus releasing the pressure and letting the user know the connection has been made. Fingers are employed to provide mechanical stability and electrical connection between receptacle and insert.

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: Methods and apparatus for resolving valid networking structures for impromptu or ad hoc networks of audio-visual (A/V) components. In one embodiment, the networks are checked for problematic or “confounding” structures such as loops and non-unique paths between endpoints. Apparatus and methods are also disclosed which provide for network arbitration, and topology resolution. While the network itself is generally unidirectional during functional operation, each component utilizes an auxiliary bi-directional channel to perform the functions of arbitration and topology resolution. Control over network responsibilities may also be transferred from a master node to other nodes in the system for low level topology resolution, and relinquished back to the master node for normal operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method that protects symbol types by characterizing symbols as one of two types—DATA or NON_DATA, generating a symbol characterization bit, placing the symbol characterization bit at both ends of the symbol, and transmitting the symbol with the symbol characterization bits at both ends. Thus, a single byte error may affect a type bit in two consecutive symbols, and will affect one or the other of the type bits in a single symbol, but cannot affect both type bits in a single symbol.

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 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: Circuits, methods, and apparatus for registers to store information that may be used by devices in a display system. One example provides control and data registers in a display to store information pertaining to a display system that includes the display. The registers can store attributes of the display, a host device, and a branch device. The information may include an organizationally unique identifier, chip identification, major and minor chip revision information, and firmware major and minor revision information.

Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that allow a host to determine the capabilities of a new display that has replaced a previous display in a display system. In one example, a host determines capabilities of a new display after the host exits a sleep state. After exiting the sleep state, the host wakes an adapter. The adapter determines the presence of a display and sends a hot-plug detect interrupt signal to the host. Following this, the host reads information stored in the display and determines whether the adapter has been connected to a new display. If the adapter is connected to a new display, the host reads capabilities such as supported resolutions and refresh rates from the display and make adjustments to graphics output data as necessary.

Abstract: A method for loop breaking includes selecting a first port of a node, transmitting a first packet containing a first identifier from the first port of the node, listening for a second packet containing a second identifier for a period of time on a second port of the node, joining the first port and the node if the second identifier meets a first criteria with respect to the first identifier and quarantining the first port when the second identifier meets a second criteria with respect to the first identifier.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting data across a high-speed serial bus includes an IEEE 802.3-compliant PHY having a GMII interface; an IEEE 1394-compliant PHY in communication with the IEEE 802.3-compliant PHY via a switch; the switch determining whether data transmission is be routed to the IEEE 802.3-compliant PHY or the IEEE 1394-compliant PHY; a first connection, the first connection for transmitting data between a device and the IEEE 802.3-compliant PHY; and a second connection, the second connection for transmitting data between a device and the IEEE 1394-compliant PHY.

Abstract: Connectors having a smaller profile. These connectors are useful as a reduced form factor DisplayPort connector. Keys on a receptacle are used to indicate when an insert is fully engaged. Edges of the receptacle and insert are chamfered in such a way as to prevent the pins of the connector from being damaged when an improper insertion is attempted. User experience is also enhanced by the use of one or more latches. As the connector is inserted, the latch provides resistance that builds until the connector is inserted a certain distance, after which the latch enters a cutout portion of the insert thus releasing the pressure and letting the user know the connection has been made. Fingers are employed to provide mechanical stability and electrical connection between receptacle and insert.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting data across a high-speed serial bus includes an IEEE 802.3-compliant PHY having a GMII interface; an IEEE 1394-compliant PHY in communication with the IEEE 802.3-compliant PHY via a switch; the switch determining whether data transmission is be routed to the IEEE 802.3-compliant PHY or the IEEE 1394-compliant PHY; a first connection, the first connection for transmitting data between a device and the IEEE 802.3-compliant PHY; and a second connection, the second connection for transmitting data between a device and the IEEE 1394-compliant PHY.

Abstract: A method for establishing data transmission between a two devices by performing de-emphasis training is disclosed. While a retry count does not exceed a predetermined threshold: a training pattern with a signal strength is sent from a first device to a second device. If a negative acknowledgement is received from the second device within enough time to determine that the send training pattern was unacceptable to the second device, the retry count is incremented, the signal strength for the training pattern is attenuated and the training pattern is resent.

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: An automatic crossover and healing process is disclosed for the P1394b standard. In particular, a crossover process is disclosed which comprises coupling the transmitting logic of a PHY to TPA, and coupling the receive logic of a PHY to TPB.

Abstract: A method for safely adding nodes to a network provides safeguards to prevent adding nodes beyond a maximum number of nodes allowed in the network. In one aspect, if the node to be added exceeds the maximum number of nodes allowed, the connection between the node to be added and the network is quarantined. If the node to be added does not exceed the maximum number of nodes allowed, the connection is confirmed. In another aspect, an additional test is made to determine if the connection between the network and the node to be added creates a loop within the network. In the case of a detected loop, the connection between the network and the node to be added is quarantined. If the connection does not create a loop, it is confirmed.

Abstract: A method for configuring a computer network so that no non-root node can allocate itself a Physical_ID reserved for a root node. For each node that executes the self_ID process, a check is made of the available Physical_ID value as well as the designation of the node as a root or non-root node. If the value available is less than a value reserved for a root node, the value is assigned to the node. If the value not less than the value reserved for root node, a check is made to see if the node is a root node. A root node is assigned the value reserved for root. Non-root nodes are assigned a value that is greater than the value reserved for root node. After the value is assigned, the value-node assignment is broadcast over the network and the available pool of values is updated.

Abstract: An automatic crossover and healing process is disclosed for the P1394b standard. In particular, a crossover process is disclosed which comprises coupling the transmitting logic of a PHY to TPA, and coupling the receive logic of a PHY to TPB.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for protecting data bus ports and their corresponding PHY devices from taking damage associated with excess voltage across one or more signal pairs during an intermittent connection. Such connections cause the signal pins to carry external device current which raises the signal voltage above the power rails, exceeding the PHY device ratings and causing PHY degradation or destruction. In an exemplary embodiment, an RC circuit is used to detect the voltage level across a signal pair. If this voltage level exceeds a certain preset voltage level, power to the outgoing serial bus port is shut off and return power is abated. While the circuit is responding, the exemplary embodiment uses a 3.6V Zener diode to bleed excess voltage to ground. A current monitor/limiter is also used for limiting current if the voltage level detected exceeds a certain threshold.

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