Abstract: A multi-channel transmission system that provides dynamic mapping of data to channels is described. In one embodiment, a packet of data to be transmitted is broken up into a number of fragments. Fragments are loaded into transmit buffers. Active buffers are indicated by bits in an active-fragment register and active channels are indicated by bits in an active-channel register. A transmit buffer to channel mapping is provided by multiplexers. The multiplexers are controlled by a channel mapping table that uses the data in the active-fragment register and the active-channel register to decide which transmit buffers are mapped to which channels. Each transmit buffer can be simultaneously mapped to more than one channel in order to allow the same data to be simultaneously transmitted on more than one channel, thereby increasing the likelihood that the data will be successfully transmitted even if some of the channels are rendered inoperative.

Abstract: A multi-channel transmission system that provides dynamic mapping of data to channels is described. In one embodiment, a packet of data to be transmitted is broken up into a number of fragments. Fragments are loaded into transmit buffers. Active buffers are indicated by bits in an active-fragment register and active channels are indicated by bits in an active-channel register. A transmit buffer to channel mapping is provided by multiplexers. The multiplexers are controlled by a channel mapping table that uses the data in the active-fragment register and the active-channel register to decide which transmit buffers are mapped to which channels. Each transmit buffer can be simultaneously mapped to more than one channel in order to allow the same data to be simultaneously transmitted on more than one channel, thereby increasing the likelihood that the data will be successfully transmitted even if some of the channels are rendered inoperative.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for repeatedly monitoring the communication bus type and concurrently monitoring to determine if termination of the communication bus is necessary. The method comprises the steps of initializing several communication lines to logical high; determining based on the value of the input lines whether the communication bus is a parallel bus or SCSI bus; if the bus is SCSI bus, sending a low signal followed by a high signal across the output of one of the communication lines; sensing whether the communication line follows the biasing; if the output communication line follows the biasing, terminating the communication bus; if the output communication line does not follow the biasing, not terminating the communication bus. The apparatus comprises eight communication lines of the communication bus and a microprocessor electrically connected to the communication bus for stimulating and monitoring the eight communication lines in accordance with the above method.

Abstract: A bus card for connecting to a local bus of a computer system comprises a connector for connecting to the local bus, a peripheral interface controller for enabling communication between a peripheral device and the local bus, video processing circuitry having connectors to enable input and output of video signals, and a bridge circuit that enables the peripheral interface controller and the video processing circuitry to share the connection to the local bus of the computer system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for repeatedly monitoring the communication bus type and concurrently monitoring to determine if termination of the communication bus is necessary. The method comprises the steps of initializing several communication lines to logical high; determining based on the value of the input lines whether the communication bus is a parallel bus or SCSI bus; if the bus is SCSI bus, sending a low signal followed by a high signal across the output of one of the communication lines; sensing whether the communication line follows the biasing; if the output communication line follows the biasing, terminating the communication bus; if the output communication line does not follow the biasing, not terminating the communication bus. The apparatus comprises eight communication lines of the communication bus and a microprocessor electrically connected to the communication bus for stimulating and monitoring the eight communication lines in accordance with the above method.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling the power modes of a removable media device as well as ejecting a cartridge from the removable media device. The method comprises the steps of identifying the current mode of the device; identifying whether a cartridge is presently located in the device; upon receiving a signal from the dual function button, depending upon the current power mode and whether a cartridge is located in the device, transmitting signals to the appropriate components of the device to either eject the cartridge or power on/off various components of the media device. The apparatus comprises a single button and a microprocessor for responding to signals transmitted from the dual function button.