Abstract: An improved interface system based in part on the SCSI standard is provided. A single cable data bus simultaneously transfers several bytes of information between two devices. The interface system transfers multiple-byte commands, messages, status information or data in a single parallel transfer. A microsequencer is provided to permit data transfers across the interface without requiring burdensome attention from a processor in a device involved in the transfer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring data from one device interface to another device interface via elements of a staging memory and a direct memory access (DMA) channel.

Abstract: An improved interface system based in part on the SCSI standard is provided. A single cable data bus simultaneously transfers several bytes of information between two devices. The interface system transfers multiple-byte commands, messages, status information or data in a single parallel transfer. A microsequencer is provided to permit data transfers across the interface without requiring burdensome attention from a processor in a device involved in the transfer.

Abstract: A memory system having multiple memories and multiple ports. Multiplexing logic couples each of the ports to each of the memories. A sequencing circuit controls the multiplexers so that each port is sequentially coupled to each of the memories in sequence in a repeating cycle. When coupled to each memory, a block of data is transferred. A second port is coupled to a different memory at each point in time, with the two ports being switched simultaneously to avoid overlap. A port desiring access to the system must wait until it can fit into this switching queue so that it can transfer in lock-step with the other ports to a different memory. Each port has a data I/O bus, an address input bus, an address counter and R/W controls.

Abstract: A memory system having multiple memories and multiple ports. Multiplexing logic couples each of the ports to each of the memories. A sequencing circuit controls the multiplexers so that each port is sequentially coupled to each of the memories in sequence in a repeating cycle. When coupled to each memory, a block of data is transferred. A second port is coupled to a different memory at each point in time, with the two ports being switched simultaneously to avoid overlap. A port desiring access to the system must wait until it can fit into this switching queue so that it can transfer in lock-step with the other ports to a different memory. Each port has a data I/O bus, an address input bus, an address counter and R/W controls.