Abstract: A method and system for verifying a correct orientation of a module during installation of the module into a circuit board mounting site. The module housing is symmetric in at least one respect such that the module may be positioned in at least one alternate orientation with respect to the mounting site in addition to the correct orientation. Within the module, a module test contact is electrically connected to a common plane mode contact. A mounting site test contact that engages the module test pin when the module is correctly aligned with respect to the mounting site is preselected to be tested upon placement of the module onto the mounting site. A test signal is applied to a conductive common plane within the mounting site to which a common plane mounting site contact is connected. Prior to installation of the module into the mounting site, the mounting site test contact is electrically isolated from the conductive common plane to which a test signal is applied.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring an internal communication path, i.e. an internal bus, of an integrated circuit is described. The internal bus operates at a particular frequency, fb. An image of the internal bus is produced, operating at a lower frequency of operations, fo, which is more amenable to monitoring by test equipment. Signals are received from and driven to the bus using driver/receiver circuitry. The signals may be input-only, output-only, or bi-directional signals. The signals to be monitored are tapped in the driver/receiver circuitry. Depending on the placement of the signal taps in the driver/receiver logic, the signals may be “out-of-phase” with respect to one another. A buffer/align unit processes the signals in order to produce a time delayed version of the signals. The buffer/aliqn unit is used to bring each of the monitored signals back in phase relative to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring a PowerPC 60x bus within an integrated circuit is described. The 60x bus operates at a particular frequency, f.sub.b. An image of the 60x bus is produced, operating at a lower frequency of operations, f.sub.o, which is more amenable to monitoring by test equipment. Signals are received from and driven to the bus using driver/receiver circuitry. The signals may be input-only, output-only, or bi-directional signals. The signals to be monitored are tapped in the driver/receiver circuitry. Masking circuitry within the driver/receiver circuitry masks bi-directional signals, such as ARTRY.sub.-- and SHD.sub.--, during the pre-charge cycles, when these bi-directional signals are in an unpredictable state. Depending on the placement of the signal taps in the driver/receiver logic, the signals may be "out-of-phase" with respect to one another. A buffer/align unit is used to bring each of the monitored signals back in phase relative to one another.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing different operating systems to be utilized in a multiprocessing system is provided in which each of the different operating systems requires different types of interrupt controllers. The system and method comprises detecting which of the at least two different types of operating systems is utilized within the multiprocessing system, and then selecting the appropriate interrupt controller from the different types of interrupt controllers.