Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture, wherein in certain embodiments a first device determines a possibility of an invalidation of a second device, wherein the first device is coupled to the second device via a fabric. A query is sent from the first device to validate the second device, in response to determining the possibility of the invalidation of the second device. A determination is made, at the first device, whether to continue I/O operations from the first device to the second device based on receiving a response to the query within a time period.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system and article of manufacture for bidirectional data transfer. In certain embodiments a link layer login is sent from a first port to a second port. Subsequently, an application layer login is sent from the first port to the second port to establish a first data path, wherein the first data path is from the first port to the second port. Subsequently, another application layer login is sent from the second port to the first port to establish a second data path, wherein the second data path is from the second port to the first port. In certain other embodiments, a first data path is established from a first port to a second port. A determination is made at the first port, whether the second port has a second data path established from the second port to the first port. An application layer logout is sent from the first port to the second port, in response to determining that the second port has the second data path established from the second port to the first port.

Abstract: A method for controlling a four-wheel steering system of a vehicle includes recognizing a driver-selectable mode, receiving a signal preferably indicative of a front wheel steering-angle, and determining a rear-to-front steering-angle ratio in correspondence with the recognized mode and the received signal; and optionally includes receiving a signal indicative of vehicle speed, recognizing a current system state, determining a desired steering-angle, generating a command based on the desired and received steering-angles and the recognized system state, and diagnosing conditions in accordance with the received signals in order to enter a output disable mode.

Abstract: A method for controlling a four-wheel steering system of a vehicle includes recognizing a driver-selectable mode, receiving a signal preferably indicative of a front wheel steering-angle, and determining a rear-to-front steering-angle ratio in correspondence with the recognized mode and the received signal; and optionally includes receiving a signal indicative of vehicle speed, recognizing a current system state, determining a desired steering-angle, generating a command based on the desired and received steering-angles and the recognized system state, and diagnosing conditions in accordance with the received signals in order to enter a output disable mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving power consumption characteristics of a system having an active mode and a low power mode. A signal source, such as a system clock, switches when the system is in active mode and does not switch when the system is in low power mode. An activity monitor is coupled to the signal source to detect if the signal source is switching. Based on the detection, the activity monitor drives switching control logic. The switching control logic disconnects nonessential auxiliary circuits from the power supply in response to a detection of a non-switching condition. When switching resumes, the switching control logic is driven by the activity monitor to restore power to the auxiliary circuit fast enough that power up does not delay system operation.