Abstract: A preferred embodiment is an apparatus for programming an input/output device over a serial bus that significantly reduces the burden placed on a host device associated with programming such devices. The preferred embodiment includes (a) a first memory for storing units of a programming sequence, each unit in the programming sequence having a command portion and a data portion; (b) a second memory having a single address; (c) a fetching circuit for transferring the programming sequence one unit at a time from the first memory to the second memory; and (d) a bus control circuit for translating the command portion of each said unit into a serial bus command for use with respect to the corresponding data portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the status of frame data transmission from an imaging device. According to one aspect of the invention, a graphics controller interfaces with a host and an imaging device, preferably a camera. A count value is specified, preferably by the host. Frame data received from the imaging device are counted to determine an actual count. A comparison is made between the actual count and the count value. Preferably, responsive to the comparison, an indication signal is generated for interrupting the host.

Abstract: Data throughput of the serial host interface is improved by combining command and register address data into a single index word to be transmitted through the serial host interface. The least significant bit (LSB) of the index word specifies the command and the remainder of the index word specifies the register address. Thus, transmission of just two words is required to transmit each of a single write data word and a single read data word. Additionally, the serial host interface provides for elimination of the dummy access word as required when performing a read transmission using a conventional serial host interface protocol.

Abstract: A method and system provide for transmitting data between a host and a device external to the host. The data is transmitted across an external bus having a width that is less than a native bus width of the host. The method includes receiving a first read/write access, accessing a register addressed according to an address signal received during the first read/write access, receiving subsequent read/write accesses of the same type as the first read/write access, and accessing the register for the subsequent read/write accesses regardless of the address signal received during the subsequent read/write accesses of the same type as the first read/write access. The read/write access is one of a read type access or a write type access.

Abstract: A graphics controller includes an interface for receiving and transmitting image data. A memory region in communication with the interface has a look-up table stored therein. The look-up table is configured to modify color tables which control an amount of data sent to a display screen, wherein the look-up table is programmable to correspond to a power level state of a power supply for the graphics controller. A device and a method for extending battery life for the device are also provided.

Abstract: A graphics controller includes a memory region configured to store image data for display on a display panel in communication with the graphics controller. Interface circuitry modules where each of the interface circuitry modules is configured to transmit data from the graphics controller over a set of shared data lines are provided. Selection circuitry configured to select data from one of the interface circuitry modules for transmission over the set of shared data lines is included. Line sharing circuitry configured to inform each of the interface circuitry modules to transmit control data is included. The line sharing circuitry is further configured to generate select signals for the selection circuitry. The select signals enable the selection circuitry to select the data from one of the interface circuitry modules for transmission over the shared data lines. A method for driving a display panel and peripheral devices associated with the display panel through common data lines is also provided.