Abstract: A data storage system includes a first server including: a first plurality of storage disks configured to store data, and a first host bus adapter including a first processor configured to provide a first virtual expander and a first logic component; and a second server including: a second plurality of storage disks configured to store data, and a second host bus adapter including a second processor configured to provide a second virtual expander and a second logic component, wherein the first host bus adapter of the first server is coupled to the second host bus adapter of the second server via a SAS connection, and wherein each of the first plurality of storage disks and the second plurality of storage disks are accessible by each of the first server and the second server.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) device can include a serial communication first interface (I/F) circuit electrically coupled to first physical connections of the IC device, and configured to respond to communication signals received at the first physical connections; at least one serial communication second interface (I/F) circuit electrically coupled to second physical connections of the IC device, and configured to enable data transactions over the second physical connections; and a repeater circuit configured to bypass the first I/F circuit and enable serial communication signals to be transmitted from the first physical connections to the second physical connections. Systems including such an IC device and related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a storage device interface. The storage device interface includes a plurality of PCIe device request engines. These PCIe device request engines receive I/O commands formatted for a respective one of a plurality of PCIe storage device communication standards. The storage device interface also includes a plurality of PCIe device completion engines. These PCIe device completion engines receive notifications of command completions from a plurality of PCIe storage devices that communicate using the aforementioned plurality of PCIe storage device communication standards. These notifications are validated. If an error is detected, processing of notifications of command completions associated with that device are blocked until the error is resolved. The plurality of PCIe device request engines and the PCIe device completion engines operate concurrently to process received I/O commands and received command completions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a modular in-vehicle infotainment architecture with an upgradeable multimedia module having a multimedia module connector are disclosed.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a data storage system is disclosed.

Abstract: A message is simultaneously broadcast to multiple systems on a 1-wire bus. A first addressed communication session is established between a microprocessor and a first 1-wire I/O expander via a 1-wire bus, where the first 1-wire I/O expander is electrically coupled to a first system. The first 1-wire I/O expander is placed into “fast access mode”, and then removed from the 1-wire bus by opening a switch to the 1-wire bus. A second addressed communication session is established between the microprocessor and a second 1-wire I/O expander before the switch recloses, where the second 1-wire I/O expander is electrically coupled to a second system. The second 1-wire I/O expander is then placed into “fast access mode”. In response to the timer expiring and the switch reclosing, an unaddressed message is broadcast from the microprocessor to the first and second systems via the first and second 1-wire I/O expanders.

Abstract: An adapter provides a link between a digital media player having a memory on which is stored digital media files, a display device, and a remote control. The adapter receives from the digital media player data which is used to generate a representation of a user interface which is provided to the display device for display. The adapter also receives from the remote control data for use in generating commands for controlling operations of the digital media player whereby a change in state of the digital media player resulting from a performance of an operation caused by the remote control will be reflected in the user interface on the display device.

Abstract: A detecting circuit includes a network interface, a switch, a baseboard management controller (BMC) having first and second signal pins, and a detecting unit. The first and second signal pins receive low level signals when the network line is disconnected from the network interface. The first signal pin receives a high level signal and the second signal pin receives a low level signal when the network line is connected to the network interface but the network card is malfunctioning. The first and second signal pins receive high level signals when the network line is connected to the network interface and the network card works normally.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed in which unrelated completion operations intended for a single destination (requestor) are coalesced to improve achievable data bandwidth. During transmission, the completion operations are collected and compressed into a single packet and transmitted along the link. At a receiving end of the link, the single packet is decompressed and the previously unrelated packets are returned to their initial state before receipt by the requestor. The method can be implemented in the root complex, end points, and/or switches, in the case of a PCIe implementation, but can also be applied to other protocols besides PCIe.

Abstract: An underlaying device includes a main signal port, an expanding signal port, a signal process component, and a power connector. The main signal port is receiving and sending a communication signal from/to the computer device by means of a main signal wire. The expanding signal port is receiving and sending the communication signal from/to an external expanding device. The signal process component is coupled between the main signal port and the expanding signal port for transforming the communication signal into a signal which is able to be received and sent between the main signal port and the expanding signal port. The power connector is supplying power by means of a power wire. The underlaying device is suitable for various computer devices and is able to integrate the functionality of connection ports.

Abstract: A method of selectively exposing expanders in a data storage fabric is disclosed. The method includes generating a phy permission table in a switch expander. The phy permission table is configured for access by an initiator and includes data as to which enclosure expanders are discoverable by the initiator. A zone group of phys from the enclosure expanders assigned to the initiator is created. The phy permission table is updated to identify each phy coupled to the enclosure expanders in the zone group.

Abstract: A chassis comprises a backplane comprising a switch fabric compatible with peripheral component interconnect express (PCI-E) and configured to support communication between a plurality of module slots, a module slot compatible with PCI-E and disposed on the backplane, a cavity disposed adjacent to the module slot and having a width greater than or equal to a width of the module slot and a height greater than or equal to a height of the module slot, and a device connection interface located in the cavity and configured to support connection of at least one PCI-E compatible module to the switch fabric via the module slot.

Abstract: A computing device has a motherboard circuit substrate having at least one layer of electrical interconnects and a socket arranged to receive a main processor for the computing device, the socket electrically coupled to at least a portion of the layer of electrical interconnects, wherein the circuit substrate has no memory interconnects.

Abstract: Portable communication devices and related methods for use in supporting voice and/or data communication are provided. One example portable communication device includes a housing, a display device disposed at said housing, a processor disposed at least partially within said housing, the processor coupled to said display device, and an interface connector disposed at said housing and coupled to said processor. The interface connector is configured to couple to a module. The processor is configured to communicate, through said interface connector, via a plurality of communication protocols. The processor is configured to select at least one of the plurality of communication protocols based on the module coupled to the interface connector.

Abstract: A lane jumper for transmitting at least one lane from a first interface to a second interface is disclosed. The at least one lane is connected with the first interface. The first interface defines a first pin group and a second pin group, and the second interface defines a third pin group connected with the second pin group. The lane jumper includes a fourth pin group and a fifth pin group, wherein the fourth pin group and the fifth pin group of the lane jumper are configured for being respectively connected with the first pin group and the second pin group. The at least one lane is transmitted from the first interface to the second interface sequentially through the first pin group, the fourth pin group, the fifth pin group, the second pin group, and the third pin group.

Abstract: Video drive-by data provides a street level view of a neighborhood surrounding a selected geographic location. A video and data server farm incorporates a video storage server that stores video image files containing video drive-by data corresponding to a geographic location, a database server that processes a data query received from a user over the Internet corresponding to a geographic location of interest, and an image processing server. In operation, the database server identifies video image files stored in the video storage server that correspond to the geographic location of interest contained in the data query and transfers the video image files over a pre-processing network to the image processing server. The image processing server converts the video drive-by data to post-processed video data corresponding to a desired image format and transfers the post-processed video data via a post-processing network to the Internet in response to the query.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a main chip, a storage, and a state changing unit. The main chip includes an update pin. The storage includes a write pin and an enable pin. The enable pin is connected to a programming unit. The main chip reads and writes data into the storage when the enable pin is at a first voltage level, and sets the update pin as a GPIO interface when the main chip is powered on after a predetermined time period. The state changing unit controls the enable pin to be at another voltage level within a second predetermined time period when the main chip is powered on and sets the enable pin at the first voltage level when the second predetermined time period elapses. The programming unit updates programs of the storage via the update pin and the write pin when the second predetermined time period elapses.

Abstract: An interface card apparatus is provided. The interface card includes a transmission interface, an interface converter, a system on chip, a first connector, a bus switch, a network connector, and a power switch. The transmission interface includes a data channel, a power pin, a network channel, a switch pin, a power enabling pin, and a sharing pin. The system on chip, controlled by the sharing pin, performs a file sharing program. The bus switch, controlled by the switch pin, couples the connector to the channel or the interface converter. The network connector is coupled the system on chip and the network channel, and the power switch, controlled by the power enabling pin, couples the power pin to the system on chip.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a modular computer system for use in residential, recreational, and commercial regions. The system is a computer system disposed within an existing outlet receptacle housing. The computer system is electrically coupled to the electrical line disposed within the housing of the receptacle and includes a mechanically extendable expansion bus configured to mechanically support and data inter-couple a set of modules for providing computer functionality. The modules include both functional modules and control and sensing modules. The expansion bus can be extended to access the modules or collapsed within the receptacle so as to be externally visually obscured by an interface module or cover, which may also serve as an information display, in particular if made of OLED materials. The cover may also serve as an override or reset switch.

Abstract: A serial attached SCSI (SAS) expander includes a first port used to connect to a port of a computer, a second port used to electrically connect to corresponding hard disks. Several third ports are respectively used to connect to one corresponding adjacent SAS expander, a firmware, and a transmission management module. The firmware stores a register value reflecting data traffic of the SAS expander. The transmission management module obtains the register value from the firmware, and determines whether the data traffic of the SAS expander is greater than a predetermined value according to the register value. In addition, distributes a part of data to at least one adjacent SAS expander and then transmits the part of data via the at least one adjacent SAS expander, when determining the data traffic of the SAS expander is greater than the predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a connector of a mobile terminal are provided. The apparatus includes a connector including a plurality of pins, a plug of a peripheral device, a display unit for displaying a menu for setting a connector mode, an input unit for receiving selection of one connector mode from the menu for setting a connector mode, a main processor for connecting with a switch unit through a data line, a sound line, a microphone line, and a control line, for receiving connector mode selection information from the input unit, and for transferring switching information through the control line, and the switch unit for connecting with a subset of the pins of the connector, and selectively connecting the subset of the pins to at least one of the data line, the sound line, and the microphone line.

Abstract: A novel and efficient method is described that creates a monolithic high capacity Packet Engine (PE) by connecting N lower capacity Packet Engines (PEs) via a novel Chip-to-Chip (C2C) interface. The C2C interface is used to perform functions, such as memory bit slicing and to communicate shared information, and enqueue/dequeue operations between individual PEs.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus, comprising a network adapter configured for wireless communication using more than one technology using distributed management and wherein the network adapter is configured to share a plurality of shared hardware components by automatically turning all other comms to OFF when one comm is turned to ON.

Abstract: A given port at a storage controller is used for communication with storage devices. In response to an indication that at least a portion of the given port is to be dedicated to a group of at least one of the storage devices, the storage controller divides the given port into multiple smaller ports.

Abstract: USB apparatus suitable for interconnection with a USB host having a D? bus coupled to ground via a pull-down resistance, the USB apparatus including a microcontroller having a first port and a second port, the first port being coupled via a resistance to a voltage source and a switch, operated by the microcontroller via the second port, selectably interconnecting the first port and the bus of the USB host.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and apparatus for a configurable connector for Ethernet are provided. In this regard, a configurable Ethernet connector residing in an Ethernet enabled communication device may couple the communication devise to one or more twisted pairs and enable communication of Ethernet frames over the twisted pair(s). Conductors of each of the twisted pairs may make contact with adjacent pins of the configurable Ethernet connector. A size and shape of the configurable Ethernet connector may enable housing of more than 48 instances of the configurable Ethernet connector in a single standard size one rack unit face plate of a 19-inch rack. The configurable Ethernet connector may provide mechanical and electrical indications that enable a device coupled to the configurable Ethernet connector to determine configuration information of the configurable Ethernet connector. The information may indicate presence or absence of various components within and/or on the configurable Ethernet connector.

Abstract: New techniques for establishing communications connections for computer peripheral devices are provided. In some aspects, new forms of audio-jack-connecting peripheral devices are disclosed, which permit the continued use of the phone jack of a PDA for purposes other than communication with the peripheral device. In other aspects, a new technique for rapidly establishing a uniform, secure wireless peripheral device network is provided. In some embodiments of the invention, the secure peripheral device network is activated by physical docking and/or interlocking, without any use of a wired network connection, based on precise proximity and location information. In other embodiments, a secure, encrypted peripheral device network is established by a system in response to terminating a wired network connection, easing the transition from wired to wireless connection status, and easing the creation of a wireless network, generally.

Abstract: [Problem] A baseboard and extension modules can be connected without the use of lead lines connected between the baseboard and extension module. [Solution] A baseboard includes first connectors; an extension module includes a second connector that fits with the first connectors; the first connectors and the second connector include ground terminals, source terminals, and signal terminals connected to signal lines; each of the ground terminal, each of the source terminal, and each of the signal terminals constituting a suit of terminals, a plurality of the suit constituting the first connectors; the ground terminals, the source terminals, and the signal terminals disposed at a constant pitch on the baseboard; the second connector including a suit of terminals, the suit including a ground terminal, a source terminal, and a signal terminal; and the baseboard and the extension module are directly connected only by the first connector and the second connector.

Abstract: A motherboard assembly includes a motherboard and an expansion card. The motherboard includes an expansion slot, a storage device interface, a power connector, and a central processing unit (CPU). The expansion slot includes a protrusion, first signal pins connected to the CPU, first power pins connected to the power connector. The expansion card includes a circuit board. A storage unit, a display unit, a power circuit, and a serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) connector connected to the storage unit and the storage device interface of the motherboard are all arranged on the circuit board. A notch is defined in a bottom edge of the circuit board, to receive the protrusion. An edge connector is arranged on a bottom edge of the circuit board and includes second power pins connected to the power circuit, and second signal pins connected to the display unit.

Abstract: An I2C system comprises an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) master device coupled to an I2C multiplexer via a master I2C bus. A plurality of slave I2C busses emanating from the I2C multiplexer couple the I2C multiplexer to a plurality of I2C slave devices. Each of the slave I2C busses comprises a serial data (SDA) line and serial clock (SCL) line. Each of the slave I2C busses, which is coupled to two I2C slave devices, has a first channel and a second channel. The first channel puts bidirectional serial data on the SDA line and clock signals on the SCL line, and the second channel puts bidirectional serial data on the SCL line and clock signals on the SDA line. A channel selector, associated with the I2C multiplexer, selectively couples the I2C master device to one of the two I2C slave devices via the first channel or the second channel.

Abstract: Techniques for operating a serial attached SCSI (SAS) expander that includes a latency table comprising entries of outbound PHYS with latency values associated with connections between inbound PHYs and outbound PHYs. A storage management module to, in response to receipt of a command from an initiator device associated with an inbound PHY to route data to a target device associated with an outbound PHY, select from the latency table a random outbound PHY from among a plurality of outbound PHYs, wherein the random selection is based on weighted average of latency values of the outbound PHY entries of the latency table.

Abstract: Single Optical Fiber KVM (Keyboard Video Mouse) systems are provided that comprises of two subsystems: an electro-optical transmitter subsystem and an electro-optical receiver subsystem. The single optical fiber KVM is configured to support all required bi-directional communications.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for address mapping between die-to-die-port (DTDP) host devices and DTDP expansion devices for combined system-in-package (SiP) solutions. Interconnect circuitry having a plurality of ports is configured to provide communication from the host device to the expansion device so that the expansion device appears to be resident on the host device. Configurable address mapping is used to re-configure the host memory map to include expansion memory map details in a seamless fashion. Further, direct circuit interconnection blocks (e.g., using copper pillar (CuP) connectors) can be used to improve connectivity and performance.

Abstract: A method for expanding input/output in an embedded system is described in which no additional strobes or enable lines are necessary from the host controller. By controlling the transitions of the signal levels in a specific way when controlling two existing data or select lines, an expansion input and/or output device can generate a strobe and/or enable signal internally. This internal strobe and/or enable signal is then used to store output data or enable input data. The host controller typically utilizes software or firmware to control the data transitions, but no additional wires are needed, and no changes are needed to existing peripheral devices. Thus, an existing system can be expanded when there are no additional control lines available and no unused states in existing signals.

Abstract: To provide electronic equipment having a heat discharging function capable of achieving the maximum in the signal processing capability of a portable terminal by preventing the functional restriction of the portable terminal by effectively discharging exothermic heat from the portable terminal at the time of coupling the portable terminal whose function is restricted by heat generation to an external device, as well as a heat discharging system and a heat discharging method.

Abstract: A method for operating a bus system, in particular a CAN bus is disclosed. Several stations can be connected to the bus system. A transmitted message has an identifier, wherein a certain identifier (for example, IDENT) always may be used only by a single station. Each of the stations compares the identifier of a transmitted message with the identifiers the station itself uses (for example, IDENT2). An error message is produced in the event of a match.

Abstract: A second controller is communicated with from a first controller via an interface. Storage is also communicated with from the first controller via the interface. The first controller is configured to be a master on the interface and the second controller and the storage are configured to be targets on the interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods can be operable to provide improved load balancing for network devices. In some implementations, such systems and methods can operate to create success list and/or fail list for use in optimizing improved load balancing for network devices. In other implementations, such systems and methods can also operate to manage and remove entries from success list and/or fail list. The success list and/or fail list can be used to optimize load balancing thereby reducing or preventing interruption in service to customers.

Abstract: An indication of a version of a firmware stored in an input/output adapter may be provided by a method that includes detecting whether a first pin is connected to an external circuit, detecting whether a second pin is unconnected to an external circuit, and causing the indication to be provided if the first pin is connected and the second pin is unconnected. The indication may be provided on the first pin. The first pin may include a power supply pin and the indication may be an average rate of power supplied to the input/output adapter.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for illuminating a subject using a light pipe that transmits light from a source. A method includes providing a light pipe, the light pipe defining an inner lumen through which the image sensor views the subject; providing a light source in alignment with a proximal portion of the light pipe; and using the light source, projecting a light into the light pipe and through the light pipe, the light pipe including a distal portion for providing a high-angle bright field illumination pattern on the subject with a first portion of the light and for reflecting a second portion of the light for providing a low-angle dark field illumination pattern on the subject.

Abstract: A method for communication over an SMB, I2C bus, or other serial bus between an auxiliary display subsystem and a secondary processor of a notebook including the auxiliary display subsystem, and systems, circuits and notebooks configured to perform the method. Typically, communication over the serial bus between the auxiliary display subsystem and secondary processor can occur when the notebook is in a standby or other low-power state (e.g., to obtain system status data or cause the notebook to wake up) or a fully-powered normal operating state. Typically, the auxiliary display subsystem is coupled not only to the notebook's secondary processor by the serial bus but also to the notebook's central processing unit by another link (e.g., a USB).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, related to smart card reader field, for recognizing a card reader with multiple card holders. The method includes connecting, by the card reader with multiple card readers, to a host and loading, by the host, card reader device bus driver; obtaining, by the card reader device bus driver, the device information of the card reader with multiple card readers and creating physical device object according to the device information; installing and loading, by the host, smart card function driver for each physical device object and registering a standard smart card driver library for every smart card function driver; creating, by the smart card service of the host, a new smart card device record in the resource manager of the smart card service according to the smart card function driver loaded and the smart card driver library registered and recognizing the card reader with multiple card readers as a plurality of smart card devices.

Abstract: A system and method for reserving resources of a host computer for use by an external device configured to be coupled to an expansion bus of the host computer are described. The host computer may be configured to execute device resource software that operates at a startup of the host computer to reserve one or more resources for the external device. The external device may not be available during the startup of the host computer, e.g., because the external device is not powered on or is not physically connected to the host computer. The device resource software may subsequently detect that the external device becomes available after the startup of the host computer. In response, the device resource software may enable the external device to use the one or more resources that were previously reserved at the startup of the host computer.

Abstract: The invention provides a shock test device suitable for an expansion slot of a computer system. The shock test device includes a mainboard, a structure unit and a detection module. The mainboard has a connecting finger electrically connected to the expansion slot. The structure unit is disposed at the mainboard for simulating a weight and a supporting structure. The detection module is coupled to at least one pin of the connecting finger for detecting a touch condition between the connecting finger and the expansion slot so as to produce a warning signal. In this way, the shock test device can detect whether or not a link plug-in in a host computer (for example, the link between the expansion slot and the connecting finger portion of the shock test device) is disconnected due to shocking or unseen disconnected and then reconnected again.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for a robust and configurable mobile computer architecture with navigation computational capabilities. The present invention further provides a bus network which allows for an efficient and durable Input/Output (I/O) management system. The I/O management system has configurable connections to allow for modular addition, expansion, or replacement of navigation, crash detection, and communication line replacement units (LRUs). Additional I/O device connections allow several modes of input into the computational system. The present invention is a single, self-contained unit and provides an accessible user interface to the computer system.

Abstract: A mobile computing device comprising a rotatable I/O port module that includes a plurality of I/O ports providing connections with external electronic devices. The I/O port module is rotatable in relative to the main body of the mobile device between a working state in which the I/O ports are externally accessible to a user and a hidden state in which the I/O ports are externally hidden. The rotation may be controlled by a user through any feasible manner, such as exerting a tangential force, a physical switch or an on-screen soft button, in association with suitable hardware and software components. The rotatable I/O port module may be physically coupled with the main body of the mobile computing device through a rotational axial connector which may also provides electrical connections between the rotational I/O module and the main body.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and processor-readable media are disclosed for detecting multiple expanders in a SAS topology having the same address. A root expander can be connected to a plurality of expanders, wherein one or more expanders among the plurality of expanders possesses a same SAS address as the root expander. The same SAS address can be identified and stored address in a route table against a physical layer identifier through which the expander(s) communicate with the root expander in order to assist in identifying duplicate expanders in the SAS topology.

Abstract: Methods and structure are provided for managing a Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) domain via Universal Serial Bus (USB) communications. The system comprises a SAS expander. The SAS expander comprises a plurality of physical links, a USB interface, and a control unit. The control unit is operable to receive USB packets via the USB interface, to determine SAS management information based upon the received USB packets, and to alter a configuration of the SAS domain based upon the SAS management information determined from the USB packets.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods for a simplified multi-client initiator/target within a SAS device. Features and aspects hereof provide a simplified initiator/target component to enable cost reduction and simplification of SAS devices requiring only limited initiator/target functionality. In one embodiment, a SAS expander may incorporate simplified SSP/STP/SMP initiator/target features and aspects hereof to permit simple management of devices coupled to the expander or coupled downstream through other expanders. The simplified multi-client initiator/target suffices for simple management functions while reducing cost and complexity of the SAS expander. Features and aspects hereof may be implemented with shared circuits for each of multiple client protocols coupled with firmware operable in a general or special purpose processor embedded in the SAS device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for displaying enabling the transmission, formatting, and display of multimedia data after a hot plug event during a start-up dead period. In particular, approaches for transmission, formatting, and display of multimedia data in the absence or non-operation of a hot plug detect system or signal, so that multimedia information can be displayed in a proper format even during the dead period when no hot plug detect signal is received.