Abstract: In a printing system or method, two printing units apply printing ink onto a recording material, each printing unit having multiple apparatuses with a respective microprocessor controller. The microprocessor controllers are connected with one another via a respective data bus segment and each data bus segment has multiple data lines. The two data bus segments of the two printing units are connected with a bus switch. The bus switch has a data switch to connect a respective one of the lines of the one data bus segment with the corresponding line of the other data bus segment, a respective terminating resistor being provided for each data bus segment. The terminating resistors are connected with a respective terminating switch coupled with the data switches such that either all terminating switches are open and all data switches are closed, or all terminating switches are closed and all data switches are open.

Abstract: An input port is assigned to a SAS expander device. An output port is assigned to the SAS expander device. The output port and the input port are defined to be paired with each other as a primary subtractive port. Only a SAS initiator address is programmed in the route table of the SAS expander. An OPEN command is sent out the output port upon receiving the OPEN command into the input port if the DEST of the OPEN command is not a direct attached device of the SAS expander device and the DEST is not in the route table of the SAS expander device. An OPEN command is sent out the input port upon receiving the OPEN command into the output port if the DEST of the OPEN command is not a direct attached device of the SAS expander device and the DEST is not in the route table of the SAS expander device.

Abstract: A server includes a motherboard and a fan system. The motherboard includes a circuit board, on which are mounted a first and a second groups of expansion slots, a central processing unit (CPU) and a group of memory slots. The fan system is arranged near a side of the circuit board, and the disposition of the fan system and the components on the circuit board is such that the airflow from the fan system does not blow pre-heated air from one component over a second component.

Abstract: A transmitter including an analog front end configured to receive a serial signal; a control circuit configured to generate a first gain signal and a second gain signal based on a characteristic of a serial channel; a first amplifier is configured to amplify the serial signal to generate a first amplified signal based on the first gain signal; a first delay device configured to delay the serial signal to generate a first delayed signal; a second amplifier configured to amplify the first delayed signal to generate a second amplified signal based on the second gain signal; and at least one summer is configured to sum the first amplified signal and the second amplified signal to generate an output signal. The output signal is transmitted on the serial channel.

Abstract: A card reader includes a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB includes a universal serial bus (USB) interface to be connected to an electronic device, a card interface to be connected to a card, a control chip, and a normally-closed switch coupled in a wire connecting a positive differential pin of the USB interface to the control chip. A length of the wire connecting the positive differential pin of the USB interface to the control chip equals to a length of a wire connecting a negative differential pin of the USB interface to the control chip. The normally-closed switch is operable to be switched on or switched off, so as to control the connection between the card and the electronic device.

Abstract: There is provided an interface card system for SD bus control. The interface card system for SD bus control includes a CPU bus interface 11a and/or an SD bus interface 11b, a host interface module 16 connected to the interfaces which interprets an SD command and controls operation of the whole of the interface card system, first and second internal SD host engines 15a and 15b which function as a host controller, first and second selectors 14a and 14b respectively connected to the internal SD host engines which each select a path for data or a command, first and second SD bus interfaces 13a and 13b respectively connected to the selectors, and a data pass-through control section 17 connected to the SD bus interfaces connected to the selectors which allows an SD command and data to pass through.

Abstract: A failover input/output device and corresponding method are provided to manage failover events of input/output controller devices that operate in accordance with a computer expansion card standard, such as the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) standard. The failover input/output device connects to redundant first and second virtualized input/output controller devices each comprising multiple virtual network interfaces that are in an active or standby state at any given time, and to a computing device that hosts one or more processes. The failover input/output device broadcasts transactions in accordance with the computer expansion card standard initiated from the computing device to the first and second virtualized input/output controller devices.

Abstract: This application discusses, among other things, multiple interface detection circuits configured to connect with a mobile electronic device connector. In an example, a multiple interface detection circuit can include a first comparator to compare a bus voltage of the mobile electronic device connector with a first threshold and to provide a first control signal, a second comparator to compare the bus voltage of the mobile electronic device connector with the first threshold and to provide a second control signal, a third comparator to compare the bus voltage of the mobile electronic device connector with a second threshold and to provide a third control signal, and a switch control configured to switch one or more signals of the connector.

Abstract: A module is provided for installation in a drive bay of a computer and is adapted to accommodate expansion circuitry rather than the electromechanical devices conventionally installed in drive bays. A system interface board is provided for insertion into an expansion socket on the computer's motherboard and is connected to the module, thus interfacing the expansion circuitry to the computer. The expansion circuitry can be greater in volume and is more accessible and more easily cooled than expansion circuitry installed in expansion sockets on the motherboard.

Abstract: An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is directed to a segment of physical communication media. The segment comprises a physical communication medium, a connector attached to the physical communication medium, and a storage device configured to store information therein using a self-defining variable length data field scheme (such as a key-length-value triplet).

Abstract: An exemplary high speed data storage system includes hard disks, a first control panel, a second control panel and a midplane interconnected between each of the first and second control panels and the hard disks. Each of the first and second control panels includes a control chip and a connector. First and second printed circuit wires corresponding to the hard disks are layered on the first and second control panels for electrically connecting the control chip with the connector, respectively. The first printed circuit wires of the first control panel and the second printed circuit wires of the second control panel are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other, and an order of stacking circuit layers of the first printed circuit wires of the first control panel is the reverse of an order of stacking of circuit layers of the second printed circuit wires of the second control panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) expander. The SAS expander is configured with an Ethernet interface and at least one SAS interface. The Ethernet interface is configured to communicate using TCP/IP protocol. The SAS expander is also configured to send an indicator of an alarm condition using Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). The indicator of the alarm condition is sent via the Ethernet interface. Configuration functions and status reads or writes of values stored in the SAS expander, or devices coupled to it may also be exchanged using SNMP.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a backplane controller of a storage backplane is disclosed, the storage backplane having a plurality of drive slots configured to operatively connect to a corresponding plurality of mass storage devices. In one embodiment, the backplane controller is operative to perform functions that include detecting activity status on a first serial interface that is configured to operatively connect one or more sets of a plurality of drive slots on the storage backplane to a host bus adapter (HBA), according to a first drive slot assignment. The backplane controller is further operative to detect an activity status on a second serial interface that is configured to operatively connect one or more sets of a plurality of drive slots on the storage backplane to the HBA, according to a second drive slot assignment.

Abstract: An extension device for connecting one or more peripheral devices to a computer, comprising a first bus for connecting to the computer; a second bus for connecting to the computer; a hub coupled to the first bus for connecting the computer to one or more peripheral devices; a controller for connecting the computer to a high-bandwidth device, the controller being switchably coupled to the hub and the second bus; and a switch for switching the controller, from being coupled to the hub, to being coupled to the second bus, when a connection to the computer is detected on the second bus.

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

Abstract: A receiving device includes a plurality of digital input terminals, a signal receiving unit for receiving a video signal, and a switch unit for selectively connecting the plurality of digital input terminals to the signal receiving unit. The signal receiving unit is a receiving device that performs a mutual authentication with an external apparatus connected via a transmission channel to a digital input terminal selected by the switch unit, and receives a video signal from the external apparatus. The signal receiving unit includes a priority determining unit for cyclically determining a priority of the plurality of digital input terminals and a controller for controlling the switch unit so that a digital input terminal, which is determined by the priority determining unit as having a highest priority, is connected to the signal receiving unit.

Abstract: A connector interface system for a communication device is disclosed. The interface includes a docking connector. The docking connector includes first make/last break contacts that minimize internal damage to the internal electronics. The docking connector also includes specific keying arrangement to prevent noncompliant connectors from being plugged in, and thereby minimizes potential damage to the multi-communication device. The connector interface system also includes a remote connector which provides for the ability to output audio, input audio, provides I/O serial protocol, and to provide an output video. Embodiments of the present invention allow for a standard headphone cable to be plugged in but also for special remote control cables, microphone cables, video cables could be utilized in such a system. The connector interface system also includes a serial protocol to control device features. These controls help a user sort and search for data more efficiently within the device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an external device for a mobile communication terminal, which enables non-contact NFC with the outside through a Near Field Communication (NFC) unit, and an NFC method using the external device. The external device for a mobile communication terminal includes a serial communication unit, an NFC unit, a smart card unit and an antenna. The serial communication unit is connected to a mobile communication terminal body through a connector. The NFC unit communicates with the mobile communication terminal body through the serial communication unit and communicates with the outside via non-contact NFC. The smart card unit communicates with the NFC unit. The antenna is configured such that the NFC unit transmits/receives signals via non-contact NFC through the antenna.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, system and program products. A mobile computing device determines that the mobile computing device has physically paired with a docking system. Wireless communication between the mobile computing device and the docking system is automatically established in response to said determining that the mobile computing device has physically paired with the docking system. Data that encodes an audio signal is transmitted, by the mobile computing device and to the docking system as part of the wireless communication, so as to cause speakers of the docking system to audibly output the audio signal from the mobile computing device.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, system and program products. A mobile computing device determines that the mobile computing device has physically paired with a docking system. Wireless communication between the mobile computing device and the docking system is automatically established in response to said determining that the mobile computing device has physically paired with the docking system. Data that encodes an audio signal is transmitted, by the mobile computing device and to the docking system as part of the wireless communication, so as to cause speakers of the docking system to audibly output the audio signal from the mobile computing device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises initiating shutdown of network traffic of a line card while the line card is coupled to a connector chassis and exchanging network traffic, the initiating shutdown in response to actuation of a magnetic switch associated with the line card, the magnetic switch being actuated in response to movement of actuating structure that unlocks the line card for removal from the connector chassis; and completing the shutdown of network traffic in the line card prior to permitting complete removal of the line card from the connector chassis.

Abstract: The techniques introduced here include storage systems including a storage controller configured to access data and a storage subsystem including a storage device having n ports, where n is an integer greater than one, and where the storage device is configured to store the data and to make the data available to the storage controller via each of the n ports. The storage systems also include a communication fabric configured to couple the storage controller to each of the n ports of the storage device via m paths, where m is an integer greater than n, so that the storage system is configured to tolerate failure in up to m?1 paths through the communication fabric, such that the data in the storage device remains accessible to the storage controller even in the presence of failure in up to m?1 paths of the m paths.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products. A mobile computing device is determined to have electrically coupled by physical contact with a docking system that is adapted to supply electrical power for charging the mobile computing device. The docking system is determined to be a first type of docking system from a plurality of types of docking systems. A first user interface profile that corresponds to the first type of docking system is selected from among a plurality of user interface profiles. Each of the plurality of user interface profiles corresponds to a respective type of docking system from the plurality of types of docking systems. The first user interface profile is presented by the mobile computing device in response to selection of the first user interface profile.

Abstract: The present invention helps to develop a smaller sized portable terminal without reducing the functions available for the user. A USB device which is detachable from the portable terminal is provided with a USB connector which is inserted into a USB port of the portable terminal, a power source terminal which comes into contact with a power supply terminal of the portable terminal, when the USB connector is inserted into the USB port of the portable terminal, and a screw which is engaged with a screw hole of the portable terminal. When the screw is engaged with the screw hole of the portable terminal, a switch inside the screw hole is pushed down due to a contact with the screw. The portable terminal detects mounting of the USB device by an output from the switch, and initiates power supplying from the power supply terminal of the portable terminal to the power source terminal of the USB device.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products. A mobile computing device is determined to have electrically coupled by physical contact with a docking system that is adapted to supply electrical power for charging the mobile computing device. The docking system is determined to be a first type of docking system from a plurality of types of docking systems. A first user interface profile that corresponds to the first type of docking system is selected from among a plurality of user interface profiles. Each of the plurality of user interface profiles corresponds to a respective type of docking system from the plurality of types of docking systems. The first user interface profile is presented by the mobile computing device in response to selection of the first user interface profile.

Abstract: A first SAS expander including at least phys is operably coupled to a first and a second SAS wide port. A second SAS expander including at least two phys is operably coupled to the first and the second SAS wide port. The first and the second SAS wide port each include at least two lanes, one of each at least two lanes designateable as a connection request lane. The connection request lane of each SAS wide port is operably coupled to a different SAS expander.

Abstract: An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo.

Abstract: A computer motherboard includes a printed circuit board which includes a central processing unit (CPU) socket and a group of memory slots. The group of memory slots includes an in-line type memory slot and a surface mounted device (SMD) type memory slot. The in-line type memory slot includes a number of plated through holes. The SMD type memory slot is set between the in-line type memory slot and the CPU socket. The through holes of the in-line type memory slot are connected to the CPU socket through traces, pads of the SMD type memory slot are connected to corresponding through holes of the in-line type memory slot having the same pin definition.

Abstract: An integrated data accessing system having control apparatus for multi-directional data transmission is described. The integrated data accessing system includes a control apparatus, a plurality of communication interface engines. The control apparatus includes a plurality of bi-directional transmission modules, a control unit, a multi-directional transferring engine, and a memory unit. The control unit detects a source storage and a target storage. The multi-directional transferring engine selectively transfers the data content among storage units. The multi-directional transferring engine includes a first switch module, a second switch module, and a data buffer. The first switch module switches to the first bi-directional transmission module to select the source storage. The second switch module switches to the second bi-directional transmission module to select the target storage. The data buffer stores the data content transmitted from the source storage and the target storage.

Abstract: A mobile phone includes an earphone and a main body. The earphone includes a first universal serial bus (USB) interface, a first USB audio module connected to the first USB interface, a battery module connected to the first USB interface, a speaker module connected to the first USB audio module, a first BLUETOOTH module connected to the speaker module and the battery module, a microphone module connected to the first BLUETOOTH module, and a first antenna module connected to the first BLUETOOTH module. The main body includes a second USB interface, a second USB audio module connected to the USB interface, a control module connected to the second USB audio module, a detecting module connected to the second USB interface and the control module, a second BLUETOOTH module connected to the control module, and a second antenna module connected to the second BLUETOOTH module.

Abstract: A communication network for a low-voltage switchboard comprising three types of communication bus. The first communication bus is designed to provide a first communication channel with at least one electronic protection device. A second communication bus is designed to provide a second communication channel with said electronic protection device. At least one third communication bus (13) is designed to provide a third communication channel between said at least one protection and control unit and one or more additional electronic modules (6A, 6B, 6C, 6E, 6F). The second communication bus is associated with a second, higher user access level than the first user access level associated with said first communication bus.

Abstract: An expander device and method for transmitting serial input/output (SIO) data between an initiator device and a plurality of target devices. The expander device includes a processor/controller configured to receive a master data stream from an initiator device and to transmit a returning master data stream to the initiator device. The expander device includes a plurality of target master ports coupled to the processor/controller and configured to transmit split data streams to corresponding target devices coupled thereto and to receive returning split data streams from the target devices. The processor/controller splits the master data stream, based on its data, into a plurality of split data streams, and directs the split data streams to the target master ports based on the data in the split data streams. The processor/controller also assembles a plurality of returning split data streams into the returning master data stream and transmits the returning master data stream to the initiator device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for power management. A monitor module monitors a connection between a base and a detachable device from the base and from the detachable device. The detachable device provides a display for the base if the detachable device and base are connected. A detection module detects a connection event selected from the group consisting of a detachable device connection to the base and a detachable device disconnection from the base.

Abstract: An information processing system is disclosed which includes: an information processing apparatus proper configured to include an optical communication connection portion establishing optical communication connection; a first functionality expansion apparatus configured to have an optical communication connection portion optically communicating with the information processing apparatus proper, and a first processing function portion processing or storing data for use by the information processing apparatus; and a second functionality expansion apparatus configured to have an optical communication connection portion optically communicating with the first functionality expansion apparatus, and a second processing function portion.

Abstract: A network interface card includes a receiving unit and a capturing unit. The receiving unit is used for receiving a first hot-plug signal transmitted from a remote network apparatus via an HDMI. The capturing unit is coupled to the receiving unit, for capturing a physical address of the remote network apparatus via the HDMI. After the physical address of the remote network apparatus is captured by the capturing unit, the network interface card communicates with the remote network apparatus by using the HDMI.

Abstract: A hybrid architecture of a television (TV) receiving system is disclosed. The architecture includes two portions, a hardware portion and a software portion. The hardware portion includes a minimum amount of hardware to achieve operations of receiving a RF signal, producing an IF signal and outputting data representing the IP signal. The software portion, taking advantage of available computing power (e.g., high-speed microprocessor and a lot of memory) in a computing device and executed therein, includes one or more demodulators, all implemented in software. Each of the demodulators is implemented in accordance with one type of TV standard. Thus depending on the received data, a corresponding demodulator is activated to demodulate the received data and subsequently produces audio and video data.

Abstract: A method for controlling icon display corresponding to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Mass Storage is provided. The USB Mass Storage is electrically connected to a USB port of a personal computer. The method includes: when it is detected that there is nothing inserted into any memory card slot of the USB Mass Storage, preventing the USB Mass Storage from triggering a specific icon to be displayed, wherein the specific icon is selectively utilized for indicating that at least one USB device is electrically connected to the personal computer; and when it is detected that a memory card is inserted into any of at least one memory card slot of the USB Mass Storage, allowing the specific icon to be displayed. An associated personal computer and a storage medium storing an associated USB Mass Storage driver for controlling icon display corresponding to the USB Mass Storage are further provided.

Abstract: An electronic device with power output function includes an interface for connecting with an external power supply or a small electronic device. The electronic device further includes a battery, a boost circuit, a switch circuit, and a charging circuit. When the external power supply is connected to the electronic device through a first cable, the switch circuit is closed to allow the external power supply to charge the battery through the first cable, the interface, the switch circuit, and the charging circuit. When the small electronic device is connected to the electronic device through a second cable, the boost circuit is enabled to boost the power voltage of the battery to allow the battery to charge the small electronic device through the boost circuit, the interface, and the second cable.

Abstract: A power testing apparatus for a USB interface includes first and second USB interfaces, and a simulation apparatus. The simulation apparatus includes a first voltage regulator, first and second resistors, and a load resistor. The first USB interface is configured to connect to a circuit board. The second USB interface is configured to connect to a USB device. The first voltage regulator includes input, output, and adjusting terminals. The first resistor is connected between the output terminal and the adjusting terminal. The second resistor is connected between the adjusting terminal and ground. The load resistor is connected to the output terminal and ground. Signal pins of the first USB interface are connected to signal pins of the second USB interface. A voltage pin of the first USB interface is connected to a voltage pin of the second USB interface and the input terminal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a universal computing system. Implementations include a modular motherboard having two or more electronic circuit boards that are connected to form a motherboard. The two or more electronic circuit boards each include a security key structure on a connector for providing a keyed connector therebetween. Computing components may be provided on two of the major surfaces of the first electronic circuit board circuit board. Components are disclosed in which the computing system will not turn on unless the first printed circuit board is electrically connected to the second printed circuit board. A heat sink is disclosed that may be used in the universal computing system. A customizable encasement is disclosed. An expandable memory device is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for deterministic Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface (SAS) discovery and configuration. The method includes transmitting a Serial Management Protocol (SMP) DISCOVER Request from a node of a SAS domain to each expander of the SAS domain. The method further includes receiving SMP DISCOVER Responses at the node from each expander of the SAS domain. The method further includes comparing BROADCAST (CHANGE) RECEIVED (BCR) counts provided in each of the received SMP DISCOVER Responses to stored BCR counts, said stored BCR counts having been recorded and stored by the node prior to said transmitting of said SMP DISCOVER Request. The method further includes updating the stored BCR counts based upon said received BCR counts. The method further includes selectively transmitting a second SMP DISCOVER Request from the node to at least one, but not all of the expanders of the SAS domain.

Abstract: A USB HUB is provided. The USB HUB comprises a wireless communication module, a storage module, a USB interface connected to a host outside of the USB HUB and a HUB controller. The storage module stores a driver program of the wireless communication module. The USB interface transfers data with the host. The HUB controller is coupled to the USB interface, the wireless communication module and the storage module. The HUB controller disables the storage module and enables the wireless communication module when the driver program has been installed in the host.

Abstract: A SAS expander collects data access information associated with a nexus and determines whether a data prefetch is appropriate. The SAS expander identifies potential data blocks utilizing previous data requests of the nexus. The SAS expander issues a data request to the target for the potential data blocks. The SAS expander stores the potential data blocks within a prefetch cache for future utilization within a data read.

Abstract: A hub apparatus provided by the present invention comprises an OTG (on-the-go) control module and at least one USB port and a linking module. The OTG control module has a buffer and be coupled to the USB port and the linking module. When the host apparatus and the peripheral apparatus link with the hub apparatus, the OTG control module captures a data, which is asserted by a user through the host apparatus, from the peripheral apparatus via the USB port, and saves the captured data into the buffer, so as to move the data saved into the buffer to the host apparatus via a data transmission for responding a data capturing requirement from the host apparatus.

Abstract: A handheld computing unit includes a processing module, memory, a transceiver, a first extended computing unit interface, a second extended computing unit interface, and an interconnection structure operably coupled to the processing module, the memory, the transceiver, and the first and second extended computing unit interfaces. The first extended computing unit interface couples to a first extended computing unit and the second extended computing unit interface coupled to a second extended computing unit such that the handheld computing unit and the extended computing units constitute a computing device.

Abstract: The method for reconfiguring an information processing apparatus includes: transmitting, by the system management unit, a register setting request to set a register included in the control unit to a predetermined value to all of the system boards within the information processing apparatus, when a system board is added to or removed from any of the partitions; setting, by the system board that receives the register setting request, a register of a control unit of the local system board to the predetermined value, if a partition to which the local system board belongs includes the system board to be added or removed; and ignoring, by the system board that receives the register setting request, the register setting request if the partition to which the local system board belongs does not include the system board to be added or removed.

Abstract: A programming device includes communication circuitry for communicating with an electronic device. A first set of one or more electrical contacts connected to the communication circuitry and configured to physically contact a corresponding second set of one or more electrical contacts located on a substrate. One or more guides configured to align the first and second sets of electrical contacts when the substrate physically contacts the one or more guides.

Abstract: An interface system which is adapted to a portable device is provided. The interface system includes a control chip, a first peripheral device, an external interface port, a first, a second, a third bus driver and a control unit. The control chip provides at least a first and a second interface port. The first bus driver has a first, a second input port and an output port. The first bus driver is used to interface the first input port with the output port or interface the second input port with the output port according to a first control signal. The second bus driver is used to interface the first interface port with the external interface port or interface the output port with the external interface port according to a second control signal. The third bus driver is used to interface the first peripheral device with the second input port or interface the second interface port with the first peripheral device according to the first control signal.

Abstract: An adaptive USB extender is installed in a computer and includes a USB host controller mounted on a computer motherboard, a USB receptacle mounted on an I/O board, a USB cable interconnecting the I/O board and the USB host controller for transmitting USB-compliant signals, and an active signal driver mounted on the I/O board and connected between the USB receptacle and the USB cable for amplifying and buffering the USB-compliant signals, thereby maintaining the signal integrity of the USB-compliant signals.