Abstract: A method and computer program product for improving or optimizing the configuration of expansion cards and expansion card slots in a computer system. The slot width of each slot is serially set to two or more link widths supported by the expansion card that is connect in each slot and each of the plurality of expansion cards is retrained at each of the set slot widths. The current link speed and a current link width for each of the plurality of expansion cards may be identified at each of the set slot widths to enable a determination of a configuration of the plurality of expansion cards within the plurality of expansion card slots that will improve collective throughput of the expansion cards. Optionally, the throughput of one expansion card may be prioritized over the throughput of another expansion card, such as those expansion cards or functionalities specified by user preferences or identified by system monitoring of loads placed on the expansion cards.

Abstract: A server is disclosed, which includes two dividing plates disposed between the side plates, several rails disposed on the side plates and the dividing plates, at least one adapter board module, and several main boards. The dividing plates are parallel to the side plates. Each dividing plate has a position pin. The rails are parallel to the bottom plate. The main boards are slid in the rails. The adapter board module has a support piece and an adapter board. The support piece has position holes to be coupled to the position pins and fix the adapter board module on the dividing plates. The adapter board is disposed on the support piece and has two first gold finger interfaces. Each main board has a second gold finger interface. The first gold finger interfaces are coupled to the second gold finger interfaces, thereby each adapter board is connected to two main boards.

Abstract: A processing module, interface, and information handling system are disclosed. According to an aspect, a processing module can include a plurality of components coupled to a circuit card operable to be coupled to a host processing system. The processing module can also include a processing module interface configured to be coupled to a host interface of the host processing system. According to an aspect, the processing module interface can include a plurality of contacts operable to couple a plurality of signals configured to be coupled between the host processing and the circuit card to enable or disable use of resources of the circuit card during a reduced operating state of the host processor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for determining the orientation of a blade server with respect to a blade chassis, whenever the blade is inserted into a chassis with either vertical or horizontal slots. In an embodiment, wherein the blade server has opposing first and second edges, first and second connectors are located in pre-specified corresponding relationship with the first and second blade server edges. A first device in the blade chassis generates an information signal, wherein the information signal has an element that indicates the spatial location of a reference feature of the chassis. The embodiment includes a path for sending the information signal to either the first connector or the second connector, according to the orientation of the blade inserted into the chassis. A second device identifies the connector that receives the information signals, and uses the connector identity and the signal element together to determine the orientation of the inserted blade with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: A multi-channel memory connection system comprises a circuit board comprising a plurality of memory connectors, at least one of the plurality of memory connectors configured to receive either a memory module or a memory riser, the at least one memory connector having at least two memory channels connected thereto through the circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system comprising a peripheral component interface (PCI) host bridge. The PCI host bridge is configured to be coupled to a PCI bus, and to receive a system reset signal, to generate a PCI bus reset signal based on the received system reset signal, to detect a PCI operational mode of the PCI bus, and to generate a voltage indicator signal based on the detected PCI operational mode. A voltage regulator is coupled to the PCI host bridge and configured to receive the voltage indicator signal and to regulate a signaling voltage for the PCI bus based on the voltage indicator signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a main circuit board includes a plurality of expansion slots that are operative to receive a corresponding plurality of expansion cards. The plurality of expansion slots include at least one first expansion slot configured at a first position on the main circuit board, that is operative to connect to at least one corresponding first expansion card. At least one second expansion slot configured at a second position on the main circuit board, and the second expansion slot is operative to connect to at least one corresponding second expansion card. The plurality of expansion cards includes at least one secondary expansion card that is different from the main circuit board and that is configured to be operatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of expansion slots. One or more particular expansion slots are selected for connecting one or more corresponding particular expansion cards, based on the size, dimensions, and/or function of the particular expansion cards to be connected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage card having selectable contact elements a terminal capable of receiving said storage card and method of its operation. The storage card with selectable contact elements, comprises an interface having a plurality of contact elements, a storage card controller, being connected to at least a subset of said contact elements, a storage memory device, being connected to said storage card controller, a switching unit, that is connected to said storage card controller and to at least one of said contact elements of said interface, wherein said storage card controller is connected to said switching unit to controllably select said at least one contact element.

Abstract: A storage system is provided, including: a power module for supplying electric energy to the storage system; a control module having at least one expansion interface, for externally connecting at least one server to provide a storage unit for the server, or for externally connecting at least one storage device to expand the storage capacity of the storage device; an adapter plate for connecting the power module and the control module; and a plurality of hard drive array units, each of which includes a hard drive backplane coupled to the adapter plate, and a plurality of hard drives separately coupled to the hard drive backplane. In addition, the control module and the hard drive expansion card in the storage system both have a redundant mechanism, so that when one of the components fails, the storage system remains running normally.

Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus (USB) computer has a small form factor similar to a USB flash drive. The USB computer is connected by USB to a host computer to utilize the host computer's resources. The USB computer receives a user input provided on the host computer's input device over the USB connection, executes a local user application in response to the user input, and provides a graphical output to the host computer's output device. The USB computer includes a client application that communicates with a host application installed on the host computer. The host application causes the host computer to provide control over the host computer's resources to the USB computer.

Abstract: An I/O module configured to operate in a memory module socket and method for extending a memory interface are generally described herein. The I/O module may include a serial-presence detection (SPD) device to indicate that the I/O module is an I/O device and to indicate one or more functions associated with the I/O module. The I/O module may also include a serial data controller to communicate serial data in accordance with a predetermined communication technique with a configurable switch of a host system over preselected system management (SM) bus address lines and unused system clock signal lines of the memory module socket. The predetermined communication technique may include a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe), a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), a Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface (SAS), a universal-serial bus (USB) or a switched-fabric (InfiniBand) communication technique.

Abstract: A server auxiliary operating system is disclosed, which includes a case, a plurality of swappable GPUs and a printed circuit back plane. The case includes a bottom board and a first mounting bay located at the front portion of the case. The swappable GPUs are disposed in the first mounting bay. The printed circuit back plane is disposed on the bottom board and has a plurality of first interfaces and a plurality of second interfaces electrically corresponding to the first interfaces, wherein the swappable GPUs are respectively coupled to the first interfaces, and the servers are respectively electrically connected to the corresponding swappable GPUs through the second interfaces respectively connected to the servers so as to expand the server operation capability.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for detecting the presence of a cable in a connector. The system may comprise one or more of the following features: (a) a first circuit contact; (b) a second circuit contact; (c) a first capacitive element; (d) an electrical ground; (e) a voltage source; and (f) a logical output. The second circuit contact may be connected to ground. The capacitive element may be driven to ground by connection of the first and second circuit contacts to corresponding cable contacts.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for submitting an electronic document to a printing system that includes a print controller having an input port and a print queue. Methods in accordance with this invention include coupling a portable media device to the input port, the portable media device including an electronic document and automatically copying the electronic document to the print queue. Apparatus in accordance with this invention include a portable media device that includes an electronic document. The portable media device is adapted to be coupled to the input port of the print controller, and the print controller is adapted to automatically copy the electronic document to the print queue.

Abstract: A system for accessing a memory card is provided. The system includes a control unit having a control pin and a processor. The processor senses a card-insertion signal from a socket via the control pin for indicating whether the memory card has been inserted into the socket. The processor provides a power control signal via the control pin to supply an operating voltage to the memory card when the sensed card-insertion signal indicates that the memory card has been inserted into the socket. The processor detects whether a write protection function of the memory card is present via the control pin.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to customization of a bus adapter card. In some implementations, an apparatus includes a processor and a program memory, a bus adapter card coupled with the computing apparatus and configured to connect with a storage device, the bus adapter card comprising a cache memory and a controller to cache in the cache memory data associated with the storage device, where the program memory includes a driver to communicate with the bus adapter card responsive to requests corresponding to the storage device, and the driver is configured to modify its communications with the bus adapter card responsive to information provided separate from the requests.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system comprising a peripheral component interface (PCI) host bridge. The PCI host bridge is configured to be coupled to a PCI bus, and to receive a system reset signal, to generate a PCI bus reset signal based on the received system reset signal, to detect a PCI operational mode of the PCI bus, and to generate a voltage indicator signal based on the detected PCI operational mode. A voltage regulator is coupled to the PCI host bridge and configured to receive the voltage indicator signal and to regulate a signaling voltage for the PCI bus based on the voltage indicator signal.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a power sourcing equipment (PSE) device is disclosed that includes a plurality of network input/output (I/O) interfaces adapted to physically and electrically connect to a respective plurality of cables. The PSE device further includes a plurality of driver circuits. Each driver circuit of the plurality of driver circuits is coupled to a respective network I/O interface of the plurality of network I/O interfaces to send and receive data via a respective cable of the respective plurality of cables. Further, the PSE device includes a shared isolation barrier to electrically isolate control circuitry from the plurality of driver circuits.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for dynamic virtual frame buffer management. At least one embodiment of the present invention dynamically enables or disables the use of a virtual frame buffer, which is not under control of graphics hardware of a data processing system, without restarting the graphical user interface system (e.g., the window system) of the data processing system. For example, in response to the addition or removing of a frame buffer that is under control of a graphics controller (e.g., due to the activation or deactivation of the graphics controller, or the hot plug-in or hot disconnection of the graphics controller), the virtual frame buffer is disabled or enabled respectively.

Abstract: Methods and systems for mass storage of data over two or more tiers of mass storage media that include nonvolatile solid-state memory devices, hard disk devices, and optionally volatile memory devices or nonvolatile MRAM in an SDRAM configuration. The mass storage media interface with a host through one or more PCIe lanes on a single printed circuit board.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a first motherboard and a network interface card (NIC). A cutout is defined in the first motherboard. The NIC is located in the cutout of the first motherboard and positioned substantially parallel to the motherboard. The NIC includes a network socket is capable of receiving a network cable, and a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB includes a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge. The network socket is located in the first edge. The second edge is substantially perpendicular to the first edge. A side connector is located on the second edge. The second edge is capable of being vertically connected to a second motherboard. The third edge substantially parallels to the first edge. A back connector is located on the third edge, that is plugged into the first motherboard in parallel.

Abstract: An address controller includes a bit selector that receives a first portion of a requester id and selects a bit from a vector that identifies whether a requesting function is an SR-IOV device or a standard PCIe device. The controller also includes a selector coupled to the bit selector that forms an output comprised of either a second portion of the RID or a first portion of the address portion based on an input received from the selector and an address control unit that receives the first portion of the RID and the output and determines the LPAR that owns the requesting function based thereon, the address control unit providing the corrected memory request to the memory.

Abstract: A wireless Internet access device, a secure digital (SD) control chip, and a data communication method are disclosed. The method includes the following steps: the wireless Internet access device receives an SD command from a terminal device, where the SD command is converted by the terminal device from a command and/or data sent by an upper layer; the wireless Internet access device determines an interface mode according to the SD interface support of the terminal device; the wireless Internet access device executes the SD command according to the interface mode. In embodiments of the present invention, the SD card is integrated with the wireless Internet access function, which reduces the size of the wireless Internet access device and enables the wireless Internet access device to select a proper mode to meet different service requirements of terminal devices according to the SD interface support of different terminal devices.

Abstract: A data recorder includes an I/O port, a host processor and a cartridge including a media storage and a media processor connected to the media storage. The media processor includes media capability data which is specific to the media storage. A bus connector removable connects the cartridge to the recorder, and the media processor and the host processor are connected to the connector by a Pathway Bus. When the cartridge is connected to the connector, the media capability data is transmitted from the media processor to the host processor and the host processor communicates data with the media processor as a function of the received media capability data.

Abstract: Described herein is a filter driver in a smartcardreader class that recognizes the presence of a smartcard in a smartcard reader and creates a device node (devnode).

Abstract: Systems and methods for booting a programmable processor such as a DSP that is incorporated into an HDA codec. The codec and a system memory containing boot program instructions are connected to an HDA bus. In a first mode, the DSP receives boot program instructions via the HDA bus and boots using these instructions. In a second mode, the DSP boots from instructions that are contained in a memory that is connected to the DSP. In one embodiment, the memory connected to the DSP is a component of a plug-in card, and the DSP is configured to determine whether the plug-in card is present, then boot from the memory on the plug-in card if it is present or boot from the system memory via the HDA bus if the plug-in card is not present.

Abstract: The invention relates to a keyboard (1) for data input, particularly a POS keyboard (1), with a key field (2) and at least one card reading device (6), for the reading of data from a card (13) provided with data, whereby the device (6) has a shaft (12), into which the card (13) can be inserted and in which the card (13) can be held, whereby the card reading device (6) is integrated pivotably into a surface (8) of the housing (9) of the keyboard (1).

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a card slot to which a card-type medium is inserted, a determination unit configured to determine an operation mode, from among a first, second and third operation modes, which attains the highest speed of data communication between the information processing apparatus and the cardtype medium on the basis of a first, second and third communication speeds and the interruption-preventing maximum data size, and a data communication unit configured to perform data communication between the information processing apparatus and the card-type medium in the operation mode which attains the highest speed of the data communication and which is selected from among the first to third operation modes by the determination unit.

Abstract: Methods for transmitting application specific or extended commands between a host and a memory card are disclosed. Commands for an extended card protocol are embedded in messages, along with a marker, in the data or command portion of a base card transmission protocol that is used to communicate between the host and the memory card. This allows for the transmission of application specific commands that lack a corresponding command in the base card protocol. The method can be implemented on the host side at the device driver level or the file level. In order to implement a read command in the extended card protocol, a write command in the base card protocol with an encapsulated read command in the extended protocol is first sent to a logical address, followed by a read command to the same logical address. Message set identifiers associate embedded commands and data received in separate transmissions.

Abstract: A method of configuring a computer with an expansion card to process a basic input output system (BIOS) program thereof, includes performing an expansion card detecting program to detect and identify the expansion card by reading signals from an identifying finger of the expansion card, and loading a configuration program associated with the detected expansion card of the BIOS program.

Abstract: A single main unit manages information on hardware resources and the like of all main units connected to a network in an integrated fashion. A slot management module, a slot control module, and a physical slot/managed slot comparison table are provided between an input/output control module and a slot interface subordinate thereto. The input/output control module accesses the slot interface by using virtual slot identification information. The slot management module refers to the physical slot/managed slot comparison table, converts the virtual slot identification information into physical slot identification information, and accesses a slot control module corresponding to the physical slot identification information obtained by the conversion, thereby realizing a physical access of the input/output control module to the slot interface.

Abstract: High speed switching networks can be created with a minimum of cabling complexity using pod switches that are connected to a core switch array. Each pod switch can include line cards arranged in parallel connecting on one side of a midplane circuit board that is orthogonal to the line cards and uplink cards also arranged in parallel connecting on an opposite side of the midplane circuit board. The uplink cards are orthogonal to both the midplane circuit board and to the line cards. Each line card provides links to computing nodes. The up-link cards connect to the core switch array. A simplified novel Ethernet extension protocol can be used in conjunction with the described hardware. Systems, methods, techniques, and articles of manufacture are also described.

Abstract: A memory card compatible RFID card includes a smartcard controller that receives power from a host device. The RFID card also includes a small inductive device capable of inductive coupling with an RFID reader. The small inductive device is small enough to fit in the form factor of a memory card. Commands may be sent to the RFID card to keep the RFID card powered.

Abstract: An electronic flash memory external storage method and device for data processing system includes firmware which directly controls the access of electronic storage media and implements standard interface functions, adopts particular reading and writing formats of the external storage media, receives power via USB, externally stores data by flash memory and access control circuit with the cooperation of the firmware and the driver with the operating system, and has write-protection so that the data can be safely transferred. The method according to present invention is highly efficient and all parts involved are assembled as a monolithic piece so that it has large-capacity with small size and high speed. The device operates in static state and is driven by software. It is plug-and-play and adapted to data processing system.

Abstract: A client-host detection device for detecting connecting a connected peripheral is disclosed herein. The device comprises a peripheral sensor connected to a terminal, a terminal sensor connected to or for connection to a peripheral and a terminal electrical connector connected to the terminal for electrical connection with a peripheral electrical connector connected to a peripheral. The peripheral sensor is positioned to sense the terminal sensor upon connection of the terminal electrical connector with the peripheral electrical connector. The device allows for an electrical connector to be maintained in an unpowered state unless a peripheral is connected thereby reducing or preventing de-plating of the contacts of the electrical connector caused by conductive solution across the contacts as a result of the voltage on the connections. The device also allows for the use of an unpowered peripheral.

Abstract: A scalable space-optimized and energy-efficient computing system is provided. The computing system comprises a plurality of modular compartments in at least one level of a frame configured in a hexadron configuration. The computing system also comprises an air inlet, an air mixing plenum, and at least one fan. In the computing system the plurality of modular compartments are affixed above the air inlet, the air mixing plenum is affixed above the plurality of modular compartments, and the at least one fan is affixed above the air mixing plenum. When at least one module is inserted into one of the plurality of modular compartments, the module couples to a backplane within the frame.

Abstract: A method for controlling peripheral component interconnect express (PCI-E) slots of a computer reads processor configuration information of a PCI-E slot unit from a CMOS chip when the computer boots up, and controls a GPIO interface to output a first control signal to a PCI-E multiplexer according to the processor configuration information, to control a PCI-E slot unit of the computer to connect to one of processors of the computer through the PCI-E multiplexer according to the first control signal. Then the method checks whether the processor connected to the PCI-E slot unit is running normally. In addition, the method controls the GPIO interface to output a second control signal to the PCI-E multiplexer if the processor connected to the PCI-E slot unit is not running normally, to control the PCI-E slot unit to connect to another processor through the PCI-E multiplexer according to the second control signal.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system allowing a flexible upgrade of a computer system (e.g. server) to a high-speed network connection comprises base configuration motherboard or network card including a set of low-speed (e.g. 1 Gbps Ethernet) media access controllers (MACs) each connected to a low-speed physical controller (PHY), and a set of high-speed (e.g. 10 Gbps Ethernet) MACs. An expansion card including high-speed PHYs of choice can be connected by an end user to the base configuration motherboard or network card. A flow classifier classifies data sent/received over both high-speed and low-speed ports, and a single driver may control both high- and low-speed ports. One or both of the motherboard and/or expansion card are configured according to a detected type (e.g. physical layer standard, vendor) of expansion card connected to the motherboard and/or type of physical medium connected to the expansion card.

Abstract: A card adapter includes a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB includes a first memory slot to receive a memory module to be corrected, a connecting portion with several golden fingers to insert into a second memory slot of a computer system, and first and second switches. The memory slot of the PCB includes several terminals corresponding to pins of a serial presence detect (SPD) chip of the memory module. The golden fingers correspond to pins of the second memory slot. The first switch is set between the terminal corresponding to the serial data signal pin of the memory module and the golden finger corresponding to the serial data signal pin of the second memory slot. The second switch is set between the terminal corresponding to the serial clock signal pin of the memory module and the golden finger corresponding to serial clock signal pin of the second memory slot.

Abstract: Architecture that provides programmatic association of a device (e.g., removable) to a currently logged-in user, and restricts access to the drive only to that particular logged-in user. When active, the architecture detects when devices are added to the system, determines which logged-in user a given device (or devices) should be assigned, modifies the security settings for the device(s), and makes a per-user drive letter mapping to that device such that only the logged-in user can see the mapped device. In the context of serially attachable peripheral devices such as USB (universal serial bus) devices (and IEEE 1394 devices), for example, access can be restricted to a user based on the USB hub into which the device is connected. This prevents the operating system from assigning a global drive letter to a device or device volume (for drives) when the device is added.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for power management of a network element. In one embodiment of the invention, a networking card configuration request is received for a type of networking card irrespective of a networking card of that type being inserted into the network element. The network element does not enable networking cards unless they are successfully configured and inserted. The amount of power that the networking card consumes is determined without reading a power consumption value from that card. If it is determined that allowing that type of networking card to be configured would exceed the power capacity of the network element, the configuration request is denied and the networking card, if or when inserted remains disabled and is not powered up. However, if allowing that type of networking card to be configured would not exceed the power capacity, the configuration request is accepted, the amount of power that type of networking card consumes is allocated, and the card will be enabled when inserted.

Abstract: When initializing a card-shaped device inserted in a card interface, operation mode acquiring means incorporated in an electronic device acquires operation mode information, stored in a register file incorporated in the card-shaped device, by a predetermined procedure using a predetermined pin. Operation mode setting means incorporated in the electronic device executes signal assignment on a plurality of data pins peculiar to an operation mode indicated by the acquired operation mode information, thereby switching a data transfer width, and allowing the card-shaped device to operate in the operation mode.

Abstract: An integrated circuit supporting a first interface and a second interface and an integrated circuit card having the same includes the first interface capable of communicating with a first host, the second interface communicating with a second host, and a control block. The control block activates the second interface when a voltage level of a contact that the second host can be connected is in a first state at a first-occurring timepoint between a reference timepoint and a state transition timepoint of an external reset signal output from the first host, and deactivates the second interface when the voltage level of the contact is in a second state. The integrated circuit card has the integrated circuit built in.

Abstract: A determining unit performs a position determination determining whether a nonvolatile memory is mounted in a right position or in a wrong position. When the determining unit determines that the nonvolatile memory is mounted in the wrong position, a protecting unit protects data stored in the nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: An adaptable hardware-programmable transmission interface for an industrial PC is characterized by a module switch provided on a motherboard of the industrial PC, and a plurality of riser cards, each of which is connectable to a connecting end of the motherboard and formed with one or a plurality of slots having a variety of specifications, allowing the motherboard to be significantly downsized. In addition, the same motherboard can be connected with a selected one of the different riser cards to provide lane interfaces that meet various dynamic changing needs.

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: An industrial automation system for controlling the operating means of a technical process. The system includes fail-safe modules for interchanging process data with the operating means, i.e., actuating and measurement signals, stations having slots for modules, which slots are inter-connected by a backplane bus, a central processing unit at least for processing process signals from the technical process, and a field bus for transmitting data between the central processing unit and the stations. In accordance with the invention, the address relationship for the addressing of a fail-safe module by the central processing unit over the field bus for data processing purposes is permanently stored in a first memory in the respective module and is additionally permanently backed-up in the associated station.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for a smart card in accordance with an exemplary embodiment includes at least one data terminal for providing communications with a host device and a processor for providing an attachment signal on the at least one data terminal for recognition by the host device. Further, the processor also cooperates with the host device to perform an enumeration based upon at least one default descriptor. In addition, based upon a system event, the processor selectively removes the attachment signal from the at least one data terminal and thereafter again provides the attachment signal on the at least one data terminal and cooperates with the host device to perform a new enumeration based upon at least one alternate descriptor.

Abstract: An operation system module provided by the present invention comprises an interface slot unit, an interface card and a memory card. The interface slot is disposed on a circuit board. In addition, the interface card can be inserted into the interface slot unit. Wherein, the interface card has a memory card slot, so that the memory card can be inserted into the memory card slot. In particularly, an operation system is installed into the memory card, so as to control a host apparatus working.

Abstract: A method and device for securing a removable Attached Computer Module (“ACM”) 10. ACM 10 inserts into a Computer Module Bay (“CMB”) 40 within a peripheral console to form a functional computer such as a desktop computer or portable computer. The present ACM 10 includes a locking system, which includes hardware and software 600, 700, to prevent accidental removal or theft of the ACM from the peripheral console. While ACM is in transit, further security is necessary against illegal or unauthorized use. If ACM contains confidential data, a high security method is needed to safeguard against theft.