Abstract: A quick port-switching method and associated apparatus are provided. A quick port-switching display control circuit includes a display controller, a first TMDS port, a second TMDS port and an analog video port. The display controller has a first GPIO pin and a second GPIO pin. The first TMDS port, second TMDS port and analog video port are coupled to the display controller for receiving a first TMDS input, a second TMDS input and an analog video signal, respectively. The first TMDS input and second TMDS input include a first hot-plugging signal and a second hot-plugging signal to be received by the first GPIO pin and second GPIO pin, respectively. The display controller determines whether the first TMDS input is valid by detecting whether the first hot-plugging signal is asserted, and determines whether the second TMDS input is valid by detecting whether the second hot-plugging signal is asserted.

Abstract: One or more custom device drivers for a peripheral device may be installed from the peripheral device onto a host computer. Upon connecting the peripheral device to the host computer, an operating system of the host computer is exposed to a default configuration of the peripheral device that contains only a device driver class interface or interfaces for which the operating system includes preinstalled class level device drivers. The peripheral device then receives an install command from the host computer, and automatically transmits one or more custom device drivers from the peripheral device to the host computer. In response to receipt of a change command from the host computer, the configuration of the peripheral device is changed to an alternate configuration that includes interfaces for the custom device drivers.

Abstract: A method and system for hotplug removing a device in a virtual machine system. A computer system hosts a virtual machine that runs a guest. A hotplug manager in the computer system sends a request to the guest for hotplug removal of a device associated with the guest. The hotplug manager detects an indication of reboot of the guest, and completes the hotplug removal in response to detection of the reboot.

Abstract: Relating with board numbers of the boards mounted with the logic circuits and mounted places on the boards and in relation to log information to be collected from the logic circuits, analysis information describing information to be processed when the log information is generated, information of a condition for which the log information is to be valid, and information of a condition for which the log information is to be invalid are defined for analyzing failures using the analysis information based on the logic circuits. Upon the realization of the failure analysis based on the logic circuits, the analysis information further describes information of the priority of the log information to realize a thorough analysis of critical failures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for docking of a mobile device supporting a docking station are provided. The apparatus includes a connection detector, an undock execution unit, and a hotdock execution unit. The connection detector performs a function for transitioning to a hotdock mode. The undock execution unit performs a function for transitioning from the hotdock mode to an undock mode. The hotdock execution unit performs a function for transitioning from the undock mode to the hotdock mode.

Abstract: A circuit for hot-swapping a memory card in an electronic device is disclosed. A power-reset unit has a first node electrically coupled to a power supply, and a second node electrically coupled to a power pin of the memory card. The power-reset unit is configured to generate a rising voltage at the second node without rebooting the electronic device when the memory card is hot-plugged into the electronic device.

Abstract: A network adapter for plugging into a host computer is provided. The network adapter may include an internal memory and connection means for connecting the host computer to a communications network. The network adapter may include resident application software stored in the network adapter's internal memory, whereby the resident application software automatically activates when the network adapter is plugged into the host computer.

Abstract: Methods and removable storage devices are provided. Some such removable storage devices may include a file specifying a name of a program to be executed automatically by a host, may include settings for a secure storage area, where the settings are user-configurable, may include a secure partition that is not accessible by an operating system of a host, may be configured to cause a health of the removable device to be automatically checked when the removable device is coupled to a host, may be configured to cause a program for formatting the removable device to be executed when the removable device is coupled to a host, or may include a secure partition configured to store information so that formatting/reformatting does not alter the stored information.

Abstract: A distributed PCIe adapted to support a hot-plug process triggered by any change in a status of a distributed link, comprises an upstream bus unit including a first bridge connected to a root component and adapted to maintain a first configuration space and a copy of a second configuration space, the first configuration space bridge includes at least hot-plug registers specifying at least capabilities and status of a slot of the first bridge; and a second bridge connected to an endpoint component and adapted to maintain the second configuration space, the second configuration space includes at least hot-plug registers specifying at least capabilities and status of a slot of the second bridge.

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: A data transfer control device including: a link controller which analyzes a packet received through a serial bus; a packet detection circuit which detects completion or start of packet reception based on analysis result of the received packet; first and second packet buffers into which the packet received through the serial bus is written; and a switch circuit which switches a write destination of the received packet. When a Kth packet has been written into one of the first and second packet buffers and completion of reception of the Kth packet or start of reception of a (K+1)th packet subsequent to the Kth packet has been detected, the switch circuit switching the write destination of the (K+1)th packet to the other of the first and second packet buffers.

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: A switch for universal serial bus is disclosed. The universal serial bus (USB) port has a built switch actuator that automatically turns power on and off upon insertion and removal of a USB plug. The switch for universal serial bus comprises of a USB port with a switch actuator in a power-off position and a momentary switch wherein when a USB plug is inserted into the USB port, the switch actuator is depressed which in turn depresses the momentary switch to turn on the power to the USB port. When the USB plug is removed from the USB port, the switch actuator returns to its original power-off position thereby turning off the power to the USB port.

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 power supply circuit for IEEE 1394 interface includes an IEEE 1394 interface control chip, an interface circuit, and a power circuit. The IEEE 1394 interface control chip outputs transmission protocol signals. The interface circuit is electrically connected to the IEEE 1394 interface control chip by a number of differential signal transmission lines. The interface circuit receives the transmission protocol signals and exchanges data with a peripheral device according to the received transmission protocol signals. The power circuit has a voltage decreasing circuit and provides working voltage to the interface circuit. The voltage decreasing circuit receives a DC voltage and converts the received DC voltage to the working voltage.

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: 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: Described is a technology by which a circuit, such as one incorporated into a USB-like cable, couples a client computing device to a server computing device. The circuit outputs identification information to each computing device to indicate that the circuit corresponds to a type of hardware device, (e.g., a CD-ROM player) and an attribute (e.g., a migration cable). The circuit then allows the communication of data between the first computing device and the second computing device. For example, the server recognizes the migration cable attribute and can emulate the CD-ROM device recognized by the client, whereby the server may provide data including software code to the client computing device by emulating the CD-ROM device. Via the software code, the client computing device is bootstrapped to recognize that it is connected to the server instead of the hardware device. Data may then be migrated from the client to the server.

Abstract: A method comprises a system comprising a host device coupled to a first remote device actively operating according to a state diagram that the host device and all remote devices follow during operation of the system. The method further comprises powering up a second remote device while the host device and first remote device are actively operating according to the state diagram. The second remote device waits for a synchronization point sequence. Upon detecting the synchronization point sequence, the second remote device implements a predetermined feature set and synchronizes itself to the state diagram at a common point as the host device and first remote device.

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: 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: 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: An interface card quick plug-and-unplug device for use with a PCIe interface card is disclosed to include a shell covering a part of the PCIe interface card, and a locating member disposed at one side of the shell and/or the PCIe interface card for engagement with the PCIe slot upon insertion of the PCIe interface card into the PCIe slot. Biasing the locating member allows quick removal of the PCIe interface card from the PCIe slot without any tool. The interface card quick plug-and-unplug device enhances the flexibility of the design of computer circuit layout.

Abstract: A device includes a universal serial bus (USB) port comprising a data terminal and a power terminal to receive power from a remote USB port. The device includes a controller coupled to the data terminal of the USB port to provide a USB initialization signal.

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: Methods, apparatus, and product are disclosed for expanding functionality of hard drive bays in a computing system that include: detecting, by a fabric management module, that a new device has been added to a hard drive bay in the computing system; identifying, by the fabric management module, a data communications protocol that is used by the new device; selecting, by the fabric management module, a fabric that supports the data communications protocol that is used by the new device; and routing, by the fabric management module, data communications according to the data communications protocol that is used by the new device across the selected fabric.

Abstract: A computer software system is disclosed for facilitating a user's replacement or insertion of devices in a computer server network system. The system allows a user to swap or add peripheral devices while the system is running, or in a “hot” condition, with little or no user knowledge of how the system carries out the “hot swap” or “hot add” functions. The system, which consists of a graphical user interface (GUI) and associated computer software modules, allows the user to select a desired peripheral device location within a server, and then provides the modular software structure to automatically execute a series of steps in the hot swap or hot add process. Each step is prompted by the user from the GUI, to invoke commands to instruct a network server through its operating system and hardware to suspend the appropriate device adapters, if necessary, power down the desired device slot or canister, allow the user to replace or insert a new device, and finally restart the adapters and the slot power.

Abstract: A method comprises a system comprising a host device coupled to a first remote device actively operating according to a state diagram that the host device and all remote devices follow during operation of the system. The method further comprises powering up a second remote device while the host device and first remote device are actively operating according to the state diagram. The second remote device determines whether to initialize to a standard protocol or to an advanced protocol. Upon determining to initialize to the advanced protocol, the second remote device then waits for a synchronization point sequence.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for providing resources from a plurality of on-board device nodes to a hot-plugged device node in a computer is provided. The apparatus comprises a resource manager configured to receive a resource request over a bus system indicative of a set of desired resources from the hot-plugged device node. The resource manager is further configured to probe a parent device and at least one upper level device node positioned above the parent device node for the set of desired resources. The resource manager is further configured to provide the set of desired resources from the parent device node and one or more nodes of the at least one upper level device node over the bus system for transmission to the hot-plugged device node to enable the hot-plugged device node to operate in the intended manner.

Abstract: To transfer a memory module between controllers, an external power source is connected to a memory module mounted to a first controller. The memory module is removed from the first controller with the external power source connected to the memory module to maintain data stored in volatile memory of the memory module. The memory module is mounted to a second controller.

Abstract: A system and method performs speed and connection handshaking between Beta signal ports and/or Bilingual ports in a serial data interface system. A tone pattern generator (e.g., a flip-flop) can be used to generate a tone pattern signal representing approximately 49 MHz to approximately 62 MHz. A selecting system (e.g., a multiplexer, a digital multiplexer, or the like) selectively transmits either the tone pattern signal or a data input signal. These signals include a driver control signal. A serializer serializes either the tone pattern signal or the data input signal. A clock device (e.g., a clock divider) drives the tone pattern generator and the serializer. A driver receives and differentially transmits, along a twister-wire pair, either the serialized tone pattern signal or the serialized data input signal.

Abstract: A memory card of one published standard, such as the Multi-Media Card (MMC) or Secure Digital Card (SD), is modified to include the function of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) according to another published standard. The controller of the memory card communicates between electrical contacts on the outside of the card and both the memory and the SIM. In one specific form, the memory card has the physical configuration of the current Plug-in SIM card with a few external contacts added to accommodate the memory controller and data memory. In another specific form, the memory card has the physical configuration of the current SD card, including external contacts.

Abstract: A card adapter includes a first memory card interface configured to be connected to a first memory card. The first memory card is associated with a first file system. The card adapter includes a second memory card interface that is configured to be connected to a second memory card. The second memory card is associated with a second file system. The card adapter also includes a host interface configured to connect to a host. The card adapter includes a controller operatively interposed between the first and second memory card interfaces and the host interface. The controller is configured to control the first memory card interface and the second memory card interface to control connections between each memory card that is connected thereto with the host. The controller is also configured to operate in each of two selectable modes. In a first mode the controller is operative to emulate a virtual file system that presents to the host the first file system and the second file system as a unified image.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for operation of an input/output block is disclosed. For this embodiment of the method, a first attribute is set for a first disable signal for an input driver. A first tri-state condition is removed from an output driver. In response to the removing of the first tri-state condition, the input driver is placed in a second tri-state condition.

Abstract: A system with storage device includes a storage device and an electrical device. The storage device includes a storage unit, at least one hotkey and a first hot plug interface. The at least one hotkey generates a control instruction corresponding to the at least one hotkey when operated. The control instruction is written to a block for storing instructions of the storage unit. The electrical device includes a second hot plug interface and a processing unit. The storage device builds connection with the electrical device through the first hot plug interface and the second hot plug interface when the first hot plug interface is electrically connected with the second hot plug interface. The processing unit makes the second hot plug interface obtain the control instruction from the block for storing instructions of the storage unit through the first hot plug interface. The processing unit executes the control instruction.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a system and method that utilizes external memory devices to cache sectors from a rotating storage device (e.g., a hard drive) to improve system performance. When an external memory device (EMD) is plugged into the computing device or onto a network in which the computing device is connected, the system recognizes the EMD and populates the EMD with disk sectors. The system routes I/O read requests directed to the disk sector to the EMD cache instead of the actual disk sector. The use of EMDs increases performance and productivity on the computing device systems for a fraction of the cost of adding memory to the computing device.

Abstract: A generator generates configuration information of a virtual hardware unit based on configuration information in a PCIBOX. The generator generates recognition information for recognizing the virtual PCIBOX as a PCIBOX that is connected with a slot from the configuration information of the virtual PCIBOX. When PCIBOX is connected with the slot, the generator overwrites the configuration information in PCIBOX with the configuration information of the virtual PCIBOX.

Abstract: A switch is provided that detects when a computer expansion card has been added, removed or changed. During operation, the switch is held in a depressed position by contact with a card. If the card is removed, the switch is raised and, when a second card is installed in the same slot, the switch is again depressed. The depression of the switch triggers a change signal that initiates the introduction of power to the slot for a period of time long enough for the hypervisor to detect the new device. A delay between a release and subsequent depression of the switch is measured such that when the switch is released enough time is provided to firmly seat a different card in the planar device. Following the delay, power is supplied to the slot so that the hypervisor detects the card and updates the current configuration parameters.

Abstract: A circuit board system for connecting with at least an expansion card that includes a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) electrically coupled to the expansion slot. The PLD is configured to detect whether the expansion card is compatible with the circuit board system. If the PLD detects that the expansion card is not compatible with the circuit board system, the logic controller cuts off the connection between the main power supply and the expansion slot.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and computer-code are disclosed where an impending decoupling between a peripheral device and a host is detected. In some embodiments, in response to the detected impending disconnection, a user alert signal is generated. In some embodiments, an ‘onboard detector’ that is associated with housing of the peripheral device and operative to detect the impending disconnection is provided. In some embodiments, the user alert signal is generated in accordance with inter-device data flow between the host and the peripheral device. Exemplary peripheral devices include but are not limited to transient storage devices such as a USB flash drives (UFD).

Abstract: A modular and redundant storage controller system includes management modules, controller modules and an interconnect module. The management modules provide direct-current power and signals to respective controller modules. The controller modules include respective signal interfaces, direct-current interfaces, and interconnect interfaces. The signal interfaces couple the controllers to a respective management module. The direct-current interfaces couple the controllers to a respective management module. The interconnect module includes a pair of connectors arranged to couple a pair of the controller modules via the respective interconnect module interfaces.

Abstract: A multi-interface controller having a first logic circuit and a second logic circuit. The first logic circuit supports a first interface. The second logic circuit supports a second interface. The first logic circuit is enabled based on a first command. The second logic circuit is enabled based on a second command.

Abstract: Implementation of non-blocking switch stacking capability for a switch device using a plug-in stacking module to connect to the switch device. In one embodiment, the plug-in stacking module receives switched data from one switch means of the connected switch device and switches the received switch data to another switch means of the same switch device. In another embodiment, switching configurations are changed so that operation of the switch device in combination with the plug-in stacking module increases a total number of ports for which non-blocking switching is supported.

Abstract: A solid state disk (SSD) device includes a non-volatile storage module (NVSM), a secondary power source coupled to power inputs of the SSD, a volatile memory (VM), a controller in communication with the NVSM and the VM. The controller is operable in a (re)populate mode to (re)populate data stored in the NVSM to the VM when primary power is initially applied to power inputs of the SSD and further operable in a primary power on mode to replicate data to the NVSM that was written to the VM in response to received I/O requests while primary power is applied to the power inputs of the SSD. The secondary power source can be decoupled from the power inputs of the SSD while the controller is operating in either the (re)populate mode or the primary power on mode.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and signal-bearing medium that, in an embodiment, log trace data in response to an exception if the exception meets a filter criteria and create quality data from the trace data if a class in a call stack associated with the exception is owned by a user defined in a user table. In an embodiment, the quality data includes an identification of the user, a count of a number of times the exception was encountered by the user, and an identification of the exception. In various embodiments, the filter criteria may be an exception type, classes that initiate the exception, or packages that contain the classes that initiate the exception.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a first opening disposed in a casing; a power source connector disposed opposing the first opening and to which a detachable power supply plug that supplies power from a power supply unit is attached; a second opening disposed in the casing; and a support member by which at least one interface connector among various types of interface connectors for communication with an external apparatus can be attached at the second opening, where the support member covers and hides the power source connector if among the various types of interface connectors, an interface connector having a power supply terminal is attached.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus configured to connect an external device in conformity with a predetermined interface specification, includes: a control LSI configured to control signal output to an external device effectively connected; and a CPU configured to control the operation within the apparatus including the control LSI as a whole; wherein the CPU includes an interface circuit connected to a detecting unit configured to detect the validity of connection to an external device, a control LSI control unit configured to control reset of the control LSI, and release of the reset state of the control LSI according to the detection result of the detecting unit, and the control LSI.

Abstract: A reciprocating plug detector is configured at the connector of a portable device and is pushed to generate a control signal when the portable device is plugged into a host system. A controller of the portable device then performs a command when receiving the control signal. When the portable device is unplugged from the host system, the reciprocating plug detector may also be used for generating the control signal and before the portable device totally leaves the host system, the controller performs other pre-defined command during these few milliseconds. The portable device is implemented with a variety of computer controllability and provided with power-failure protection for data.

Abstract: With an external memory to be inserted and removed through an adapter, insertion and removal of the external memory are reliably detected and data destruction with insertion or removal is prevented. A detector includes a card detection section (32) for detecting that a memory card (10) has been inserted into a connector (31), acquiring the ID of the detected memory card (10), and acquiring card information of the memory card (10), an application section (36) for making an access request to a memory card, and a card access section (34) for acquiring the ID of a memory card (11) inserted into the connector (31) at the time of the access request, making a comparison between the ID of the memory card (10) and the ID of the memory card (11), determining whether or not the IDs are identical, and acquiring card information concerning the memory card (11) if the IDs are not identical.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adding or removing a logical unit of a mass storage device connected to a host computer through a universal serial bus (USB) interface are provided. The method may comprise: dynamically managing a logical unit table associated with the logical unit; generating a corresponding hot plug and play (PnP) event in the mass storage device; and informing the host computer of the hot PnP event. The mass storage device may comprise: a logical unit managing apparatus; a hot PnP event generating apparatus; and an informing apparatus for informing a host computer of the hot PnP event through a USB.