Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/ – Intrasystem connection – Bus access regulation
Reexamination Certificate
1997-12-29
2001-01-30
Sheikh, Ayaz R. (Department: 2781)
Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/
Intrasystem connection
Bus access regulation
C710S054000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182181
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to computer systems and, more particularly to interfaces for data communication used in such systems. The present invention also relates to a method for operating such systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Computer systems (e.g., integrated microcomputers) comprise processors (e.g., a central processing unit CPU, memory units (e.g., a random access memory RAM), busses, and other components. Interfaces exchange data and control information between these components and peripheral devices (e.g., displays, printers, buzzers). For example, the processor writes data to the memory and the interface sends this data to the peripheral device, or vice versa. To save processor resources, it is convenient to control the interfaces partly or completely independent from the processor. The interface transfers data from the memory or to the memory in so-called queues. A queue is usually a set of data entries in the memory which is identified by a start address and an end address. Usually, the processor tells the interface these addresses through registers. But communication via registers is inconvenient, because of the use of software and processor resources. Other disadvantages of prior art interfaces are explained later.
A queued serial peripheral interface unit (QSPI) is incorporated in many microcomputers and peripherals. The following references are useful: U.S. Pat. No. 4,958,277 [1] and 4,816,996 [2] both to Hill et al., and “Queued Serial Module (QSM) Reference Manual” by Motorola, Inc. 1991, order number QSMRM/AD [3].
The present invention seeks to provide a computer system with an improved interface and an improved method which mitigate or avoid these and other disadvantages and limitations of the prior art.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4816996 (1989-03-01), Hill et al.
patent: 4958277 (1990-09-01), Hill et al.
patent: 5379379 (1995-01-01), Becker et al.
patent: 5386514 (1995-01-01), Lary et al.
patent: 5555396 (1996-09-01), Alferness et al.
patent: 5805922 (1998-09-01), Sim et al.
“Wueued Serial Module (QSM) Reference Manual” by Motorola, Inc. 1991, order number QSMRM/AD.
Baruch Ezra
Bruck Dan M.
Gold Yaron
Motorola Inc.
Sheikh Ayaz R.
Wiley David A.
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