Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/ – Input/output data processing – Peripheral configuration
Reexamination Certificate
1997-12-18
2001-02-06
Lee, Thomas C. (Department: 2782)
Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/
Input/output data processing
Peripheral configuration
C710S013000, C370S457000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06185630
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to network switching and more particularly, to methods and systems for initializing, configuring, and initiating operation of network switches in packet switched networks.
2. Background Art
A packet switched network includes a repeater or a switch that enables communication of data packets between network stations. The switch or repeater may need to be initialized and configured to enable the communication of data packets between network stations.
Initialization and configuration typically is accomplished by a host microprocessor that configures and controls the switch or repeater prior to and during runtime. Microprocessors, however, can be relatively costly and can require substantial hardware and software resources to support the basic microprocessor operations. For example, the microprocessor implementations may require read-only memory (ROM) devices for storing the instruction sets and operating system code necessary for execution of the microprocessor, and non-volatile random access memory devices for storing routines for controlling the network repeater or switch. Additional interface devices may be necessary for data transfers between the host microprocessor and the network repeater or switch. Conversely, the host microprocessor may perform functions unnecessary to the operation of repeater or switch, resulting in an unnecessary cost to the management of the network switch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There exists a need for a cost effective arrangement for initializing and configuring a network switch without the use of a microprocessor.
There is also a need for a low-cost switching system having a multiport switch and logic configured for initiating operations of the multiport switch without a microprocessor.
There is also a need for a low cost arrangement for halting, resetting, and restarting a network switch in response to a detected fault.
These and other needs are met by the present invention, where programmable array logic controls a non-volatile memory to initialize and configure a network switch by outputting configuration information to the network switch in a prescribed sequence that enables automatic operation of the network switch.
According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for initializing a device includes a non-volatile memory configured for storing and outputting configuration information including address and data information, and logic configured for causing the non-volatile memory to output the address and data information to the device in a prescribed sequence to configure the device, the sequence including an initiate command causing the device to initiate operation following the configuration of the device. Use of the logic to cause the non-volatile memory to output the address and data information enables the device to be configured for initial operation without the necessity of a microprocessor. Moreover, the logic and non-volatile memory can be mass produced to provide a low-cost arrangement for hardware implementation of the device in its intended application.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for initializing a device, including storing configuration information for the device in a non-volatile memory, the configuration information including address information identifying configuration registers in the device and configuration data for the respective configuration registers, generating address signals from a logic device to the non-volatile memory causing the output of the configuration information from the non-volatile memory to the device in a prescribed sequence, and initiating operation of the device. Use of a logic device to generate the address signals enables the non-volatile memory to output the configuration information, including device-specific address and data fields, directly to the device without the necessity for any additional hardware, resulting in a low-cost implementation for the device.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
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Advanced Micro Devices , Inc.
Lee Thomas C.
Wang Albert
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