Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/ – Intrasystem connection – Bus interface architecture
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-08
2003-04-01
Lefkowitz, Sumati (Department: 2189)
Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/
Intrasystem connection
Bus interface architecture
C710S300000, C710S316000, C361S805000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06542952
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates, in general, to computer systems, and more particularly, to peripheral component interface (PCI) computer systems and methods of operation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Each component board in a peripheral component interface (PCI) computer system requires a transition module that is custom designed for the component board to route signals to other parts of the computer system. However, the PCI bus standard does not include a standard for input and output pins of the PCI bus. Accordingly, the custom designed transition modules are expensive.
Furthermore, the transition module typically interconnects a component board with a different system component where the component board and the system component are made by competing manufacturers. Under these circumstances, both manufacturers must cooperate to custom design the transition module. However, this cooperation by competing manufacturers is difficult to achieve. Additionally, if the transition module is not designed properly, the associated component board and/or system component can be damaged.
Moreover, if a new component board is used to replace an old non-functional component board and if the new and old component boards have different pin configurations, then the old transition module must also be replaced with a new transition module. This replacement of a functional transition module further increases the costs associated with the PCI computer system.
To circumvent the problems associated with the expensive, custom designed transition modules, individual component boards can be hard-wired directly to the PCI backplane. However, many errors often occur during the manual hard-wiring process. Moreover, this manual process is time consuming and, therefore, often requires extensive computer system downtime.
Accordingly, a need exists for a PCI computer system that is capable of easily and economically connecting a plurality of different component boards made by different manufacturers to other system components.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5426738 (1995-06-01), Hsieh et al.
patent: 5621650 (1997-04-01), Agrawal et al.
patent: 5625780 (1997-04-01), Hsieh et al.
patent: 5887158 (1999-03-01), Sample et al.
patent: 6425027 (2002-07-01), Mills et al.
patent: 2002/0052994 (2002-05-01), Khan et al.
Lefkowitz Sumati
Motorola Inc.
Pickens S. Kevin
Wills Kevin D.
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