Abstract:
A system converts an input data stream in a first format (identified by a first stream code having at least two bits) into an output data stream in a second format. The system includes, among other things, a data sequencer for sequencing the input data stream and a counter. The sequencer includes a select input having a first number of selection input locations, a data input for receiving the digital data stream, and output for transmitting the output data stream. The counter includes the first number of selection outputs. A first logic element and a second logic element are coupled to a number of the selection inputs of the sequencer and a number of the selection outputs of the counter. The first and second logic elements control the data sequencer such that the input data stream in converted into the second format.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus is described, by means of which a host data communication device obtains the effects of a desired data communication protocol, such as flow control, that may not be supported by a client device. To obtain the effects of the desired protocol, the host invokes a different protocol supported by the client, for example retransmission, by presenting an appropriate protocol-initiation signal, for example by asserting an error bit on a bidirectional connection to the client. Invoking the supported protocol repetitively, if necessary, the host interprets the client response to the invocation to achieve substantially the same effect as the desired protocol. Thus, a repetitive retransmission request by the host may have the effect of a flow hold request.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are described by which interrupts from a source may be processed at a dynamically selectable level of priority. A system that has at least two different interrupt request connections, and that responds to interrupts asserted on the different connections by processing interrupts at associated and corresponding different priority levels, is configured so that an interrupt asserted by a particular interrupt source is coupled to a particular one of the plurality of request connections that has been selected under software control. Selective coupling of interrupt source to interrupt request connection may be effected by providing a set of control bits associated with each particular interrupt source, the set consisting, for example, of one interrupt mask bit for each of the different selectable priorities. Control may optionally be provided to preclude simultaneous coupling of an interrupt source to incompatible interrupt request connections.