The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 02, 1998
Filed:
Feb. 28, 1997
Charles M Allen, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Maxim Integrated Products, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing serial interface capability that detects whether another communications system transmits or receives data on a particular node, and in response, automatically selects to either receive or transmit data on that node. An interface circuit is included that determines whether a particular node is coupled to a receiver circuit or a driver circuit based on the voltage level detected on that node. Based on this determination, the interface circuit is configured to either transmit or receive data on that node. This allows the interface circuit to interact with differently configured communications systems without the need for special cables, or for user intervention.