Multiple function electrical circuit configurable by orientation of an

Abstract

An electrical circuit changes function based on the physical orientation of an indexible chip that can assume any one of a plurality of physical orientations. The indexible chip forms a portion of the electrical circuit and is operable between a plurality of physical orientations with respect to the balance of the electrical circuit. The function of the electrical circuit is dependent upon the physical orientation of the indexible chip. For instance, when the indexible chip is in a first orientation, the electrical circuit performs a first function and when the indexible chip is in a second orientation, the electrical circuit performs a second function, and so forth. The number of possible physical orientations of the indexible chip is at least two, but may be three, four, eight or more. The indexible chip includes a plurality of I/O ports and typically surrounded by a main housing. The I/O ports are preferably disposed symmetrically with respect to the center-point of the housing. Using the indexible chip, the function of the electrical circuit may be changed by simply removing the indexible chip (in a first orientation) from the electrical circuit; reorienting the indexible chip to a second physical orientation different from the first physical orientation; and returning the indexible chip to the electrical circuit in the second orientation. The change in function of the electrical circuit is thereby accomplished without requiring a software change in, or external to, the electrical circuit. In one embodiment, the electrical circuit forms at least a portion of a communications interface and the on-board circuits function as voltage level translators.