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:
May. 07, 2002
Filed:
Apr. 09, 1999
Douglas Todd Hayden, Boise, ID (US);
Hewlett-Packard Company, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Abstract
An analog information storage arrangement includes an impedance device, operatively connected to a module, for providing an impedance value corresponding to encoded information. A decoding device is operatively connected to the impedance means. The decoding device reads the impedance value of the impedance device. The impedance device can be provided as an encoded resistor and reference resistor. The decoding device can include a comparator for comparing the read impedance value to a reference impedance value, which can be a resistance read from the reference resistor of the impedance device. Alternatively, the impedance device can be provided as an encoded capacitor and reference capacitor. The decoding device can include a comparator for comparing the read impedance value to a reference impedance value, which can be a capacitance read from the reference capacitor of the impedance device. The decoding device can be provided as an 8-bit or 24-bit analog-to-digital converter. The encoded information can be selected from a group consisting of serial number, location, hardware revision, and date of manufacture. A method of storing and retrieving analog information in an electronic system including at least one replaceable module is also set forth. The method includes the step of providing, in a module, an electrical component containing an impedance value corresponding to encoded information. Next, the impedance value of the impedance is read and assigning an identification value.