Abstract:
A dual function interface operating in a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) mode (112) of operation switches to an alternative interface (113) operating in the appropriate mode of operation as defined by the alternative interface system specification. This is acomplished by setting a unique combination of address lines (203) and/or control lines (202) and automatically and transparently switching from the PCMCIA mode (112) of operation to the alternate mode (113) of operation in response to the unique combination.
Abstract:
A peripheral card (109) having an adaptive PCMCIA compliant interface including either an adaptive card present or card configuration function that includes a peripheral apparatus (209) arranged and constructed to operate in conjunction with a host computer (101) over a PCMCIA compliant interface, and an interface logic (205), coupled to the peripheral apparatus (209) and to a PCMCIA peripheral port (201), for interfacing the peripheral apparatus to the PCMCIA peripheral port (201), the interface logic further adaptively providing a card present signal at the PCMCIA peripheral port (201) when the peripheral apparatus (209) and the interface logic (205) expects the PCMCIA peripheral port (201) to be activated by the host computer (101) or alternatively adaptively providing configuration information pertaining to the peripheral apparatus to the host computer.