Inventors:
Steven Bucher - Minnetonka MN
Wayne A. Kosters - Eden Prairie MN
Assignee:
I-Tech Corporation - Edina MN
International Classification:
G06F 1314
Abstract:
A universal electrical interface system connects to a small computer system interface (SCSI) bus. In a passive embodiment, a set of single-ended receivers and a set of differential receivers receive electrical signals on the SCSI bus according to the single-ended or differential protocol, respectively, when each set of receivers is enabled. In an active embodiment, a set of single-ended transceivers and a set of differential transceivers transmit and receive electrical signals on the SCSI bus according to the single-ended or differential protocol, respectively, when each set of transceivers is enabled. A control mechanism connected to both sets of receivers or transceivers automatically determines whether the SCSI bus is configured to use either the single-ended or differential parallel interface protocol and selectively enables the set of single ended receivers or transceivers, or the set of differential receivers or transceivers. The receivers and transceivers present an appropriate set of TTL signals to a SCSI device that have values which correspond to the proper value of the electrical signals on the SCSI bus, regardless of whether the SCSI bus is configured to use the single-ended protocol or the differential protocol. In a preferred embodiment, a single universal SCSI connector detachably connects to and receives and/or transmits electrical signals from a SCSI bus configured to use either the single-ended or differential parallel interface protocols.