Multi-function interface and applications thereof

A multiple processor integrated circuit comprises:

• a plurality of processing units;
• cache memory;
• memory controller operably coupled to system memory;
• internal bus operably coupled to the plurality of processing units, the cache memory and the memory controller;
• packet manager operably coupled to the internal bus;
• node controller operably coupled to the internal bus;
• first configurable packet-based interface;
• second configurable packet-based interface;
• and
• switching module operably coupled to the packet manager, the node controller, the first configurable packet-based interface, and the second configurable packet-based interface, wherein each of the first and second configurable packet-based interfaces include a input/output module and a media access control (MAC) layer module, wherein the input/output module includes:
• digital interface module operably coupled to pass a first type of input signal when the multi-function interface is in a first mode and operably coupled to pass a second type of input signal when the multi-function interface is in a second mode;
• configurable driver module operably coupled to amplify the first type of input signal when the multi-function interface is in the first mode and to amplify the second type of input signal when the multi-function interface is in the second mode;
• and
• configurable output impedance module operably coupled to the configurable driver module to provide a first output impedance when the multi-function interface is in the first mode and to provide a second output impedance when the multi-function interface is in the second mode.

A method for configuring a multi-function input/output interface, the method comprises:

• determining a digital value of a control signal;
• when the control signal has a first digital value, passing a first type of input signal;
• driving the first type of input signal with a first impedance level to produce a first type of output drive;
• when the control signal has a second digital value, passing a second type of input signal;
• and
• driving the second type of input signal with a second impedance level to produce a second type of output drive.

An apparatus for configuring a multi-function input/output interface, the apparatus comprises:

• means for determining a digital value of a control signal;
• when the control signal has a first digital value, means for passing a first type of input signal;
• means for driving the first type of input signal with a first impedance level to produce a first type of output drive;
• when the control signal has a second digital value, means for passing a second type of input signal;
• and
• means driving the second type of input signal with a second impedance level to produce a second type of output drive.