Programming of configuration serial EEPROM via an external connector

A switch, comprising:

• a first device coupled to a serial bus for storing data;
• a second device coupled to the serial bus for utilizing the stored data;
• first one or more switches coupled to the serial bus for controlling a flow of data between the first device and the second device through the serial bus;
• a port coupled to the second device via high speed lines and lower speed lines for communicating with the second device, the lower speed lines also being coupled to the one or more switches;
• DC blocking capacitors inserted into the high speed lines;
• and
• a voltage detection circuit coupled to at least one of the high speed lines and the first one or more switches for detecting a control voltage on the high speed lines that exceeds a normal signaling voltage and configuring the first one or more switches to connect the lower speed lines to the first device to enable data to be applied at the port and stored in the first device.

In an enclosure containing a first device for storing data, a second device coupled to the first device through a serial bus for utilizing the stored data, and a port coupled to the second device via high speed lines and lower speed lines for communicating with the second device, a method for enabling data to be stored in the first device through the port, the method comprising:

• inserting DC blocking capacitors into the high speed lines;
• inserting first one or more switches into the serial bus between the first device and the second device;
• coupling the lower speed lines to the first one or more switches for selectably connecting either the lower speed lines or the second device to the first device through the serial bus;
• and
• detecting a control voltage on the high speed lines that exceeds a normal signaling voltage and configuring the first one or more switches to connect the lower speed lines to the first device to enable data to be applied at the port and stored in the first device.