Multi-character adapter card

A method comprising:

• providing an adapter card connectable to a motherboard of a computer system to enhance the functionality thereof;
• integrating, on the adapter card, a logic chip to provide functionality to the adapter card;
• reading, by the logic chip upon initialization, one of first character data to program the logic chip to have a first character, and second character data to program the logic chip to have a second character;
• and
• switching, in response to an external input, between the first and second character data, thereby causing the logic chip to read one of the first and second character data.

A system comprising:

• a computer system configured to receive an adapter card to enhance the functionality of the computer system;
• an adapter card connected to the computer system and comprising:
• a logic chip connected to the adapter card to provide functionality to the adapter card;
• at least one programmable device connected to the adapter card and storing data read by the logic chip upon initialization, the data comprising first character data to program the logic chip to have a first character, and second character data to program the logic chip to have a second character;
• and
• a switching mechanism, controlled by an external input, configured to switch between the first and second character data, thereby causing the logic chip to read one of the first and second character data.

An apparatus comprising:

• an adapter card;
• an application-specific integrated chip (ASIC) integrated with the adapter card to provide functionality thereto, the ASIC comprising at least one register;
• at least one programmable device integrated with the adapter card and storing data loaded into the at least one register upon initialization, the data comprising first character data to program the ASIC with a first character, and second character data to program the ASIC with a second character;
• and
• a switching mechanism, controlled by an external input, configured to switch between the first and second character data, thereby causing the at least one register to load one of the first and second character data.