US 4,972,470 AGranted

Programmable connector

OwnerSteven Faragoinventor

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Abstract

A configurable connector between two or more devices with at least one of the devices being capable of programming the connector through an interface therewith. The connector contains programmable electronic circuitry capable of being instructed by the device whereby the connector assumes a desired connecting configuration and/or function. In one embodiment the connector is programmed to inquire and determine the configuration of the device to which it is connected. With the results of its analysis the connector adapts the necessary timing, pin-outs, voltages, and other parameters to assure proper communication between the connected devices. In other embodiments the connector contains electronic components to add specific functions for data exchange, such as data buffering, data encryption and the like. In addition, the connector is programmable with interchangeable pin designations thereby obviating the need for rewiring for different applications and physical connections.

Claims13

Dependent claims

An electronically configurable connector, for connecting at least two discrete external electronic devices, said devices having individual housings and said connector having its own housing which contains at least two physical interface connection elements through the walls thereof, wherein, with the connection of one of the physical interface connection elements with a first one of said devices, at least one other of the physical interface connection elements is exposed externally to said first one of said devices for physical electrical connection with another of said devices;

characterized in that said devices, when initially physically connected by said connector, do not electronically communicate with each other as desired;
and wherein the connector further comprises electrically programmable means, comprising electronic circuitry with a loaded program, said electronic circuitry being remotely accessible by at least one of said connected devices whereby electrical instructions are sent thereto for interpretation by the loaded program, with operational instructions being generated, whereby the electronic circuitry causes modification of the connection between the connected devices to provide the function or configuration of the connector for communication between the connected devices as desired.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.