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US 5,212,774 AGranted
Two processor communications system with processor controlled modem
AssigneeDallas Semiconductor Corporation
InventorsStephen N. Grider, Don Folkes, Stephen M. Curry, Wendell L. Little
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Preferred embodiments include systems with two processors and an interconnected modem, one processor functioning as a control for both the modem and the second processor. This permits remote communication with the second processor for test or reconfiguration purposes.
Claims15
An adapter module, for interfacing to a computer system which includes a microprocessor emplacement of a predetermined pin-out configuration, comprising:
- a connector which matches said predetermined pin-out configuration;
- a first microprocessor, which is compatible with the computer system architecture, and which has at least some data pins connected directly to said connector;
- a modem, connectable to a serial input;
- a second microprocessor,
- connected with and to control said modem, and
- connected to intercept at least some control signals received through said connector, and to provide said first microprocessor with selectably modified control signals in place thereof;
- memory space, connected to said first microprocessor so that said first microprocessor can execute programs stored therein;
- wherein said second microprocessor is also able to read from and write to said memory space.
5 more elements
A computer system, comprising:
- a first microprocessor with input and output connections;
- a modem, connectable to a serial input;
- a second microprocessor,
- connected with and to control said modem, and
- connected to said first microprocessor in such relation that said second microprocessor can force said first microprocessor to load a new program;
- wherein said second microprocessor is connected to screen attempted program-load accesses to said first microprocessor with reference to a password which is stored in alterable nonvolatile memory.
3 more elements
A computer system, comprising:
- a first programmable processor with input and output connections;
- a modem, connectable to a standard telephone line;
- a second programmable processor,
- connected with and to control said modem, and
- connected to said first processor in such relation that said second processor can force said first processor to load a new program;
- wherein said second processor can abort programs running on said first processor, and can reprogram said first processor, regardless of the state of said first processor.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.