Computer system interface adapter capable of automatic self-configuration and self-diagnosis before operating system initiation

An interface adapter for installation onto a system expansion bus of a computer system, said interface adapter being accessible by a central processing unit (CPU) of said computer system via said system expansion bus for implementing a self-configuration procedure for incorporation of said interface adapter into said computer system before said computer system initiates an operating system, said interface adapter comprising:

• memory means coupled to said system expansion bus for storing a control program portion, said control program portion including an automatic self-configuration program module accessible by said CPU via said system expansion bus for implementing said self-configuration procedure before said computer systems initiates the operating system;
• input/output register means coupled to said system expansion bus for setting up an input/output address range and interrupt channel assignments under control of said CPU via said system expansion bus when said CPU is executing said automatic self-configuration procedure, said register means comparing on said adapter board input/output address ranges of the interface adapter with input/output address ranges of any other interface adapters resident on said expansion bus to determine the existence of address range conflicts, and upon determination of an address range conflict, assigning an alternative input/output address range to said adapter board;
• and
• detection means coupled to said system expansion bus for detecting utilization status of interrupt channels available in said computer system when said CPU is executing said automatic self-configuration procedure, said detection means comparing on said adapter board an interrupt channel of the adapter with an interrupt channel of any other interface adapters resident on said expansion bus to determine the existence of an interrupt channel conflict and upon determination of said interrupt channel conflict assigning an alternative interrupt channel to said adapter board.