Information/software interface having serial communications detection logic/electronics for determining either a host or an embedded microcomputer device controller connected thereto
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorsLynn A. Potter, C. Ray Dutton, Joseph B. Lopes
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Abstract
An improved communication interface for an embedded microcomputer device controller is provided. The interface includes serial communications detection logic/electronics for identifying the nature of external elements connected to the interface, and multiplex logic/electronics for programming and/or reprogramming the embedded microcomputer device controller in response to input signals received from a host device having a serial interface.
Claims8
An interface for a naval countermeasure system including a launch control panel, a naval countermeasure having an embedded microcomputer device controller with a central processing unit and programmable memory, comprising:
- electrical connection means for connecting the interface to the naval countermeasure;
- flash memory;
- a connector for allowing alternative communication via said electrical connection means between said microcomputer device controller and said launch control panel, and between said microcomputer device controller and an external host device having a serial output;
- serial communication detection logic/electronics for detecting and differentiating the connection of one of said launch control panel and said external host to said connector;
- multiplexer logic/electronics for routing input signals from said connector to said central processing unit for programming said programmable memory and said flash memory when said external host device is detected at said connector;
- and
- a programmable gate array and related driver circuitry for controlling said countermeasure according to the programming of said flash memory when said launch control panel is detected at said connector.
An interface for electrically and alternatively connecting an embedded microcomputer controller of a countermeasure to an external host device and to a countermeasure Launch Control Panel, the interface comprising:
- a field programmable gate array for detecting and differentiating the connection of said external host and said Launch Control Panel to said interface;
- a serial driver circuit activated when the field programmable gate array detects the external host device is connected to the interface;
- a launch control driver and timing circuit activated when the field programmable gate array detects the Launch Control Panel is connected to the interface;
- and
- routing electronics controlled by the field programmable gate array to selectively activate the serial driver circuit and the launch control driver and timing circuit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.