Apparatus and method for providing multiple protocols through a common connector in a device

An apparatus for providing a first interface and a second interface on a device, said apparatus comprising:

• a connector having a configuration as defined by the first interface;
• a signal conditioner connected to the connector;
• a first transceiver connected to the signal conditioner;
• a second transceiver connected to the signal conditioner
• a first interface protocol block means for communication external to the device using a first protocol, the first interface protocol block being connected to the first transceiver;
• a second interface protocol block means for communication external to the device using a second protocol, the second interface protocol block being connected to the second transceiver;
• a passive adapter having a first side adapted to mate with the connector and further having a second side having a configuration as defined by the second interface;
• and
• a controller means for sensing the presence of the passive adapter, when the controller means senses the absence of the passive adapter, the controller means enabling the first transceiver and first interface protocol block means and configuring the signal conditioner for the first interface, in the alternative, when the controller means senses the presence of the passive adapter, the controller means enabling the second transceiver and second interface protocol block means and configuring the signal conditioner for the second interface.

A method for providing a first protocol and a second protocol through a common connector in a device, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a presence signal at the common connector;
• if a passive adapter is connected to the common connector then the passive adapter looping the presence signal back into the common connector as the protocol signal;
• if the protocol signal is present at the common connector then enabling a first protocol block and conditioning signals from the first protocol block to conform to the first protocol;
• and
• in the absence of the protocol signal, enabling a second protocol block and conditioning signals from the second protocol block to conform to the second protocol.