Method and apparatus for identifying a version of an electronic assembly using a unique embedded identification signature for each different version
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorRichard S. Lucky
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for identifying a version of an electronic assembly using a unique embedded identification signature for each different version is disclosed. A unique instruction code is loaded on each type or version of a electronic assembly. The unique embedded identification signature allows common instruction code over a family (different types) and versions (revisions) of an electronic assembly. Allowing common code is must less costly to maintain and takes very little board space.
Claims11
A method for identifying a version of an electronic assembly comprising:
- selecting a predetermined address reserved for a unique embedded identification signature representing a version for the electronic assembly;
- returning a binary coded signal provided by passive resistors configured to provide an indication of the version of the electronic assembly;
- and
- configuring a processor according to the version for the electronic assembly indicated by the binary encoded signal.
An apparatus for identifying a version of an electronic assembly, comprising:
- a data bus having a reserved bus address;
- and
- a circuit arrangement, coupled to the data bus, for providing a binary coded signal indicating the version of the electronic assembly for configuring a processor according to the version for the electronic assembly indicated by the binary coded signal.
A system, comprising:
- a processor;
- and
- at least one electronic assembly, coupled to the processor via a data bus, the at least one electronic assembly providing predetermined functionality to the system under control of the processor, wherein the at least one electronic assembly further includes:
- a data bus having a reserved bus address;
- and
- a circuit arrangement, coupled to the data bus, for providing a binary coded signal indicating a version of the at least one electronic assembly for configuring a processor according to the version for the at least one electronic assembly indicated by the binary coded signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.