Thomas W Cooper

US Patent:

52147606, May 25, 1993

Filed:

Aug 26, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/237922

Inventors:

John A. Hammond - Portland OR
Thomas M. Cooper - Vancouver WA

Assignee:

Tektronix, Inc. - Wilsonville OR

International Classification:

G06F 1314
G06F 1338
G06F 1520

US Classification:

395250

Abstract:

A data buffer includes parallel and serial data ports connected to one or more equipment modules that produce output data or respond to input commands. The data buffer also includes a serial control port communicating with a host computer. The data buffer receives and stores output data from the equipment modules via the data ports. The buffer configures each data port to match the data transfer protocol (baud rate, parity checking etc. ) of the equipment module to which it is connected in response to input commands transmitted from the host computer via the control port. The host computer may also command the buffer to immediately route incoming data on one data port outward on one or more other selected data or control ports or to store incoming data for later transmission via a selected port in response to an input command. The host computer may additionally command the buffer to periodically transmit a stored data string outward on one or more designated data ports. The data buffer also includes a real time clock producing data indicating current time and date.