Patent ID: 6321174
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: G06F,Y02D

Abstract:
An apparatus for selectively isolating a device from a computer system which is always powered-on, said apparatus communicating with the computer system via a first bus, the computer system being external to and separate from the apparatus, the computer system having a slot for connecting with said first bus, the first bus comprising a multiple of data/address lines, power lines, and a reset line, and said apparatus communicating with said device via a second bus, the computer system comprising an output port, and a control program being executed in said computer system to generate a plurality of control signals to said output port, said apparatus comprising:a connection device for making connection of the second bus to said apparatus;a first switch circuit for making connection of the data/address lines of the first bus to the second bus while the first switch circuit being switched on;a second switch circuit for making connection of the power lines of the first bus to the second bus while the second switch circuit being switched on;a third switch circuit for making connection of the reset line of the first bus to the second bus while the third switch circuit being switched on; anda register electrically connected to said output port for storing and outputting the plurality of control signals;a control circuit, responsive to the plurality of control signals, for individually and selectively switching on said first, second and third switch circuits.