Patent ID: 6237048
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
In an electrical interface providing a predefined number of connections some of which have a predefined function and at least one of which is reserved, undefined or has a non-critical function, an apparatus comprising:at least one controllable switch, coupled to switch the at least one connection being reserved, undefined or having a non-critical function to a customized function;whereby the electrical interface can be selectively switched to provide a customized functionality using the at least one reserved, undefined or non-critical function connection of the interfacewherein the electrical interface comprises a connector on a first circuit board and a corresponding connector on a second circuit board, and wherein the at least one controllable switch is disposed on the first circuit board;wherein the at least one controllable switch comprises at least one control input for receiving a control signal for controlling switching of the at least one controllable switch;wherein the first circuit board includes a bus bridge circuit controlled by an operating system, and wherein the at least one control input comprises a connection to the bus bridge circuit to enable control by a computer operating system.