Patent ID: 6526468
Filing Date: 2003-02-25
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
An arrangement for extending the range of a peripheral bus carrying message packets on first and second signal lines, comprising:a first extender device for connection to a first peripheral bus port, said first extender device serving as repeater for transferring signals to and from said first peripheral bus port; a second extender device for connection to a second peripheral bus port said second extender device serving as repeater for transferring signals to and from said second peripheral bus port; first and second bi-directional balanced transmission lines interconnecting said first and second extender devices, said first and second bi-directional balanced transmission lines carrying signals from said respective first and second signal lines; and each said extender device comprising: a first pair of transceivers for connection to respective said first and second signal lines of a said peripheral bus port; a second pair of transceivers connected on one side thereof to said transceivers of said first pair and on another side thereof to said respective bi-directional transmission lines through respective unbalanaced-to-balanced converters; and control logic circuitry responsive to signal transitions on said first and second signal lines and on said transmission lines to control said transceivers to determine the direction of signal flow through said balanced transmission lines such that signals are directly transferred between said first and second peripheral bus ports over said transmission lines without tracking the message packets.