Patent ID: 6978340
Filing Date: 2005-12-20
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A controller for microprocessor input/output to at least one external device, said controller comprising: control logic; an Input/Output (I/O) crossover-switching network having a plurality of parallel pins; at least one serial I/O shifter in communication with said I/O crossover-switching network, said at least one serial I/O shifter having at least one serial I/O shifter having at least one channel; a clock signal for clocking a transfer of serial data from said controller to the external device, said clock signal for synchronizing the operation of said at least one serial I/O shifter; primary and secondary I/O signal pathways controlled by said I/O crossover-switching network for selecting I/O signals and usage of said plurality of parallel pins for communication with and control of the external device; and wherein for said at least one channel, a first signal pathway is selectable between at least said primary signal pathway and said secondary signal pathway for connection to said at least one serial I/O shifter.