Patent ID: 8131902

Claim:
In association with an electronic components support member that has opposing first and second edges, and is insertable into chassis of different types for use therewith, an apparatus for determining an orientation of the support member with respect to a given one of said chassis when said support member is inserted thereinto, said apparatus comprising: first and second connectors located in pre-specified corresponding relationship with said first and second edges of said support member, respectively; a first device in said given one of said chassis for generating an information signal; a single connector located in said given one of said chassis that engages only said first connector when the support member is in a first orientation to exchange signals with a second device along a first link and that engages only said second connector when the support member is in a second orientation to exchange signals with said second device along a second link; a first component that processes the information signal to add a first link identification, wherein the first device sends said information signal from said first connector through the first component to the second device; a second component that processes the information signal to add a second link identification, wherein the first device sends said information signal from said second connector through the second component to the second device; wherein when said first connector engages said single connector, said second connector remains open and disconnected and disengaged from all other connectors; and wherein when said second connector engages said single connector, said first connector remains open and disconnected and disengaged from all other connectors; and wherein said second device determines whether the support member is in the first orientation by the first link identification and determines whether the support member is in the second orientation by the second link identification.