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Patent Title: Method and apparatus for automatic generation of I/O configuration descriptions

Assignee: IBM
Patent Number: US5671441
Issue Date: 09-23-1997
Application Number:
File Date:11-29-1994


Abstract: Automatic machine methods and apparatus for determining which components of an I/O configuration are shared by other components of the configuration. The information can be obtained through the use of existing self-description facilities and unique identifiers. By noting which channel paths are used to obtain configuration-data records and examining the unique identifiers provided for each I/O items it can be determined which I/O devices are accessible through the same control unit, and which control units provide access to the same I/O device. Furthermore, by examining the unique identifiers provided, it can be determined which I/O subsystems and which control units or channel subsystems are accessible through the same dynamic switch and which dynamic switches provide access to the same I/O subsystem of channel subsystem. A programmable subchannel is provided to enable communication between a CEC and an electrically-connected I/O item not represented in the current I/O configuration description being used by the CEC. Without the programmed subchannel, the CEC cannot access any I/O item not represented in the CEC's current I/O configuration description.

Notes:

Link to USPTO

IBM Pledge dated 1/11/2005