Bus extender and formatter apparatus and methods

摘要

An apparatus and method for extending a bus to support at least one auxiliary function. A filter may intercept and route a signal issued over the bus. The filter may comprise control logic for reading the intercepted signal and for determining a destination therefor. The filter may also comprise a multiplexer operatively associated with the control logic for reissuing the intercepted signal to the destination. When the intercepted signal is designated as function-specific, the multiplexer reissues the intercepted signal to one of the at least one auxiliary function. When the intercepted signal is designated as device-specific, the multiplexer reissues the intercepted signal over the bus to a peripheral device.