Method and apparatus for multiplexing signals from a bus bridge to an ISA bus interface and an ATA bus interface

摘要

An apparatus and method for connecting a bus bridge to a plurality of bus interfaces are disclosed. The invention allows output lines on a bus bridge to be shared so that a minimal amount of dedicated pins are utilized. Signals on the bus bridge which need to be driven and received quickly are connected directly from the bus bridge to the bus interfaces. Signals on the bus bridge which do not need to be driven and received quickly are connected from the bus bridge to the bus interfaces though buffers. The invention allows the bus bridge to interface a high speed local bus and a plurality of I/O buses while satisfying the timing requirements of each of the I/O buses.