Computer system interface adapter capable of automatic self-configuration and self-diagnosis before operating system initiation

摘要

A self-configuring and self-diagnosing computer system interface adapter for installation in the system expansion bus and for self-configuring and self-diagnosing prior to operating system initialization. The interface adapter, along with its own ROM memory device and control program stored thereon, is accessible by the host CPU via the system expansion bus for implementing an automatic self-configuration procedure for incorporation of the interface adapter into the computer system. This self-configuration procedure is implemented before the computer system initiates the operating system. The interface adapter also includes an I/O register device accessible by the CPU via the expansion bus for setting up the I/O address range and interrupt channel assignments under CPU control and a detector for detecting the utilization status of available computer system interrupt channels (both procedures are performed during the self-configuration procedure). The self-diagnosing procedure tests adapter board functionality.