摘要 |
<p>An apparatus for use with a computing device for controlling communications with a plurality of peripheral devices, each of which peripheral devices is operatively connected with a bus and is identified by an address. The apparatus comprises a control circuit for transmitting address information to the bus to effect interrogation of the plurality of peripheral devices, respective of the plurality of peripheral devices being responding, or ready, peripheral devices according to address information transmitted by the control circuit. A plurality of modal circuits are provided for establishing a plurality of operational modes for the apparatus, as well as a decision circuit for effecting designation of selected of the plurality of modal circuits. The responding peripheral device transmits a status code to the bus in response to appropriate address information received from the control circuit, which status code includes at least a first indicator identifying an appropriate operational mode for communication with the responding peripheral device. The decision circuit is responsive to the first indicator to effect the required designation to establish which of the plurality of modal circuits will be employed to establish the appropriate operational mode for the responding peripheral device.</p> |