Discussion of the Related Art Modems have long been known and utilized to allow remote computing devices (e.g., personal computers), for example, to communicate over telephone lines.

In use, a transmitting modem receives electronic data from a computing device and modulates that data into a form appropriate for transmission over telephone lines. At the receiving end, a receiving modem receives the transmitted signal and demodulates the transmitted data into a form recognizable to the receiving computing device, and then communicates that data to the receiving computer.

Many personal computers now sold come equipped with an "internal" modem integrated circuit card. Such a card has an edge connector that plugs into a receiving slot provided on the computer motherboard. Also available are "external" or "stand- alone" modems which are electrically connected to a computer via a serial port provided on the computer. External modems are often preferred, or required, when there is limited expansion space within a computer. In this configuration, electrical cables with D-shell connectors are typically provided to make such connection.

Outside the personal computing area, modems or other data transmission apparatus are similarly utilized to communicate data between remote computing devices. Like personal computers, these computing devices may utilize (alternatively)

both external and internal modems. Again, internal modems may be equipped with an edge connector that may be plugged into a motherboard or similar docking station, while external modems may be connected to the computing device via electric cabling.

Depending upon the equipment and the application, sometimes an internal modem is preferable and at other times an external modem is preferred. Particularly for business entities, this often means that the entity must purchase both types of modems to equip its various equipment. Unfortunately, stocking redundant equipment undesirably elevates the cost of doing business. Accordingly, it is desired to provide multi-environment, adaptive modem assemblies.

A particular problem exists in certain special purpose environments. For example, in computer networks and other environments, multiple modems are often cascaded. Consider a simple local area network (LAN), having a plurality of client workstations and a server that is connected to a plurality of telephone lines, whereby the client workstations may communicate with remote computers over the telephone lines. It will be appreciated that a separate modem will be needed for each telephone line of communication. Therefore, if there are three modems connected to three telephone lines, then up to three of the client workstations may communicate with remote computers at any given time. Frequently, in LAN configurations, such a server may be implemented by a personal computer. Since internal, motherboard expansion slots are limited, external modems are frequently utilized, when a plurality of modems are implemented. In other similar multiple-modem environments, specially-designed docking stations are provided which receive a plurality of internal modems.

In either environment, it is important that each modem be uniquely identified and controlled, whether by direct addressing or by multiplexing it with other modems

and modem signals. Internal modems are typically accessed/addressed directly through electrical signals disposed on the mating card-edge connector. In contrast, external modems are generally accessed/addressed through serial (e.g., RS232 ports).

It is appreciated that the electrical signals implementing the two approaches are different, yet it is desirable to provide a single modem design capable of fully operating in either environment.

Summary of the Invention Accordingly, a primary object ofthe present invention is to provide an improved modem assembly that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a adaptive modem assembly that may be utilized as both an internal modem and an external modem.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cost-efficient and adaptive modem assembly.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an adapter for a modem assembly for a multiple modem environment, whereby the adapters readily equip the modems for use in either an internal or external configuration.

Additional objects, advantages and other novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned with the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

To achieve the foregoing and other objects, the present invention is generally directed to an adaptive modem apparatus. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes an integrated circuit board having an edge connector defining a plurality of first electrical contacts, and an adapter. The adapter has both a first and second electrical connector. The first electrical connector is defined by a slot configured to releasably engage the edge connector, and further includes a plurality of electrical contacts disposed to align with the electrical contacts of the edge connector. The second electrical connector is defined by a D-shaped shell and has a plurality of electrical contacts that are electrically interconnected with the plurality of contacts of the first connector. In use, the adapter may be readily attached to the edge connector so that the modem may be connected to a computer via a standard, D-shell connector and utilized in a stand-alone configuration. Alternatively, the adapter may be readily detached from the edge connector so that the modem may be connected to a motherboard edge connector and utilized as an internal modem.

In accordance with an important feature of the present invention, the first connector of the adapter includes a plurality of electrical contacts that are fewer in number than the number of electrical contacts provided on the mating edge connector of the motherboard, docking station, or other device. In this way, the adapter picks up only those signal contacts that are needed to communicate (via cable) with an externally disposed modem. Multiplexing, addressing, and other such signals need not be tapped or communicated through the adapter.

Description of the Drawings The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the principal components of a system constructed in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram similar to that shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the principal components of a system constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a modem and modem adapter in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of an integrated circuit modem board; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter as taken substantially along line 5-5 ofFIG. 3; and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a docking station of a computing device, supporting an adaptive modem constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the invention as illustrated in the drawings. While the invention will be described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed therein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Detailed Descrintion of the Preferred Embodiment Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a block diagram that broadly illustrates the physical components of a system constructed in accordance with the present invention. In this regard, the present invention is directed to an adaptive system that allows a computing device, or computer 10, to communicate with a remote device 12. In regard to nomenclature, the term "computer" is intended to cover special purpose computing devices, as well as general purpose computing devices, such as personal computers. In accordance with a primary object of the present invention, a versatile system is provided wherein the remote device 12 may be physically connected to the computer 10 in multiple fashions, wherein the remote device 12 may be located internal to the computer 10 or externally located. In this regard, the term "remote" as used in designating the remote device 12 is something of a misnomer, since the remote device 12 may be located internal to the computer 10. To better illustrate and consistent with the invention, the remote device 12 may be a modem, a CD ROM, a hard drive, a tape back-up drive, as well as a variety of other physical devices. The examples just listed comprise a nonexclusive list of common devices utilized in connection with personal computers, which electronically communicate with the computer 10 and yet may be located either internally or externally.

Whether a remote device 12 is internally located or externally located depends on a number of factors, including the available expansion space within the computer 10, as well as user preference or device availability. As illustrated in FIG. 1, other system components include a functional electrical interface 14 and physical or mechanical interfaces 16 and 18.

Typically, the functional or electrical interface 14 will be either a serial or parallel interface, which typically takes the form of a circuit designed to permit a microprocessor (in the case of a personal computer) to communicate with a remote device 12. The physical or

mechanical interface 16, in this environment, is either a D-shaped shell connector, of the type used for the COM or LPT ports, or more commonly, a card edge connector that is bussed on the motherboard.

Similarly, the physical or mechanical interface 18 will generally be a corresponding connector. Thus, for example, if the remote device 12 is an internal modem, then the physical interface 18 will typically be a male-type card edge connector that is inserted into a corresponding female-type card edge receptacle (interface 16) on the motherboard.

Alternatively, if the remote device 12 is an external modem having a D-shaped shell connector (interface 18) then that connector will typically be connected via a cable (not shown) to a similar type connector (interface 16) at the computer 10.

The present invention provides an adapter 20, which is utilized to provide an adaptive and versatile system. By virtue of the adapter 20 of the present invention, a single style remote device 12 may be readily adapted for use as either internal or external operation.

To better illustrate this concept by making particular reference to the preferred embodiment of the preferred invention, reference now made to FIG. 2, which is a block diagram similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a computer 30 preferably utilizes a serial interface 32 to communicate with a modem 34. As illustrated, the serial interface may communicate through either an edge connector 36, which would be located along the motherboard of the computer 10, or a D-shaped shell connector 38.

Typically, both LPT ports as well as COM ports (provided on personal computers) are terminated at such a D-shaped connector. Preferably, the modem 34 is something of a hybrid construction. In this regard, the modem 34 has a protective housing, much like a conventional external modem, while having an edge connector, as used in internal modems.

This allows the modem to be plugged directly into the motherboard connector 36 of the computer, and used internally. Alternatively, the edge connector of the modem 34 may be connected to the D-shaped shell connector 38 of the computer via adapter 40 and cable 41.

The adapter 40 as will be described in more detail in connection with FIG. 5, provides a physical adaptive medium having an edge connector on one end and a D-shaped shell connector on the other. As will be illustrated in FIG. 3, this adapter 40 may plug directly into the modem 34, whereby the modem 34 can then be connected to the connector 38 via a standard, and commercially available serial cable 41.

Reference is now made to references FIGS. 3 and 4 which, together, illustrate a modem constructed in accordance with the present invention. In this regard, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the outside of the modem 34 housing with an adapter 40, constructed in accordance with the invention exploded therefrom. In contrast, FIG. 4 is a side elevation view illustrating an outline of an integrated circuit card, which is located within the housing 46 of the modem 34. The integrated circuit card 49 preferably has an edge connector 38 which, in turn, includes a plurality of surface conductors 53. As is known in the art, the surface conductors 53 form electrical contacts which are engaged by corresponding electrical contacts in a female-type edge connector (not shown) provided on a computer motherboard. When the edge connector 38 is inserted into the corresponding receptacles and the corresponding contacts 53 are brought into engagement, a path of electrical continuity is established, across which the computer 30 and modem 34 may communicate.

Although not forming part of the present invention, other typically associated components are also illustrated FIGS. 3 and 4. For example and as is known, in use, modems not only communicate with a host computer but will also communicate with a

remote computer through a standard telephone line. Accordingly, modular jacks 50 and 51 are provided. A modular plug (not shown) terminating a conventional telephone line may be plugged into one of the receptacles 50 or 51, while the second may be used to connect directly to a telephone. In operation, the telephone (not shown) may be used as a conventional telephone, bypassing the modem. Alternatively, when the modem 34 is active, the telephone may be bypassed. Further still, in SVD (simultaneous/voice data) modems both may be active at the same time. Also illustrated are an on/off switch 60 and a reset switch 61.

As shown in FIG. 3, exploded from the modem 34 is an adapter 40 constructed in accordance with the present invention. This adapter 40 may be inserted over the edge connector 38 of modem 34 to enable the modem to be utilized as an external, so-called stand alone, modem, or may be removed to allow the modem 34 to plug directly into an edge connector receptable on a computer motherboard. Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which shows a cross-sectional view of an adapter 40 (as taken substantially along line 5-5 of FIG. 3) constructed in accordance with the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the adapter 40 is a single piece unit having a female-type edge connector (i.e., receptacle) on one side and a D-shaped shell type connector on the other. The edge connector 70 defines an elongated slot that includes a plurality of electrical contacts 72 that will align with and engage similarly disposed electrical contacts on the edge connector 38 of the modem 34. While the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 illustrates only one row of such connectors, it will be understood that two such opposingly disposed rows are contained within the connector 70. Opposite the edge-type connector receptacle 70 is a D-shaped shell connector 75, that is readily sized and configured to mate with a conventional and commercially available cable (now shown). Within the shell connector 75, two rows of electrical contacts 76 (only one row illustrated) are housed. Both contacts 72 and contacts 76 are electrically interconnected through conductors 73, preferably wires.

Preferably, the modem 34 of the present invention communicates with the computer 30 via a serial interface 32 utilizing the well-known RS-232 data communication standard. The various data and control signals utilized in RS-232 communication are well known, and are listed in Table 1 below.

Pin EIA Mnemonic Source Description No. Designation 1 AA Protective ground (shield) 2 BA TxD DTE Transmitted data 3 BB RxD DCE Received data 4 CA RTS DTE Request to send 5 CB CTS DCE Clear to send 6 CC DSR DCE Data set ready 7 AB Signal Ground 8 CF DCD DCE Received line signal detector (carrier detected) 9 Reserved for testing 10 Reserved for testing 11 Unassigned 12 SCF DCE Secondary received line signal detector 13 SCB DCE Secondary clear to send 14 SBA DTE Secondary transmitted data 15 DB DCE Transmitter signal element timing 16 SBB DCE Secondary received data 17 DD DCE Receiver signal element timing 18 Unassigned 19 SCA DTE Secondary request to send 20 CD DTR DTE Data terminal ready 21 CG DCE Signal quality detector 22 CE RI DCE Ring indicator 23 CH or CI DTE or DCE Data signal rate selector 24 DA DTE Transmitter signal element timing 25 Unassigned TABLE 1

It is known, and shown in Table 1, there are 25 signal lines dedicated for RS-232 communication, and the RS-232 standards have specified the function and pin number of these signals as shown in the table. Of the twenty-five pins in the RS-232 connector definition, only twenty are defined, and many fewer are used for most applications. Indeed, only three signal lines are required for bi-directional communication. These are the transmit data (TxD), receive data (RxD), and signal ground. Many applications, however, utilize handshaking signals, such as request to send (RTS) and clear to send (CTS). The function, operation, and implementation of these signals will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and need not be discussed here. Table 1, however, does further illustrate the source of the signals as being the computer or data terminal equipment (DTE) or the modem or data communication equipment (DCE). Accordingly, and depending on the application, as many as twenty-five and as few as three electrical contacts 72 and 76 (see FIG. 5) may be utilized in the adapter 40. Of course, in other embodiments where a computing device is communicating with some other remote device, an adapter having many more conductive contacts may be utilized. Indeed, in addition to the RS232 data communication standard, there are a variety of other serial communication standards such as RS422, RS423, RS485, and RS449 to name a few. Moreover, and consistent with the invention, a parallel interface, such as EEE-488 may be utilized as the data communication standard as well.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a perspective view illustrating a motherboard or docking station 80 which may receive one or more remote devices (e.g., modem 34) constructed in accordance with the present invention. In this regard, female- type card edge connectors (receptacles) 86 may be disposed along a backplane of a docking station 80 to receive the corresponding edge connector 38 of the modem 34, or other remote device. In this regard, and as is well known, the connectors are press-fit to form a

releasable engagement with aligned electrical contacts to establish electrical continuity between the electrical contacts of each connector portion. Although not shown, it should be appreciated that the protective housing 46 that encases the modem 34 functions only to protect the modem from physical damage, particularly when utilized in external fashion.

Therefore, it may be desired to fabricate the housing 46 in such a manner that would permit it to be readily detachable from the internal integrated circuit card 49. In this way, the modem 34 would require much less space when used internally, such as with a motherboard or docking station.

Having briefly discussed FIG. 6, it should be appreciated that a significant feature of the present invention relates to the selection of electric signals tapped by the adapter 40 from the connector 86. With the adapter 40 removed, and the modem 34 utilized in connection with a plurality of other modems in docking station 80, multiplexing or addressing signals will need to be utilized by the modem 34, in order for the modem to know that it is being communicated with. Accordingly, such multiplexing and addressing signals are provided among the electrical contacts of connector 86. These signals establish direct connection with the electrical contacts on the connector 38 of the modem. When, however, the modem 34 is being utilized externally, as for example, when a personal computer is configured as a LAN server with multiple modems, then the modem is preferably in communication with the computer system via RS-232 serial communication link. In such a configuration, and as previously discussed, many of the multiplexing or addressing signals need not be used. Therefore, the adapter 40 employs fewer internal conductors 73 to carry only those signals needed. While the actual number may vary depending upon the preferred form or standard of communication, when RS-232 is utilized,

the twelve electrical conductors 73 will be utilized to establish a communication path between the connector 86 and the modem 34.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment or embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly and legally entitled.