| abstract |
A multi-card system includes a card having a plurality of serial port devices, an inter-card serial bus connection configured for connection to an inter-card serial bus, and an intra-card and inter-card serial port access system. The serial port access system may include a switch configured to provide switchable serial connections between any of the devices on the card, and an inter-card signaling system to communicate switching instructions to other cards. A serial connection can be enabled between a particular device on the card and a target device on another card by controlling the switch to connect the particular device with the inter-card serial bus connection, and sending an instruction to the other card via the inter-card signaling system to enable a connection between the target device and the inter-card serial bus, such that a serial connection is provided between the particular device and the target device via the inter-card serial bus. |