US 6,983,338 B2
Coupling device for connectors wherein coupling device comprises multiplexer unit for selectiving first mode for SATA channel and second mode that establishes loop back function
Amer Hadba, Round Rock, Tex. (US); Jason M. Lau, Austin, Tex. (US); and John S. Loffink, Austin, Tex. (US)
Assigned to Dell Products L.P., Round Rock, Tex. (US)
Filed on Apr. 01, 2003, as Appl. No. 10/404,264.
Prior Publication US 2004/0203295 A1, Oct. 14, 2004
Int. Cl. G06F 13/00 (2006.01); G06F 12/00 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 710—74 14 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. Coupling device for a SATA drive having a SATA connector, comprising:
a second connector having a plurality of connector pins, wherein the SATA connector has a number of connector pins which are less than the number of pins of the second connector and wherein the second connector provides a first and second SATA channel;
a coupling unit for coupling the SATA connector and the second connector, wherein the coupling unit comprises a multiplexer unit for selectively establishing in a first mode a coupling of one of the SATA channels with the SATA drive and in a second mode for establishing a loop back function by coupling the first and second SATA channel.