US Patent 7509399 Programmable communication interface

A device comprises a programmable communication interface and a processor. The programmable communication interface communicates data via a set of signals. The processor configures the programmable communication interface to communicate the data in accordance with a programmed override state for at least one of the signals and actual states for the remaining signals. The programmable communication interface may be configured, for example, to programmably treat an overridden signal as asserted or de-asserted regardless of actual voltages present on one or more electrical connectors associated with the overridden signal. As a result, incorrectly wired electrical connectors of the programmable communication interface may be programmably overridden. Consequently, a technician need not manually rewire the programmable communication interface.