Methods and apparatus for providing automatic hardware device identification in computer systems that include multi-card adapters and/or multi-card planar complexes

摘要: Data processing apparatus performs automatic hardware device identification and system setup in computer systems that have a Programmable Option Select (POS) feature, where the includes multi-card adapters (adapters with attached daughter card(s)), and/or planar complexes (system boards pluggable processor I/O risers). In particular, uniquely identifies aforementioned devices utilizing unique "combination type" POS IDs, combination type ID is specifically preassigned to of cards rather than single card. According invention, partitioned across (for example, hardwired into each card). When are combined, synthesized becomes available system. The may be used by automatically identify configure combination, perform diagnostics, etc., same manner card IDs utilized individual feature conventional supporting feature.