Hewlett-packard Development Company, L.p.

Compaq Computer Corporation, Inc.

Henry F Lada, Jr

Lee Warren Atkinson

Joseph A Lightfoot

Isaac Lagnado

James M Mann

Hung Q Le

Ming He

James H Garrett

John M Gromala

A method for locating a notebook computer by sending a Wake on Wireless WAN (WoW) signal via a wireless network to the notebook computer to switch ON the notebook computer; instructing the notebook computer to determine its own location using GPS if the notebook computer lid is open.

Method and system for locating a notebook computer

A clock shifting and prioritization method comprising adjusting a frequency for a plurality of clocks corresponding to a plurality of respective components of an electronic device based on a desired user configuration setting for operating the electronic device.

Clock shifting and prioritization system and method

A Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or handheld device comprising a main unit and an option pack, wherein the option pack stores all of the application software and drivers. Upon insertion, the hardware interface invokes a device manager on the main unit that interrogates a memory device on the option pack. The interrogation includes data on drivers, applications, configuration and miscellaneous requirements of the option pack. This identification process allows the option pack to store information, drivers and applications on the option pack, so the main unit does not have to use its memory to store information on a large number of option packs. Once the option pack and its applications are identified, the device manager on the main unit retrieves the applications and drivers from a separate memory device on the option pack and downloads the applications and drivers onto the main unit. Upon de-installation of the option pack from the main unit, the applications and drivers are removed from the main unit.

Method of transmitting identification data from an option pack to a main unit before the option pack is fully powered

An insertion and identification scheme between the main unit of a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or handheld device and an option pack. Upon insertion, the hardware interface invokes a device manager on the main unit that interrogates the option pack on its features without significantly impacting battery life. The interrogation includes data on drivers, applications, configuration and miscellaneous requirements of the option pack. This identification process allows the option pack to store information, drivers and applications on the option pack, so the main unit does not have to use its memory to store information on a large number of option packs. Further, the insertion scheme provides a means of checking the power availability in the main unit before allowing the option pack to fully power-on.

Handheld option pack identification scheme

An interface of an option pack configured to be used in conjunction with the main unit of a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). An option pack comprising a connector configured to mate with the main unit of a PDA and provide a plurality of signal paths and a memory storage device such as an EEPROM can be used to store identification and functionally information to be conveyed to the main unit upon insertion of the option pack connector into the main unit. The interface on the option pack provides serial and parallel exchanges between the option pack and main unit and provides safeguards against draining the power on the main unit upon insertion. Further, the interface allows a software application and associated drivers to be downloaded onto the main unit temporarily and removed when a user has no further use for the application or option to save memory space on the main unit.

Handheld option pack interface

An audio power management system for a computer to eliminate noise signals associated with the power-down and power-up operations of the computer during power management operations is disclosed. The audio power management system asserts a speaker mute signal before power is removed from the amplifier to reduce transient conditions. During power up, the speaker mute signal is applied to the amplifier for a period after power is applied to the amplifier. This control is done from a single digital output.

Circuit for reducing audio amplifier noise during powering on and off

An audio power management system for a computer to eliminate noise signals associated with the power-down and power-up operations of the computer during power management operations. The audio power management system asserts a speaker mute signal before power is removed from the amplifier to reduce transient conditions. During power up, the speaker mute signal is applied to the amplifier for a period after power is applied to the amplifier. This control is done from a single digital output.

A phase-locked loop (PLL) clock generator circuit which is capable of changing the frequency of its outpt clock signal in a stable fashion. Selection of the frequency of the output clock signal is made by way of a selectable frequency divider coupled between the reference clock signal and an input of the PLL, with another frequency divider in the feedback loop of the PLL; each of these frequency dividers are selectable according to a signal on a select bus, translated by way of a ROM look-up table. The circuit also includes a multiplexer having a first input coupled to the PLL output, and a second input coupled to a stable clock signal, for example to the referenc clock signal or to the output of a fixed frequency PLL. The conrol input of the multiplexer is controlled by a state machine which monitors the select bus. Responsive to detection of a transition of the select bus, indicating a new frequency, the state machine issues a pulse to the control input of the multiplexer to cause it to select the stable clock signal for sufficient time to allow the PLL to acquire and lock onto the new frequency, after which the multiplexer again selects the PLL output as the output clock signal. As a result, the unstable and non-linear behavior at the PLL output does not appear at the output of the circuit, with a stable clock signal at a safe frequency appearing thereat during the PLL transitional cycles.

Growing community of inventors

Cypress, TX, United States of America

Henry F Lada, Jr