Portable computer system and method for controlling a power of system

Abstract

The present invention is a method and apparatus pertaining to the safe installation and disconnection of a portable computer from an electrically energized docking station. Ordinarily, the installation of an electrical sub assembly onto an electrically energized system poses a hazard to the electrical components and to data stored in memory because of harmful transient voltages, power surges, and signals produced during engagement and disengagement. The present invention protects the electrical components and data stored in memory by essentially shutting off the power in the portable unit for a brief moment as the portable unit is being either connected to or disconnected from the electrically energized docking station. The above process is accomplished by either using a pair of microswitches or a pair of light emitting/photo detecting units that sequentially toggle during either the installation or the separation process of the portable computer from the docking station. A micro controller inside the portable unit turns off the power to the portable unit for the brief time period between the toggling of the two sensing devices, protecting the portable computer during this crucial time.