Low-power apparatus for power management enabling

Abstract

Low power event monitoring enabling logic allows wake up devices to maintain their proper functionality in the event of a momentary power loss, or in the event the operating system does not properly load upon power-up. The technology is particularly suited for use with network interface card supporting Wake-On-LAN functions. A component with low power enabling logic is provided for a system having power management resources responsive to power management event signals to switch to an operating state. The component comprises power logic having a first mode in which power consumption is limited to a first specified level and a second mode in which power consumption is limited to a second specified level higher than the first specified level. The component includes an interface to nonvolatile memory storing a control signal. Logic is coupled to the interface to the nonvolatile memory and responsive to detection of a power supply voltage to read in the first mode the control signal from the nonvolatile memory, and to the signal the power logic to enter the second mode in response to a specified state of the control signal. Monitoring resources operating in the second mode monitor for an event, and in response to detection of the event produce a signal to cause the system switch to the operating mode.