Abstract: A computer system having suspend and resume capabilities that uses the hard drive to extend the amount of nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) in the system. As the system is powered down, the system processor saves to the hard drive system parameters such as: resource allocation data determined pursuant to the Plug & Play specification, total power on hours for the system, the number of power on cycles for the system, error codes, and the dates the errors occurred. The saving to hard drive begins responsive to circuitry monitoring the primary (AC input) portion of the power supply indicating that the power supply input is out of tolerance, as would occur when the user actuates the power switch to turn the system off or during a blackout. During the period of reliable processing time remaining, the above system parameters are written to the hard file. The system parameters are also saved to the hard file during the controlled power off that occurs as the system state is suspended.

Abstract: Described is a personal computer system which includes a central processing unit (CPU) and power management circuitry (PMC) in circuit communication with the CPU. A power supply is in circuit communication with the CPU and the PMC and includes circuitry for selectively providing system power to the computer system and auxiliary power to the PMC (1) from an external source or (2) from an internal source. When the system is in a normal operating state and the external source stops providing power at a predetermined level (e.g., brownout or blackout) to the power supply, the power supply is operative to generate a control signal to the PMC and switch to its internal power source. The power management circuitry is characterized in that while in the normal operating state, responsive to the power supply activating the control signal, the PMC causes the computer system to change to the suspend state wherein the entire state of the system is safely saved to a non-volatile storage device.

Abstract: Described is a personal computer system which includes a central processing unit (CPU) and power management circuitry (PMC) in circuit communication with the CPU. A switch is coupled to the PMC. A power supply is coupled to the CPU, PMC and the switch and includes circuitry for selectively providing system power to the computer system and auxiliary power to the PMC (1) from an external source or (2) from an internal source. When the system is in a normal operating state and the external source stops providing power at a predetermined level (e.g., blackout or brownout) to the power supply, the power supply is operative to change to its internal power and generate a control signal to the switch. The control signal causes the switch to activate a closure event and generate another control signal.

Abstract: A computer system having a CPU, a power management processor, a modem, and a power supply in circuit communication. The power management processor controls the regulation of power to the CPU by the power supply. Responsive to a ring signal having a frequency in a predetermined range being detected by the power management processor, the power management processor causes the power supply to provide regulated power to the computer system. Thereafter, the CPU confirms that a ring signal was present by querying the modem whether the modem also detected a ring. If so, the system remains powered. If not, the CPU causes the power management controller to cause the power supply to cease providing regulated power.