Abstract: An independently positionable key switch including a key base having a key cap receiving opening and at least one gripping feature operative to facilitate gripping of the key base. An actuatable key cap is arranged in the key receiving opening of the key base. The key cap is actuatable between an unactuated position and an actuated position.

Abstract: A configurable computer input device. A base is operable to generate and detect a radio frequency carrier signal. A plurality independently positionable input members are each operatively positioned in the vicinity of the base and individually operable to modulate the carrier signal responsive to its identity and status.

Abstract: A configurable computer input device. A base is operable to generate and detect a radio frequency carrier signal. A plurality independently positionable input members are each operatively positioned in the vicinity of the base and individually operable to modulate the carrier signal responsive to its identity and status.

Abstract: A clock reference frequency is digitally derived from a base signal, then digitally modulated by ramping the clock reference frequency up and down about a desired frequency. The modulation occurs in periodic fashion at a prescribed modulation frequency. Such modulation spreads the electromagnetic energy of the system signals over a band that is a portion of the desired clock frequency. As a result, energy in harmonics of the respective system signals also are spread. When the energy spreading of any system signal or harmonic of such signal occurs over a bandwidth greater than the 120 kHz bandwidth of conventional communication receivers, adverse EMI emissions are reduced.

Abstract: A clock reference frequency is digitally derived from a base signal, then digitally modulated by ramping the clock reference frequency up and down about a desired frequency. The modulation occurs in periodic fashion at a prescribed modulation frequency. Such modulation spreads the electromagnetic energy of the system signals over a band that is a portion of the desired clock frequency. As a result, energy in harmonics of the respective system signals also are spread. When the energy spreading of any system signal or harmonic of such signal occurs over a bandwidth greater than the 120 kHz bandwidth of conventional communication receivers, adverse EMI emissions are reduced.

Abstract: A high efficiency power supply for producing two regulated output voltages (i.e. 3.3 and 5 volts) from an unregulated input voltage. The supply includes a 4-15 volt battery pack, a first (5.0 volt) output, a second (3.3 volt) output, and a ground. The positive terminal of the battery is connected directly to the second output. The 3.3 volt differential with ground is maintained by a voltage regulator that couples the negative terminal of the battery pack to ground (i.e. ground floats relative to the battery). A second voltage regulator couples the positive terminal of the battery pack to the first output, and maintains this first output at 5.0 volts relative to ground. This latter regulator is capable of boost operation, permitting a 5.0 volt output to be maintained even if the battery pack voltage is less than this value. Neither regulator includes a transformer, making the supply particularly well suited for use in miniaturized equipment, such as palmtop computers.

Abstract: Optical transceiver (22) for calculator-to-calculator or calculator-to-module communication. The transceiver (22) includes an IR transmitter (24) and IR receiver (26) designed for use in the low power, low cost environment of calculators and portable computing devices. The transceiver may be adapted to communicate with the CPU (central processing unit (14) of a calculator (90) directly or with that of a portable computing device via its serial port (43). Devices in which the optical transceiver may be incorporated include calculators, plugless modules, and books containing plugless modules. Data such as mathematical formulas within the book may be stored in the associated module and transferred instantaneously and accurately to an adjacent calculator upon request by the calculator.