Abstract: A method includes coupling a variable output DC power source to power control circuitry, and detecting a type of the variable output DC power source in response to the coupling operation. In one embodiment, the detecting operation may include sending an interrogation signal from the power control circuitry to the variable output DC power source, and evaluating a response to the interrogation signal to determine the type of said variable output DC power source. Power control circuitry may include source type recognition circuitry configured to detect a type of a variable output DC power source in response to a coupling of the variable output DC power source to the power control circuitry.

Abstract: A method includes coupling a variable output DC power source to power control circuitry, and detecting a type of the variable output DC power source in response to the coupling operation. In one embodiment, the detecting operation may include sending an interrogation signal from the power control circuitry to the variable output DC power source, and evaluating a response to the interrogation signal to determine the type of said variable output DC power source. Power control circuitry may include source type recognition circuitry configured to detect a type of a variable output DC power source in response to a coupling of the variable output DC power source to the power control circuitry.

Abstract: A low-power digital audio decoding and playing system and method for computing devices provides a low-cost, low power-consumption, long-battery-life audio playing and decoding system, which may be used to play compressed audio files of various formats. In one aspect, a computer system adapted to play audio files comprises a system CPU, memory, at least one drive comprising compressed audio data, and an audio controller coupled to the system CPU, memory and drive. The audio controller is adapted to cause the drive to read the compressed audio data from the drive, to cause the system CPU to decompress the compressed audio data from the drive into decompressed audio data, to cause the decompressed audio to be stored in the memory, and to cause the decompressed audio data to be retrieved from the memory for playing.

Abstract: A power management topology for portable electronic devices that includes a feed-enabled AC/DC adapter that receives feedback data from a charge controller associated with the portable device. The feedback data can include battery charging current, battery voltage, or power requirements of the portable device. Using the feedback data, the external AC/DC adapter can adjust the DC output to meet the charging requirement of the battery and/or the power requirements of the portable device.

Abstract: A power management topology for portable electronic devices that includes a feed-enabled AC/DC adapter that receives feedback data from a charge controller associated with the portable device. The feedback data can include battery charging current, battery voltage, or power requirements of the portable device. Using the feedback data, the external AC/DC adapter can adjust the DC output to meet the charging requirement of the battery and/or the power requirements of the portable device.

Abstract: A power management topology for portable electronic devices that includes a feed-enabled AC/DC adapter that receives feedback data from a charge controller associated with the portable device. The feedback data can include battery charging current, battery voltage, or power requirements of the portable device. Using the feedback data, the external AC/DC adapter can adjust the DC output to meet the charging requirement of the battery and/or the power requirements of the portable device.

Abstract: A power management unit (PMU) apparatus and method may include: a bi-directional pin configured to serve as an input pin during a first condition and as an output pin during a second condition; or a battery charge controller for providing a first conditioning charge and a second full charge to a voltage source of the PMU; or an adapter detector configured to detect the presence of a continuous output adapter and a pulse output adapter; an under voltage lockout protection circuit to prevent start up of the PMU until a power source reaches a predetermined threshold lockout level and to shut down the PMU once the power source reaches a lower threshold lockout disabling level; or a plurality of internal switches for allowing an external switch to have multiple functions; or a power on reset circuit; or multi-output charge status pin.

Abstract: An integrated card housing to house two or more PC cards is disclosed. In one embodiment, the housing includes a first slot to receive a PCMCIA card, and a second slot to receive a Smart card, stacked on one another, thereby permitting integration into a personal computer or laptop computer without requiring side-by-side slots for PCMCIA and Smart card media. The housing includes conventional I/O connectors and power connectors for each of the respective media slots.

Abstract: A low-power digital audio decoding and playing system and method for computing devices provides a low-cost, low power-consumption, long-battery-life audio playing and decoding system, which may be used to play compressed audio files of various formats. In one aspect, a computer system adapted to play audio files comprises a system CPU, memory, at least one drive comprising compressed audio data, and an audio controller coupled to the system CPU, memory and drive. The audio controller is adapted to cause the drive to read the compressed audio data from the drive, to cause the system CPU to decompress the compressed audio data from the drive into decompressed audio data, to cause the decompressed audio to be stored in the memory, and to cause the decompressed audio data to be retrieved from the memory for playing.

Abstract: A battery powered disk drive system for a portable computer comprises a disk drive unit, a cable, and a smart connector. The smart connector includes a disk drive controller integrated circuit, a printed circuit board, and an exterior plastic molding. The exterior plastic molding has an upper edge portion which butts against a display section of the portable computer when in use. Since the disk controller is physically located on the outside of a housing of the portable computer, the size of the portable computer is minimized. High frequency signals are converted to low frequency signals by the disk controller and, since the smart connector is located physically close to the computer, electromagnetic interference is minimized.