Abstract: A configuration system including a processor having memory for storing operating parameters and configuration logic for retrieving the operating parameters and configuring a computer system to achieve a desired performance level. The configuration logic preferably includes programmable regulators, such as a voltage regulator and a clock synthesizer, for asserting an operating voltage and clock signal, respectively, to the processor. These operating signals are asserted at nominal levels at start up to allow the processor to operate at a reduced, yet adequate performance level. The stored operating parameters are asserted onto a processor data bus by the processor during start up and stored in corresponding data latches. The parameters are further provided to the programmable regulators, such as a voltage regulator, a clock synthesizer, for example, which convert the operating signals from the nominal levels to optimal levels corresponding to the retrieved parameters.

Abstract: A learning aid (100) is employed in learning a target language based upon a known language. The learning aid (100) includes a foldable structure (102) and a plurality of inserts (114, 116, 118). The foldable structure (102) may be placed in any of a plurality of predetermined foldable states and includes a plurality of receiving locations (108, 110, 112), each of which receives one of the plurality of inserts (114, 116, 118). In a transition state, the learning aid (100) presents target language vocabulary (200), corresponding known language vocabulary (204) and corresponding transitions (202) between the known language vocabulary (204) and the target language vocabulary (200). The transitions (202) may include pronunciations of the target language vocabulary (200) such as phonetic pronunciation symbols (402). In a pronunciation state, the learning aid (100) presents only phonetic pronunciation symbols (402).

Abstract: A conversion system using a lookup table of adjustment values for converting non-linear, logarithmic pcm codes between attenuated and unattenuated formats. A computer accesses attenuated pcm codes from a compression device, such as that found in the transmit portion of a digital speakerphone, and retrieves an adjustment value from the lookup table using the measured pcm code and a gain code. The gain code corresponds to a gain setting asserted by the computer to a gain device in the transmit portion of the speakerphone. The lookup table is preferably implemented in hardware, such as a ROM, RAM, PLA or similar type device, or is implemented in software or firmware executed by the computer. The retrieved adjustment value is added to the attenuated pcm code to determine the corresponding unattenuated pcm code.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which communicate with one or two host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller provides selective interface means to be employed between the host computers and the base transceivers whereby low data rate base transceivers may be utilized with the network controller while spread spectrum or high data rate networked base transceivers may be also utilized. The network controller may allow selection of interface means for three of its ports from its front panel with use of three input keys. The network controller is entirely external to the host computer or computers, and can couple to a variety of commonly encountered host ports.

Abstract: A hierarchical communication system is described in which two wireless local area networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed to link inherently portable or mobile computer devices. A series of radio base stations make up a infrastructure network. The infrastructure network and at least one portable computer device make up the first local area network. The communication on the first local area network is accomplished by spread spectrum frequency hopping communication. A second local area network allows for radio communication between a portable computer device and peripheral devices with built-in transceivers utilized by the portable computer device. The communication in each local area network is controlled by a reservation access communication protocol. The communication protocol facilitates frequency hopping synchronization and supports adaptive data rate selection based upon the quality of communication on the communication channel.

Abstract: A vehicle for transport, fork lift or delivery route operations, for example, includes on-board peripherals which are coupled through a Local Area Network (LAN) into a data system. A LAN data bus provides selective access to the peripherals or data devices such as, for example, a large area display, a keyboard, a printer and a data terminal. The data system controls or provides data on tasks executed by or in connection with the operation of the vehicle. To increase the versatility of the vehicle, the data terminal, multiple data terminals, or any of the other data devices may be removably coupled to the LAN to be operable externally of the vehicle. A mobile mount adapter provides a secure electrical connection of a respective data terminal to the LAN to removably incorporate the data terminal into the data system, and provide a common supply of both data and power to the data device.

Abstract: A transceiver apparatus for creating a wireless personal local area network between a computer terminal and one or more peripheral devices. A separate transceiver is connected to the computer terminal and to each peripheral device. The transceivers can be connected to the terminal or peripheral device either internally or externally. A low power radio is used to communicate information between the computer terminal and peripheral devices. Different transceivers can be used for modifying the carrier frequency and power of the local area network. The microprocessor is located inside each transceiver and controls the information flow of the transceiver including the communication protocol which allows each device to know if other devices are communicating, which devices are being communicated to, and selectively address the peripheral devices.

Abstract: Modular, portable data collection terminals are disclosed for use in mixed wireless and hard-wired RF communication networks, wherein various radio transmitter modules and associated antennas may be selectively added to a base terminal unit to solve networking problems associated with specific types of business environments. Modularity exists in both the hardware (splitting data collection and processing control circuitry from radio transceiver control circuitry) and software (splitting transceiver-specific, lower level communication protocol from generic, higher level communication protocol). The control circuitry, including associated microprocessors devices, interact to selectively activate communication circuits to perform necessary communication or data processing functions and enter and remain in a power-saving dormant state during other times. To support such dormant or "sleeping" states, a series of communication protocols provide for channel access to the communication network.

Abstract: A power switch detection system for a power supply including an operator-accessible power switch coupled to the secondary ground of the power supply and to one side of an isolation capacitor. The other side of the isolation capacitor is coupled to a switch detection circuit referenced to primary ground for detecting the state of the power switch through the isolation capacitor. The switch detection circuit controls a control circuit on the primary side based on the state of the power switch, where the control circuit correspondingly controls the power state of the power supply and a corresponding electronic device. In this manner, the power switch remains isolated by the isolation capacitor but controls the power state of the device. The control circuit controls conversion of AC power from an AC source coupled to the primary side through a transformer.

Abstract: A hierarchical communication system is described in which wireless local area networks (LANs) exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. In a premises LAN, a series of radio base stations and a backbone LAN make up an infrastructure network. The infrastructure network and at least one mobile computing device make up a higher-power LAN, utilizing a frequency hopping protocol. A lower-power LAN allows for radio communication between a mobile computing device and peripheral devices, utilizing a single-frequency spread spectrum protocol. A vehicular LAN provides for short-range communication between a vehicle terminal and a portable terminal. When out of direct RF range of the premises LAN, the vehicle terminal maintains indirect communication when necessary with the premises LAN via one of several alternate RF channels.

Abstract: An isolated low power converter including a low voltage, self-oscillating power converter, which derives power through bleeder current from the relatively high-voltage, input bulk capacitors. A bleeder circuit taps a relatively low voltage current source from the bulk capacitors to supply an oscillator circuit. The bleeder circuit preferably incorporates current limit resistors typically provided according to safety specifications. The oscillator circuit is preferably implemented using the primary of a transformer. A simple regulator circuit coupled to the secondary of the transformer provides a low voltage SELV power signal for powering detection circuitry. In the preferred embodiment, the bleeder circuit includes a relatively large resistive voltage divider for supplying current to charge a capacitor. The voltage of the capacitor is regulated using a constant voltage device, such as one or more Zener diodes.

Abstract: A leadless high density connector including a plurality of connector pins each having multiconductor pins electrically connected to solder balls on the back side of the connector for interconnection to a PWB. The solder balls form a ball grid array (BGA), which replaces thin gull wing leads used on connectors of prior art. The use of BGA technology as applied to high density connectors provides a plurality of benefits associated with BGA technology. The signal carrying capacity of the connector is increased since the bottom surface of the connector is available for interconnecting signal paths rather than being limited to the peripheral edges as common for leaded packages. The resulting profile of the connector is substantially reduced allowing increased component and wiring density. The resulting bond strength using BGA technology is greater than that with a leaded equivalent due to the increased bond surface area and resulting anchoring effect.