Abstract: A PC Card controller, adapted for use in a laptop or notebook computer, generates a fake PC Card-insertion interrupt when a CPU, included in the computer, resumes normal operation after being in a lower power, Suspend operating mode. The PC Card controller includes a host-computer bus-interface adapted for exchanging interrupt signals with a bus included in the host computer. The PC Card controller also includes a PC Card interface-circuit for exchanging digital signals with a PC Card inserted into a PC Card socket included in the host computer. Insertion of a PC Card into the PC Card socket, while the CPU is in its normal operating mode, causes the PC Card interface-circuit to generate an interrupt signal for transmission to the CPU. The PC Card controller also includes a suspend/resume pin that receives a suspend/resume signal generated within the host computer.

Abstract: A switched-mode power supply for energizing a cold-cathode fluorescent lamp ("CCFL") includes a first semiconductor switch connects in series with a primary winding of a step-up transformer. The primary winding and a secondary winding, having many more turns than the primary winding, are disposed about a transformer core which has a linear magnetic permeability. A series connected second semiconductor switch and capacitor connect in parallel with the transformer's primary winding. A controller circuit transmits signals to turn the switches on and off. The controller circuit turns the first and second semiconductor switches on and off at a frequency that is higher than a resonant frequency of a parallel resonant circuit formed by the primary inductance of the transformer and capacitance of the capacitor. A decoupling capacitor connects in series to a first end of the transformer's secondary winding.