Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing thermal dissipation from a PC card is disclosed. For one embodiment of the invention, an extension portion, having a heat sink implemented thereon, is provided for a PC card. The extension portion extends beyond the PC card slot allowing thermal dissipation from the card due to air flow over the heat sink. For one embodiment of the invention, heat producing components of the PC card are identified and a thermally conductive path is provided from the components to the extension portion of the PC card.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a broadband antenna is disclosed. For one embodiment of the invention, a molded antenna structure is provided having a gap between electrical components on the printed circuit assembly (PCA) and an overmolding of the antenna structure. One embodiment of the invention substantially reduces the degradation of the antenna performance in wideband modes of operation compared with prior art overmolding schemes. For one embodiment of the invention, the gap between the electrical components and the overmolding is formed by implementing a “cap” (covering) over the components on the PCA such that they are substantially surrounded by air between the cap and the PCA surface.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatuses for varying and controlling the effective series resistance (ESR) of a power supply rail configured to transmit power from a power supply of a host device to a wireless network interface device (e.g. a wireless modem). Varying and controlling the ESR of the power supply rail, relative to an ESR of a super capacitor coupled to the power supply rail, allows control of the currents drawn from the host power supply and a super capacitor. During a time when the wireless network interface device is transmitting or is about to transmit, the ESR of the power supply rail is increased so that it exceeds the ESR of the super capacitor, thereby causing current for the power amplifier (PA) of the wireless network interface device to be drawn primarily from the super capacitor, rather than from the host power supply.

Abstract: A switching circuit operative to switch between a first and second power source to an output is disclosed. The circuit comprises a MOSFET switch electrically connected to the first and second power sources and operative to provide power from either one of the power sources to the output. The circuit includes a RC network electrically connected to a gate of the MOSFET switch. The RC network is operative to delay switching between the first and second power sources such that the second power source has the opportunity to fully ramp-up in order to provide continuous power to the output. Accordingly, the second power source can fully provide power to the output when the power is switched from the first power source to the second power source.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for selectively connecting one of an internal and an external antenna to an RF signal component of a wireless modem use a sensor mounted on the circuit board of the wireless modem. The sensor senses the presence of a connector of the external antenna, and issues a corresponding sensor output signal to a controller that controls a switch in order to alternatively connect one of the internal and external antennas to the RF signal component.

Abstract: A data communications network may be browsed using one or more tokens by receiving an input keyword string from a user, determining whether there is a match between the input keyword string and a database of keyword strings, determining a category of the keyword string, rendering to the user at least one service identifier associated with the category, receiving a user-selected service identifier in response to the rendering, substituting at least one variable in a resource locator template associated with the service with a string based at least in part on the keyword string entered by the user and launching the resource locator. According to one aspect, a special rendering of a hyperlink corresponding to the resource locator is used to indicate private data will be disclosed upon launching the resource locator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for selectively connecting one of an internal and an external antenna to an RF signal component of a wireless modem use a sensor mounted on the circuit board of the wireless modem. The sensor senses the presence of a connector of the external antenna, and issues a corresponding sensor output signal to a controller that controls a switch in order to alternatively connect one of the internal and external antennas to the RF signal component.

Abstract: A platform discrimination indication register is stored in a wireless network card. This register holds a platform discrimination indication that indicates whether the wireless network card can be used to transfer data with notebook computers or whether the wireless network card is restricted to transferring data from a personal digital assistant or defined set of restricted devices. The platform discrimination indication can be upgraded using a key value obtained from an Internet site. This key value is limited to a specific wireless network card because of the use of a unique electronic I.D. An Internet site encrypts the electronic I.D. to produce the first key, such as a platform activation key (PAK). This first key is then decrypted at the personal data device in order to obtain a unique calculated I.D. value. If the calculated I.D. value matches the electronic I.D.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solution in which a script containing general security parameters and access policies in a file is placed on an appropriate internal server. The location of the script may then be stored on an external server. When an end-user within the organization decides to purchase a wireless network device, he may attach it to his existing computer. The computer then may retrieve the security file location from the external server, retrieve the security file from the internal server using the security file location, and program the security file into the wireless device.

Abstract: Dynamic bus-based virtual channel multiplexing may be accomplished by establishing one or more virtual channels with a multiplexing device function driver and a multifunction device coupled to a bus, determining one or more functions to be activated on the device, and for each activated function, launching a second-tier function driver to handle operation of the activated function. The second-tier function driver has a function driver type. Establishment of the one or more virtual channels is accomplished using a multiplexing protocol and multiplexing device function driver with the multifunction device via a bus driver coupled to the bus.

Abstract: A method for regulating a temperature increase rate of a communication device as the communication device transmits data is provided. The communication device transmits the data to a second communication device at a rate set. The method includes monitoring the temperature of the communication device as the communication device transmits data to the second communication device. When the temperature of the communication device exceeds an acceptable temperature, the rate set of the data is throttled in order to decrease the temperature increase rate of the communication device in order to avoid a peak temperature. The communication consumes an amount of output power during a period of time as data is transmitted. The rate set of the data is throttled by either reducing the output power used or reducing the period of time used while the communication device is transmitting to the second communication device.

Abstract: A switching circuit operative to switch between a first and second power source to an output is disclosed. The circuit comprises a MOSFET switch electrically connected to the first and second power sources and operative to provide power from either one of the power sources to the output. The circuit includes a RC network electrically connected to a gate of the MOSFET switch. The RC network is operative to delay switching between the first and second power sources such that the second power source has the opportunity to fully ramp-up in order to provide continuous power to the output. Accordingly, the second power source can fully provide power to the output when the power is switched from the first power source to the second power source.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing current overdraw by a wireless modem sinking current from a host power supply of a host device (e.g. laptop computer or personal digital assistant (PDA)). The methods and apparatuses are applicable, but not limited to Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) wireless modems and Global System for Mobile Communications/General Packet Radio Service (GSM/GPRS) wireless networks.

Abstract: A data communications network may be browsed using one or more tokens by receiving an input keyword string from a user, determining whether there is a match between the input keyword string and a database of keyword strings, determining a category of the keyword string, rendering to the user at least one service identifier associated with the category, receiving a user-selected service identifier in response to the rendering, substituting at least one variable in a resource locator template associated with the service with a string based at least in part on the keyword string entered by the user and launching the resource locator. According to one aspect, a special rendering of a hyperlink corresponding to the resource locator is used to indicate private data will be disclosed upon launching the resource locator.

Abstract: A switching circuit operative to switch between a first and second power source to an output is disclosed. The circuit comprises a MOSFET switch electrically connected to the first and second power sources and operative to provide power from either one of the power sources to the output. The circuit includes a RC network electrically connected to a gate of the MOSFET switch. The RC network is operative to delay switching between the first and second power sources such that the second power source has the opportunity to fully ramp-up in order to provide continuous power to the output. Accordingly, the second power source can fully provide power to the output when the power is switched from the first power source to the second power source.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing current overdraw by a wireless modem sinking current from a host power supply of a host device (e.g. laptop computer or personal digital assistant (PDA)). The methods and apparatuses are applicable, but not limited to Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) wireless modems and Global System for Mobile Communications/General Packet Radio Service (GSM/GPRS) wireless networks.

Abstract: An electronic device that has a lower portion that unfolds to reveal an extendable keyboard. When the keyboard is folded closed, a number pad is visible and the device looks similar to a traditional portable or cellular telephone. The device can be used as a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone or as the handset of a traditional wire line telephone. The fold-out keyboard of the electronic device can be used for easy entry of text data while a communication channel is active. The device includes two way messaging and Internet browsing capabilities.

Abstract: A multi-band antenna system for a portable communications device (e.g. a PC Card wireless modem) is disclosed. The multi-band antenna system comprises a dipole antenna, a reactive circuit, and transmission means coupled between the reactive circuit and the dipole antenna. For signals having frequencies within a first frequency band (e.g. the CDMA 0.86 GHz band), the reactive circuit operates as a trap, i.e. as a substantially high impedance, which enables a radiation impedance of a monopole formed by the presence of the trap to be coupled directly into the feed system (e.g. a diplexer) of the antenna system. The dipole antenna is configured and dimensioned to receive signals within a second frequency band (e.g. the PCS 1.92 GHz band). Second frequency band signals received by the dipole antenna are conducted through the signal conductor of the transmission means to the feed system substantially unimpeded by the reactive circuit.