Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling access to a detachably connectable computer device using encryption is disclosed. The method and apparatus include a connector for coupling the device to a computer, an input for receiving a password from a user, encrypting logic for encrypting the password and comparing logic for comparing the received password with a key. The key is determined by encrypting a user-assigned password and storing it as the key. Further included is circuitry for determining whether the received password corresponds to the key, and circuitry for sending an enable signal to configuration logic of the detachably connectable computer device, upon a determination that the received password corresponds to the key.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for propagating signals between a PC card and a computer system. The method and apparatus includes using contacts on the card edge to route signals between the card and components within the computer system. In this manner, a PC card is not limited to transferring signals solely over its standard connection interface.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) card and corresponding computer IC card receptacle apparatus is described which provides for enhanced electrical isolation of the IC card's side contacts during insertion, and which provides for enhanced IC card security features. The apparatus includes an IC card containing a side contact located within a recessed keyed notch along a side edge. The apparatus also includes an IC card receptacle containing the corresponding side electrical contact on a keyed control arm. The keyed control arm is keyed for the recessed keyed notch of the IC card, such that the electrical contact on the keyed control arm remains electrically isolated until the IC card is completely inserted into the receptacle. The control arm may be coupled to a locking mechanism so that the IC card is forcibly retained in the IC card receptacle until released.

Abstract: A system for controlling the power consumption of an add-in PC card operating within a host computer. The host computer includes a power supply that provides all power used by the PC card. The PC card includes communication registers required for communication between the host computer and the PC card. The PC card also includes a microcontroller connected to an I/O subsystem and a multi-pin I/O connector. A first side of the multi-pin I/O connector is connected to the I/O subsystem and a second side is connected to a source of I/O signals external to the host computer. An external register module is connected to the microcontroller and communicates with the host computer. The external register module contains the communication registers. A status detector located on the PC card detects whether the I/O subsystem is processing I/O information, and supplies a status signal indicative thereof. A power management module is also located on the PC card and is connected to the status connector.

Abstract: A modem located on a PC card. An I/O socket is mounted on one end of the PC card and sideswipe contacts are positioned long e one or more sides. The I/O socket has a plurality of positions including one or more positions which are electrically connected to the modem. A relay is located in the PC card, and has one side connected in common to the modem and the positions on the I/O socket. The other side of the relay is connected to the sideswipe connectors. The control input to the relay is connected to a position of the I/O socket separate from the modem positions. A voltage source is connected to a position in the socket separate from the modem positions and the control signal position. An I/O plug is designed to have one side connected to the telephone network and the other side connected to the I/O socket such that all pins in the plug mate with the corresponding positions in the I/O socket.

Abstract: A sideswipe contact system for an add in PC card consisting of an apparatus for identifying the card as having a sideswipe connector and apparatus on a header for causing the header connectors to be electrically isolated from an inserted PC card unless the PC card is equipped with the sideswipe connectors. The header assembly includes a frame mechanically shaped to receive the card frame in an inserting relationship. A plurality of connector assemblies are movably mounted to the header frame. Each of the connector assemblies consists of an insulating standoff having substantially the same specified shape as the first cavity and fitting therein and a second electrical conductor adjacent to and smaller than the standoff. The plurality of connector assemblies are movable from a first position when the PC card is not inserted in the header frame to a second position when the card is fully inserted into the header.

Abstract: An interconnecting receptacle for a computer system is described. The interconnecting receptacle includes a case mounted on a housing of the computer system for receiving an external connector and a plurality of metallic contacts located inside the case for electrically connecting circuitry of the computer system inside the housing to the external connector. The external connector can be one of (1) a first type of connector that includes a first number of electrical connectors and (2) a second type of connector that includes a second number of electrical connectors. When the external connector is the first type of connector and is inserted inside the case, a first set of the plurality of metallic contacts are used to connect to the first number of electrical connectors of the external connector.

Abstract: A notebook personal computer (PC) in which an I/O connector and module are located at the top of the display screen. The module is L-shaped to conform to the shape of the display screen housing with the connector to the internal printed circuit input/output (I/O) card extending into the notebook PC frame. The connector is constructed so as to mate with I/O cards which are fitted with a standard I/O card contact design.