Abstract: A computer system having multiple components capable of being in either a wake or sleep state includes a controller and a voltage regulator. The controller may generate a power state status signal indicating the power states of the components, and this signal may be provided to the voltage regulator. In response, the voltage regulator increases its output voltage level to the components when the power state status signal indicates that the components enter a sleep state.

Abstract: A power system includes an input power port, a power rail, a battery unit, and a system charger voltage regulator (VR). The system charger VR couples the input power port to the battery unit. The battery unit couples with the system charger VR and the power rail.

Abstract: An indicator of a brightness level for a backlight is received. The backlight has a voltage inverter. Either a continuous mode of operation for the voltage inverter or a burst mode of operation for the voltage inverter is selected based at least in part on the indicator.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a switching control port, a battery stack, an output power port, and switch circuitry. The switching control port receives a switch control signal from a battery pack port. The switch circuitry selectively couples the battery stack to the output power port based at least in part on the switch control signal.

Abstract: A hybrid power system includes a fuel cell and a secondary power source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transitioning the CPU of a computer system to a lower performance level upon removal of AC power. Circuitry within the system input power control detects the removal of the AC power. The circuitry generates an event that causes power management software to immediately transition the CPU to a lower performance level sufficient to prevent the unwanted shutdown of the system. The AC power removal detection and CPU transition are effected while the system maintains an operational power level due to residual power in the system capacitors.

Abstract: A flat panel display is described having a matrix of liquid crystals, wherein the liquid crystals have a common node. A pair of voltages that are applied to the common node help determine the rms voltages that are applied to the liquid crystals. The pair of voltages are tailored to bring a maximum rms voltage that is applied to the liquid crystals so as to fall along the lower knee of a transmittance vs. rms voltage curve that characterizes the performance of the liquid crystals.

Abstract: A rework nozzle includes a gripping device that is used to remove a soldered device from a circuit board. The rework nozzle attaches to a module that generates hot gas. The device that is to be removed from the circuit board is placed within the nozzle. The module generates hot gas, and the hot gas is directed by the nozzle to soldered connections that couple the device to the circuit board. The hot gas melts the solder and the gripping mechanism is used to grasp the device. The device may be removed from the circuit board by separating the circuit board from the nozzle after the hot gas melts the solder. The nozzle will release the device if the force needed to remove the device is greater than the force applied to the device by the gripping mechanism. The release of the device will prevent damage to the device or to the circuit board.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for a computer processor having different voltage levels. When a processor starts up from a temperature which is colder than its operating temperature, it requires a higher voltage than normal. A multiplexer selects either the normal voltage or the higher voltage depending on whether the device has been running or just turned on. The selected signal controls the voltage regulator to produce the desired voltage for the processor. Selections may also be made based on other circumstances such as the end of a sleep state or a different mode of operation.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for a computer processor having different voltage levels. When a processor starts up from a temperature which is colder than its operating temperature, it requires a higher voltage than normal. A multiplexer selects either the normal voltage or the higher voltage depending on whether the device has been running or just turned on. The selected signal controls the voltage regulator to produce the desired voltage for the processor. Selections may also be made based on other circumstances such as the end of a sleep state or a different mode of operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transitioning the CPU of a computer system to a lower performance level upon removal of AC power. Circuitry within the system input power control detects the removal of the AC power. The circuitry generates an event that causes power management software to immediately transition the CPU to a lower performance level sufficient to prevent the unwanted shutdown of the system. The AC power removal detection and CPU transition are effected while the system maintains an operational power level due to residual power in the system capacitors.

Abstract: A rework nozzle includes a gripping device that is used to remove a soldered device from a circuit board. The rework nozzle attaches to a module that generates hot gas. The device that is to be removed from the circuit board is placed within the nozzle. The module generates hot gas, and the hot gas is directed by the nozzle to soldered connections that couple the device to the circuit board. The hot gas melts the solder and the gripping mechanism is used to grasp the device. The device may be removed from the circuit board by separating the circuit board from the nozzle after the hot gas melts the solder. The nozzle will release the device if the force needed to remove the device is greater than the force applied to the device by the gripping mechanism. The release of the device will prevent damage to the device or to the circuit board.

Abstract: A rework nozzle includes a gripping device that is used to remove a soldered device from a circuit board. The rework nozzle attaches to a module that generates hot gas. The device that is to be removed from the circuit board is placed within the nozzle. The module generates hot gas, and the hot gas is directed by the nozzle to soldered connections that couple the device to the circuit board. The hot gas melts the solder and the gripping mechanism is used to grasp the device. The device may be removed from the circuit board by separating the circuit board from the nozzle after the hot gas melts the solder. The nozzle will release the device if the force needed to remove the device is greater than the force applied to the device by the gripping mechanism. The release of the device will prevent damage to the device or to the circuit board.

Abstract: A method for isolating a pin of a ball grid array (BGA) device mounted on a printed circuit board, and routing the signal carried by the isolated pin to an alternate location. The BGA device pin is isolated by removing the solder ball to expose the device pad. A rework or engineering wire is then soldered to the BGA device pad using a high temperature solder. The rework wire is then routed between the other solder pads to the edge of the BGA device package. The BGA device is then reflowed at a temperature lower than the reflow temperature of the high temperature solder. The rework wire is used to route the signal carried by the isolated BGA pin to an alternate location. The present invention provides for higher process yields than conventional rework processes.