Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method to allow a microcontroller unit with fewer pins to use SDRAM. This invention uses the SDRAM burst mode in a favorable way. On an initial cycle of the burst access the microcontroller supplies an address one less than the actual initial address on a multiplexed address/data bus connected to both the address bus and the data bus of the SDRAM. DQM signals from the microcontroller to the SDRAM suppress all data writes. On the second and subsequent cycles of the burst assess, the microcontroller supplies the next data word to be written on the multiplexed address/data bus together with DQM signals permitting data writing. This technique prevents collisions of address and data on the microcontroller multiplexed address/data bus.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided an auxiliary battery charging terminal that may selectively engage battery charging circuitry inside a portable radio pager. There is provided a current conducting cap having a downwardly and outwardly flared rim that deforms to lock under the crimped edge an insulating seal ring of a standard rechargeable cell by application of a compressive axial force. The auxiliary battery charging terminal is further provided with a central tip axially projecting upwardly from the cap. The auxiliary terminal may be further provided with a cap of reduced diameter to circumferentially engage the raised battery cathode terminal on the battery cell. A mating recess in a remote battery charging receptacle may receive the tip to captivate the battery cell against lateral displacement. The tip may be further provided with a rounded apex to relieve localized frictional forces upon insertion and removal of the battery cell from the remote battery charging receptacle.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved cadmium negative electrode which is less prone to fading, can easily be manufactured by a pasting technique, and which does not require any external cycling to develop a precharge. This is accomplished by the use of irregular knarled cylindroidal cadmium particles of an average size ranging from 8 to 25 microns as measured by a Fisher Subsieve Sizer. The irregular knarled cylindroidal shape of the particles provides a substantial improvement pyrophoric characteristics while stilll providing electrochemical activity within a nickel-cadmium cell.