Abstract: An electronic device provides a user with a direct and intuitive indication of achieved data transfer rates. In one embodiment, a vibrator is controlled to provide a tactile indication of upload and/or download speeds. Other embodiments relate to visual and/or audio indications of data transfer speed. Combinations of these indicators are also described.

Abstract: A wireless headset for use with a separate communications device, such as a cellular telephone, includes automatic on/off capabilities to maximize battery life. By detecting a user's interaction, such as picking up the headset or placing it upon the user's body, the wireless headset automatically transitions from an inactive state to an active state. Techniques for automatic headset enabling include but are not limited to motion sensors, attitude or position sensors, proximity sensors, and contact sensors. These techniques may be used individually or in any combination. An internal timer allows the wireless headset to return to its inactive state a defined interval after cessation of movement or removal of the wireless headset. Including an optional sleep state further optimizes battery life. In the sleep state, only a portion of the wireless headset circuitry is enabled. Rather than transitioning from inactive to active, the headset transitions from inactive to sleep.

Abstract: A method and apparatus multiplexes pins of a PC card (104) to provide communication of two-way, high quality audio data between the PC card and a host computer (102) over a conventional PC card connector. The PC card includes one or more signal drivers (310), each signal driver coupled to a unidirectional signal line conventionally conveying address data from the host computer to the PC card. The signal drivers are configured to provide data signals to the signal line for communication to the host computer in an active mode and to enter a high impedance state in an inactive mode in response to a control signal received at a control input (314).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the capacity in a battery-powered communication. The method includes the steps of measuring a temperature of the battery, measuring a charging voltage and current, and determining a value corresponding to the number of charge cycles associated with the battery. Using these parameters, a capacity value corresponding to at least one of the parameters is computed based on stored database information. The apparatus includes a microprocessor linked to the battery. The microprocessor estimates the capacity present in the battery and calculates the remaining amount of battery capacity. After determining the present mode of battery power discharge, the microprocessor calculates the remaining available power time for the battery corresponding to previously read operational parameters.

Abstract: A pair of electrical contacts are provided on a lower surface of each key in a keypad assembly. When a key is depressed, the contacts are brought into electrical communication with a common conductive surface such that an electrical circuit is completed between a discrete pair of terminals. The arrangement, number, and configuration of keys can be changed without modifying the decoding logic and supporting circuitry of a keypad-operated instrument.

Abstract: A spring button assembly is integrally formed with a casing for an electronic device. The spring button assembly includes a press button disposed facing an exterior of the casing, the PCB contact extension disposed facing an interior of the casing, and a resilient connector connecting the press button and the PCB contact extension to the casing. The casing can be molded with many different configurations of the spring button assembly, enabling the button to be placed far from its corresponding PCB contact including around complex geometry. The PCB contact extension may be configured to actuate a contact switch on the PCB or may be provided with a conductive surface to connect conductive traces on the PCB. In one arrangement, the PCB contact extension includes a cam surface adapted to engage a contact block for activating the PCB contact. In yet another arrangement, the button assembly includes components to be an LED indicator.