Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a portable computer configured for docking to a docking station is disclosed. In one embodiment, a portable computer system includes a docking interface having a bus switch and a bus monitoring circuit, and a bus coupled to the docking interface. With the computer coupled to a docking station, the bus switch, when closed, may couple the bus to a peripheral interface in the docking station. The bus switch may close responsive to docking, thereby completing the electrical coupling of the bus to the peripheral interface in the docking station. The portable computer being docked to the docking station, the bus monitoring circuit may monitor the bus cycles occurring on the bus and identify trusted read and/or write cycles.

Abstract: A low power storage cell includes a flip-flop circuit along with associated circuitry to place the flip-flop in an access mode for reading data and in a storage mode when the flip-flop is not being accessed. In the storage mode the flip-flop stores data at very low voltage and current levels, thus greatly reducing power consumption. Reduced power consumption in the storage mode permits the device to retain data for long periods of time, in the event of power failure, with minimal backup power supply capacity.

Abstract: A synchronous binary counter includes a plurality of counter stages wherein each stage experiences a state change in response to the application of a toggle signal thereto. Gating apparatus is provided between successive ones of the counter stages and said gating apparatus is responsive to a first state of the preceding counter stage for transferring the toggle signal to successive ones of the counter stages and responsive to a second state of the preceding counter stage for blocking the transfer of the toggle signal.