Abstract: A computer system supports a fast hibernation operation to save power, while minimizing the amount of time it takes to enter the hibernation mode, and to resume normal operations. The system periodically stores data from system memory to non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive, during normal operations when the system is idle. The system includes activity monitors that detect when the data in memory pages is changed. The system periodically sweeps the monitors, and performs save operations to the non-volatile memory. When the system enters hibernation mode, the system determines which memory pages have been changed since the last save operation, and then saves those pages to memory. As an alternative, the system immediately can enter hibernation by supplying power to the memory pages that have not been saved since the last save operation. To implement this, independent switches under the control of the CPU of memory controller selectively turn off power to unsaved memory pages.

Abstract: A computer system supports a fast hibernation operation to save power, while minimizing the amount of time it takes to enter the hibernation mode, and to resume normal operations. The system periodically stores data from system memory to non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive, during normal operations when the system is idle. The system includes activity monitors that detect when the data in memory pages is changed. The system periodically sweeps the monitors, and performs save operations to the non-volatile memory. When the system enters hibernation mode, the system determines which memory pages have been changed since the last save operation, and then saves those pages to memory. As an alternative, the system immediately can enter hibernation by supplying power to the memory pages that have not been saved since the last save operation. To implement this, independent switches under the control of the CPU of memory controller selectively turn off power to unsaved memory pages.

Abstract: A computer system supports a fast hibernation operation to save power, while minimizing the amount of time it takes to enter the hibernation mode, and to resume normal operations. The system periodically stores data from system memory to non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive, during normal operations when the system is idle. The system includes activity monitors that detect when the data in memory pages is changed. The system periodically sweeps the monitors, and performs save operations to the non-volatile memory. When the system enters hibernation mode, the system determines which memory pages have been changed since the last save operation, and then saves those pages to memory. As an alternative, the system immediately can enter hibernation by supplying power to the memory pages that have not been saved since the last save operation. To implement this, independent switches under the control of the CPU of memory controller selectively turn off power to unsaved memory pages.

Abstract: A power management scheme for a computer system prioritizes battery charging. The scheme includes determining when the output of a power adapter, which powers a computer and a battery subsystem, has reached or is about to reach a threshold which may be the power budget for the computer system. When this happens, rather than throttling battery charging, the system throttles back an aspect of the computer. Alternatively, after the computer has been throttled back, if the power budget still is being exceeded or is about to be exceeded again, then battery charging can be throttled back. In yet another embodiment, battery charging can be throttled first, followed, if necessary, by computer throttling.

Abstract: The present technique is associated with modular input devices for a computing device, such as a computer system. The technique allows a user to swap input devices according to the needs of the user, thereby adding functionality without increasing the size, space, or computing requirements of the computing device. In one aspect, the technique provides a biometric analysis device configured to identify the user for access to the computing device.

Abstract: A space-saving technique for ports used in communication between electronic devices. The technique utilizes a common connector structure between adjacent ports to reduce spacing between the adjacent ports. Accordingly, the reduced space requirements may translate to reduced dimensions for the electronic device.

Abstract: The present technique is associated with performance control for a computing device, such as a computer system. The technique provides temperature-responsive adjustments for a power supply based on a desired computing performance. In one aspect, the technique minimizes power consumption of the computing device while substantially maintaining the desired computing performance.

Abstract: A computer system supports operation of a CPU at multiple clock speeds. Logic in the computer system predicts the performance requirements of the CPU, and selects the fastest clock speed to optimize performance. In one embodiment, a Keyboard controller receives user inputs from various user input devices, including a mouse and keyboard. The Keyboard controller identifies user inputs that reflect a system command, such as, for example, a mouse click, selection of the Enter key, Page Up key, Page Down key, selection of the Alt key with another key, or any special function keys associated with a software application. If such a user input is detected, the Keyboard controller generates a system management interrupt (SMI) to the CPU. In response, the CPU calls a speed control algorithm that identifies the source of the SMI and increases the clock speed to the processor by providing a control input to a multiplexer or switch that selects the highest clock speed for the CPU.

Abstract: A computer system supports a fast hibernation operation to save power, while minimizing the amount of time it takes to enter the hibernation mode, and to resume normal operations. The system periodically stores data from system memory to non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive, during normal operations when the system is idle. The system includes activity monitors that detect when the data in memory pages is changed. The system periodically sweeps the monitors, and performs save operations to the non-volatile memory. When the system enters hibernation mode, the system determines which memory pages have been changed since the last save operation, and then saves those pages to memory. As an alternative, the system immediately can enter hibernation by supplying power to the memory pages that have not been saved since the last save operation. To implement this, independent switches under the control of the CPU of memory controller selectively turn off power to unsaved memory pages.

Abstract: A computer system supports suspend operations to save power. The suspend operation maintains power to the system memory to enable a quick recovery from the suspend mode. To insure the accuracy of the data in system memory, a copy of the data is backed up to non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive, prior to entering the suspend mode. In addition, a signature value representing blocks or pages of memory also is saved with the data. When normal operation resumes, data in system memory is validated by calculating a new signature for each data block or page, and comparing it with the save signature values. If the signatures match, the data is assumed to be valid. If the values do not match, a restore operation proceeds to load the back up copy to that block of system memory. The algorithm may be run immediately upon resuming operation, or may run in the background when the CPU is idle.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for the thermal management of computers. The method features determining a temperature of a predetermined location in the computer, reading indirect inputs of the computer, determining desired states of cooling options based on the temperature and the indirect inputs, and placing the cooling options in their desired states. To determine the desired states of the cooling options, an index is formed based on the indirect inputs; and the index indicates to which of a plurality of tables of desired states of the cooling options to refer. Alternatively, the desired states of the cooling options are determined by adjusting the value of the temperature input based on the indirect inputs; the desired states of the cooling options also are dependent on the adjusted value of the measured temperature.

Abstract: A computer system comprising an input/output device, a processor, a memory device, and a bridge logic device for interfacing the memory device to the processor and input/output device incorporates a refresh logic device for generating a memory refresh signal during suspend mode. Because the rate at which memory must be refreshed generally depends on the temperature of the memory device, the refresh logic varies the frequency of the refresh signal according to the temperature of the memory device, resulting in substantial power savings. In a preferred embodiment, the refresh logic uses a normal-rate refresh signal at the beginning of suspend mode and incrementally steps down the refresh rate as the memory temperature decreases. In other embodiments, the refresh logic incorporates a signal generator which produces a refresh signal at a frequency that varies according the output voltage from a temperature sensor or the temperature-sensitive resistance of a thermistor.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for the thermal management of computers. The method features determining a temperature of a predetermined location in the computer, reading indirect inputs of the computer, determining desired states of cooling options based on the temperature and the indirect inputs, and placing the cooling options in their desired states. To determine the desired states of the cooling options, an index is formed based on the indirect inputs; and the index indicates to which of a plurality of tables of desired states of the cooling options to refer. Alternatively, the desired states of the cooling options are determined by adjusting the value of the temperature input based on the indirect inputs; the desired states of the cooling options also are dependent on the adjusted value of the measured temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing system functionality through a predefined interface is disclosed. Signal lines which are not used or which are not used in certain modes are connected to an interconnection device instead of being connected to an interface wherein the output of the interconnection device is connected to the interface where such lines would have been connected. The interconnection device also has a set of inputs for receiving signals from a device providing the desired functionality. A controller chooses between the two sets of inputs to control what signal lines are connected to the predefined interface. Accordingly, during certain modes of operation, the added functionality from a device whose output is being switched into the interface can be supported. In one embodiment, speaker phone capability is provided for even though the predefined PCMCIA interface does not support such capability.

Abstract: A portable computer is provided with comparable performance to a desktop computer when docked at a docking station. When the portable computer is docked or physically coupled to the docking station, the microprocessor of the portable computer switches to an increased operating frequency. The onboard power supply of the portable computer is also disabled on docking, and the portable computer receives power from the docking station. Increased heat transfer capability is also enabled in the portable computer when it is docked, providing increased cooling to the portable computer. The portable computer thus overcomes the normal performance disparity between a portable computer system and a desktop computer system when the portable computer is docked.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing system functionality through a predefined interface is disclosed. Signal lines which are not used or which are not used in certain modes are connected to an interconnection device instead of being connected to an interface wherein the output of the interconnection device is connected to the interface where such lines would have been connected. The interconnection device also has a set of inputs for receiving signals from a device providing the desired functionality. A controller chooses between the two sets of inputs to control what signal lines are connected to the predefined interface. Accordingly, during certain modes of operation, the added functionality from a device whose output is being switched into the interface can be supported. In one embodiment, speaker phone capability is provided for even though the predefined PCMCIA interface does not support such capability.

Abstract: A battery powered computer system determines when the system is not in use by monitoring various events associated with the operation of the system. The system preferably monitors the number of cache read misses and write operations, i.e., the cache hit rate, and reduces the system clock frequency when the cache hit rate rises above a certain level. When the cache hit rate is above a certain level, then it can be assumed that the processor is executing a tight loop, such as when the processor is waiting for a key to be pressed and then the frequency can be reduced without affecting system performance. Alternatively, the apparatus monitors the occurrence of memory page misses, I/O write cycles or other events to determine the level of activity of the computer system.