Abstract: A system-on-chip (SoC) architecture includes a plurality of blocks, each including a power control module to selectively control the power dissipated by the bloc. For each block, a power register is provided to receive power control instructions to selectively control the respective power control module. The system also includes a power control unit for writing respective power control instructions into the power control registers of the blocks, whereby the power dissipated is controlled individually and independently for each block under the centralized control of the power control unit. For each block, a power status register is also provided to receive status information concerning power control within the respective block. The power control unit reads the status instructions from such power status registers.

Abstract: A modular information processing system is disclosed. The system includes an expansion device that embeds at least one internal peripheral without a controller and/or at least one port for connecting an external peripheral. The system further includes a hand-held computer that embeds control circuitry including at least one controller for the at least one internal peripheral or at least one external peripheral, and an interface for coupling the hand-held computer to the expansion device in a removable manner. In a mobile operating condition in which the hand-held computer is not coupled to the expansion device, the processing circuitry controls the hand-held computer. In an expanded operating condition in which the hand-held computer is coupled to the expansion device, the processing circuitry controls a personal computer formed by the hand-held computer and the expansion device. Also provided are a hand-held computer and an expansion device for use in modular information processing systems.

Abstract: A system-on-chip (SoC) architecture includes a plurality of blocks, each including a power control module to selectively control the power dissipated by the bloc. For each block, a power register is provided to receive power control instructions to selectively control the respective power control module. The system also includes a power control unit for writing respective power control instructions into the power control registers of the blocks, whereby the power dissipated is controlled individually and independently for each block under the centralized control of the power control unit. For each block, a power status register is also provided to receive status information concerning power control within the respective block. The power control unit reads the status instructions from such power status registers.

Abstract: A modular information processing system is disclosed. The system includes an expansion device that embeds at least one internal peripheral without a controller and/or at least one port for connecting an external peripheral. The system further includes a hand-held computer that embeds control circuitry including at least one controller for the at least one internal peripheral or at least one external peripheral, and an interface for coupling the hand-held computer to the expansion device in a removable manner. In a mobile operating condition in which the hand-held computer is not coupled to the expansion device, the processing circuitry controls the hand-held computer. In an expanded operating condition in which the hand-held computer is coupled to the expansion device, the processing circuitry controls a personal computer formed by the hand-held computer and the expansion device. Also provided are a hand-held computer and an expansion device for use in modular information processing systems.