Abstract: In various embodiments, one or more connectors are configured to make electrical contact with side power and ground pads on a component. The connectors may include, in some embodiments, a conductive member and a compressible conductor for making electrical contact with the side pads. In some embodiments, the connectors are attached to a power board configured to be placed over a top of the component during use. In other embodiments, the connectors are attached to a socket into which the component is inserted during use. In still other embodiments, the connectors are attached to a motherboard to which the socket is attached.

Abstract: A component may comprise one or more integrated circuits and a component package to which the one or more integrated circuits are coupled. The component package has a bottom comprising a plurality of conductors for providing signal connection to the one or more integrated circuits, a top to which the one or more integrated circuits are coupled, and a plurality of sides. At least one of sides includes at least one power pad for providing a power supply voltage to the one or more integrated circuits. At least one of the plurality of sides includes at least one ground pad for providing a ground to the one or more integrated circuits.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for sequentially applying electrical power to multiple loads. The system is capable of operating in conjunction with other such systems as either a slave or master. When operating as a master, the system is activated as soon as it is turned on, and begins sequentially applying power to the loads connected to its output channels. When operating as a slave, the system must first receive an enable input signal from the master to which it is connected. The master/slave assignment is switch-selectable; thus, series-connected units may be reconfigured from single to multiple masters, or vice-versa, with no wiring changes. The new system is believed to provide the benefits of improved reliability and reduced cost for power distribution networks, by eliminating startup current surges resulting from simultaneously powering-up all of the attached loads, thereby reducing stress on components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring microprocessor case temperatures during testing. A groove is formed on a top surface of a lid covering a microprocessor, extending from an edge of the lid toward the center of the lid, in order to accept an insulated portion of a thermocouple. Depending on the size and shape of a sensing end of the thermocouple, either a step or notch may be formed at the interior end of the groove, near the center of the lid, to accept a sensing end of the thermocouple. Microprocessor case temperature is sensed during testing by the thermocouple, which is placed, and optionally bonded, within the groove and the step or notch.

Abstract: A system for the cooling of integrated circuits and, more particularly, for the use of cooling ducts alone or in combination with cooling fans to lower the temperature of integrated circuits. The cooling duct substantially surrounds the integrated circuit. Cooling air may be convectively conducted through the duct to the integrated circuit. Alternatively the cooling air is preferably conducted through the duct to the integrated circuit by at least one cooling fan. Additional cooling fans may be placed within the duct or on the exterior of the duct. The duct may extend through the computer case, communicating with air outside the case. Alternatively, the fans may blow the heated air from the duct outside of the computer case.

Abstract: A voltage detector circuit for use with the probe may include pairs of comparators. Each of the pairs of comparators may have mutually connected inputs with the non-inverting input of one comparator connected to the inverting pair of the other comparator. A reference voltage may be connected to one mutual connection and the voltage to be detected connected to the other.

Abstract: One or more detection circuits are provided for determining the operation of a motherboard prior to placing a microprocessor upon that motherboard. The detection circuit determines a particular way in which the motherboard is configured by ascertaining, for example, a power supply voltage and a clocking frequency output from the motherboard. A probe is used, in combination with the detector circuits, to determine motherboard operation at a socket to which, for example, a microprocessor can be coupled. Jumpers or switches upon the motherboard can be readily found by activating a switch and looking for a response upon the detection circuit output. If a response is not found, the jumper or switch is returned, and another jumper or switch is activated. Once the jumper or switch used for changing system clock speed and/or processor voltage is located, then a display is read as to those parameters to ensure the parameters match the processor specification.

Abstract: One or more detection circuits are provided for determining the operation of a motherboard prior to placing a microprocessor upon that motherboard. The detection circuit determines a particular way in which the motherboard is configured by ascertaining, for example, a power supply voltage and a clocking frequency output from the motherboard. A probe is used, in combination with the detector circuits, to determine motherboard operation at a socket to which, for example, a microprocessor can be coupled. Jumpers or switches upon the motherboard can be readily found by activating a switch and looking for a response upon the detection circuit output. If a response is not found, the jumper or switch is returned, and another jumper or switch is activated. Once the jumper or switch used for changing system clock speed and/or processor voltage is located, then a display is read as to those parameters to ensure the parameters match the processor specification.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for controlling charge (or discharge) of an auxiliary battery using an auxiliary battery charge control circuit of improved design. The auxiliary battery charge control circuit is coupled between an auxiliary battery and a main battery for regulating charge and discharge of the auxiliary battery. The auxiliary battery control circuit includes a pair of voltage dividers coupled between ground potential and the main battery, and a pair of comparators having a mutually connected output. The inputs of the pair of comparators are connected to a reference voltage and the pair of voltage dividers. The output of the comparators is connected to a switch transistor, and the switch transistor modulates a battery connected transistor coupled between the main battery and the auxiliary battery.

Abstract: A low-cost battery charge indicator is provided which is capable of indicating a quantity of charge upon a battery or battery pack. The charge indicator includes positive and negative battery terminals and a charge gauge circuit mounted within a battery pack or a battery-powered electronic device. The positive and negative terminals are adapted to receive a battery and to test the battery charge within the battery during times in which the charge gauge circuit is active. Activation of the charge gauge circuit occurs by depressing a momentary switch coupled between the charge gauge circuit and the battery terminals. Upon activation of the switch, one of three LEDs will emit light informing the user of the state of charge upon the battery or battery pack. The switch remains normally open to avoid current draw from the battery during non-test times.

Abstract: A microprocessor clocking system is provided for achieving attenuation of a clock signal sent to a microprocessor during initial activation of a connected power supply. By attenuating the clock signal during initial turn-on of the power supply, the clock input to the microprocessor is prevented from erroneous triggering and improper operation. After a delay period has expired, the clock signal is allowed to input directly to the microprocessor input. The delay period is determined as a time exceeding normal spurious noise conditions found on the power supply during initial activation. The microprocessor clocking system includes a clock conditioning circuit configured between a clock signal output of a core logic unit and the clock signal input to a microprocessor. The clock conditioning circuit utilizes a turn-on circuit and a delay circuit coupled to the power supply voltage.

Abstract: A power interrupt device for detecting activity remote from the detector and/or device and for producing a signal capable of interrupting power to a load, such as an electronic display. The detector can sense remote activity, and the activity or associated object need not contact the detector. Depending upon whether the activity is present or not present, the detector and associated interrupt circuitry can turn on or off a power load device such as an electronic display. The power interrupt device is well suited for turning off an electronic display when a user is no longer in the room or working area. The computer can remain running, however, the associated display can be remotely turned off to reduce the amount of heat dissipated from the display during periods when the user is not present.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for altering an electrical signal between a first device and a second device. The apparatus includes a support structure or interconnection member having at least two surfaces with a plurality of contacts on each surface. The contacts are arranged in a predesignated pattern to mate with the conductors of each of the devices. In a typical application, the apparatus will be used to connect a microprocessor powered by approximately 3.3 V to a printed circuit board of a system using a power supply of approximately 5.0 V.

Abstract: A voltage boost circuit is provided for amplifying or boosting an input voltage to a higher voltage level while also providing a regulated voltage amount for the boosted output. The voltage boost circuit with regulated output is well suited for low power applications by providing an oscillator which can be switched between normal mode and standby mode of operation depending upon the voltage state of the amplified output. Once the voltage state is at or within a regulated range, the oscillator can be placed in a standby state and the power consumption normally associated with amplifier or oscillator operation is considerably reduced. A voltage multiplier ensures that the output voltage is maintained over a fairly long period of time without requiring active refresh and power consumption normally associated therewith.

Abstract: An electronic display and electronic display controller is provided for quickly and precisely adjusting visibility parameters of an object being displayed. The electronic display controller includes a clocking circuit capable of producing varying frequency clocking pulses which can be received by a potentiometer to incrementally adjust the visibility of a displayed object. Activation of one or more buttons on the external housing of the display will cause low frequency clocking signals to be sent to the potentiometer and, after a set period of time, higher frequency clocking signals can be sent provided the button remains active. Initial low frequency and subsequent high frequency clocking signals ensure higher precision initial tuning and, if needed, rapid course tuning of the object visibility.

Abstract: A preamble search and synchronizer circuit for detecting a preamble pattern within data input signals and synchronizing it with a clock signal associated with a StarLAN coded data transceiver includes a synchronizer start circuit, a counter circuit, and a pattern detector circuit. The synchronizer start circuit is responsive to the complement of the data input signals and the clock signal for generating a start signal which is synchronized with the clock signal. The counter circuit is responsive to the start signal and the complement of the clock signal for generating a gated clock signal. The pattern detector circuit is responsive to the start signal, the data input signals and the gated clock signal for sampling of the data input signals and for generating a synchronized output signal upon detection of a predetermined data sequence indicative of the preamble pattern.

Abstract: A digital filter receive circuit for use with a StarLAN coded data transceiver includes three D-type flip-flops and four NAND logic gates. The digital receive line filter circuit is capable of being implemented as part of a single monolithic integrated circuit containing the transceiver, thereby producing a miniaturized and compact structure.

Abstract: A daisy chain collision detection circuit for use with a StarLAN coded data transceiver includes a voltage comparator having an inverting input, a non-inverting input and an output. The inverting input of the voltage comparator is responsive to differential output voltages from a differential line drive and transient spike voltages from the primary of an isolation transformer. A charging capacitor is connected to the non-inverting input of the voltage comparator. The capacitor is charged to a reference voltage which is directly proportional to the peak voltage of the differential output voltages. The output of the voltage comparator provides an internal collision detection signal which is switched from a high logic level to a low logic level upon the occurrence of a daisy chain collision.

Abstract: Disclosed is an essentially on-chip switching power supply circuit for generating from a single 5 volt power supply high positive and/or low negative voltages of the order of .+-.25 or more. The circuit consists of a pulse generator which alternately activates a positive rail voltage circuit and a negative rail voltage circuit. The positive/negative rail voltage circuit consists of a positive/negative electronic switch in series with a positive/negative voltage generator having an output terminal where the required positive/negative voltage output is generated. The positive/negative voltage generator consists of an inductor and output capacitor coupled together via a rectifying diode.

Abstract: A regulator circuit which provides voltage regulation for a normal power supply and a battery used in a battery back-up system. A first portion of the circuit detects when the battery is about to go into a deep discharge condition (when operated in the battery back-up mode) and a second portion of the circuit is used to regulate the output voltage to a load. When the first portion of the circuit detects the deep discharge condition, it disconnects the load and the second portion of the circuit from the battery. The first portion of the circuit draws a very small current.