Abstract: Examples disclosed herein provide for the detection of an orientation of a device docked to a docking station for the device. Based on the orientation, the device may route logic on the device so that connection points on the device to make contact with connection points on the docking station are properly mapped to input/output ports on the docking station.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein provide for the detection of an orientation of a device docked to a docking station for the device. Based on the orientation, the device may route logic on the device so that connection points on the device to make contact with connection points on the docking station are properly mapped to input/output ports on the docking station.

Abstract: A system for placing electronic devices in restricted spaces of a printed circuit board. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a printed circuit board that comprises at least one conductive layer and at least one insulative layer (an outer surface of the printed circuit board defines a first plane), a void within the printed circuit board (the void defines an aperture through the outer surface, the void has at least one side wall at least partially defined by the insulative layer, and the void has a bottom that defines a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane), a first electronic device coupled to the printed circuit board within the void, and a second electronic device coupled to the outer surface, the second electronic device at least partially occludes the aperture.

Abstract: A docking station includes a port with a corresponding status indicator.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for insuring that a notebook computer and a docking station are compatible. This determination is made by each of the notebook and docking station communicating via a serial communication pathway. Each of these devices reads a product code and a ROM date associated with the other device, and then independently determine whether the other device may be safely communicated with or “docked.” The systems and methods also take into account that two devices may be docked, but that only minimum functionality can exist between them based on differences in software revisions. In this case, the systems and methods allow the two devices to dock, but the computer system user is notified of the differences in software revisions.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for handling devices that assert a wake-up signal in an improper fashion. It is observed that any wake-up signals that remain asserted as the computer system enters a low-power mode are likely produced by non-compliant cards, and to assure proper functioning of the system, it is desirable for the computer system to selectively block assertion of asserted signals from non-compliant cards. In one embodiment the computer system includes an expansion bus coupled to a bus bridge, and a signal gate. The expansion bus includes a wake-up signal that the signal gate can be configured to isolate from the bus bridge. The signal gate is preferably controlled by the power management controller. The power management controller sets the signal gate to isolate the signal from the bus bridge if the controller determines that wake-up signal is being driven in a non-standard manner.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for handling devices that assert a wake-up signal in an improper fashion. It is observed that any wake-up signals that remain asserted as the computer system enters a low-power mode are likely produced by non-compliant cards, and to assure proper functioning of the system, it is desirable for the computer system to selectively block assertion of asserted signals from non-compliant cards. In one embodiment the computer system includes an expansion bus coupled to a bus bridge, and a signal gate. The expansion bus includes a wake-up signal that the signal gate can be configured to isolate from the bus bridge. The signal gate is preferably controlled by the power management controller. The power management controller sets the signal gate to isolate the signal from the bus bridge if the controller determines that wake-up signal is being driven in a non-standard manner.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for insuring that a notebook computer and a docking station are compatible. This determination is made by each of the notebook and docking station communicating via a serial communication pathway. Each of these devices reads a product code and a ROM date associated with the other device, and then independently determine whether the other device may be safely communicated with or “docked.” The systems and methods also take into account that two devices may be docked, but that only minimum functionality can exist between them based on differences in software revisions. In this case, the systems and methods allow the two devices to dock, but the computer system user is notified of the differences in software revisions.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for adapting a computer system having a standard half-height bay to operatively receive multi-purpose bay devices therein. In one described embodiment, an adapter is provided which may be conveniently mounted in a standard half-height bay, but which is configured to accept multi-purpose bay devices. The adapter includes standard drive connectors, and connectors which permit the adapter to be effectively used in systems having features such as circuitry permitting hot-swapping of drives and circuitry for controlling battery charging and/or discharging. The adapter also includes circuitry for automatic selection of a power source to supply power to devices installed therein.

Abstract: A portable computer docking station has incorporated therein a motorized docking/undocking module which is releasably latched to a housing wall portion of the docking station. The module includes a housing within which a small electric drive motor is operatively mounted, with wall portions of the module housing translationally and rotationally restraining the motor body without the use of screws or other separate fastening members. A docking control system, upon sensing the manual placement of a portable computer on a receiving area adjacent the module energizes the module motor which rotates a cammed worm gear portion of the module which is drivingly linked to latching and ejection portions of the module. The motor-driven latching portion of the module connects to the computer and docks it by forcibly drawing it toward the module in a manner mating facing connectors on the computer and docking station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing the state of a computer system and changing the state, if necessary, before connecting the computer system to a computer expansion unit. The computer system has an electrical sense pad on which it sets a state signal. This state signal can indicate one of several states of the computer system. When the computer system is placed in the computer expansion unit, the expansion unit detects the state signal from the electrical sense pad and determines the state of the computer therefrom. If the determined state is an acceptable state, then the expansion unit will complete the connection of the computer to itself. If the determined state is an unacceptable state, then the expansion unit will delay completion of the connection and will send a signal back to the computer system telling the computer system to change its state.