Abstract: An integrated controller for the detection and operation of both PC Cards, smart cards and passive smart card adapter cards. In one aspect, the invention detects the presence of standard expansion cards or passive smart card adapters by utilizing the reserved detection and voltage selection signal area defined by the PC Card specification. In another aspect, the invention provides an integrated controller that includes logic to operate either a standard expansion card or a passive smart card adapter by reassigning certain PC Card signal lines to operate a standard expansion card or a passive smart card adapter, thereby eliminating the need to provide pins in addition to those defined by the PC Card specification.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for implementing an integrated video card and smart card reader. A single processor is used to perform both video and smart card reader functions. The processor simulates a PCI-to-PCMCIA detection logic scheme. An operating system, such as Windows, detects both a video card and a PCI-to-PCMCIA bridge. A smart card reader is attached to the integrated video card and smart card reader.

Abstract: A pre-boot security controller in an electronic device is energized even though a power subsystem does not energize operation of a digital computer in the device. The security controller stores supervisor and user passwords in a non-volatile password memory for comparison with a password entered using a security keypad. While the security controller is in a security operating mode, an output signal from the securing controller indicates the existence of that operating mode. Upon entry of a matching password, the security controller enables the power subsystem to energize operation of the digital computer, disables the output signal that indicates the existence of the security operating mode, and the security controller transitions from the security to an application operating mode. In the application operating mode, the pre-boot security controller preserves data about pressings of the security keypad.