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 wireless radio system for providing short-range wireless links between digital devices includes an RF transceiver and a digital baseband portion for establishing and maintaining links. The RF transceiver is embodied on a PC expansion card received b y a PC card expansion slot. At least a portion of the digital baseband is integrated on a host controller, equipped with logic sets for detecting and operating various types of expansion cards. One such logic set detects and operates the transceiver expansion card, so that a connection between the transceiver and the baseband is maintained. Removing the transceiver card detaches the transceiver, altogether eliminating wireless functionality. By substituting cards having transceivers adapted to local conditions, the radio system may be modified to accommodate regional variations in the LSM radio band.

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: 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 controller includes a plurality of readers for reading an associated plurality of expansion cards and for controlling operation of such expansion cards, wherein at least one of the plurality of readers is a flash media reader. A method for controlling the operation of at least one expansion card with an integrated controller having a plurality of readers includes detecting the presence of at least one expansion card, and enabling a selected reader of the integrated controller associated with at least one expansion card. Another method of writing data to read only memory in an integrated controller includes unlocking the read only memory, writing information into the read only memory, and locking the read only memory to prevent otherwise unintentional or unauthorized writing to the read only memory is also provided.

Abstract: A PC Card controller, adapted for use in a laptop or notebook computer, generates a fake PC Card-insertion interrupt when a CPU, included in the computer, resumes normal operation after being in a lower power, Suspend operating mode. The PC Card controller includes a host-computer bus-interface adapted for exchanging interrupt signals with a bus included in the host computer. The PC Card controller also includes a PC Card interface-circuit for exchanging digital signals with a PC Card inserted into a PC Card socket included in the host computer. Insertion of a PC Card into the PC Card socket, while the CPU is in its normal operating mode, causes the PC Card interface-circuit to generate an interrupt signal for transmission to the CPU. The PC Card controller also includes a suspend/resume pin that receives a suspend/resume signal generated within the host computer.