Abstract: In a method of mass-producing efficiently and promptly a combination type thin film magnetic head having accurately defined short throat height, apex angle, and MR height or the like and capable of making the saturation and leakage of magnetic flux little, even if a magnetic pole portion is miniaturized, a recessed portion is formed in a surface of a substrate, while a first magnetic layer constituting a lower shield for GMR element is used as a mask, a second magnetic layer is formed along an inner wall of the recessed portion, a thin film coil is formed thereon in an isolated state, and a surface is flattened to constitute a common unit for manufacturing combination type thin film magnetic heads. A number of common units are manufactured and stocked without any relationship to users' specifications.

Abstract: In a magneto-resistive effect type head having provided between a lower shield layer and an upper shield layer an MR sensor with a magneto-resistive effect or a gigantic magneto-resistive effect; electrode layers electrically connected to the MR sensor; and lower and upper insulating layers magnetically and electrically isolating the MR sensor and the electrode layer from the shield layers, when the gap length is reduced and the lower and upper insulating layers are decreased in thickness, the insulating layers are more liable to a dielectric breakdown by static electricity produced in the manufacturing process of the magnetic head.

Abstract: A programmable controller has an overcurrent detection portion, an overcurrent indication portion and a transistor for interrupting a load current at the time of occurrence of an overcurrent are provided in an output circuit portion of the programmable controller. An overcurrent detection resistor is provided in the output transistor circuit, and a detected voltage across the resistor is compared with a reference voltage in an overcurrent detection circuit to judge an overcurrent. If an overcurrent is recognized, the overcurrent indication portion is operated, and the base current of the output transistor circuit is controlled to perform protection of the output circuit from the overcurrent. Accordingly, when an overcurrent is flowing and an input signal is in ON state, the output transistor is turned OFF automatically and, the overcurrent state is showed to a user.

Abstract: In an over current protection circuit of a semiconductor switching device, a change in a main current of a semiconductor switching device with respect to a change in the detected voltage of the resistor for current detection connected to the current detection terminal of the semiconductor switching device becomes gentle in the vicinity of a location where the semiconductor switching device is turned off. With the provision of the current protection circuit, the variation in the cut-off level of the over current with respect to the variation in the detected voltage of the resistor for current detection connected to the current detection terminal of the semiconductor switching device is suppressed so that the semiconductor switching device can be protected from being breakdown due to the over current flow.

Abstract: A direct-to-digital temperature sensor is formed with a single switched-capacitor integrator, having a digital sequencer control.

Abstract: An electromagnetic operator includes first and second coils wound coaxially. An armature partially surrounds the coils for channeling flux during energization of the coils. The armature may be formed of a bent plate and secured to a ferromagnetic support. A control circuit applies energizing signals to the coils during operation. Both coils are energized during an initial phase of operation. One of the coils is subsequently released or de-energized automatically. A timing circuit removes current from the second coil after a variable time period. The time period may be a function of the configuration of the timing circuit, such as an RC time constant, and of the energizing signal.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck for holding a substrate, including an electrode block which serves as an electrode for electrostatic attraction and a plurality of electrostatic attraction arranged on a surface of the electrode block. The electrostatic attraction members are disposed so as to attract the substrate electrostatically and to come in contact with the substrate. An insulating material covers the surface of the electrode block other than attraction surfaces of the electrostatic attraction members. Grooves made by the insulating material are provided between the individual electrostatic attraction members.

Abstract: A portable computer has a display housing attached to a base housing. The display has at least one panel used for personalization of the portable computer. The at least one panel can be removed and inserted into the display housing thereby changing the appearance of the portable computer.

Abstract: A capacitor is formed at a hinge between a display compartment and a microcomputer compartment to reduce EMI emissions caused by the display/microcomputer interface. A plane structure is formed along the length of the display compartment, and another plane structure is formed along the length of the microcomputer compartment. The display compartment's plane structure serves as the ground connection for the display device. It connects to the plane structure of the microcomputer compartment through a capacitative structure. The two plane structures and the capacitative structure form the return path for coupling the display device to a common, system ground. The hinge has as one circular structure concentrically surrounding and in close proximity to another circular structure. The capacitor is formed by the arc area where the two circular structures overlap concentrically, having low impedance at high frequencies (e.g., 30 MHz and above).

Abstract: A notebook computer having a resilient, portfolio-type case includes a large flat-panel display module and a processor-keyboard module constructed into the case so that the case need not be stored separately during use. The case is secured for carrying by a slide fastener, and the angle between the display and the keyboard is adjustable by positioning of the slider in the open position. Crushable corners, an extending, protective lip, and a resilient, rugged material provide added protection for the computer while in use and while being transported. The two functional modules are electrically interconnected via inexpensive flex cable routed along the fold between opposed halves. The computer includes a removable, multipurpose writing pad that folds into the case serving as a protective cover for the keyboard in the open position, and is detachable and insertable between the flat display panel and the keyboard during transport.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus which employs a card-shaped storage medium includes guide portions having a plurality of temporarily fastening portions for temporarily fastening the card-shaped storage medium at their respective locations, one of which is a first location at which the card-shaped storage medium is electrically connected to the apparatus and another of which is a second location at which the card-shaped storage medium is not electrically connected to the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: An information processing system having a function extending apparatus including at least one first connector provided on a surface of the function extending apparatus for mounting the information processing device, and connected with at least one corresponding second connector provided on a lower surface of the information processing device, when the information processing device is mounted on the function extending apparatus. The function extending apparatus includes a pushing member moved in an upper direction so as to push the information processing device up from the function extending apparatus, a rotatable operation member, and a push-up mechanism which moves the pushing member in the upper direction, when the operation member is rotated.

Abstract: A transmitter-receiver unit is disclosed wherein a frame is provided with solder-rise preventing means between a circuit board and retaining portions, thereby preventing solder from rising up to the retaining portions. Thus, the engagement between engaging holes and the retaining portions is ensured in comparison with the prior art. The transmitter-receiver unit permits a cover to be mounted positively to the frame and is suitable for the reduction of size and weight.

Abstract: A one system module in which a ceramic PCB and an epoxy PCB are disposed inside a module body and a power element and a signal element are respectively mounted at the upper portion of each PCB, wherein a groove is made at the lower side surface and at the middle side surface of the module body to support the ceramic PCB and the epoxy PCB formed in a two-story structure, and a power pin for receiving a power signal from an external source is mounted on the ceramic PCB and a signal pin for receiving various signals from an external source is mounted on the epoxy PCB. With this one system module, the ceramic PCB and the epoxy PCB can be firmly supported by the groove made on the module body. And, since the power pin and the signal pin are separately disposed on the two PCBs, use of the socket is reduced, so that the area utility of the PCB is increased as well as acquiring a compact module.

Abstract: An IC card has a card substrate having semiconductor integrated circuit chips mounted thereon and a plurality of connector terminals formed thereon. The connector terminals are exposed from a casing. The connector terminals are laid out in plural sequences in staggered form between sequences adjacent to one another forward and backward as viewed in an IC card inserting direction. Owing to the adoption of the staggered layout, a structure or configuration wherein the amounts of protrusions of socket terminals of a card socket are changed and the socket terminals are laid out in tandem, can be adopted with relative ease. If a connector terminal arrangement of a downward or low-order IC card is adopted as a specific connector terminal sequence as it is, whereas a function dedicated for an upward or high-order IC card is assigned to another staggered connector terminal arrangement, then backward compatibility can also be implemented with ease.

Abstract: An electrical connection box has a first casing part in which is mounted a bus bar laminate, and a second casing part in which a wiring substrate is accommodated. To achieve accurate alignment of projecting tabs of the bus bar laminate with connectors of the wiring substrate during connection of the casing parts, the first casing part has projections and the wiring substrate has recesses which mutually engage before the tabs enter the connectors. Direct alignment is achieved, increasing reliability of the product.

Abstract: A CF card can be shifted in position with respect to a card connecting adapter between a position where it is projected from the housing of the card connecting adapter and a position where it is prevented from projecting from the housing of the card connecting adapter. When the CF card is set at the position where it is prevented from projecting from the housing of the card connecting adapter, the antenna mounting surface of the CF card with an antenna is prevented from projecting from the body of a notebook personal computer. On the other hand, when the CF card is set at the position where it is projected from the housing, the antenna mounting surface is projected from the PC card slot.

Abstract: A light pipe includes rectangular upper and lower surfaces, an incidence side surface which is one of side surfaces between the upper and lower surfaces, and light output means formed in one of the upper and lower surfaces so that light incident on the incidence side surface exits from the other one of the upper and lower surfaces through the light output means. A radius of curvature of a corner portion formed at a point of intersection between the incidence side surface and each of side surfaces adjacent to the incidence side surface is not larger than 0.3 mm. A plane light source unit in which a linear light source is disposed on the incidence side surface of the light pipe is provided. A transmission type or reflection type, or reflection-transmission double type liquid-crystal display device which has at least such a plane light source unit and a liquid-crystal cell is provided.

Abstract: A foldable case having a back light is disclosed that a specific printed or injection-molded mark and a logo are emitted on a foldable case with which a liquid crystal display unit is integrally formed. The ON/OFF state of a power source of a liquid crystal display unit can be easily recognized even in a state that a foldable case is closed, and a specific mark or logo printed or injection-molded on an outer surface of the foldable case integrally formed with the liquid crystal display has a back light, so that divers desires of users can be satisfied as well as providing an elegant appearance.

Abstract: A light source particularly suited for a display in a dispensing machine. The light source includes an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) with a multi-directional, multi-functional reflector disposed about the PCB. The reflector reflects the LED light in multi-directions and serves to provide a more uniform light intensity throughout the illuminated surface. The reflector also encloses the total light radiation to a predefined surface area.

Abstract: A picture light comprising a fitting (12,13) for mounting the light on a wall or picture. An arm (9) pivotally attached by pivot (10) at one end to the fitting (11) and at its other end by pivot (8) to hood or shade (1) in which at least one bulb (30) is housed. Adjustable light directing means are mounted in the hood (1) in the form of a pair of spaced vertical plates (40,44) movable axially of the hood (1) on rotation of knobs (5,6) and a pair of horizontal plates (50,50A) mounted on the vertical plates 40,44. Movement of the plates 40,44 axially along the hood (1) adjusts the depth of the pool of light (76) falling on the picture (75) whereas pivoting the horizontal plates (50,50A) adjusts the width of the pool of light (76).

Abstract: A transparent film scanner having a light source with a diffuser and a reflector includes a light source for generating a primary light that is diffused by a diffuser to obtain a more uniform secondary light. The secondary light source is then reflected by a reflector to produce a tertiary light for illuminating the film. With a diffused secondary light, the distance between the reflector and the film can be reduced, thus reducing the size of the scanner.

Abstract: A portable light reflector or diffusor includes a reflection or diffusion cloth attached to a foldable framework composed of longitudinal struts and a transverse strut which is stiff with respect to compression and connects the two longitudinal struts, wherein the transverse strut has ends bent in the direction towards the plane defined by the longitudinal struts and the reflection or diffusion cloth attached to the longitudinal struts, wherein the angle between the bent ends and the intermediate piece between the ends is greater than 90°. A belt extends parallel to the transverse strut in such a way that the longitudinal struts are pressed apart for tensioning the reflection or diffusion cloth.

Abstract: A luminaire assembly comprises a lower portion for receiving a light emitting source and an upper housing that stores the electrical components of the luminaire. The lower portion has a base portion disposed against the canopy with a latch attachment portion, a lens secured to the base portion by a hinge mechanism that permits the lens to open with respect to the base portion, and a latch connected to the base portion and having a connecting portion for connecting the base portion to the lens. The upper housing is disposed above the canopy. A bracket is attached to the base portion and extends up through the aperture in the canopy and connects to an inner wall of an apertured portion of the upper housing to secure the lower portion to the upper housing. The upper housing may have extending deck supports to support the weight of the upper housing on the ribs of the canopy. A locking cam is provided to secure the bracket to the upper housing.

Abstract: A portable worklight having at least two base sections that are operable between open and closed positions. The base sections are pivotally connected and when in a closed position, the base sections nest together. When in an open position, the base sections support said worklight in an upright position by providing opposingly located support sections.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an active clamp forward converter that reduces the charging voltage of clamp capacitors as well as the voltage applied to switching elements, making it possible to reduce the on loss of the switching elements while also enabling the size of the capacitance elements to be reduced. The active clamp forward converter comprises first and second FETs which respectively connects first and second ends of a primary coil of the transformer to positive and negative terminals of a direct current power supply, and third and fourth FETs which respectively connects the first and second ends to the negative and positive terminals of a direct current power supply via capacitors, wherein the pair of first and second FETs and the pair of third and fourth FETs are alternately switched on and off sandwiched about a period when both are off.

Abstract: In order to achieve complete short-circuit protection irrespective of a location of a short-circuit in a switched-mode power supply having a controllable switch in a primary circuit, the controllable switch is opened when a voltage drop across an electrolytic capacitor in a primary circuit falls below a threshold value which can be predetermined. For this purpose, a capacitive voltage device containing two capacitances is connected in parallel with the electrolytic capacitor. A potential at a center tap of the capacitive voltage divider is compared in a comparator with a reference voltage, which opens the controllable switch when the potential at the center tap falls below the reference voltage.

Abstract: A circuit for providing an output voltage for a DRAM word line which can be used to drive memory word lines which can be as high as 2Vdd. Transistors in a boosting circuit are fully switched, eliminating the reduction of the boosting voltage by Vtn as in the prior art. The boosting capacitors are charged by Vdd, thus eliminating drift tracking problems associated with clock boosting sources and Vdd. A regulator detects conduction current of a replica of a memory cell access transistor, shutting off the boosting circuit clock oscillator when the correct voltage to operate the access transistor has been reached.

Abstract: There is provided memory mats including bit lines, word lines, and memory cells coupled to the bit lines and word lines, and a sense amplifier array including latch circuits provided in areas between the memory mats placed in the bit line direction, respectively, a pair of input/output nodes of which is connected to a pair of bit lines separately placed in the memory mats on both sides of the area, respectively. For a general memory mat other than both end portions in the bit line direction, word lines in any one of the memory mats are activated while, for end memory mats provided on the both end portions in the bit line direction, word lines of the both memory mats are activated together.

Abstract: Externally supplied program data is latched into data latch circuits DLL and DLR. A judgment is made as to whether or not the latched program data corresponds to any threshold value of multi-levels every time each of plural programing operations is carried out. The program control information corresponding to the judgment result is latched into a sense latch circuit SL. Based upon the latched program control information, the programing operation for setting threshold voltages having multi-levels to a memory cell is carried out in a stepwise manner. Even when the programing operation is ended, the externally supplied program data is left in the data latch circuit. Even when the programing operation of the memory cell is retried due to the over programming condition, the program data is no longer required to be again received from the external device.

Abstract: A spare memory array having spare memory cells common to a plurality of normal sub-arrays having a plurality of normal memory cells is provided. A spare line in the spare array can replace a defective line in the plurality of normal sub-array. The defective line is efficiently repaired by replacement in an array divided into blocks or sub-arrays.

Abstract: As part of a memory array, a circuit is provided for altering the drive applied to an access transistor that regulates electrical communication within the memory array. In one embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a sense amp's voltage-pulling transistor, thereby allowing modification of the voltage-pulling rate for components of the sense amp. A sample of test data is written to the memory array and read several times at varying drive rates in order to determine the sense amp's ability to accommodate external circuitry. In another embodiment, the circuit is used to alter the drive applied to a bleeder device that regulates communication between the digit lines of the memory array and its cell plate. Slowing said communication allows defects within the memory array to have a more pronounced effect and hence increases the chances of finding such defects during testing.

Abstract: In a self-repairing operation, a first self-test of a RAM is performed at a first temperature to obtain a first RAM test result, a RAM built-in self-test circuit judges according to the first RAM test result that a faulty portion exists in the RAM, an LSI built-in self-repair circuit judges that the repair of the faulty portion of the RAM is possible, the LSI built-in self-repair circuit controls a redundancy control circuit to avoid the use of the faulty portion of the RAM in a normal operation, the temperature of the RAM is risen by operating the RAM or a logical circuit in a pseudo-self-test to change the first temperature to a second temperature, a second self-test of the RAM is performed at the second temperature to obtain a second RAM test result, and the LSI built-in self-repair circuit confirms that the repair of the faulty portion of the RAM is possible at each of the first and second temperatures by comparing the second RAM test result with the first RAM test result.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a memory circuit from which data is read in correspondence with a first reference clock signal. A multiplexer outputs the data read from the memory circuit in correspondence with the second reference clock signal. A comparison determination circuit receives the data read from the memory circuit via the multiplexer and compares the read data with an expected data value in correspondence with the second reference clock signal to generate determination result data.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device having a burn-in test capability. The semiconductor memory device includes a detection circuit, which is connected to the plurality of word lines. The detection circuit detects whether a stress voltage for a burn-in test has been applied to all of the word lines along their entire lengths in the burn-in test.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a device and method is provided for reducing power consumption in memory devices. The present invention reduces power consumption by providing a sense amplifier that reduces power consumption while providing high performance. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sense amplifier comprises a bi-directional sense amp that is configurable for use on low power static random access memory (SRAM) devices. The bi-directional sense amp allows the same sense amp to be used for both read and write operations on the memory cells. The preferred embodiment sense amp facilitates the use of differential data buses, further reducing power consumption while providing high performance. Thus, the preferred embodiment bi-directional differential sense amp reduces the device size and complexity, reducing power consumption while providing high performance memory access.

Abstract: In a semiconductor memory device enabling to lower the source voltage, bit lines (BL) of a memory cell array (11) are selected by a column gate (12) and connected to sense amplifiers (13). Each sense amplifier (13) includes an operational amplifier (OP) having a sense node (SA) as one of its input terminals and a reference node (RE)to be shared with other sense amplifiers (13) as its other input terminal, an NMOS transistor (QN01) as a current source load interposed between the sense node (SA) and a power source (VCC) for each operational amplifier (OP), an NMOS transistor (QN02) as a current source load interposed between the reference node (REF) and the power source (VCC) for each operational amplifier (OP), and a reference voltage generating circuit (21) connected to the reference node (REF) and shared with other sense amplifiers (13) to generate a reference voltage of an intermediate level between voltages of two-valued data output to the sense node SA.

Abstract: A method for storing a temperature threshold in an integrated circuit includes measuring operating parameters of the integrated circuit versus temperature, calculating a maximum temperature at which the integrated circuit performance exceeds predetermined specifications and storing parameters corresponding to the maximum temperature in a comparison circuit in the integrated circuit by selectively blowing fusable devices in the comparison circuit. The fusable devices may be antifuses. As a result, the integrated circuit is able to provide signals to devices external to the integrated circuit to indicate that the integrated circuit may be too hot to operate properly.

Abstract: A synchronous memory device is described which uses unique column select circuitry. The memory device pipelines address decode and column select operation to increase clock frequency. The column select circuitry includes latches and coupling circuits. The latches are used to latch a column select circuit. The coupling circuit isolates a column select signal from the memory cell columns until an enable signal is provided. The address decode can be combined with an enable signal to reduce the total number of latch circuits needed for a bank of memory cells.

Abstract: A semiconductor device, such as a SDRAM, having internal signals (FICLK and ICLK) generated with similar timings with respect to each other, even when operating at a frequency that is too low for proper operation of a synchronous circuit (103). According to one embodiment, the semiconductor device may include an internal signal generator (100) having a first stage circuit (101), timing control circuit (110) and synchronous circuit (103). The first stage circuit (101) may receive an external CLK and generate an internal signal ICLK'. The timing control circuit (110) may be coupled to receive internal signal ICLK' and generate internal signal ICLK'. The synchronous circuit (103) may be coupled to receive internal signal ICLK' and generate internal signal FICLK. Internal signals (FICLK and ICLK) may have a timing with respect to one another in a normal mode of operation.

Abstract: The present invention includes a memory subsystem comprising at least two semiconductor devices, including at least one memory device, connected to a bus, where the bus includes a plurality of bus lines for carrying substantially all address, data and control information needed by said memory devices, where the control information includes device-select information and the bus has substantially fewer bus lines than the number of bits in a single address, and the bus carries device-select information without the need for separate device-select lines connected directly to individual devices.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device comprises a memory cell group comprising a plurality of memory cells arranged in matrix; a specification circuit for specifying sequentially memory cells addressed by consecutive addresses in the memory cells, and for enterring them in an active state; a data input/output (I/O) circuit for performing a data read-out/write-in operation (data I/O operation) for the consecutive memory cells specified by the specification circuit under a control based on a read-out/write-in signal provided from an external section; a counter circuit for counting the number of cycles of a basic clock signal provided from an external section; and a controller for receiving at least one or more specification signals provided from an external section, for outputting a control signal per specification signal for specifying a particular cycle as a starting cycle to count the number of the cycles of the basic clock signal, and for instructing the counter circuit to count the number of counts of the basic cl

Abstract: A wristwatch includes an electronic device to form a multifunctional wrist worn device. The watch portion of the wristwatch can be shifted into a position that exposes the electronic device (e.g., telephone) so that the user can operate the electronic device. The keys are located on the periphery of the watch body. A display can be mounted on the back side of the watch portion so that when the watch portion is in the second position, the display is visible to the user.

Abstract: A housing includes upper and lower holders in which a number of compact discs are stored. An arm is provided so that the proximal end may turn around a vertical shaft in the housing, and the distal end of the arm holds one of the compact discs in the upper holder. The arm turns sideward through an opening of the housing, and lowers along the vertical shaft to transfer the compact disc to a tray which is drawn from a printer. The compact disc is printed in the printer, held by the end of the arm again and transferred to the lower holder in the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of tracking control for an optical disc recorder and reproducer, which includes the steps of detecting a land/groove switching position, storing tracking error signals for a predetermined time if the land/groove switching position is detected, obtaining a mean value of the stored tracking error signals, and judging whether the mean value is larger than a predetermined permissible tracking level, and if it is judged that the mean value is larger than the predetermined tracking level, determining a direction of a track center, correcting the track center, and compensating for a DC offset.

Abstract: An apparatus and method allocate relative card addresses (RCAs) for multimedia cards in a digital data player with a multimedia card stack configured to receive those multimedia cards. Respective slot positions of the multimedia cards inserted in the multimedia card stack can be recognized, thereby allowing respective RCAs to be allocated for the position-recognized multimedia cards. The apparatus includes a number of multimedia cards inserted in the slots and adapted to download and/or upload data under a control of a multimedia card controller using a relative card address. The multimedia card controller sequentially outputs clock control signals, each adapted to supply a clock signal to only one of the slots selected by that clock control signal. A relative address is then allocated to the multimedia card inserted in the selected slot in response to the clock control signal.

Abstract: A method of formatting a rewritable optical recording medium includes registering defective blocks in a primary defect lists (PDL) and performing a slipping replacement corresponding to the number of PDL registrations, determining whether an error has occurred in the slipping replacement, and if it is determined that the error has occurred in the slipping replacement, adjusting a recording capacity of the optical recording medium by checking the number of un-slipped PDLs and reducing the recording capacity by the number of un-slipped PDLs. As a result, even if the error has occurred in the slipping replacement due to insufficient spare area, the PDL registration is still maintained without formatting error, thereby causing the optical recording medium to be usable.

Abstract: An optical head scans the information layer (3) of an optical record carrier (1) by means of a radiation beam (13). Optical aberrations in the beam such as coma and spherical aberration, caused by tilt and thickness variations in the optical disc respectively, are compensated by an aberration compensator (27) arranged in the radiation beam. The tilt or thickness variation is measured by a detector (30) and used to control the aberration compensator. The radiation beam is focused onto the information layer by an objective system (11). A displacement of the objective system in the transverse direction (26) as used for radial tracking of the optical beam, causes a mismatch between the wavefront to be compensated and the wavefront introduced by the aberration compensator (27). The detrimental effects of the mismatch are reduced by compensating only part of the aberration. The degree of compensation depends on the maximum displacement of the objective system and the tolerable wavefront error.

Abstract: A first area and a second area are allocated in a direction of the radius of a disk-type storage medium. The first area is used for simultaneous recording and reproduction, on which data are sequentially recorded while data that have been recorded thereon are reproduced. The second area is used for regular recording and reproduction, on which data not for the simultaneous recording and reproduction are recorded. Sequential addresses corresponding to the first area are generated. Data for the simultaneous recording and reproduction are sequentially recorded on the first area according the sequential addresses so that the first area becomes a physically continuous area without interposing the second area.

Abstract: An object is to improve the sound quality and save the power consumption during listening to sound, in a portable information processing apparatus. The body for containing CPU is attached to a movable cover. The body and movable cover are provided, respectively, with one or more pairs of speakers for right and left channel. The sound circuit (sound control unit and amplifier unit) generates independent sound signals for each of the speakers. Only the speakers, the sound circuit and DVD drive 62 are switched on, when listening to the sound from DVD drive.