GB2389200A

GB2389200A - Data communication device with user controllable power supply

Info

Publication number: GB2389200A
Application number: GB0212330A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yerach Krupnik; Gadi Shirazi; Salomon Serfaty
Original assignee: Motorola Inc
Current assignee: Motorola Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2002-05-29
Filing date: 2002-05-29
Publication date: 2003-12-03
Also published as: GB0212330D0

Abstract

A data communication device, such as a PCMCIA modem, for connection to a computer has a first operably energised "on" state and a second not operably energised "off" state. When the device is attached to a computer a user may select which of the states the device should be in and signals are sent to the device from the computer to effect the user selection. Additionally, the device may be switched between the states automatically, for example when it is connected to the computer or after a predetermined time has elapsed. The device may include a data link, an interface and a translator and the switching means may be a voltage switch or a transistor switch. The data link may include an inverter and a low pass filter.

Description

! 1 2389200

TITLE: DATA COMMUNICATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF USING

THEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION

s The present invention relates to data communication devices and methods of using them. In particular, it relates to modem devices for use with computers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various industry protocols and standards relating to communication and processing of data by computers 15 have been defined by the PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association). Products, usually peripheral devices, operating in accordance with such standards are referred to as PCMCIA products.

For example, PCMCIA products such as modem cards help 20 users to interface different wireless and wired systems to PC (personal computer) platforms. Such products are gaining in popularity and are finding widespread use.

Upon insertion of a PCMCIA modem card into a PCMCIA slot of a powered up PC such as a laptop PC, the 25 PC will detect the presence of the card and will apply a voltage of 5V to the power pins of the PCMCIA modem card (pins 17 and 51 according to the PCMCIA standards). This will in turn supply electrical power to the PCMCIA modem card.

30 For example, in a particular form of modem card manufactured and supplied by Motorola, namely the iDEN

( (TM) PCMCIA modem card, iM1100 (TM), the card has two main operational sections, namely (i) a radio section -

powered from a lithium ion battery, and (ii) a PCMCIA section - powered from the 5V power supply from the PC 5 as mentioned above. The 5V supply from the PC is also used to trigger the power up and power down of the radio section. Upon insertion of the card into PCMCIA slot connector and the subsequent assertion of a voltage of 5V on pin 51, the radio section will be 10 powered up. Upon removal of the card from the PC PCMCIA slot connector and the subsequent de-assertion of 5V from pin 51, the card will be powered down.

When a PC user moves from a home computer network to a 'foreign' network, sometimes the modem may be 15 connected to a PC but may not be compatible with the PC. Thus, communication between the two may not be established and the modem may continue attempting to establish communication without success. This will cause an undesirable current drain from the power 20 supply to the modem, e.g. from the PC battery.

Eventually, the PC battery may fail. In the prior art,

the only way that this problem can be avoided is by removal of the modem from the PC. Furthermore, where some functions of the modem are powered a battery of 25 the modem and a user wishes to preserve life of the battery of the modem, the only way this can be done is by removal of the modem from the PC.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

According to the present invention in a first aspect there is provided a data communication device for

( connection as a peripheral device to a digital computing apparatus, the device having a first state in which it is operably energised and a second state in which it is not operably energized, the device 5 including means for receiving signals when connected to a computing apparatus indicating a user selection of whether or not the device is required to be in its first state or its second state and means for switching the device in response to receipt of said signals into 10 either its first state or its second state as appropriate. The first state of the device may be regarded essentially as an 'on' state and the second state may be regarded essentially as an 'off' state.

15 According to the present invention in a second aspect, there is provided a method of use of a data communication device according to the first aspect which comprises connecting the device to a computing apparatus, providing a user of the computing apparatus 20 with an option to select whether the device is to be in its first or its second state and producing signals by the computing apparatus according to the user's selections which are provided to the peripheral device.

The invention provides a peripheral data 25 communication device and method of use which allows the user to select powering up and down of the device without requiring the user to remove connection between the peripheral device and a computing apparatus to which it is peripheral. The data communication device 30 may comprise a modem for radio communication of data and may comprise a modem card connectible by insertion in a connector unit or port of the computing apparatus.

( The computing apparatus may comprise a PC such as a laptop or desktop PC, or a PDA (personal data assistant) such as iPAQ or Palm Pilot(TM).

The user selection option may be displayed on an 5 electro-optical display, e.g. a visual display unit (VDU) of the computing apparatus. The user may select the option in a known manner, e.g. by use of a mouse to: move a cursor onto an option soft button or icon -

displayed on the screen and by clicking the mouse when 10 the cursor is on the button.

The peripheral device may (as in the prior art) be

automatically switched into its first state when the device is first connected to the computing apparatus. 2 The device may include means for sensing connection of 15 the device to a computing apparatus and for automatically applying an operational voltage from a power supply of the computing apparatus to the device when such connection is sensed.: When the device is connected to a computing 20 apparatus, the user may then be offered an option, e.g. a soft button or icon on a display of the computing apparatus, to select switching of the device to its second state. Further, when the user has selected the 3 second state, the user may be offered an option, e.g. a 25 further soft button on the display of the computing apparatus, to select switching of the device back to its first state.

The means for receiving in the device according to: the first aspect may include an arrangement of data 30 link connections connectible to data pins of a 3 connector unit of a computing apparatus, and a translator device for converting a data input applied

( s via the connections into a serial data output. The device may include an interface device for converting an input data supply using a PCMCIA standard connector arrangement involving many of the connections (pins) in 5 a standard PCMCIA arrangement into an output data supply in a standard parallel communication arrangement and the standard parallel communication arrangement may be connected as an input data supply to the translator device. 10 Both PCMCIA and Standard parallel are types of parallel data communication (data bus) arrangements, in contrast to a serial data communication (data bus) arrangement. In parallel data communication the data bus delivers address signals via address lines, e. g. 15 ten address lines, data signals via data lines, e.g. eight data lines and control signals via control lines, e.g. five control lines such as 'Read', 'Write' and Chip select' lines. A difference exists between PCMCIA and Standard parallel arrangements in the number of 20 Address and Data lines and the number and type of Control lines in each according to the respective standards. The translator device in the data communication device according to the invention may be connected at 25 its output to a microprocessor providing signal processing functions of the device, e.g. baseband processing for conversion of signals into RF form for radio communication.

In the device according to the first aspect of the 30 invention the means for switching may have an input data link via which data comprising a switching signal may be sent to the means for switching. The switching

( means may have an input data link from the translator device referred to earlier.

The means for switching may comprise a voltage operated switch which is operable by a data signal sent S via the data link. The means for switching may comprise: a transistor switch. Connected to a control electrode: of the switch, there may be included the input data: link. The data link may include an inverter. The data signal sent to indicate the requirement for switching 10 may comprise a train of zero bits which are inverted to form a continuous pulse formed by a train of one bits.

The pulse may have a predetermined minimum duration (e.g. 50 msec). The minimum duration is specific to the particular data communication device in use. For 15 example, for the iDen card mentioned earlier a train of: 1 msec pulses lasting overall for at least 50msec is suitable.

The data link may beneficially include a low pass: filter to remove transients. The inverted output of the 20 inverter may be applied to the low pass filter.: The computing apparatus or the data communication device may include means for sensing that for a predefined period no data has been communicated between the computing apparatus and the device and means 25 operable in response to a signal produced by this means for sensing to switch the device, if in its first state, from its first state to its second state. This: may be carried out in the manner described later.: The present invention beneficially allows 30 selective switching on and off of a data communication device when connected to a computing apparatus. The switching off may also be generated automatically when

( no active use of the device is detected. The invention therefore beneficially allows unnecessary drain of electrical power, e.g. provided by a power supply of the computing apparatus and/or by a battery of the 5 device, caused by the connection to be avoided or reduced. This invention beneficially provides a means to turn the data communication device on and off without removing it from the computing apparatus. This improves user 10 convenience and comfort.

It should be noted that some (or all) of the functional units of the device may be powered by the power supply of the computing apparatus. Some units may be powered by a battery of the device. The present invention 15 allows selective saving of power whatever the source of the power. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

Figs la and lb are front schematic views of a personal computer useful in a method embodying the 25 invention.

Fig 2 is schematic block diagram of a PCMCIA modem card connected to a PCMCIA connector unit of the computer shown in Fig la and lb. 30 DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As shown in Figs la and lb, a personal computer 1 includes a processing unit 3 and a display 5. The computer 1 also includes on a rear face a standard 68 pin connector unit 11 as shown in Fig 2 to which is 5 connected a PCMCIA modem card 13 to provide radio communications of data between the processing unit 3 and a remote terminal (not shown), e.g. a terminal of a cellular network.

The card 13 is in an on state, i.e. operational 10 components carried on the card 13 are in a powered on state, by virtue of the connection of the card 13 to the connector unit 11. The connection is sensed and recorded in the processing unit 3 of the computer 1 in a known manner. The processing unit 3 is thereby aware 15 of the on state of the card 13. The display 5 shows to a user an option selectable by a user to change the state of the card 13. The option may be displayed, for example, when chosen from a menu of software tools available to the user. In the option, a legend 7a on 20 the display 5 indicates that the card 13 may be switched to an off state by clicking on a button 9a (clicking a mouse control with a cursor moved by the mouse on a soft button 9a). If the option is chosen by clicking on the button 9a, a switching function is 25 triggered by the processing unit 3 which causes the card 13 to be switched to its off state, without removal of the card 13 from the connector 11, in a manner described later.

When the card 13 is in its off state an option 3() selectable by a user can be provided, e.g. by selection from a software tools menu, to change the state of the card 13 again. In the displayed option, a legend 7b on

( the display 5 indicates that the card 13 may be switched to its on state by clicking on a displayed soft button 9b. If the option is chosen by clicking on the button sb, a function in the processing unit 3 is 5 triggered causing the card 13 to be switched to its on state in a manner described later.

The software incorporated in the processing unit 3 of the PC 1 to provide display and selection of on and off states of the card 13 and production of data 10 signals in response thereto is referred to herein as an On/Off Application'.

AS shown in Fig 2, the card 13 includes interface connections 17a and 51a which are connected to standard pins 17 and 51 (numbered in accordance with the PCMCIA 15 standard protocol) respectively of the connector unit 11, as shown in Fig 2, on which voltages of SV are supplied by the power supply unit of the PC 1 (not shown) by sensing that the card 13 is connected. The card 13 includes a standard PCMCIA connection 20 arrangement, which is indicated schematically by reference numeral 12, connected to appropriate pins of the connector unit 11 in accordance with the PCMCIA standard as explained earlier. The connection arrangement 12 provides an input connection arrangement 25 to an interface 15. The interface 15 converts the standard PCMCIA arrangement into a Standard parallel connected output arrangement explained earlier which is indicated schematically by reference numeral 14. The card 13 also includes a translator 18 which further 30 translates the parallel communication arrangement of output 14 into a serial bus 19 which is connected to a microprocessor 20. The microprocessor 20 is connected

to a RF portion 28 and to a power generation and management device 30 via a data bus 40.

In normal operation of the card 13, data is delivered between the processing unit of the computer 1 5 and the microprocessor 20 via the arrangement 12, the interface 15, the output arrangement 14, the translator 18 and the serial bus 19. Data processed by the microprocessor 20 is sent by radio communication by the RF portion 28 to a remote terminal (not shown).

10 Incoming data sent by radio communication from a remote terminal follows a reverse route.

The serial bus 19 is also connected in turn to an inverter 23 and a low pass filter 23 comprising a resistor 25 and capacitor 27 one side of which is 15 grounded. A conductor 26 from the junction between the resistor 25 and the capacitor 27 is connected to a transistor 29. The transistor 29 is a MOSFET type transistor including a gate electrode 29a to which the conductor 26 is connected. The transistor 29 also 20 includes a drain electrode 29b and a source electrode 29c which is grounded. The drain electrode 31 is connected to an input pin 32 of the power generation and management device 30.

The connection 17a providing a 5V supply is 2S connected to supply this voltage to the interface 15 and to the translator 13.

The connection 51a is connected directly to a gate electrode 35a of a second MOSFET transistor 35 which also includes a drain electrode 35b and a source 30 electrode 35c which is grounded. The drain electrode 35b is connected to an input pin 34 of the microprocessor 30.

In operation, the transistors 29 and 35 and the power generation and management device 30 control switching functions to turn the card 13 on and off.

When the card 13 is first connected to the S computer 1 via the connector 11, a voltage of 5V is applied from the power supply of the computer 1 via the connection 17a to power the interface 15 and the translator 18. A voltage of 5V is applied from the power supply of the computer 1 via the pin S1 of the 10 connector 11 to the connection 51a. This voltage is applied to the gate electrode 35a of the transistor 35 causing the drain electrode 35b of the transistor 35 to be pulled to a low potential. This is sensed in the power generation and management device 30 via the input IS pin 34. The device 30 then triggers a power start up procedure. The device 30 turns on its power supply regulators thus providing power to the microprocessor 20 and other components of the card 13. In turn, the microprocessor 20 starts to run software programs for 20 power up and operation of the card.

When the user of the computer 1 has selected the option to switch off the card 13, without removing the card from the connector 11, a data signal which is a pre-defined off signal is generated by the processing 25 unit 3. The PC l attempts to send a data signal via arrangement 12, interface 15, output arrangement 14 and translator 18 to the serial bus 19 and microprocessor 20. If another communication application, such as an internet browser program is already engaging the card 30 13, the operating system will notify the On/Off Application that the card 13 is engaged. In turn, the On/Off Application provides a message on the display 5,

( notifying the user that the card 13 is in use and the user must first close down the other application before turning off the card 13. If no other application is engaging the card 13, then the On/Off Application will S receive a control signal from the operating system of the computer 1 to continue communication with the card 13. The On/Off Application will then send, a predefined turn off' command to the microprocessor 20 of the card 13 via the route described earlier. In response, the 10 microprocessor 20, after completing any open tasks, and de-registering from any network with which it has been communicating, e.g. a mobile communications cellular system, issues a control signal to trigger shut down of the power supplies of the card 13. This control signal 15 is delivered to the power generation and management device 30 which in response shuts down all power supplies. A similar procedure is applied when the card 13 is removed from the PC 1. The power generation and 20 management device 30 senses the de-assertion of 5V from pin 51 by a reduction in potential at the input pin 34 connected to the drain 35b of the transistor 35 and notifies the microprocessor 20 of this event. This indicates within the microprocessor 13 that the user 25 has removed the card 13, and in turn the microprocessor 20 begins the shut down procedure as described earlier.

When the user has selected the option to switch on the card 13 as shown in Fig lb when still connected to the computer 1 via the connector 11, a procedure for 30 switching the card 13 on is applied by the On/Off Application. Thus, a further 'on' data signal is generated by the processing unit 3. The further data

signal consists of a start bit and a stop bit at its respective ends and in between a continuous train of zero digits for a minimum period of 50 msec. The further data signal is applied via the arrangement 12, S interface 15, output arrangement 14, translator 18 and serial bus 19 to the inverted 23 by which it is inverted to form a signal comprising a 50 msec continuous train of one bits by the inverter 23.

Transients are filtered out by the filter comprising 10 the resistor 25 and capacitor 27. The 50 msec voltage pulse provided by the data signal is applied to the gate electrode 29a and thereby causes the drain electrode 29b of the transistor 29 to be pulled to a low potential. This is detected via the input pin 32 in 15 the power generation and management device 30 which triggers a powering up procedure. This is similar to the automatic powering up procedure which occurs when the card 13 is first connected to the PC 1. Thus, the low potential on the input pin 32 triggers a power 20 start up procedure in the device 30. The device 30 turns on its power supply regulators thus providing power to the microprocessor 20 and other components of the card 13. In turn, the microprocessor 20 again starts to run software programs for power up and 25 operation of the card.

When the card 13 is removed from the connector 11, the voltages applied via pins 51 and 17 are removed and this removal is sensed in the microprocessor 30 causing a powering down procedure to be triggered. Removal of 30 the card 13 is also sensed by the processing unit 3 which causes removal of the user options (illustrated in Figs la and lb3 to switch the card 13 on or off.

Claims

1. A data communication device for connection as a peripheral device to a digital computing apparatus, the 5 device having a first state in which it is operably energised and a second state in which it is not operably energized, the device including means for receiving signals when connected to a computing apparatus indicating a user selection of whether or not 10 the device is required to be in its first state or its second state and means for switching the device in response to receipt of said signals into either its first state or its second state as appropriate.

2. A device according to claim l which comprises a 15 device for sending and receiving data by radio communication. 3. A device according to claim 2 and which comprises a modem. 4. A device according to any one of claims l to 3 and 20 wherein the device includes means for sensing connection of the device to a computing apparatus and for automatically applying an operational voltage from the computing apparatus to the device when such connection is sensed.

25 5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims and wherein the means for receiving includes a data link conductor connectible to a data pin of a connector unit of a computing apparatus, and a translator device for converting a data input applied 30 via the conductor into a serial data output.

6. A device according to claim 5 and wherein the device includes an interface device for converting an input

data supply using a PCMCIA standard connector arrangement into an output data supply in a standard parallel communication arrangement and wherein the standard parallel communication arrangement is 5 connected as an input data supply to the translator device. 7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims and wherein the translator device is connected to a microprocessor providing signal processing 10 functions of the device.

B. A device according to any one of the preceding claims and wherein the switching means has an input data link via which data comprising a switching signal may be sent to the means for switching.

15 9. A device according to any one of claims 4 to 7 and wherein the switching means has an input data link from the translator device via which data comprising a switching signal may be sent to the means for switching. 20 lO. A device according to claim 8 or claim 9 and wherein the means for switching comprises a voltage operated switch which is operable by a data signal sent via the data link.

ll. A device according to any one of the preceding 25 claims and wherein the switching means comprises a transistor switch.

12. A device according to any one of the preceding claims and which includes, connected to a control electrode of the switch, an input data link including 30 an inverter.

13. A device according to claim 8 and wherein the data link includes a low pass filter.

14. A method of use of a data communication device according to any one of the preceding claims which comprises connecting the device to a computing apparatus, providing a user of the computing apparatus S with an option to select whether the device is to be in its first or its second state and producing signals by the computing apparatus according to the user's selections which are provided as state switching signals to the device.

10 15. A method according to claim 14 and wherein the computing apparatus comprises a personal computer apparatus. 16. A method according to claim 14 or claim 15 and wherein the computing apparatus and/or the data IS communication device include means for sensing that for a predefined period no data has been communicated between the computing apparatus and the device and means operable in response to a signal produced by this means for sensing to switch the device, if in its first 20 state, from its first state to its second state.

17. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and substantially as described herein with reference to the . accompanying drawings.

18. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 16 25 and substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.