Abstract

A system for reducing power consumption in a battery powered terminal device is provided. The device includes a keyboard for inputting data to the terminal device. A processor is arranged for processing the data input by the keyboard. A System program suspends operation of the terminal when the data is not inputted by the keyboard. A Battery supplies power to the terminal device components. A timer is provided for counting a predetermined number of clock cycles from when the processor is suspended, and generating an interrupt signal to activate the processor when the predetermined number of clock cycles has elapsed. The system program generates data indicative of a battery power failure when the battery power drops below a certain value after the processor is activated by the timer. A switch suspends the battery power supply of the battery when the data is generated by the system program.