Computer system host adapter for controlling signal levels to peripheral cards

Patent 6149319 Issued on November 21, 2000. Estimated Expiration Date:

November 21, 2017. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventors

Assignee

Cirrus Logic, Inc.

Application

No. 388615 filed on 02/14/1995

US Classes:

713/300, COMPUTER POWER CONTROL713/340Having power source monitoring

Examiners

Primary: Harvey, Jack B.
Assistant: Etienne, Ario

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Blakely, Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman LLP

International Class

G06F 001/26

Abstract

A method and apparatus for maintaining the voltage level of data signals supplied to an integrated circuit, such as a PCMCIA card, at the same level as power also provided to the integrated circuit. Circuitry for maintaining the voltages at the same level is preferably embodied within a system having a card controller integrated circuit, a power supply, and a peripheral card socket for receiving a removable PCMCIA card. The power supply is controlled by the card controller to provide power to the PCMCIA card through the card socket at a voltage level matching internal voltage requirements of the PCMCIA card. The card controller is connected directly to the PCMCIA card by a signal transmission line. Circuitry is provided for ensuring that the voltage of data signals transmitted along the data bus line to the PCMCIA card substantially match the voltage of power provided from the power supply to the PCMCIA card along a power supply line. In this manner, damage resulting from a power mismatch within the PCMCIA card is avoided.

Other References

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