Patent ID: 6357011
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A system comprising:a computer; a bus having at least a pair of data lines for communicating data and at least a pair of power lines for supplying power according to a predetermined power limit; and a peripheral coupled to the computer via the bus to receive data and power, the peripheral including: a rechargeable battery; a communications port having two power terminals for coupling to the pair of power lines and having two data terminals for coupling to the pair of data lines; a voltage regulator coupled to the power terminals and the rechargeable battery; a primary-function module coupled to the voltage regulator; and a controller coupled to at least one of the two data terminals and to the voltage regulator, the controller responsive to signals at the data terminals, indicating an inactive period, to switch the voltage regulator to a charge mode during which it charges the rechargeable battery and responsive to signals at the data terminals, indicating an active period, to switch the voltage regulator to a battery supply mode during which it transfers energy from the rechargeable battery and from the power lines to the primary-function module, thereby providing the primary-function module power in excess of the predetermined power limit.