(12) United States Patent
`Chu
`
`I IIIII IIIIIIII Ill lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll 111111111111111111
`US006216185Bl
`US 6,216,185 Bl
`Apr. 10, 2001
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`(54) PERSONAL COMPUTER PERIPHERAL
`CONSOLE WITH ATTACHED COMPUTER
`MODULE
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: William W. Y. Chu, Los Altos, CA
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Aegis Technology, Inc., Mountain
`View, CA (US)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by O days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/149,548
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Sep. 8, 1998
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/083,886, filed on May 1,
`1998, and provisional application No. 60/092,706, filed on
`Jul. 14, 1998.
`
`Int. Cl.7 ...................................................... G06F 13/00
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ............................ 710/101; 710/72; 710/129;
`710/102; 713/300
`(58) Field of Search .............................. 710/101, 72, 129,
`710/62, 71, 106, 100, 102, 200, 103; 439/928.1;
`375/219; 361/679-687, 724-727, 752, 753,
`796; 345/169; 379/93.01; 713/300; 307/66
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,769,764 * 9/1988 Levanon.
`5,278,509
`1/1994 Haynes et al..
`5,278,730
`1/1994 Kikinis.
`5,293,487
`3/1994 Free.
`5,319,771 * 6/1994 Takeda.
`
`(List continued on next page.)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`0 722 138
`6-289953
`92 18924
`
`7 /1996 (EP) .
`10/1994 (JP) .
`10/1992 (WO) .
`
`94 00970
`95 13640
`
`1/1994 (WO) .
`5/1995 (WO) .
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Digital Semiconductor, 21152 PCI-to-PCI Bridge Product
`Brief (02/96).
`Intel Corporation, Intel 430TX PCISET: 82439TX System
`Controller (MTXC) Architectural Overview (02/97).
`Intel Corporation, Intel 82371AB PCI-to-ISNIDE Xcel(cid:173)
`erator (PIIX4) Architectural Overview (04/97).
`Intel Corporation, Intel 440LX AGPSET: 82443LX PCI
`A.G.P. Controller (PAC) Advance Information (08/97).
`National Semiconductor, DA90CR215/DS90CR216 Gen(cid:173)
`eral Description (07/97).
`National Semiconductor, DS90CR215 Product Folder.
`Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), Plug and
`Display (P&D) Standard, P&D and Digital Transition Mini(cid:173)
`mized Differential Signaling (TMDS) Video Transmission
`Overview, Version 1, Revision 0, pp. 1 & 31-34 (1997).
`
`Primary Examiner----Gopal C. Ray
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Townsend and Townsend
`and Crew LLP
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A personal computer system comprises physically separate
`units and an interconnection between the units. An attached
`computing module (ACM) contains the core computing
`power and environment for a computer user. A peripheral
`console (PCON), contains the power supply and primary
`input and output devices for the computer system. To form
`an operational computer system, an ACM is coupled with a
`PCON. The plug-in module design of the ACM, and the
`concentration of high-value components therein (both in
`terms of high-value hardware and high-value files), makes it
`easy for a user to transport the high-value core between
`multiple PCON's, each of which can enjoy a relatively low
`cost. The concentration of a user's core computing environ(cid:173)
`ment in a small, portable package also makes it possible for
`large organizations to perform moves, adds, and changes to
`personal computer systems with greater efficiency.
`
`42 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
`
`ACM
`
`140
`
`100
`
`200
`
`Interface
`and
`Support
`
`300
`
`Peripheral Console
`
`210
`Primary
`Display
`Device
`
`Primary
`Input
`Device
`
`Secondary
`Mass
`Storage
`
`Other
`Devices
`
`Expansion
`Slots
`
`Secondary Power Supply
`
`Primary Power Supply
`
`220
`
`250
`
`260
`
`270
`
`230
`
`Intel Corporation v. ACQIS LLC
`Intel Corp.'s Exhibit 1005
`Ex. 1005, Page 1
`
`

`

`US 6,216,185 Bl
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`7/1994 Kikinis.
`5,331,509
`10/1994 Horowitz et al. .
`5,355,391
`10/1995 Kobayashi.
`5,463,742
`7/1996 Kikinis.
`5,539,616
`8/1996 Rahamim et al. .
`5,550,710
`5,550,861 * 8/1996 Chan et al..
`5,578,940
`11/1996 Dillon et al. .
`5,600,800
`2/1997 Kikinis et al. .
`5,606,717
`2/1997 Farmwald et al. .
`
`6/1997 Kikinis .
`5,640,302
`8/1997 Huynh et al..
`5,659,773
`9/1997 Dillon et al. .
`5,663,661
`10/1997 Kikinis .
`5,680,126
`5,774,704 * 6/1998 Williams.
`5,941,965 * 8/1999 Moroz et al..
`5,948,047
`9/1999 Jenkins et al. ....................... 708/141
`5,999,952
`12/1999 Jenkins et al. ....................... 708/100
`6,029,183
`2/2000 Jenkins et al. ....................... 708/100
`* cited by examiner
`
`Ex. 1005, Page 2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2001
`
`Sheet 1 of 10
`
`US 6,216,185 Bl
`
`210
`
`FIG._ 1
`
`100'\
`
`510
`
`FIG._5
`
`Ex. 1005, Page 3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2001
`
`Sheet 2 of 10
`
`US 6,216,185 Bl
`
`210 __)..------ 200\_
`
`FIG._2A
`
`210
`
`292
`
`200
`FIG._28
`
`Ex. 1005, Page 4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2001
`
`Sheet 3 of 10
`
`US 6,216,185 Bl
`
`FIG._2C
`
`FIG._2D
`
`200
`
`210
`
`. . - - - - - - @@@
`...______, __ __, @@@
`
`292
`
`228
`
`Ex. 1005, Page 5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2001
`
`Sheet 4 of 10
`
`US 6,216,185 Bl
`
`ACM
`
`,--110
`
`CPU
`
`I==
`
`v100
`
`,--140
`
`200\_
`
`Peripheral Console
`,--210
`Primary
`Display
`Device
`
`r240
`
`Interface
`and
`Support
`
`(300
`
`=
`
`Interconnection ;;
`
`.--
`
`Primary
`Input
`Device
`
`,... 220
`
`~
`
`Interface
`and
`Support
`
`Secondary
`Mass
`Storage
`
`,...
`250
`
`Other
`~ Devices
`
`i,-
`
`260
`
`,--120
`
`System =
`
`Memory
`
`(150
`High
`Performance I=
`Devices
`
`(130
`Primary
`Mass
`Storage
`
`I==
`
`II
`
`Secondary Power Supply
`
`FIG._3
`
`270
`
`V"
`
`Expansion
`~ Slots
`
`Primary Power Supply v~ 230
`II
`
`Ex. 1005, Page 6
`
`

`

`110
`
`100
`
`FIG._4
`
`-- -- ---- --- ---- -- ---- --- --'
`r -1
`-,----- - - - - - - -
`144
`1
`
`,,,-320
`
`I 1
`11
`·
`1:1
`
`I
`I
`I
`
`Clock
`
`Host
`Interface
`Controller
`
`I 1
`I I
`I I
`I I
`I I
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`I I
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`I 1
`
`I I
`I
`'
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`
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`1
`
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`I
`to
`I
`: PCI BRIDGE
`(NorthBridge)
`
`I
`I
`I
`
`146
`
`173
`
`I
`
`:
`.
`
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`
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`I
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`
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`
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`I
`, l :
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`L - - - - - - - - ' - - - - - - -
`
`142
`
`I
`
`330
`300 _f _____ _
`318 1
`C310
`: .... ·············(---, :
`:J 140
`:
`· Console Type
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
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`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`>:
`k Peripheral Bus Ci317
`<:
`
`312
`
`C
`
`·
`
`Video Port
`
`Video Outputs
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`314
`
`d •
`r:JJ.
`•
`~
`~ .....
`~ = .....
`
`> "Cl :;
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`
`N
`C
`C
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`
`Ul
`
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`~ ....
`0 ...,
`"""" C
`
`e
`rJ'l
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`i,(cid:173)
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`(It
`~
`i,-
`
`172
`
`(168
`
`• - • •., • • • • • • • • • "'•., • • •., • • • • .......... • • • •""" • • • • • • • • • • • •"' • • • •"' • •"',. • •., • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
`
`I[
`
`I
`
`CP 11
`'"'' '"'
`
`c162
`
`<
`
`163
`CONTROL
`
`164
`
`I
`I I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`1 __ __ ______ 1
`----------u120
`l
`I
`I Memory
`122
`165
`(RAM)
`, I
`I
`I BIOS(ROM)
`, I '---~~~_.
`
`124
`
`I
`I
`
`166
`
`Flash
`:
`126
`I
`- - - - - - - ___ I 150
`,----------J
`: Advan~ed
`I Graphics
`Processor
`171
`1
`I __________ I 130
`
`152
`
`i
`
`l
`
`,----------J
`
`132
`
`I
`
`, I
`Hard
`I
`I
`Disk
`:1
`l I
`Drive
`1
`:I __________ I
`:
`<
`'
`
`Ex. 1005, Page 7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2001
`
`Sheet 6 of 10
`
`US 6,216,185 Bl
`
`622
`
`620
`611 630
`
`FIG._58
`
`Ex. 1005, Page 8
`
`

`

`610
`
`MAIN CIRCUIT BOARD
`
`(100
`
`510
`
`(630
`
`1 I
`1 512K
`L2 cache
`1
`
`CPU
`
`! Syste~--!
`- - - - -
`I BIOS
`I
`; 14·--rc.-;;;-·
`!
`"l'""I - - - - -
`,
`I
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`:
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`,
`!
`112
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`
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`
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`
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`'-6F2.='2·~1""F:-==:::-=-:T----===-
`, I- - ·1
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`1 ·
`.
`•
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`.
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`r-·--15? __
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`1 •
`•
`I
`.
`!
`·
`! I
`I
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`! j
`j
`j Controller I
`
`Connector
`
`330b
`
`330a
`
`620
`
`FIG._6
`
`Mobile Proce-s-so_r_M_o-du-le__. 11-1~;22.JI_ --~-~-C320_.J
`I
`, Flash
`·-c-· 126
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`
`Power ~ IIDEI
`-c:::-'
`142
`148
`[ _________________
`
`Regulator
`
`.
`
`I
`
`I
`I
`2 1 /2" Hard Drive
`I
`I
`------- - _______ J
`
`132
`
`•
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`~ = .....
`~ = .....
`
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`
`~
`r:.r.i
`Q'\
`'N
`~
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`QC
`Ol
`o=
`
`~
`
`Ex. 1005, Page 9
`
`

`

`US 6,216,185 Bl
`
`"""'
`....,
`0
`
`0
`
`00
`
`heet
`
`'JJ.
`
`Apr. 10, 2001
`
`US Patent
`
`•
`
`•
`
`289
`
`.
`
`: v210
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`:225
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`
`L ---------�-=-=-�-=-=-�-=-=-:..::-�-=-=-�:.:..:.:.:.:.:.:�::.:.:::.:.:.::.:.:.�.:..:_-----------�
`I---------------------I
`
`350 231
`
`.
`
`.
`
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`
`FIG._7
`314
`
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`
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`
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`I
`....1..----...... 1
`Consoe Type I
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`
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`
`342
`
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`Controer
`Interface
`Periphera
`
`:
`
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`
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`I
`:
`310....__
`I ------------------'--·
`1318
`200
`
`!316
`Video Outputs:
`
`Video Port
`
`Peripheral Bus
`
`11_ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`
`I
`I
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`:
`I
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`I
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`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
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`
`317
`312
`
`300�
`
`----------------------------------------------------------------
`
`-
`
`-'
`I
`
`Display
`Integrated
`
`1 _________
`I
`
`CD
`HOD
`Diskette
`
`Pointer
`
`249
`
`243
`
`243
`243
`242
`
`230
`;-240
`244
`
`11...-...,...,..
`I
`I
`I
`
`245
`
`247
`
`------------1
`260
`PCI
`
`(South Bridge)
`ISABRIDGE
`
`to
`PCI
`
`246
`241
`
`Suppy
`Power
`212
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I l ______ _j ________ _
`
`Ex. 1005, Page 10
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2001
`
`Sheet 9 of 10
`
`US 6,216,185 Bl
`
`Computer Bay
`290
`
`200\
`
`Power Supply
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`FIG._8
`
`Motherboard
`810
`
`Ex. 1005, Page 11
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2001
`
`Sheet 10 of 10
`
`US 6,216,185 Bl
`
`200~
`
`212-......,
`~-----------------------l----------\
`\
`\
`\
`\
`
`~~~~~~~~~
`
`\
`
`\
`
`I
`
`202
`~
`
`~
`
`/
`
`-
`
`I
`
`\
`
`\
`·1
`
`-~225
`223
`
`Battery
`
`!230
`
`PCMCIA Slots
`
`(292
`
`\...930
`
`I
`
`l!256 ...
`
`(340
`
`PIG
`
`...
`-
`
`~
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I -
`
`CD-ROM
`
`Computer Bay
`
`...
`_ 290 ..J ---.----------------J
`\~
`\._
`910
`902
`
`FIG._9
`
`Ex. 1005, Page 12
`
`

`

`US 6,216,185 Bl
`
`1
`PERSONAL COMPUTER PERIPHERAL
`CONSOLE WITH ATTACHED COMPUTER
`MODULE
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application claims any and all benefits as provided
`by law of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/083,886 filed
`May 1, 1998 and of U.S. Provisional Application No.
`60/092,706 filed Jul. 14, 1998.
`This application is being filed concurrently with the
`application of William W. Y. Chu for "A Communication
`Channel and Interface Devices For Bridging Computer
`Interface Buses", U.S. application No. 09/149,882 filed on
`Sept. 8, 1998 and incorporates the material therein by
`reference
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The invention relates to the field of personal computers.
`In particular, the invention relates to a personal computer
`comprising a computing module that attaches to a mating
`peripheral console.
`2. Description of Related Art
`Most computer systems are designed as standalone, self(cid:173)
`contained units. A personal computer (PC) is constructed
`with a motherboard, enclosed within a case, acting as the
`central circuit board that connects all devices together
`including the central processing unit (CPU), system
`memory, graphics devices, audio devices, communications
`devices, a power supply, hard disk drive, floppy disk drive,
`add-on cards, and others. While some components may be
`exposed to the exterior of the case for easy substitution and
`replacement, such as removable diskette drives or PCMCIA
`cards for a notebook computer, the CPU is fixed within the
`case. A new generation of processor "modules," such as
`Intel's Mobile CPU module, contain the CPU and certain
`support circuitry within a pluggable module, but the module
`is directly attached to the motherboard, enclosed within the
`computer case, and removed only for servicing. As such, the
`CPU, which is an expensive component of the computer,
`cannot be readily utilized apart from the system in which it
`is installed.
`Improved modular designs for personal computer systems
`have been suggested in the past. U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,616
`(Kikinis) shows a notebook computer comprised almost
`entirely of pluggable modules. This design wins the advan(cid:173)
`tages most often associated with modularity, i.e., flexibility
`in configuration and ease of servicing. At this level of
`modularity, however, no single module is sufficient in itself
`to preserve the core computing capability and environment
`of the computer user.
`Another approach to personal computer modularity suf(cid:173)
`fers from the same shortcoming. The recently developed
`Device Bay standard defines a mechanism for easily adding
`and upgrading PC peripheral devices without opening the
`computer case. Device Bay supports a wide variety of
`storage devices. The Device Bay standard supports only
`peripheral devices, however, and not CPU or memory mod(cid:173)
`ules.
`Notebook computers with docking stations represent a
`partitioning of PC components that permits the core com(cid:173)
`puting capability and environment of the user to be isolated
`to a portable physical package, i.e., the notebook computer.
`The notebook is self-contained and fully able to operate
`
`2
`apart from any docking station, having all core computing
`capability plus primary input and display devices integrated
`into a single package. The docking station is an optional
`accessory that may be used to hold secondary or bulky
`5 peripheral devices.
`The portability of notebook computers is, however, con(cid:173)
`strained by several factors. As a fully functional computer
`system, a notebook computer requires a substantial power
`supply. Batteries and AC adapters are both heavy limiting
`10 the ability to produce a device that is lightweight. A note(cid:173)
`book computer also supplies primary input and display
`devices for the user. Usable keyboards and readable display
`screens limit the ability to produce a device with small
`dimensions that can support the software applications most
`15 commonly used on personal computers.
`The most significant partitioning of a desktop personal
`computer occurs in the IBM Aptiva S Series. The Aptiva S
`PC's incorporate a system tower with a physically separate
`media console connected by a bus cable. The media console
`20 contains frequently accessed peripherals, such as CD-ROM
`and diskette drives, and has a connection for the keyboard
`and mouse. This construction removes the bulky tower case
`from the desktop by locating a small set of low performance
`peripherals near the monitor, as much as six feet away from
`25 the tower. The major components of the system, including
`the CPU, memory, hard disk drive, add-on cards, power
`supply, etc., remain together in the tower case.
`Consequently, there is a need in the art for a personal
`30 computer that allows the user to localize their core comput(cid:173)
`ing power and software environment in a small, lightweight,
`single, portable, physical package.
`
`40
`
`35
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`A personal computer system comprising two physically
`separate units and the interconnection between them is
`disclosed. The first unit, an attached computing module
`(ACM), contains the core computing power and environ(cid:173)
`ment for a computer user. The second unit, a peripheral
`console (PCON), contains the power supply and primary
`input and output devices for the computer system. An ACM
`and a PCON are coupled with one another to form a fully
`functional personal computer system.
`The ACM is small in size so as to be easily transported
`45 between work locations or to a servicing facility. The ACM
`is of comparable size to that of a videocassette, and similarly
`has a hard shell to provide mechanical protection for its
`internal components. The core computing power in the ACM
`comprises the central processing unit (CPU), system
`50 memory, any auxiliary processors, and primary mass storage
`(e.g., a hard disk drive) which serves as the boot device for
`the computer system. The user's core environment con(cid:173)
`tained in the ACM comprises the primary operating system
`software files, frequently used application software files,
`55 files containing the user's working data, and stored configu(cid:173)
`ration data that controls various aspects of software opera(cid:173)
`tion customized to the user's characteristics or preferences.
`Notably absent from the ACM are any substantial power
`supply, and any substantial input/output device such as
`60 would normally be used by the computer operator to interact
`and exploit the range of functionality provided by the
`operating system and application software.
`The PCON provides the remaining components of a
`personal computer system including substantial power sup-
`65 ply and input/output devices. Different PCON designs pro(cid:173)
`vide different usage possibilities for the user's core com(cid:173)
`puting power and environment. Example PCON's include
`
`Ex. 1005, Page 13
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`US 6,216,185 Bl
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`3
`desktop computer, notebook computer, notepad computer,
`and computer-based entertainment computer designs.
`To form a fully operational computer system, an ACM is
`coupled with a PCON. The plug-in module design of the
`ACM, and the concentration of high-value components
`therein (both in terms of high-value hardware and high(cid:173)
`value files), makes it easy for a user to transport the
`high-value core between multiple PCON's, each of which
`can enjoy a relatively low cost. The concentration of a user's
`core computing environment in a small, portable package 10
`also makes it possible for large organizations to perform
`moves, adds, and changes to personal computer systems
`with greater efficiency.
`These and other purposes and advantages of the present
`invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the
`art from the following detailed description in conjunction
`with the appended drawings.
`
`FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary desktop peripheral console
`and attached computing module. The desktop peripheral
`console (PCON) looks similar to a desktop PC system unit
`of conventional design. Front covers for device bays and a
`diskette drive are visible on the front panel of the PCON. 50
`The PCON also provides connections for a display monitor,
`a keyboard, and a mouse.
`The front panel of the PCON also displays an opening to
`a computer bay 292. The computer bay acts as the receptacle
`for the attached computer module (ACM). The ACM houses 55
`the core computing power and environment for a particular
`user and is inserted into the opening of the computer bay to
`receive power and to interact with the peripheral devices
`housed in the PCON. The ACM achieves normal operational
`capability when mated with a PCON. Because the ACM 60
`does not contain a primary power supply or primary input or
`output devices, it can be small and lightweight. These
`characteristics make the ACM greatly portable. It can be
`easily carried in a briefcase with other matter and is thus
`ideal for transport between home and office, or multiple 65
`office locations, each equipped with a desktop PCON. This
`represents one advantage of the present invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary desktop peripheral console
`and attached computing module.
`FIGS. 2a through 2d depict various peripheral console
`configurations.
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a
`computer system employing the present invention.
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an attached computing
`module (ACM).
`FIG. 5 illustrates an external view of one embodiment of
`an ACM.
`FIG. Sb illustrates one possible embodiment of a com(cid:173)
`puter bay.
`FIG. 6 illustrates the internal component layout for one
`embodiment of an ACM.
`FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a peripheral console (PCON).
`FIG. 8 depicts internal major component placement for
`one tower desktop peripheral console (PCON).
`FIG. 9 depicts internal component placement for one
`notebook peripheral console (PCON).
`In the figures just described, like parts appearing m
`multiple figures are numbered the same in each figure.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`30
`
`40
`
`4
`The design of peripheral consoles (PCON's) is in no way
`limited to the desktop unit as pictured in FIG. 1. FIGS. 2a
`through 2d depict various peripheral console configurations.
`FIG. 2a depicts a tower desktop PCON configuration. The
`5 opening of the computer bay 292 is visible at the front of the
`PCON unit. The PCON provides support for a video monitor
`as the user's primary display device. The PCON also pro(cid:173)
`vides support for a keyboard and a mouse as the user's
`primary input (text and pointing) devices.
`FIG. 2b depicts a notebook computer PCON configura-
`tion. The opening of the computer bay 292 is visible at the
`side of the PCON unit. The PCON provides an integrated
`LCD display panel as the user's primary display device. The
`PCON provides an integrated keyboard as the user's primary
`15 input device.
`FIG. 2c depicts a notepad computer PCON configuration.
`The opening of the computer bay 292 is visible along the
`back side of the PCON unit. The PCON provides an
`integrated LCD display panel as the user's primary display
`20 device. The display panel may be equipped with touch
`sensitivity to serve as the user's primary input device. The
`stylus may be used to enter text or graphics, or to select
`"soft" buttons, on the touch sensitive screen. Software
`accessible mechanical switches serve as an alternative pri-
`25 mary input mechanism.
`FIG. 2d depicts an entertainment PCON configuration.
`The opening of the computer bay 292 is visible at the front
`side of the PCON unit. The PCON provides an integrated
`television screen as the user's primary display device. A
`remote control keypad serves as the user's primary input
`device.
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the components in one
`computer system employing the present invention. The
`35 computer system comprises an attached computer module
`(ACM), a peripheral console (PCON), and the interconnec(cid:173)
`tion apparatus between them. The ACM includes the central
`processing unit (CPU) 110, system memory 120, high per-
`formance devices 150, primary mass storage 130, and
`related interface and support circuitry 140. The PCON
`includes primary display 210, primary input 220, secondary
`mass storage 250, other devices 260, expansion slots 270,
`the primary power supply 230, and related interface and
`support circuitry 240. The interconnection apparatus 300
`45 includes circuitry to convey power and operational signals
`between the ACM and PCON.
`Within the ACM 100, the CPU 110 executes instructions
`and manipulates data stored in the system memory. The CPU
`110 and system memory 120 represent the user's core
`computing power. The core computing power may also
`include high performance devices 150 such as advanced
`graphics processor chips that greatly increase overall system
`performance and which, because of their speed, need to be
`located close to the CPU. The primary mass storage 130
`contains persistent copies of the operating system software,
`application software, configuration data, and user data. The
`software and data stored in the primary mass storage device
`represent the user's computing environment. Interface and
`support circuitry 140 primarily includes interface chips and
`signal busses that interconnect the CPU, system memory,
`high performance devices, and primary mass storage. The
`interface and support circuitry also connects ACM-resident
`components with the ACM-to-PCON interconnection appa(cid:173)
`ratus as needed.
`Within the PCON 200, the primary display component
`210 may include an integrated display device or connection
`circuitry for an external display device. This primary display
`
`Ex. 1005, Page 14
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`US 6,216,185 Bl
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`5
`device may be, for example, an LCD, plasma, or CRT
`display screen used to display text and graphics to the user
`for interaction with the operating system and application
`software. The primary display component is the primary
`output of the computer system, i.e., the paramount vehicle
`by which programs executing on the CPU can communicate
`toward the user.
`The primary input component 220 of the PCON may
`include an integrated input device or connection circuitry for
`attachment to an external input device. The primary input
`may be, for example, a keyboard, touch screen, keypad,
`mouse, trackball, digitizing pad, or some combination
`thereof to enable the user to interact with the operating
`system and application software. The primary input com(cid:173)
`ponent is the paramount vehicle by which programs execut(cid:173)
`ing on the CPU receive signals from the user.
`The PCON may contain secondary mass storage 250 to
`provide additional high capacity storage for data and soft(cid:173)
`ware. Secondary mass storage may have fixed or removable
`media and may include, for example, devices such as
`diskette drives, hard disks, CD-ROM drives, DVD drives,
`and tape drives.
`The PCON may be enhanced with additional capability
`through the use of integrated "Other Devices" 260 or add-on
`cards inserted into the PCON's expansion slots 270.
`Examples of additional capability include sound generators,
`LAN connections, and modems. Interface and support cir(cid:173)
`cuitry 240 primarily includes interface chips, driver chips,
`and signal busses that interconnect the other components
`within the PCON. The interface and support circuitry also
`connects PCON-resident components with the ACM-to(cid:173)
`PCON interconnection apparatus as needed.
`Importantly, the PCON houses the primary power supply
`230. The primary power supply has sufficient capacity to
`power both the PCON and the ACM 100 for normal opera(cid:173)
`tion. Note that the ACM may include a secondary "power
`supply" in the form, for example, of a small battery. Such a
`power supply would be included in the ACM to maintain, for
`example, a time-of-day clock, configuration settings when 40
`the ACM is not attached to a PCON, or machine state when
`moving an active ACM immediately from one PCON to
`another. The total energy stored in such a battery would,
`however, be insufficient to sustain operation of the CPU at
`its rated speed, along with the memory and primary mass 45
`storage, for more than a fraction of an hour, if the battery
`were able to deliver the required level of electrical current at
`all.
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an attached computing
`module (ACM) 100. The physical ACM package 100 con(cid:173)
`tains the ACM functional components 101 and the ACM
`side of the ACM-to-PCON Interconnection 300. The ACM
`101 comprises a CPU component 110, a system memory
`component 120, a primary mass storage component 130, a
`high performance devices components 150, and an interface
`and support component 140.
`The ACM side of the ACM-to-PCON Interconnection 300
`comprises a Host Interface Controller (HIC) component 320
`and an ACM connector component 330. The HIC 320 and
`connector 330 components couple the ACM functional
`components 100 with the signals of an ACM-to-PCON
`interface bus 310 used to operatively connect an ACM with
`a PCON. The ACM-to-PCON interface bus 310 comprises
`conveyance for electrical power 314 and signals for a
`peripheral bus 312, video 316, video port 317, and console
`type 318. The preferredACM-to-PCON Interconnection 300
`is described in detail in a companion U.S. patent application,
`
`6
`Ser. No. 09/149,882, entitled "A Communication Channel
`and Interface Devices for Bridging Computer Interface
`Buses," by the same inventor, filed on the same day
`herewith, and hereby incorporated by reference. The pre-
`s ferred ACM-to-PCON interconnection 300 includes cir(cid:173)
`cuitry to transmit and receive parallel bus information from
`multiple signal paths as a serial bit stream on a single signal
`path. This reduces the number of physical signal paths
`required to traverse the interconnection 300. Further,
`10 employing low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) on the
`bit stream data paths provides very reliable, high-speed
`transmission across cables. This represents a further advan(cid:173)
`tage of the present invention.
`The CPU component 110 of the ACM functional circuitry
`15 101 of the presently described embodiment comprises a
`microprocessor 112, which is the chief component of the
`personal computer system, power supply connection point
`113, and cache memory 114 tightly coupled to the micro(cid:173)
`processor 112 by the CPU-to-cache bus 174 comprising
`20 signal paths for address, data, and control information. The
`microprocessor 112 of this embodiment is one of the models
`from the Pentium II family of processors from Intel Corpo(cid:173)
`ration. Microprocessor 112 receives electrical power from
`power bus 168 via connection point 113. Microprocessor
`25 112 couples to the Host Interface Controller (HIC) 320 via
`CPU-to-HIC bus 163 comprising signal paths to exchange
`control information such as an interrupt request. Micropro(cid:173)
`cessor 112 also couples to CPU Bridge 146 via CPU main
`bus 164 comprising signal paths for address, data, and
`30 control information.
`The CPU Bridge component 146 of the interface and
`support circuitry 140 operates to couple the high speed CPU
`main bus 164 to specialty buses of varying speeds and
`capability that connect other computer components. The
`35 CPU Bridge of the presently described embodiment incor(cid:173)
`porates memory controller circuitry, advanced graphics pro(cid:173)
`cessor support circuitry, and a general, industry-standard
`PCI bus controller in a single package. A CPU Bridge 146
`such as the 82443LX PCI/AGP Controller from Intel Cor(cid:173)
`poration may be used.
`The system memory component 120 of the ACM func(cid:173)
`tional circuitry 101 in the present embodiment comprises
`main system memory (RAM) 122, BIOS memory 124, and
`flash memory 126. The system memory 120 is used to
`contain data and instructions that are directly addressable by
`the CPU. The RAM 122 comprises volatile memory devices
`such as DRAM or SDRAM memory chips that do not retain
`their stored contents when power is removed. This form of
`memory represents the largest proportion of total system
`so memory 120 capacity. The BIOS memory 124 comprises
`non-volatile memory devices such as ROM or EPROM
`memory chips that retain their stored contents regardless of
`the application of power and are read-only memory under
`normal operating conditions. The BIOS memory 124 stores,
`ss for example, start-up instructions for the microprocessor 112
`and sets of instructions for rudimentary input/output tasks.
`The flash memory 126 comprises non-volatile memory
`devices that retain their stored contents regardless of the
`application of power. Unlike the BIOS non-volatile memory,
`60 however, the stored contents of the flash memory 126 are
`easily changed under normal operating conditions. The flash
`memory 126 may be used to store status and configuration
`data, such as security identifiers or ACM specifications like
`the speed of the microprocessor 112. Some embodiments
`65 may combine the BIOS functions into the flash memory
`device, thus permitting BIOS contents to be rewritten,
`improving field upgradability.
`
`Ex. 1005, Page 15
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`The main system memory (RAM) 122 is coupled to
`memory controller circuitry resident within the CPU Bridge
`146 via direct memory bus 165. The BIOS 124 and flash
`memory 126 are coupled to HIC 320 via switched memory
`bus 166. This permits the BIOS 124 and flash 126 memories 5
`to be accessed by circuitry in the HIC 320 or other circuitry
`connected thereto. The direct memory bus 165 and the
`switch memory bus 166 each comprises conductors to
`convey signals for data, address, and control information.
`The primary mass storage component 130 of the ACM 10
`functional circuitry 101 in the present embodiment com(cid:173)
`prises a compact hard disk drive with an industry-standard,
`IDE interface. The hard disk drive (HDD) 132 has a for(cid:173)
`matted storage capacity sufficient to contain an operating
`system for the computer, application software desired by the 15
`user, and related user configuration and operating parameter
`data. The HDD 132 in the present embodiment serves as the
`"boot" device for the personal computer from which the
`operating system is loaded into RAM 122 by the start-up
`program stored in the BIOS 124.
`The present HDD 132 has a capacity of approximately
`2,000 megabytes to provide adequate storage for common
`software configurations and reasonable space for user data.
`One example of a common software configuration includes
`the Wind