COMPUTER POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

摘要

A low power management system including both hardware and software is provided for a battery powered portable computer (not shown). The low power management system powers down various sections of the computer (DMA, VCO, DISPLAY, UART) when they are not used. The low power management system is controlled by a control program directing the microprocessor of the computer, and includes the capability to turn off clock signals (not shown) to the various sections of the computer based upon demand. Also included is the capability to turn on clock signals based upon demand. The low power management system also includes the capability to turn on the computer upon a press of a key on the computer keyboard. The low power management system monitors software application programs for keyboard activity so as to turn off the microprocessor in the computer in response to a loop looking for a keypress and certain other loops which can be monitored without use of the microprocessor.