METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MODULAR COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE

摘要

A computer peripheral (10) is provided that combines the functionalityof multiple devices, for example a pager (10A), a facsimile (10B) machine, and a data modem (10B). The computer peripheral (10) is designed as one or more separable modules, or functional components, including a module for interfacing the peripheral to a host computer (100). At least one of the functional components can be operated either as part of the computer peripheral, or may be separated from the remainder of the computer peripheral and used as a self-contained functional module when powered by a battery pack (30) or holster (20B). Circuitry and methods are also provided for a stantardized serial interface that allow a host computer (100) to selectively connect to and communicate with one or more PCMCIA based devices connected to the serial bus, and which support a daisy-chain of multiple devices from a single PCMCIA based device.