JP2003044178A - Computer system, starting controller and method for managing power supply of computer system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a computer system, etc., capable of realizing a WOL(wake on LAN) in a PC provided with a core chip-in type I/O bridge. SOLUTION: Power is supplied to an I/O bridge 21 incorporating a LAN communicating part 80 by only connecting an AC adapter 51 to the PC to make the PC available. Besides, in a gate array 42, a signal (Power State Enable = L) is outputted to an AND gate 82 so as not to perform voltage supply to power supplies (Vcc-A and Vcc-B) of main parts of the PC 10 only by connecting the AC adapter 51, and a signal (Power State Enable = H) for performing voltage supply is outputted to the power supplies (Vcc-A and Vcc-B) of the main parts of the PC 10 for the first time when an operation for the WOL and normal power-on is performed. Namely, the gate array 42 takes responsibility for power supply control after connecting the AC adapter 51 to the PC 10.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a computer device that can be activated by a signal from an external network, a startup control device, and a power management method for the computer device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A PC (Personal Computer), particularly a notebook PC, cuts off the power consumption of a battery, so that the power supply to each part of the PC is stopped when an idle state without input continues for a certain time. It is possible to shift to a power saving mode such as a so-called sleep mode or off mode (shutdown mode). ACPI recently formulated
In (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface),
In contrast to the normal use mode "S0" in the on mode, the power saving mode is divided into five stages "S1" to "S5", and "S1", "S2", and "S3" are sleep modes, “S4” is the hibernation mode, and “S5” is the off mode in which the power is off. here,
The power saving modes of "S1" to "S5" are set in stages from "S1" to "S5" so that the target (parts or devices) to which power is supplied gradually decreases.

By the way, when using such a PC mainly in a company or the like, the PC is connected to a LAN (Local Area).
Often connected to Network). In a PC connected to a LAN, it is possible to start the PC from the outside by sending a predetermined signal via the LAN.
It is called a run (hereinafter appropriately referred to as WOL), and is effectively used when installing software or updating BIOS for a plurality (a large number) of PCs used in a company or the like.

FIG. 6 shows a circuit configuration in a conventional PC that realizes the WOL function. Further, FIG. 7 shows a processing flow when the PC having such a circuit configuration is started by WOL. A for PC
When the C adapter 91 is connected (step S201), power is supplied to the gate array 92 and the communication board 93 such as an Ethernet (registered trademark) board in the configuration shown in FIG. When the AC adapter 91 is connected, a signal (AC Adapter Presence) indicating that the AC adapter 91 is connected is input to the gate array 92 that controls the power on / off control. After that, in the gate array 92, the PC is connected via the external LAN.
Command to start other system (Wakeup comman
The detection of an event (Power Switch) that occurs when d) is input to the communication board 93 or when the power button or the like of the PC is operated by the user is monitored (step S202).

When an event is detected, the gate array 92 outputs a predetermined signal (I / O Bridge Enable),
The O-bridge 94 is brought into a usable state (power is also supplied) (step S203). Then, I / O bridge 94
Is a signal for the DC / DC converter 95 to turn on the main power of the PC system (Power State = H)
Is output (step S204). Then, the BIOS of the PC system confirms the register value of the gate array 92, and outputs from the communication board 93 when a command (Wakeup command) for activating the PC system is input via the external LAN. It is determined whether or not the signal (PME #) is received (step S205). If the register value of the gate array 92 is PME # = L, the external LA
Command to start the PC system via N
Activation by (Wakeup command), that is, it is determined to be WOL, and a predetermined activation process for WOL is executed (step S206). If the register value of the gate array 92 is not PME # = L, the signal (PME #) is not received and it is determined that the activation is performed by operating the power button or the like of the PC and the normal operation is performed. Power-on processing is executed (step S207).

In the case of a PC having the WOL function as described above, for example, when a new PC is introduced (purchased) in a company, the PC is taken out of the packing box and the AC adapter 91 and the LAN cable are connected. In such a state, the WOL function can be used to make settings such as software installation. in this way,
Just by connecting the AC adapter 91 and a LAN cable to the PC, software such as an operating system that starts the PC remotely by using the WOL function without having to start the PC system and change the settings The function that allows initial settings such as installation of is called especially Plug-In-Go. This is because power is supplied to the communication board 93 (and the gate array 92) only by connecting the AC adapter 91 to the PC, and the communication board 93 is connected to the PC from an external LAN.
Command to start other system (Wakeup comman
This is a function that can be implemented because it is ready to accept d).

By the way, recently, a core chip-in having a configuration including a part of the communication function of the conventional communication board 93 (a function of converting a digital signal inside a PC into an Ethernet protocol for communication through LAN) is included.
An I / O bridge called (Corechip In) was developed,
It is being offered to the market. By using such an I / O bridge, it is possible to add only the remaining communication function of the conventional communication board 93 (function of converting an analog signal of a cable or fiber physically constituting a LAN into a digital signal). , LAN communication can be realized. Since a board (device) having such a function mainly has an analog circuit and is inexpensive, it is possible to reduce the cost for equipping a PC with a communication function by LAN.

[0008]

However, in a PC using such a core chip-in type I / O bridge, the following problems occur when executing WOL. That is, since the core chip-in type I / O bridge has a part of the communication function as described above,
External LA unless power is supplied to this I / O bridge
The communication function for N does not work, and neither WOL nor plug-in-go can be executed. The present invention has been made based on such a technical problem, and is a computer device, a start-up control device, and a power management of a computer device capable of realizing WOL in a PC equipped with a core chip-in type I / O bridge. The purpose is to provide a method.

[0009]

To solve the above problems, simply connecting the AC adapter 91
It is possible to supply power to the / O bridge. For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 6, the communication board 9
I / O bridge 94
Then, in step S201 of FIG. 7, the AC adapter 91
When the gate array 92 and the communication board 93 are connected.
Not only is the power supplied to the I / O bridge 94. However, in the circuit having the configuration as shown in FIG. 6, when power is supplied to the I / O bridge 94, the I / O bridge 94 sends a DC / DC converter 95 to the PC.
Signal to turn on the main power of the system
State = H) is output, and the system starts at a dash just by connecting the AC adapter 91 and the on mode S
It will shift to 0. Therefore,
In this way, if the power is supplied to the I / O bridge 94 simply by connecting the AC adapter 91, the WOL and the plug-in-go cannot be substantially performed, and the above-mentioned problem is effectively achieved. It cannot be resolved.

Therefore, the present invention, which has been made by earnest studies conducted by the present inventors, provides an input / output control means having a part of a communication function with an external network and an input / output control function for a computer, that is, a core chip-in. When a computer having a type I / O bridge (south bridge) detects that a power source such as an AC adapter is connected to the computer, it is possible to receive a signal transmitted from an external network. Therefore, the power supply part for the computer device is controlled. At this time, simply connecting the AC adapter or the like does not activate the system of the computer device, and does not supply power to a part required to activate the computer device. Then, when a request is received from the external network, power is supplied to a part required to activate the computer device.
This prevents power from being supplied to the entire computer device by simply connecting a power source such as an AC adapter.

The computer device of the present invention has a part of a communication function with an external network, and an input / output control chip to which power is supplied by connecting an AC adapter to the computer device, and the input / output control chip. A transmission / reception circuit unit that realizes a communication function with an external network together with a part of the communication function that is provided, and a power supply circuit for a unit that is required to start up a computer device when a request from the external network is received. And a power supply controller that supplies power from. More specifically, this power controller
A gate array and a determination gate that determines whether power is supplied to the portion are provided. The determination gate is based on a signal output from the gate array when receiving a signal requesting activation of the computer device and a signal output from the input / output control chip when the AC adapter is connected to the computer device. hand,
A signal indicating whether to supply power to the part is output. This signal is a signal for controlling a switch for switching whether to supply power from the AC adapter to the portion.

The start-up control device of the present invention receives a start-up request signal from an external network and a first controller such as an I / O bridge which is supplied with power by a power supply and outputs a first signal. A second controller such as a gate array that outputs a second signal when received,
And a determination circuit that outputs a signal for starting the computer system when receiving the first signal and the second signal. The second controller preferably outputs the second signal when it receives both the signal indicating whether the AC adapter is connected to the computer system and the request signal from the external network.

Further, the present invention can be understood as a power management method for a computer device having an input / output controller having a part of a communication function with an external network,
When it is detected that the power supply is connected, power is supplied to the input / output controller to enable communication with the external network without operating the computer system. At this time, it is also possible to detect whether or not the power source connected to the computer device is the AC adapter and enable the communication with the external network when the power source is the AC adapter. Then, when the activation request is received from the external network, the computer system is activated.

Further, according to the present invention, when the connection of the power source is detected, power is supplied to a part of the computer device, for example, an I / O bridge so that the communication with the external network is possible. When a signal for supplying power to a part required to start up the system is output, an invalid signal for invalidating this signal is output, which is also regarded as a power management method for a computer device. be able to. by this,
Only by supplying power to a part of the computer device to enable communication with an external network, it is possible to prevent power from being supplied to a part necessary to activate the system of the computer device. Then, when the computer device receives the activation request from the external network, by stopping the output of the invalid signal, it is possible to supply power to the part required to activate the system of the computer device.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described below in detail based on the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a PC (Personal Computer: computer device, computer system) 10 according to the present embodiment. A computer device including the PC 10 is, for example, an OADG (Open Architecture Devel)
In accordance with the oper's Group) specifications, it is configured as a notebook PC equipped with a predetermined OS (operating system).

In the PC 10 shown in FIG. 1, the CPU 11
Functions as the brain of the entire PC 10 and executes various programs under the control of the OS. The CPU 11 is an FSB (Front Side Bus) 12, which is a system bus, and a high-speed I / O.
PCI (Peripheral Component In) as an O device bus
terconnect) bus 20 and an ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus 40 as a low-speed I / O device bus, which are interconnected with each component. The CPU 11 stores the program code and data in the cache memory to speed up the process. In recent years, an SRAM of about 128 Kbytes has been integrated as a primary cache inside the CPU 11, but in order to compensate for the lack of capacity, a dedicated bus BSB is used.
A secondary cache 14 of about 512 K to 2 Mbytes is placed via (Back Side Bus) 13. BSB1
It is also possible to keep the cost low by omitting step 3 and connecting the secondary cache 14 to the FSB 12 to avoid a package with a large number of terminals.

The FSB 12 and the PCI bus 20 are connected to a memory /
It is connected by a CPU bridge 15 called a PCI chip. The CPU bridge 15 includes a memory controller function for controlling an access operation to the main memory 16 and a data buffer for absorbing a difference in data transfer speed between the FSB 12 and the PCI bus 20. Has become. The main memory 16 is a CPU
11 is a writable memory used as a read area of the execution program 11 or as a work area for writing the processing data of the execution program. This execution program includes various drivers for operating the hardware of the OS and peripherals, application programs for specific jobs, and firmware such as BIOS stored in the flash ROM 44 described later.

The video subsystem 17 is a subsystem for realizing functions related to video and includes a video controller. This video controller processes a drawing command from the CPU 11, writes the processed drawing information in the video memory, reads the drawing information from the video memory, and then displays the drawing information.
D) 18 is output as drawing data.

The PCI bus 20 is a bus capable of relatively high-speed data transfer.
An O bridge (input / output control unit, input / output control chip, first controller) 21, card bus controller 22, and mini PCI connector 27 are connected to each.

The card bus controller 22 is a dedicated controller for directly connecting the bus signal of the PCI bus 20 to the interface connector (card bus) of the card bus slot 23.
It is possible to load a PC card 24 on the. mi
A mini PCI (mini PCI) device 60 is connected to the ni PCI connector 27. The mini PCI device 60 is
It is an expansion card (board) that can be expanded according to the miniPCI specifications. This mini PCI is for mobile
It is a standard and is listed as an appendix to the PCI Rev.2.2 specification. Functionally, it is equivalent to full-spec PCI.

The I / O bridge 21 has a bridge function between the PCI bus 20 and the ISA bus 40. Also,
DMA controller function, programmable interrupt controller (PIC) function, programmable interval timer (PIT) function, IDE (Integrated Device Electronics) interface function as an input / output control function for PC 10, and USB (Universal Serial Bu)
s) function, SMB (System Management Bus) interface function, and real-time clock (RT
C) is built in.

The DMA controller function transfers data between a peripheral device such as an FDD and the main memory 16 by the CPU.
11 is a function to be executed without intervention. The PIC function is a function for executing a predetermined program (interrupt handler) in response to an interrupt request (IRQ) from a peripheral device. The PIT function is a function of generating a timer signal at a predetermined cycle. The interface realized by the IDE interface function is a built-in HD.
D31 is connected and ID of CD-ROM drive etc.
An E device and a bay device 32 such as an FDD are connected. Here, the bay device 32 is detachably (inserted / removed) stored in a storage location called a bay provided in a notebook PC body, for example. The bay device 32
Has a unit shape having a predetermined outer shape corresponding to a bay (not shown). Further, the I / O bridge 21 is provided with a USB port, and this USB port is connected to a USB connector 30 provided on, for example, a side wall surface of a notebook PC main body.

Furthermore, the I / O bridge 21 is connected to the power supply circuit 50. The power supply circuit 50 charges an AC adapter (power supply) 51, a main battery 52 or a second battery 53 as a battery (secondary battery), and a battery switching circuit 54 that switches a power supply path from the AC adapter 51 and each battery, and 5 used in PC10
It is provided with a circuit such as a DC / DC converter (DC / DC) 55 which generates a DC constant voltage of V, 3.3V or the like.

On the other hand, inside the core chip constituting the I / O bridge 21, an internal register for managing the power supply state of the PC 10 and a PC including the operation of this internal register are included.
A logic (state machine) for managing the power supply state of 10 is provided. This logic is the power supply circuit 50
Sending and receiving various signals to and from, by sending and receiving this signal,
The actual power supply state from the power supply circuit 50 to the PC 10 is recognized. The power supply circuit 50 controls the power supply to the PC 10 according to the instruction from this logic.

Further, in the present embodiment, the I / O bridge 21 sets the digital signal inside the PC 10 to L level.
LAN communication unit 8 having a function of converting to an Ethernet protocol for communication in AN (external network)
It contains 0. A transmission / reception circuit (transmission / reception circuit unit) 81, which is connected to an external LAN and has a function of converting an analog signal of a LAN cable or fiber into a digital signal, is connected to the LAN communication unit 80. The LAN communication unit 80 and the transmission / reception circuit 81 can realize the LAN communication function by Ethernet similar to the conventional communication board 93.

The ISA bus 40 has a lower data transfer rate than the PCI bus 20. This ISA bus 40
Includes an embedded controller 41 connected to a gate array (power supply detection means, control means, power supply controller, second controller, input / output controller) 42, and a complementary simmetry metal oxide (CMOS).
e Semiconductor) 43, flash ROM 44, Sup
er I / O controller 45 is connected. It is also used to connect peripherals that operate at relatively low speeds such as keyboard / mouse controllers. An I / O port 46 is connected to the Super I / O controller 45 to drive the FDD, input / output parallel data via the parallel port (PIO), and input / output serial data via the serial port (SIO). Are in control.

The embedded controller 41 controls a keyboard (not shown) and is connected to the power supply circuit 50 to have a built-in power management controller (PMC).
part of the power management function together with the gate array 42.

The gate array 42 has a function of controlling a power supply portion for the PC 10 when executing WOL and during normal power-on execution. As shown in FIG. 2, a signal indicating whether or not the AC adapter 51 is connected to the gate array 42 (AC Adapter Pr
esence), and a signal output from the LAN communication unit 80 when a command (Wakeup command) for executing WOL via an external LAN is input to the transmission / reception circuit 81.
(PME #) and a signal (Power Switch) generated by operating the power switch of the PC 10 are input. When these signals are input, the gate array 42 enables the I / O bridge 21 to be in the usable state (Ena
ble) signal (I / O Bridge Enable), DC / D
A signal (Power State Enable) for switching the power supply state in the C converter 55 is output according to a predetermined logic.

Now, the signal line L1 from the gate array 42
Then, the signal line L2 from the I / O bridge 21 is input to the AND gate (determination gate, determination circuit) 82. Here, as described above, the signal line L1 is a signal (Pow) for switching the power supply state in the DC / DC converter 55.
er State Enable: a second signal) from the gate array 42. Further, the signal line L2 is a signal (I / O) from the gate array 42 to the I / O bridge 21.
When Bridge Enable) is input, the I / O bridge 21 that has been enabled according to this is
This is for outputting a signal (Power State: first signal) for switching the power supply state in the converter 55. The signal line L3 output from the AND gate 82 is input to the switch 55a provided in the DC / DC converter 55, and the switch 55a is controlled to control the AC voltage.
The direct current supplied from the adapter 51 is interrupted. As described above, in the present embodiment, the I / O bridge 21, the gate array 42, the LAN communication unit 80 built in the I / O bridge 21, the transmission / reception circuit 81, and the AND gate 82 are used during WOL execution. It constitutes a start-up control device for the PC 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, such a PC 10
Indicates that from the state Z where neither the AC adapter 51 nor the battery (main battery 52, second battery 53) is connected,
The mechanical off mode G3 is entered by connecting the adapter 51 or the battery. Then, in the mechanical off mode G3, when the power supply mode is changed from the mechanical off mode G3 to the on mode S0 by activating the system (OS) by operating a predetermined activation button or the like, then the power is turned off. When the operation is performed, the mode shifts to the soft off mode (shutdown mode) S5. Here, FIG. 1 shows an example of the power supply status for each component of the PC 10. In FIG. 1, the non-colored portions (Vcc-M) are the soft-off mode S5, the sleep mode S3, and the on-mode S0.
In both cases, the part where power is supplied, the part colored in light gray (Vcc-A) is the part where power is supplied only in sleep mode S3 and on mode S0, and the part colored in dark gray (Vcc-B) ) Is a portion to which power is supplied only in the ON mode S0. In addition, the mechanical off mode G3, that is, the PC 10 is connected to the AC adapter 51.
2 is simply connected, power is supplied to the I / O bridge 21 (including the built-in LAN communication unit 80), the transmission / reception circuit 81, and the gate array 42 shown in FIG. 2, and the power supplied from the AC adapter 51. The voltage is cut off by the switch 55a of the DC / DC converter 55, and the power supply (Vcc-A and Vcc-B) is not supplied to the main part of the PC 10. It should be noted that in a state where the AC adapter 51 is not connected and only the battery (main battery 52, second battery 53) is connected, power is not supplied to the I / O bridge 21 and the transmitting / receiving circuit 81. .

Now, the flow of processing when performing WOL in the PC 10 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. AC adapter 51 for PC10
Are connected (step S101), power is supplied to the gate array 42 and the transmission / reception circuit 81 in the configuration shown in FIG. When the AC adapter 51 is connected, a signal (AC Adapter Presence) indicating that the AC adapter 51 is connected is input to the gate array 42 that controls the power on / off control.
When this signal (AC Adapter Presence) is input, the gate array 42 outputs a predetermined signal (Power State Enable = L: invalid signal) to the AND gate 82 (step S102). The AND gate 82 outputs the signal (Sy
When the (Stem Power State) is “H”, switch 5
When 5a is turned on, the power supply of the main part of PC10 (Vcc-A
And Vcc-B) are supplied with power. Therefore, in the gate array 42, the AND gate 82
As long as a signal (Power State Enable = L) is output to the switch 55a, the switch 55a does not turn on.

Further, the gate array 42 outputs a predetermined signal (I / O Bridge Enable) to the I / O bridge 21 so that the I / O bridge 21 can be used (power is also supplied). (Step S103). Then, the I / O bridge 21 sends a predetermined signal (Po
wer State = H) is automatically output (step S104).
In this state, since the signal (Power State Enable = L) is output from the gate array 42 to the AND gate 82, even if the signal (Power State = H) is output from the I / O bridge 21, the AND gate 82 The signal (S
ystem Power State) is "L", and the switch 55a remains OFF. That is, even if power is supplied to the I / O bridge 21, power is not supplied to the power supplies (Vcc-A and Vcc-B) of the main part of the PC 10.

Thereafter, in the gate array 42, the PC 10
Command to start other system (Wakeup comman
An event that occurs when d) is input from the transmission / reception circuit 81 to the LAN communication unit 80 built in the I / O bridge 21 via an external LAN, or when the power button or the like of the PC 10 is operated by the user. Is detected (step S105).

When this event is detected, the gate array 42 notifies the AND gate 82 of a predetermined signal (P
ower State Enable = H) is output (step S106).
Then, the gate array 42 outputs a signal (Power State Enable = H) to the AND gate 82. As a result, a signal from the gate array 42 (Power State Enable =
H) is output and a signal (Power Sta.) Is output from the I / O bridge 21.
Since te = H) is output, the AND gate 82
The signal (System Power State) output from is switched to "H" (step S107). This allows DC / D
The switch 55a provided in the C converter 55 is turned on, and the power supplies (Vcc-A and Vcc) of the main part of the PC 10 are switched.
Power supply from the AC adapter 51 to cc-B) is started.

Then, the BIOS of the system of the PC 10
Confirms the register value of the gate array 42,
When a command (Wakeup command) for activating the system of the PC 10 is input via the AN, it is determined whether or not the signal (PME #) output from the LAN communication unit 80 is received (step S108). As a result, if the register value of the gate array 42 is PME # = L, it is determined by the command (Wakeup command) for starting the system of the PC 10 via the external LAN, that is, WOL, A predetermined activation process for WOL is executed (step S109). Further, if the register value of the gate array 42 is PME # = H, it is determined to be a normal startup by operating the power button or the like of the PC 10,
A normal power-on process is executed (step S110).

In this way, the AC adapter 51 is connected to the PC.
Just by connecting to I
Power is supplied to the / O bridge 21, and the LAN function is enabled. Moreover, in the gate array 42, a signal (Power State) for disabling the voltage is not supplied to the power supply (Vcc-A and Vcc-B) of the main part of the PC 10 only by connecting the AC adapter 51.
Enable = L) is output to the AND gate 82, and WOL
When a normal power-on operation is performed, a signal (Power State Enable = H) for supplying voltage to the main power supply (Vcc-A and Vcc-B) of the PC 10 is output for the first time. I did it. In other words, connect the AC adapter 51 to the PC1
Power control after connecting to 0 to gate array 42
It was designed to be handled by.

With this, for example, if the PC 10 is purchased, and the PC is just taken out of the packing box, and only the AC adapter 51 and the LAN cable are connected, a mechanical off mode G3 in which the LAN function can be used is created. Therefore, the WOL from the mechanical off mode G3, that is, the plug-in-go can be executed even in the PC 10 including the I / O bridge 21 having the LAN communication unit 80 built therein. At this time, when the AC adapter 51 is simply connected to the PC 10, the mechanical off mode G3 is set. Therefore, in the list illustrated in FIG.
The power consumption is 0.5W. In contrast,
As described using the example of FIG. 6, the AC adapter 9 is simply used.
If only the I / O bridge 94 is enabled when 1 is connected, the system shifts to the ON mode S0. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the power consumption of the PC 10 becomes 12 W. As described above, according to the above configuration, if the PC 10 is simply connected to the AC adapter 51,
It is possible to realize a configuration that remains in the mechanical off mode G3, and it is possible to reduce the power consumption until the start of WOL. This means that the larger the number of PCs 10 to be introduced, the more remarkable the effect.

In the above embodiment, the WOL from the mechanical off mode G3 is possible when the AC adapter 51 is connected, but the main battery 52, the second battery 53, and the like are not used. Similarly, when the power source is used, the WO from the mechanical off mode G3 is similarly set.
L, that is, a configuration that enables plug-in-go may be used. Further, although the gate array 42 and the AND gate 82 are separately provided, it is also possible to form a single component by mounting a circuit having both functions. In addition, the power supply status as shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and what kind of power supply mode is used for each unit of the PC 10 can be appropriately changed. Further, the processing flow shown in FIG. 4 can be appropriately changed without any problem as long as the same function can be realized. Other than this, the configurations described in the above embodiments can be selected or changed to other configurations without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0039]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to execute WOL and plug-in-go even in a PC equipped with an I / O bridge having a part of LAN communication function built-in.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a PC according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration for making a PC WOL.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a transition state of a power mode in a PC.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flow when performing WOL.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the presence / absence of power supply to each part and power consumption for each power supply status of the PC.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration for executing WOL in a conventional PC.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a conventional flow when performing WOL.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... PC (computer device, computer system), 21 ... I / O bridge (input / output control means, input / output control chip, first controller), 42 ... Gate array (power detection means, control means, power controller, first) Secondary controller, input / output controller), 51 ... AC adapter (power supply), 55a ... switch,
80 ... LAN communication unit, 81 ... Transmission / reception circuit (transmission / reception circuit unit), 82 ... AND gate (judgment gate, judgment circuit)

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Noriyuki Kato             1623 1423 Shimotsuruma, Yamato-shi, Kanagawa Japan             BM Co., Ltd. Daiwa Office (72) Inventor Kazuo Fujii             1623 1423 Shimotsuruma, Yamato-shi, Kanagawa Japan             BM Co., Ltd. Daiwa Office F-term (reference) 5B011 DA02 DB04 EA02 MA12

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A computer device connectable to an external network, comprising: an input / output control means having a part of a communication function with the external network and an input / output control function for the computer device; Power source detecting means for detecting that a power source is connected to the computer device, and control means for controlling a power supply portion from the power source to the computer device, wherein the control means has the power source connected to the computer device. When it is detected, the computer device controls a power supply unit for the computer device so that a signal transmitted from the external network can be received. 2. The control means, when it is detected that the power supply is connected to the computer device, controls the power supply part for the computer device without operating the system of the computer device. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the computer system is a computer system. 3. The control means executes control of the power supply part when the power supply detection means detects that an AC adapter as the power supply is connected to the computer device. The computer device according to item 1. 4. The control means, when receiving a request from the external network via the input / output control means, supplies power to a part required to activate the computer device. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the computer system is a computer system. 5. The computer device according to claim 1, wherein the input / output control unit is supplied with power when an AC adapter is connected as the power supply. 6. A computer device capable of being activated in response to a request made via an external network, comprising a part of a function of communicating with the external network,
An input / output control chip to which power is supplied by connecting an adapter to the computer device, a power supply circuit for controlling power supply from the AC adapter to the computer device, and the input / output control chip connected to the external network A transmission / reception circuit unit that realizes a communication function with the external network together with a part of the communication functions provided in the chip, and a request from the external network is received via the transmission / reception circuit unit and the input / output control chip. A computer device, comprising: a power supply controller that supplies power from the power supply circuit to a portion required to activate the computer device. 7. The power supply controller determines whether to supply power to a gate array that outputs a predetermined signal when receiving a signal requesting activation of the computer device and whether to supply power to the entire computer device. And a decision gate that is based on the signal output from the gate array and the signal output from the input / output control chip when the AC adapter is connected to the computer device. 7. The computer device according to claim 6, wherein the computer device outputs a signal indicating whether or not power is supplied to the portion. 8. The determination gate is a signal for supplying power to the portion when the signal output from the gate array and the signal output from the input / output control chip match. 8. The computer device according to claim 7, wherein 9. The switch according to claim 7, further comprising a switch for switching whether or not power is supplied from the AC adapter to the portion, and the determination gate outputs a signal for controlling the switch. Computer equipment. 10. A start-up control device for a computer system, which receives a start-up request signal from an external network, and a first controller which is supplied with power when a power supply is connected and outputs a first signal. When a second controller that outputs a second signal at times, the first signal output from the first controller, and the second signal output from the second controller are received. And a determination circuit that outputs a signal for activating the computer system, the activation control device. 11. The start-up control device according to claim 10, wherein a switch that switches power supply from the power supply to the computer system is controlled by a signal output from the determination circuit. 12. The second controller receives the signal indicating whether or not an AC adapter is connected to the computer system and receives the request signal from the external network. 11. The activation control device according to claim 10, wherein 13. A power management method for a computer device comprising an input / output controller having a part of a communication function with an external network, the method comprising: detecting that a power supply is connected; and detecting the connection of the power supply. And a step of supplying power to the input / output controller to enable communication of the external network when the system of the computer is not operated. Power management method. 14. The power management method for a computer device according to claim 13, further comprising the step of activating the system when the computer device receives a activation request from an external network. 15. The method further comprises the step of detecting whether or not the power source connected to the computer device is an AC adapter, and communicating with the external network when the power source is detected to be the AC adapter. 14. The power management method for a computer device according to claim 13, wherein the step of bringing the computer into a possible state is executed. 16. A power management method for a computer device, the method comprising: detecting that a power supply is connected; and, when the connection of the power supply is detected, the computer is brought into a state capable of communicating with an external network. A step of supplying power to a part of the device, and a signal for supplying power to a part necessary for starting the system of the computer device by supplying power to the part of the computer device is output. And a step of outputting an invalidation signal that invalidates this signal when the computer is operated. 17. The power management method for a computer device according to claim 16, further comprising the step of stopping the output of the invalid signal when the computer device receives a start request from an external network.