Backlight system architecture for mobile display system

A backlight system for use with a mobile display system that includes a mobile unit capable of being powered by a battery and a base station capable of being powered by an external power source, the backlight system comprising:

• a first circuit in the mobile unit, the first circuit including a plurality of light sources disposed near edges of the mobile unit and a single power supply for powering a pre-selected one of the light sources;
• and
• a second circuit in the base station, the second circuit including at least one power supply for powering the plurality of the light sources in the mobile unit when the mobile unit is attached to the base station;
• and
• wherein the second circuit further comprises a plurality of power supplies for powering the plurality of light sources respectively when the mobile unit is attached to the base station.

A mobile display system comprising a mobile unit, the mobile unit including:

• a flat panel display;
• and
• a first backlight circuit for providing light to the display, the first backlight circuit including a plurality of lights sources disposed near edges of the mobile unit, and a single power supply connected to a pre-selected one of the light sources for powering only the pre-selected light source;
• and
• further comprising a base station capable of being powered by an external power source, the base station including a second backlight circuit that comprises at least one power supply for powering the plurality of light sources in the mobile unit when the unit is attached to the base station;
• and
• wherein the base station further includes a detection mechanism for detecting whether the mobile unit is attached to the base station so as to allow the external power source to power the light sources within the mobile unit.