Microprocessor self-turn-off arrangement for a consumer instrument

An on-off arrangement for a digital controller, comprising:

• a voltage supply terminal of said digital controller for providing main power thereto;
• a source of supply voltage;
• first switch having a main current path coupled between said voltage supply terminal and said source of supply voltage, conduction in said main current path being controlled by a control terminal of said switch;
• means for forming a regenerative latch and coupled to said first switch control terminal to maintain said main current path conductive once said latch is activated,
• wherein said latch forming means comprises a second switch having a main current path and a control terminal to control the conduction thereof, and including a source of bias voltage coupled to said second switch;
• means coupled to said first switch control terminal for applying a turn-on signal thereto to initiate the conduction of current in said main current path to power-up said digital controller, said latch being activated upon application or turn-on signal;
• and
• an output port of said digital controller coupled to said latch for providing an alternate path for current that bypasses at least a portion of said latch to initiate the regenerative deactivation thereof for cutting off conduction in said main current path to power-down said digital controller.

An on-off arrangement for a television remote control transmitter that includes a microprocessor for controlling the operation thereof, comprising:

• a DC power supply for developing a DC voltage at a DC voltage supply terminal of said digital controller for providing main power thereto;
• a switch having a main current path coupled between said DC voltage supply terminal and a supply terminal of said microprocessor, conduction in said main current path being controlled by a control terminal of said switch;
• means for forming a regenernative latch coupled to said switch control terminal to maintain said main current path conductive once said latch is energized;
• a transmitting circuit activated by said microprocessor for generating a television remote control signal and so coupled to said DC power supply to draw current therefrom when activated and to draw no current therefrom during standby;
• means coupled to said switch control terminal for applying a turn-on signal thereto to initiate the conduction of current in said main current path from said DC power supply to the microporcessor supply terminal to power-up said microprocessor and activate said transmitting circuit, said latch being energized upon application of said turn-on signal;
• and
• an output port of said microprocessor coupled to a point in the regenerative current path of said latch for providing an alternate path via said output port for current that bypasses at least a portion of said latch to initiate a regenerative deenergization thereof for cutting off conduction in said main current path to power-down said microprocessor without drawing current from said DC power supply during standby.