On-off arrangement in a microprocessor controlled remote transmitter for a consumer instrument

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;
• a semiconductor switch having a main current path coupled between said DC voltage supply terminal and a supply terminal at said microprocessor, conduction in said main current path being controlled by the conduction in a control current path of said switch such that when a control current flows in said control current path, conduction in said main current path is enabled;
• a latching arrangement exclusive of said switch coupled to the control current path of said switch for receiving said control current when said latching arrangement 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 responsive to a turn-on signal for energizing said latching arrangement to receive said control current for initiating the conduction of current in the main current path of said semiconductor switch to the microprocessor supply terminal to power-up said microprocessor;
• and
• an output port of said microprocessor coupled to a first control terminal of said latching arrangement, said microprocessor switching the state of said output port to provide an alternate path for current via said output port that bypasses at least a portion of said latching arrangement for initiating a regenerative deactivation thereof to cut off conduction in the main current path of said semiconductor switch to power-down said microprocessor, said microprocessor drawing no current from said DC power supply during standby.