Electricity: power supply or regulation systems – External or operator controlled – Phase controlled switching using electronic tube or a three...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-01
2001-02-06
Riley, Shawn (Department: 2838)
Electricity: power supply or regulation systems
External or operator controlled
Phase controlled switching using electronic tube or a three...
C323S351000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06184671
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the supply of power to a device when a power on/off command is input. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus that protects a device by waiting for several seconds before supplying power (or stopping the supply of power) to the device after a power on/off command has been input. Also, the present invention relates to method that is performed by the apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Abruptly supplying power or stopping the supply of power to many devices may damage them. For example, when the power of a computer is turned off, the supply of power to peripheral devices (e.g. a hard disk) typically stops. However, the actuator of the hard disk continues to rotate towards a parked position due to the force of inertia. As the rotation of the disk gradually decreases, the actuator continues towards the parked position where it is secured and protected against shocks and vibrations. However, if a user turns the power on again before the actuator is parked, the rotation of the disk increases to a high speed. As a result, the actuator or the head of the actuator may contact the hard disk and severely scratch the surface of the disk.
Abruptly supplying or stopping the supply of power can also damage various electronic components such as capacitors. Specifically, if power is turned on while a capacitor is discharging, an instantaneous current abruptly flows through the capacitor and may damage the capacitor. A similar problem can also occur when power is turned off immediately after power is turned on.
In order to prevent the damage to hard disks mentioned above, an operating system for computers has been provided that parks a hard disk by using a special parking program, and the parking program is executed when a user activates a computer shut down function. However, unless the user knows about this function and actually activates it before turning of the computer, the hard disk can still be damaged.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for controlling the supply of power to a device when a power on/off command is input.
In order to achieve the above and other objectives, a power control apparatus for receiving an input power voltage from a power source and supplying a corresponding output power voltage to a device is provided. The apparatus comprises: a counter that inputs a power control signal and outputs a count signal, wherein the count signal corresponds to a lapsed time from when the power control signal is input; a processor that inputs the count signal and outputs a time out signal, wherein the time out signal has a first value if the lapsed time is less than a predetermined time and has a second value if the lapsed time is greater than the predetermined time; and a switch that receives the input power voltage from the power source and the time out signal, wherein the switch outputs the output power voltage to the device when the input power voltage is received and the time out signal has the second value and does not output the output power voltage to the device when the input power voltage is received and the time out signal has the first value.
In order to further achieve the above and other objectives, a power control apparatus for receiving an input power voltage from a power source and supplying a corresponding output power voltage to a device is provided. The apparatus comprises: a counter that inputs a power control signal and outputs a count signal, wherein the count signal corresponds to a lapsed time from when the power control signal is input; a processor that inputs the count signal and outputs a time out signal, wherein the time out signal has a first value if the lapsed time is less than a predetermined time and has a second value if the lapsed time is greater than the predetermined time; and a switch that receives the input power voltage from the power source and the time out signal, wherein the switch does not output the output power voltage to the device when the input power voltage is received and the time out signal has the second value and outputs the output power voltage to the device when the input power voltage is received and the time out signal has the first value.
In order to even further achieve the above and other objectives, a power control method for controlling the supply of a power supply voltage to a device is provided. The method comprises: (a) inputting a first power signal; (b) counting a lapsed time from when the first power command is input; (c) inputting a second power signal; (d) determining if the lapsed time and a predetermined time have a first predetermined relationship when the second power signal is input; (e) selectively outputting the power supply voltage to the device depending on whether or not the lapsed time and the predetermined time have the first predetermined relationship.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4500795 (1985-02-01), Hochstein et al.
patent: 4651022 (1987-03-01), Cowley
Han Sung-hoo
Kang Sang-ug
Riley Shawn
Samsung Electronics Co,. Ltd.
Sughrue Mion Zinn Macpeak & Seas, PLLC
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