Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/ – Intrasystem connection – System configuring
Reexamination Certificate
1998-01-26
2001-09-25
Beausoleil, Robert (Department: 2181)
Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/
Intrasystem connection
System configuring
C361S796000, C361S752000, C361S753000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06295567
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a chassis for electronic devices and more specifically to a system for determining the chassis type.
2. Description of the Related Art
Computer systems are information handling systems which can be designed to give independent computing power to one user or a plurality of users. Computer systems may be found in many forms including, for example, mainframes, minicomputers, workstations, servers, personal computers, internet terminals, notebooks, and embedded systems. Personal computer (PC) systems, such as the International Business Machines (IBM) compatible PC systems, include desktop, floor standing, or portable versions. A typical PC system is a microcomputer that includes a system processor, associated memory and control logic, and a number of peripheral devices that provide input and output for the system. Such peripheral devices often include display monitors, keyboards, mouse-type input devices, floppy and hard disk drives, CD-ROM drives, and printers. The number of devices being added to personal computer systems continues to grow. For example, many computer systems also include network capability, terminal devices, modems, televisions, sound devices, voice recognition devices, electronic pen devices, and mass storage devices such as tape drives, CD-R drives, and DVDs.
One reason for in the increase in popularity of computer systems is the relative decrease in price of a computer system versus the amount of computing power provided. One way to decrease the manufacturing cost of a computer system is to assemble different types of computer systems from standardized computer system component modules. For example, two different types of computer systems such as two different models of computer system servers may each include a “standardized”system circuit board which includes a standard system processor and a standard memory or memories. To further reduce manufacturing costs, the memories of the various types of computer systems may be loaded with the same programs, firmware, and BIOS code. Thus, the standard system circuit board for the various types of computer systems can be made by a single manufacturing process.
One problem with the modular approach to computer system manufacture is how the operating system and/or chassis environmental control systems determines the type of chassis and/or computer system in which the standardized system board has been installed. A manually set jumper or switch may be used to indicate the computer system type. However, these jumpers may not be set properly during manufacture or may become dislodged during the manufacture or shipping of the computer system. What is needed is a more efficient system for determining the chassis type of the computer system and for providing an indication of the operating system and/or environmental control systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It has been discovered that a chassis detection circuit that provides a signal indicative of the presence of a chassis structure which is indicative of chassis type advantageously enables a standardized system board to be utilized in a variety of chassis types.
In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for determining chassis type includes a first surface and a chassis detection circuit providing a type signal indicative of the presence of a structure of the chassis contacting the first surface. The presence of the structure is indicative of chassis type.
In another aspect of the invention, a computer system includes a circuit board, a system processor, and a chassis. The chassis is of a chassis type. The circuit board and the system processor are located within the chassis. The computer system also includes a chassis detection circuit providing a type signal indicative of the presence of a structure of the chassis.
In another aspect of the invention, a method for determining the chassis type of an electronic device includes detecting the presence of a structure of a chassis for an electronic device. The presence of a structure of the chassis is indicative of the chassis type. The method also includes providing a type signal indicative of the presence of the structure.
In another aspect of the invention, a computer system includes a circuit board, a system processor, and a chassis. The chassis is of a chassis type. The circuit board and the system processor are located within the chassis. The computer system also includes an electrically conductive surface physically coupled to the circuit board and a chassis detection circuit including a pull up resistor having a first end electrically coupled to the electrically conductive surface. The chassis detection circuit provides a type signal dependent upon the voltage level of the first end of the pull up resistor. The type signal is indicative of the presence of a grounded structure of the chassis electrically contacting the electrically conductive surface. The presence of the structure is indicative of the chassis type.
In another aspect of the invention, a computer system includes a circuit board, a system processor, and a chassis. The circuit board and system processor are located within the chassis. The computer system also includes means for detecting structural differences of the chassis and providing a signal indicative thereof.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5162675 (1992-11-01), Olsen et al.
patent: 5218760 (1993-06-01), Colton et al.
patent: 5310998 (1994-05-01), Okumo
patent: 5451167 (1995-09-01), Zielinski et al.
patent: 5455927 (1995-10-01), Huang
patent: 5501608 (1996-03-01), Scheer et al.
patent: 5506490 (1996-04-01), DeMuro
patent: 5612634 (1997-03-01), MacKenna
patent: 5636347 (1997-06-01), Muchnick et al.
patent: 5647748 (1997-07-01), Mills et al.
patent: 5684796 (1997-11-01), Abidi et al.
patent: 5841287 (1998-11-01), Duley
patent: 5862351 (1999-01-01), He
patent: 5865518 (1999-02-01), Jarrett et al.
patent: 5884988 (1999-03-01), Foo et al.
patent: 5894232 (1999-04-01), Duley
patent: 5974474 (1999-10-01), Furner et al.
patent: 5983195 (1999-11-01), Fierro
patent: 6061505 (2000-05-01), Pitchaikani et al.
patent: 0 562 295 A1 (1993-09-01), None
patent: 0 655 692 A2 (1995-05-01), None
Bassman Robert G.
Miller Kevin L.
Beausoleil Robert
Dell USA L.P.
Dolezal David G.
Skjerven Morrill & MacPherson LLP
Vo Tim
LandOfFree
Chassis type determination in an electronic system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Chassis type determination in an electronic system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Chassis type determination in an electronic system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2524817