Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Distributed data processing – Client/server
Reexamination Certificate
2001-08-24
2004-06-22
Jean, Frantz B. (Department: 2155)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Distributed data processing
Client/server
C713S300000, C713S320000, C713S340000, C307S042000, C710S107000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06754692
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a power distribution circuit and, more particularly, to a configurable power distribution circuit.
2. Background Information
In a variety of situations, it is desirable to have the ability to transfer power between different systems or devices. It might be desirable, for example, to have the capability for a notebook computer to provide operating power to an attached peripheral device, such as a camera or a scanner. Likewise, it might be desirable for a personal computer (PC) docking station to provide operating power to a notebook computer docked to that PC docking station, such as via a power bus or power distribution cable, for example.
This capability, however, introduces complexities related to configuring the power source/sink relationships between a set of devices or systems. Of course, in this context, power source/sink relationships includes relationships in which power is neither sourced nor sinked, such as in a “pass through” relationship, as explained in more detail herein. (Likewise, the terms “source/sink” and “sink/source” are used interchangeably.) It would be desirable if a circuit or technique were available to address these power distribution complexities.
SUMMARY
Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a circuit includes: a physical arrangement of power transistors. The circuit is adapted to couple a node to a power bus segment. The physical arrangement of power transistors is electronically configurable, based on externally derived electrical signals, to sink power to the node from the bus segment, source power from the node to the bus segment, and distribute power through the node.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5485118 (1996-01-01), Chick
patent: 5581454 (1996-12-01), Collins
Faatz Cynthia T.
Jean Frantz B.
LandOfFree
Configurable power distribution circuit does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Configurable power distribution circuit, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Configurable power distribution circuit will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3322904