Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support – Computer power control – Having power source monitoring
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-08
2001-09-11
Dharia, Rupal (Department: 2181)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support
Computer power control
Having power source monitoring
C710S108000, C710S108000, C710S108000, C713S310000, C713S320000, C714S011000, C714S014000, C714S046000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06289467
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to computer systems. In particular, the invention relates to installation of power and processor modules in a multiple processor system.
2. Description of Related Art
A multiple processor computer system has a number of processors operating in parallel. Usually, a system designed for multiple processor operation does not have all the processors present when the system is first put in operation. This will allow a user to add additional processors to the system according to his needs and budget.
A multiple processor system has a number of card slots reserved for specified functional modules such as processor modules, memory modules, and power supply modules. Different configurations may have different power supply requirements. Therefore, to maintain expandability with low-cost, it is preferable to be able to configure the power supply modules according to the processor modules. In this configuration, each processor module has its own corresponding power supply module to be plugged in separate card slots. Without its own power supply, a processor module may contend with other modules or the mother board, causing damages.
In addition, during installation, when the user plugs the power supply module into the card slot, he or she may not be aware whether the installation is correct; i.e., whether the power supply module is plugged into the slot corresponding to the correct processor module.
Therefore, there is a need in the technology to provide a technique to check the installation of the power supply modules in a multiple processor system to avoid damages to the processor modules.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for checking an installation of a plurality of power supply modules in a multiprocessor system having a plurality of processor modules. A detector detects if one of the processor modules is present. A voltage monitor monitors the voltage level of one of the power supply modules which corresponds to the processor module. A control circuit generates a control signal to turn off the power if the processor module is present and the voltage level is outside an operating range.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4559497 (1985-12-01), Farrugia
patent: 4609914 (1986-09-01), Fathi
patent: 4639864 (1987-01-01), Katzman et al.
patent: 4879625 (1989-11-01), Potenzone
patent: 5047751 (1991-09-01), Miura et al.
patent: 5414409 (1995-05-01), Voosen et al.
patent: 5519832 (1996-05-01), Warchol
patent: 5983297 (1999-11-01), Noble et al.
patent: 6051964 (2000-04-01), Brown et al.
Lewis Quentin J.
Mara James F.
Pappas Alex N.
Blakely & Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman
Dharia Rupal
Sun Microsystems Inc.
LandOfFree
Installation of processor and power supply modules in a... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Installation of processor and power supply modules in a..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Installation of processor and power supply modules in a... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2450013