Unique computer power system with backup power

• US 4,885,521 A
• Filed: 12/15/1987
• Issued: 12/05/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 08/26/1985
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Applied Research Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Applied Research Technologies, Inc.
• Inventors: Crampton, Timothy P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hickey, R. J.
• Application Number:
  US07/132,995
• Time in Patent Office: 721 Days
• Field of Search: 320/14, 307/64, 307/66
• US Class Current: 320/126
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/062 for AC powered loads

Abstract

A computer power system comprises an AC-to-DC power supply for providing DC power to the computer during the presence of AC line power and a backup power supply for providing DC power from batteries directly to the DC operated components of the computer system, completely bypassing the AC to DC power supply, when AC line voltage is absent or low.

Claims

1. In combination,

a computer device comprising, at least, a microprocessor and a DC power bus;

first power means for providing DC power to said computer device, said first power means comprising, at least, first AC/DC converter means for converting AC power input to DC power output at a first voltage;

power connect means for communicating said DC power output of said first power means to said DC bus of said computer device;

second power means for providing DC power to said computer device, said second power means comprising at least one DC battery for providing a DC output, first current pass means for controlling the flow of current from said battery to said computer, and first regulating means for regulating operation of said current pass means, whereby a target voltage output is provided from said second power source, and

second power connect means for communicating said DC output of said second power means directly to said DC bus of said computer device;

battery charging means for providing charging voltage to said DC battery of said second power means;

whereby the computer device is powered by DC power from said first power means so long as said first voltage is maintained higher than said target voltage, and is powered by DC power from said second power means when said first voltage drops below said target voltage.

2. Combination of claim 1, wherein said second power means further comprises, at least, DC/DC inverter means for inverting DC battery output voltage to, at least, a second output voltage being of negative voltage.

3. Combination of claim 2, wherein said DC/DC inverter means further inverts DC battery output voltage to a third output voltage being negative voltage.

4. In combination,

a computer device comprising, at least, a microprocessor and a DC power bus;

first power means for providing DC power to said computer device, said first power means comprising, at least, AC/DC converter means for converting AC power input to DC power output at a plurality of primary voltages in an array of varied voltages;

power connect means for communicating said DC power output of said first power means to said DC bus of said computer device;

second power means for providing DC power to said computer device, said second power means comprising, at least, DC battery means for providing DC power at at least a first discharge voltage, and circuit means for generating from said first discharge voltage DC output at a plurality of secondary voltages in an array of varied voltages corresponding to said primary voltages; and

second power connect means for communicating said DC output of said second power means directly to said DC bus of said computer device;

whereby the computer device is powered by DC power from said first power means so long as said primary voltages are maintained higher than the corresponding secondary voltages, and is powered by DC power from said second power means when said primary voltages drop below the corresponding secondary voltages.

5. In Combination,

a computer device comprising, at least, a microprocessor and a DC power bus;

first power means for providing DC power to said computer device, said first power means comprising, at least, AC/DC converter means for converting AC power input to DC power output at a plurality of primary voltages in an array of varied voltages;

power connect means for communicating said plurality of primary voltages to said DC bus of said computer device;

second power means for providing DC power to said computer device at a plurality of secondary voltages in an array of varied voltages corresponding to said primary voltages;

second power connect means for communicating said plurality of secondary voltages from said second power means directly to said DC bus of said computer device;

each said secondary voltage corresponding to one of said primary voltages;

whereby as between a primary voltage and its corresponding secondary voltage the higher voltage is dominant in said DC bus.

6. Combination of claim 5, further comprising, at least, an interface member wherein said corresponding primary and secondary voltages are matched for delivery to the same conductor within said DC bus.

7. Combination of claim 5, wherein said second power supply comprises, at least:

first DC battery means for providing DC power at a first discharge voltage;

first circuit means for generating one or more of said secondary voltages from said first discharge voltage;

second DC battery means for providing DC power at a second discharge voltage;

second circuit means for generating one or more of said secondary voltages from said second discharge voltage.

8. Combination of claim 7, further comprising battery charging means for providing charging voltage to said first battery means and to said second battery means.

9. Combination of claim 8, wherein said first DC battery means comprises at least one DC battery;

and wherein said second DC battery means comprises at least one DC battery; and

wherein said battery charging means comprises, at least, second AC/DC converter means for converting AC power input to DC power at a first charging voltage at least sufficient to charge said DC battery of said first DC battery means and at a second charging voltage at least sufficient to charge said DC battery of said second DC battery means.