Communication module having power supply requirement identification

• US 6,651,178 B1
• Filed: 02/29/2000
• Issued: 11/18/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/29/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP (Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Company)
• Original Assignee: 3Com Corporation (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Cranston, Michael, Shuma, Roger, Voegeli, Derick, Glasshof, Gregory, Salzman, Scot
• Primary Examiner(s): BUTLER, DENNIS
• Application Number:
  US09/515,562
• Time in Patent Office: 1,358 Days
• Field of Search: 713/300, 713/310, 713/330, 713/340, 713/1, 713/2
• US Class Current: 713/300
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/26 Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof for memories G11C

Abstract

A system and method for developing a cost efficient electronic power supply system that handles a range of supported electronic circuits is provided. The electronic power supply system adaptively configures the power applied to electronic circuits. Thereby, eliminating redesign of a power supply system when a newly developed or different electronic circuit is implemented. When an electronic circuit is attached to the electronic power supply, a controller confirms electronic circuit presence and queries for electronic circuit power on requirements. As more electronic circuits are added, the controller examines each electronic circuit power on requirements and determines if a power conflict is present. If a conflict exists, the controller will not supply power to the electronic circuits until the conflict is resolved. If a conflict does not exist, the controller powers up the present electronic circuits according to desired power on requirements by broadcasting commands to power supplies, some of which are programmable.

Claims

1. An electronic module for use in an adaptable power supply system, said module comprising:

a module connection interface for receiving power supply source voltages;

a plurality of electronic circuit loads;

a communication bus interface adapted for communicating with a power supply controller;

a memory device for storing a data structure, said data structure comprising fields to store power supply requirement parameters;

wherein said power supply parameters are provided to said communication bus interface for adaptively configuring power supply source voltages.

2. The electronic module of claim 1, wherein said data structure comprises fields to store at least one voltage identifier parameter.

3. The electronic module of claim 1, wherein said data structure comprises fields to store at least one module identification parameter.

4. The electronic module of claim 1, wherein said data structure comprises fields to store at least one power-on sequence parameter.

5. The electronic module of claim 1, wherein said data structure comprises fields to store at least one delta voltage parameter.

6. The electronic module of claim 1, wherein said data structure comprises fields to store at least one time delta control parameter.

7. The electronic module of claim 1, wherein said memory device is a storage register.

8. The electronic module of claim 1, wherein said communication bus interface is integral to said memory device.

9. The electronic module of claim 8, wherein said communication bus interface is an I²C bus interface.

10. The electronic module of claim 1, wherein said memory device is a manually configurable DIP switch.

11. A method for using power requirement parameters of an electronic module within an adaptable power supply system, said method comprising the steps of:

utilizing a communication bus interface for communicating with a power supply controller;

storing a power supply requirement parameter of said electronic module; and

providing said stored power supply requirement parameter to said communication bus interface so that said power supply controller adaptively configures a source voltage of a power supply.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of applying said source voltage to a power bus.

13. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of storing said power supply requirement parameter in a storage register.

14. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of storing said power supply requirement parameter in a manually configurable DIP switch.

15. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of storing said power supply requirement parameter in a random access memory having an integrated communication bus.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein said integrated communication bus is an I²C bus.

17. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of enabling said power supply after resolving a power conflict.

18. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of monitoring a power supply signal from said power supply.

19. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of providing said stored power supply requirement parameter to said communication bus interface after obtaining a module identification parameter from said electronic module.

20. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of providing said power supply with a control input, said control input used to control said source voltage.