Magnetic proximity interface control
First Claim
1. In an array of independent discs, an electrical connection system comprising:
- a cabinet including at least one docking unit;
a module that may be docked to said docking unit;
a first surface of said docking unit that does not have a magnet attached thereto;
a first magnet affixed to a second surface of said module;
a first switch positioned on said first surface of said docking unit;
a first circuit that receives a first switch signal from said first switch and transfers a voltage from said docking unit to said module through a connector when said first switch signal is active and that inhibits transfer of said voltage from said docking unit to said module when said first switch signal is not active;
a first surface of said module that does not have a magnet attached thereto;
a second magnet affixed to a second surface of said docking unit;
a second switch positioned on said first surface of said module; and
a second circuit that receives a second switch signal from said second switch and that enables said module to drive data signals to said docking unit when said second switch signal is active.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed is a system and method employing a magnetic proximity switch to enable the transfer of power between a power supply unit and a docking unit or to transfer data between a docking unit and a peripheral module such as a disk drive or controller module. Power may be transferred through the switch, or a signal from the switch may be employed to enable a control circuit. The control circuit may control a plurality of voltages or currents and may ramp voltages or currents to limit surge current when a module is installed or removed. The control unit may also be employed to place data and control signals in a high impedance state when a module is not docked, limiting electromagnetic radiation.
44 Citations
7 Claims
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1. In an array of independent discs, an electrical connection system comprising:
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a cabinet including at least one docking unit; a module that may be docked to said docking unit; a first surface of said docking unit that does not have a magnet attached thereto; a first magnet affixed to a second surface of said module; a first switch positioned on said first surface of said docking unit; a first circuit that receives a first switch signal from said first switch and transfers a voltage from said docking unit to said module through a connector when said first switch signal is active and that inhibits transfer of said voltage from said docking unit to said module when said first switch signal is not active; a first surface of said module that does not have a magnet attached thereto; a second magnet affixed to a second surface of said docking unit; a second switch positioned on said first surface of said module; and a second circuit that receives a second switch signal from said second switch and that enables said module to drive data signals to said docking unit when said second switch signal is active. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification