Abstract: An apparatus for powering a computer system comprising a power input line for providing power to the computer system; a hot-swappable management module coupled to the power input line which monitors the power input line for a failure; and a hot-swappable battery coupled to the power input line and the management module which provides power to the computer system upon the failure of the power input line. A method of powering a computer system comprising powering the computer system from a power input line; monitoring the power input line with a management module for a failure of the power input line; powering the computer system from a battery in the event of the failure of the power input line; and replacing the battery and the management module without interrupting the powering of the computer system from the power input line.

Abstract: A power supply system for providing power from either a first power supply or a second power supply to an ultimate rectified output. The system consists of a first switch that couples the rectified output of the first power supply to the ultimate rectified output, and a second switch that couples the rectified output of the second power supply to the ultimate rectified output. When the first power supply is providing a voltage within a predetermined window and the first switch is closed, the first power supply provides an inhibit signal to the second switch of the second power supply that prevents the second power supply from providing power to the ultimate rectified output. Similarly, when the second power supply is providing a voltage within a predetermined window and the second switch is closed, the second power supply provides an inhibit signal to the first switch of the first power supply that prevents the first power supply from providing power to the ultimate rectified output.

Abstract: A computer system comprising a first computer coupled to a primary PCI bus via a first PCI bus switch and a second computer coupled to the primary PCI bus via a second PCI bus switch. A monitor system is coupled to both the first and second computers as well as the first and second PCI bus switches. In the event of a malfunction in the first computer, the monitor system decouples the first computer from the primary PCI bus, by opening the first PCI bus switch and coupling the second computer to the primary PCI bus by closing the second PCI bus switch.