Abstract: A voltage regulation system, method of operation and multiple processor apparatus employing the system or method. The voltage regulation system includes a plurality of voltage regulation modules (VRMs) coupled to a plurality of processors, each one of the VRMs is dedicated to only one of the plurality of processors wherein a processor is powered down in response to a failure of its respective dedicated VRM.

Abstract: A multiple supply voltage peripheral component interconnect (PCI) connector is disclosed which replaces connectors that are keyed for a specific signaling voltage. A single connector receives all current types of PCI keyed card edge connectors and supplies the correct signaling voltage thereto. The type of PCI card is identified and the appropriate signaling voltage is switched to the signaling power input (Vio) using industry standard conditions at selected pin locations rather than using unique keying of cards and connectors to assure a match between the signaling voltage required by the card and the signaling voltage supplied at the connector. As shown, detection and control circuitry senses the presence of grounded or open conditions at selected pin locations indicative of the type card present in the connector and switches the signaling power supply to the correct voltage source.

Abstract: A method for providing back-up power for system mainstore memory and an uninterruptible power system (UPS) for a computer system are provided. The computer or data processing system includes a system memory and a system power supply. The uninterruptible power supply (UPS) includes an AC output and a DC output, an inverter circuit, a battery and an interface to the system power supply. The inverter circuit supplies AC power to the AC output. The battery supplies DC power to the DC output and to the inverter circuit. The interface enables the inverter circuit to initially supply AC power to the system power supply via the AC output upon detection of a utility power loss and then, after a predetermined period of time, activates the DC output to supply DC power to the system memory via the system power supply, and disables the inverter circuit to stop the initial supply of AC power to the system power supply.

Abstract: A power distribution system utilizing a power distribution circuit board having a front and back side with at least one connector on each side. The connector on the front side is disposed to mate with a selected power supply and the connector on the back side is disposed to mate with a substantially identical power supply. The connector on the back side is rotated 180.degree. so that substantially identical power supplies can be located in close proximity to each other while maintaining required conductor spacing in order to provide an improved power distribution system.