Abstract: A voltage regulator module may comprise a control signal generation module, a power stage, and a routing network. The control signal generation module may be configured to, in a first mode of operation, generate an internal control signal for controlling the power stage. The routing network may be configured to, in the first mode of operation, apply the internal control signal to a control node of the power stage. The routing network may be configured to, in a second mode of operation, electrically connect said control node to an input pin of the voltage regulator module such that the power stage is controllable by an external control signal applied to said input pin. Thus, in the second mode of operation, it becomes possible to control the power stage directly via the external control signal and use this power stage e.g. as a single phase of a multi-phase power converter.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a power supply monitor operative to monitor a status of multiple power converters. Based on the monitored status, the power supply monitor detects an event associated with a first power converter of the multiple power converters. The power supply monitor communicates a notification of the event to a management entity. The notification is encoded to include an identity of the first power converter experiencing the event as determined by the power supply monitor or other suitable entity.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a power supply monitor operative to monitor a status of multiple power converters. Based on the monitored status, the power supply monitor detects an event associated with a first power converter of the multiple power converters. The power supply monitor communicates a notification of the event to a management entity. The notification is encoded to include an identity of the first power converter experiencing the event as determined by the power supply monitor or other suitable entity.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided. A system includes two or more power supplies receiving electrical energy from respective independent sources. One of the power supplies detects an anomalous condition of the associated energy source and provides an alert signal. At least one of the other power supplies transitions from a standby mode to a normal output mode in response to the alert signal. The failing power supply provides operating level energy to an electrical load while the one or more other power supplies transition from standby to normal output level.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided. A system includes two or more power supplies receiving electrical energy from respective independent sources. One of the power supplies detects an anomalous condition of the associated energy source and provides an alert signal. At least one of the other power supplies transitions from a standby mode to a normal output mode in response to the alert signal. The failing power supply provides operating level energy to an electrical load while the one or more other power supplies transition from standby to normal output level.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that may allow elimination of isolation devices for redundant power supplies while mitigating the undesirable effects of their elimination.

Abstract: A power meter receives an output-voltage and a current-indicative signal generated by at least one power supply of an electronic system. The output voltage powers at least one electronic component of the electronic system. The current-indicative signal indicates a percentage of a maximum output current capacity at which the power supply is producing current. From the output voltage and the current-indicative signal, the power meter determines the input power received by the power supply.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power supply module for use in an electronic system having redundant power supply modules connected to a power bus. The power supply module includes an output filter. The output filter is configured, upon insertion of the power supply module into the electronic system during operation of the electronic system, to limit reverse current flow into the power supply module from the power bus for a period of time until steady state voltage conditions exist on the power bus. The output filter is configured to then remove the current-limiting, leaving an output inductor-capacitor filter.

Abstract: A DC-to-DC converter comprises a first power module, at least a second power module coupled to the first power module, and a protection circuit coupled to the first and second power modules. The protection circuit causes a system power good signal to be at a state indicative of a power problem when the protection circuit detects that a switching node of one of the power modules has ceased switching.