Abstract: The operating mode of a power modulation system is determined according to the nature of the load. The power modulation system can operate in either of two operating modes, namely a “reverse phase control” mode and a “forward phase control” mode. To this end, the load is supplied with power under predetermined low-load operating conditions by the power stage in the “reverse phase control” mode, overvoltages are detected and the power modulation system is caused to change to the “forward phase control” operating mode if an excessive number of overvoltages is detected.

Abstract: In a power generating mechanism, a heat sink is mounted on a CPU of a notebook PC to diffuse heat generated by the CPU. A Seebeck element module is mounted in the heat sink to cause a large difference in temperature based on heat emitted from the heat sink and ventilation carried out by a fan unit. Electromotive force obtained from the Seebeck element module is used to drive selected components of the notebook PC.

Abstract: A method to provide hierarchical reset capabilities for a configurable system on a chip is disclosed. The method includes determining a plurality of reset functions, and establishing a reset hierarchy among the plurality of reset functions.

Abstract: A controlling apparatus capable of synchronized power supply control over a plurality of electronic devices which are connected to the controlling apparatus via a bus pursuant to a predetermined communication format and which are fabricated by a plurality of venders including those different from the vender of the controlling apparatus. If any one of the electronic devices is selected regardless of its vender as an input by the controlling apparatus and is judged to have a link only with the controlling apparatus, the electronic device in question is switched on or off synchronously by the controlling apparatus.

Abstract: A data processing system with bootcode support for communicating with a noncompliant external device has a motherboard, non-volatile memory connected to the motherboard, a volatile memory, processing resources, a communications port that utilizes a first communications protocol, and one or more buses interconnecting those components. Startup instructions obtained from the non-volatile memory load a device driver for the external device from the non-volatile memory into the volatile memory. However, unlike the communications port, the external device utilizes a second communications protocol. Diagnostic instructions then utilize the device driver to communicate with the external device via the communications port.

Abstract: A system and method for determining power supply requirements for a plurality of servers in an information network that includes a system management bus coupled to provide information on power being utilized by the servers during operation. The information from the system management bus is provided to program instructions that provide power usage values indicative of the power being utilized by the servers, determine the maximum value of the power usage values, and determine power supply requirements based on the maximum power usage. The power supply requirements include operating power and/or redundant power requirements. A warning signal is generated if adequate power is not available to the servers.

Abstract: A computer system that includes a program and component information stored in a hidden partition on a hard disk drive of the computer system such that the program is configured to cause the computer system to store the component information into a portion of a memory, create a first table associated with the information, store the first table into the portion of the memory, and notify the system firmware of the first table and the portion of the memory.

Abstract: A method and system for providing computer system for use in a network having a plurality of computer systems linked in a chain is disclosed. The method and system include providing a power supply, at least one input and at least one output for the computer system. The at least one input is for receiving power from a first portion of the plurality of computer systems and for providing power from the power supply to the first portion of the plurality of computer systems. The at least one output is for providing power from the power supply to a second portion of the plurality of computer systems and for receiving power from the second portion of the plurality of computer systems. In one aspect, the first portion of the plurality computer systems includes an upstream computer system and the second portion of the plurality computer systems includes a downstream computer system.