Abstract: A power management system and method for multiple redundant power supplies. The present invention provides management and control of N+M power supplies, where N represents the minimum number of power supplies required and where M is the number of redundant power supplies (M>1), where any one of the power supplies may be capable of supplying power to all the loads of the power subsystems. In the preferred embodiment each power subsystem includes a power supply and a controller coupled to a power bus. A communication bus is provided common to each power subsystem. During reset or power-on periods, the controllers are programmed to uniquely delay the start time of each power supply, thereby protecting against an overcurrent/overvoltage condition on the power bus during reset periods. A master controller is provided to monitor normal operating conditions of the power subsystems and communication bus.

Abstract: The detection threshold of an optical sensor is dynamically calibrated by measuring the maximum and minimum levels of the analog output produced by the sensor's light detector and setting the detection threshold of the sensor at an intermediate level between the two. The new detection threshold thus established is then used as the voltage reference that determines the logic state of the system. The invention may be implemented using analog-to-digital converter hardware already embedded in the system. Alternatively, the invention may be implemented using digital-to-analog converter hardware that may also be already present in the system.

Abstract: The detection threshold of an optical sensor is dynamically calibrated by measuring the maximum and minimum levels of the analog output produced by the sensor's light detector and setting the detection threshold of the sensor at an intermediate level between the two. The new detection threshold thus established is then used as the voltage reference that determines the logic state of the system. The invention may be implemented using analog-to-digital converter hardware already embedded in the system. Alternatively, the invention may be implemented using digital-to-analog converter hardware that may also be already present in the system.