Abstract: A new approach is proposed to support hardware-based update of a software (e.g., a firmware) of an electronic device in a non-functional state. Under the proposed approach, the software is stored securely on a resource (e.g., a non-volatile storge) protected by a hardware-based lock mechanism. A first agent acquires a lock and authenticate the software. When a boot failure (e.g. authentication of the software fails) of the electronic device happens, an alert indicating the failure is generated and sent to a second agent (e.g., a sideband master) through an alert mechanism. The second agent then acquires a lock from the hardware-based lock mechanism to obtain exclusive excess to the resource and update the software stored in the non-volatile storage through, e.g., block write and/or read operations. The second agent then verifies that the software has been updated successfully so that the electronic device becomes functionally again.

Abstract: A system includes a power profile engine, a power measurement engine, and a power throttling signal generator. The power profile engine receives a desired power profile, e.g., a first profile current average associated with a first time duration and a second profile current average associated with a second time duration. The power measurement engine measures current being drawn and generates a first running average for the measured currents for the first time duration and generates a second running average for the measured currents for the second time duration. The power throttling signal generator generates a first power throttling signal to throttle power in response to the first running average for the measured currents being greater than the first profile current average and generates a second power throttling signal to throttle power in response to the second running average for the measured currents being greater than the second profile current average.

Abstract: A system includes a power profile engine, a power measurement engine, and a power throttling signal generator. The power profile engine receives a desired power profile, e.g., a first profile current average associated with a first time duration and a second profile current average associated with a second time duration. The power measurement engine measures current being drawn and generates a first running average for the measured currents for the first time duration and generates a second running average for the measured currents for the second time duration. The power throttling signal generator generates a first power throttling signal to throttle power in response to the first running average for the measured currents being greater than the first profile current average and generates a second power throttling signal to throttle power in response to the second running average for the measured currents being greater than the second profile current average.

Abstract: A system includes a power profile engine, a power measurement engine, and a power throttling signal generator. The power profile engine receives a desired power profile, e.g., a first profile current average associated with a first time duration and a second profile current average associated with a second time duration. The power measurement engine measures current being drawn and generates a first running average for the measured currents for the first time duration and generates a second running average for the measured currents for the second time duration. The power throttling signal generator generates a first power throttling signal to throttle power in response to the first running average for the measured currents being greater than the first profile current average and generates a second power throttling signal to throttle power in response to the second running average for the measured currents being greater than the second profile current average.

Abstract: A power converter capable of providing a range of DC voltages to an external device and a method of providing a range of DC power are provided. The power converter comprises a supply circuit for receiving a request for DC power and for providing the requested DC power. The supply circuit comprises a detection circuit for sensing a connection to an external device, a source controller circuit for determining a DC output power required by the external device, and a converter circuit for generating the required DC output power. The external device comprises a device controller circuit for communicating the request for DC power. A first conductor provides a path for the device to communicate the required DC power to the power converter and for the power converter to supply the required DC power. A second conductor provides a common reference for conducting return current to the power converter.

Abstract: Two embodiments for distributing DC power in a building are provided. In the first embodiment, a centralized DC power converter is connected to the building's standard AC power wiring. The centralized DC power converter generates DC power for at least one DC-powered electronic device. The DC power is routed to DC outlets throughout the building over DC conductor sets. A second embodiment embeds a DC power converter in the outlet, which connects to standard AC power wiring. The embedded DC power converter then generates DC power for at least one DC-powered electronic device. A DC power outlet is also provided which may comprise one or more DC power receptacles or DC power cords and plugs, one or more status indicator LEDs, a retraction mechanism for each of the DC power cords, a cooling fan, and an embedded DC power converter. The DC power converters may be universal DC power converters.

Abstract: A power converter capable of providing a range of DC voltages to an external device and a method of providing a range of DC power are provided. The power converter comprises a supply circuit for receiving a request for DC power and for providing the requested DC power. The supply circuit comprises a detection circuit for sensing a connection to an external device, a source controller circuit for determining a DC output power required by the external device, and a converter circuit for generating the required DC output power. The external device comprises a device controller circuit for communicating the request for DC power. A first conductor provides a path for the device to communicate the required DC power to the power converter and for the power converter to supply the required DC power. A second conductor provides a common reference for conducting return current to the power converter.