Abstract: A fault display module for a hardware device includes an external power input for providing power to the fault display unit when the associated hardware device is disconnected from its power supply.

Abstract: A method and system for improving power distribution and/or current measurement on a printed circuit board is disclosed. According to the invention, a first power plane adapted for current measurement includes a first segment to which a current source is connected and a second segment to which other devices may be connected, forming the current load. A third segment is used to measure the current between the first segment and the second segment through two vias that link two points of the third segment to, preferably, two pads of the external layer. In a preferred embodiment, vias are connected to the first segment so that current flow in the third segment is linear, to improve and simplify current determination. The resistivity between the pair of vias may be computed or estimated using calibrated currents.

Abstract: A method and system for improving power distribution and/or current measurement on a printed circuit board is disclosed. According to the invention, a first power plane adapted for current measurement includes a first segment to which a current source is connected and a second segment to which other devices may be connected, forming the current load. A third segment is used to measure the current between the first segment and the second segment through two vias that link two points of the third segment to, preferably, two pads of the external layer. In a preferred embodiment, vias are connected to the first segment so that current flow in the third segment is linear, to improve and simplify current determination. The resistivity between the pair of vias may be computed or estimated using calibrated currents.

Abstract: A method and system for improving power distribution and/or current measurement on a printed circuit board is disclosed. According to the invention, a first power plane adapted for current measurement includes a first segment to which a current source is connected and a second segment to which other devices may be connected, forming the current load. A third segment is used to measure the current between the first segment and the second segment through two vias that link two points of the third segment to, preferably, two pads of the external layer. In a preferred embodiment, vias are connected to the first segment so that current flow in the third segment is linear, to improve and simplify current determination. The resistivity between the pair of vias may be computed or estimated using calibrated currents.

Abstract: A system for connecting a receiver to a redundant power supply. The power supply units are connected to the receiver by means of a pair of control switches, each being connected in series between one of the power units and the receiver, and each having its intrinsic diode forwardly biased between the power unit and the receiver. A voltage comparator senses which of the power supply units is having the higher potential difference between its high and low potential terminals. The output of the comparator controls the gate of both control switches such that the control switch in series with the sensed power supply unit is conducting while the other one is off. When a reversed polarity is applied to the receiver, the receiver is protected by the intrinsic diode. When at least one of the power supplies is connected with the correct polarity, the receiver is supplied without an appreciable voltage drop and with the lowest possible power losses.

Abstract: A method and system for improving power distribution and/or current measurement on a printed circuit board is disclosed. According to the invention, a first power plane adapted for current measurement includes a first segment to which a current source is connected and a second segment to which other devices may be connected, forming the current load. A third segment is used to measure the current between the first segment and the second segment through two vias that link two points of the third segment to, preferably, two pads of the external layer. In a preferred embodiment, vias are connected to the first segment so that current flow in the third segment is linear, to improve and simplify current determination. The resistivity between the pair of vias may be computed or estimated using calibrated currents.

Abstract: A system for controlling the connection of a receiving device to a main or a redundant power supply is provided. The system typically comprises a power supply voltage comparator, a reference voltage detector and a polarity detector to determine error voltage conditions from the main or from the redundant power supply. A decision circuit generates thereby a control signal to allow the connection of the receiver device to the appropriate power supply through the activation of a switch device.

Abstract: A method for automatically determining whether power consumption devices can be powered up in a power consuming system having multiple power consumption devices to be powered up by one or several voltages among a set of voltages V1, V2 . . . Vm. The set of voltages are provided by multiple power supplies, wherein each power supply provides at least one voltage. The power consuming system also includes a control point for controlling the power supplied to the power consumption devices. The method includes determining a set of linear inequations linking each variable PV1, PV2 . . . PVm representing the power being consumed for each voltage, or combinations of several variables, to predetermined power limits PVC. Next, the real power value (P) requested for each voltage in order to power up each one of the first plurality of power consumption devices is determined.

Abstract: A method for automatically determining whether power consumption devices can be powered up in a power consuming system having multiple power consumption devices to be powered up by one or several voltages among a set of voltages V1, V2 . . . Vm. The set of voltages are provided by multiple power supplies, wherein each power supply provides at least one voltage. The power consuming system also includes a control point for controlling the power supplied to the power consumption devices. The method includes determining a set of linear inequations linking each variable PV1, PV2. . . PVm representing the power being consumed for each voltage, or combinations of several variables, to predetermined power limits PVC. Next, the real power value (P) requested for each voltage in order to power up each one of the first plurality of power consumption devices is determined.

Abstract: A system for connecting a receiver to a redundant power supply. The power supply units are connected to the receiver by means of a pair of control switches, each being connected in series between one of the power units and the receiver, and each having its intrinsic diode forwardly biased between the power unit and the receiver. A voltage comparator senses which of the power supply units is having the higher potential difference between its high and low potential terminals. The output of the comparator controls the gate of both control switches such that the control switch in series with the sensed power supply unit is conducting while the other one is off. When a reversed polarity is applied to the receiver, the receiver is protected by the intrinsic diode. When at least one of the power supplies is connected with the correct polarity, the receiver is supplied without an appreciable voltage drop and with the lowest possible power losses.