Abstract: A computer system includes a computer system unit and a power supply circuit. The power supply circuit is coupled to receive input power and generate output power. This circuit includes a circuit to generate a control signal that is related to the power level of the input power. The control signal has a first value relative to the input signal if the input signal exceeds a selected threshold level and the control signal has a second value relative to the input signal if the input signal does not exceed the selective threshold value. The power level of the output power is controlled so that it does not exceed a maximum power level which is based on the level of the control signal.

Abstract: A method for controlling the power level of a computer system or the like provides a dual power range feature which allows a power supply to be used over a wide range of AC input voltages. The power control circuit employs a detector for the RMS voltage of the input power line, and a detector for the AC input current at the power line. These detected levels are applied to a multiplier to provide an indication of power input, multiplier output is compared with a reference to produce a control for the output power of the power supply. The duty cycle of an oscillator for an AC-to-DC conversion for a power factor control circuit within the power supply is the controlled element, using pulse width modulation. A dual power range is provided so that for low AC line voltages, where the AC line current would tend to be high, a lower power limit is in effect, then for higher AC line voltages, where AC line current is proportionally lower for a given power level, a higher power limit is allowed.

Abstract: A protection circuit for a computer system having PCI expansion cards and PCI expansion slots with multiple power rails for supplying power to the PCI expansion cards, the protection circuit including a current monitor that monitors the current levels drawn by the PCI expansion card at each power rail; an inrush current controller for controlling the initial current applied to each of the power rails when an expansion card is initially inserted into an expansion slot; a voltage monitor that monitors the voltage levels applied to selected power rails; and a disconnector for disconnecting the power to the PCI expansion slot when either the current level drawn by the PCI expansion card at any of the power rails goes beyond a selected range or when the voltage levels at any of the selected monitored power rails are below a selected threshold or when commanded by the computer system.