Abstract: A computer system contains a small computer standard interface (SCSI) having a plurality of components to interface a plurality of external peripheral devices to the computer system in accordance with a SCSI specification. Within the computer system, the SCSI interface contains a SCSI bus having an internal SCSI terminator at an internal end of the SCSI bus, and an internal switchable SCSI terminator at an external end of the SCSI bus. The SCSI bus permits expansion beyond the computer system enclosure at the external side of the SCSI bus via an external connector and cable to interface external SCSI peripheral devices to the computer system. The internal switchable SCSI terminator senses whether any external SCSI external peripheral devices or an external terminator are attached to the SCSI bus. If external SCSI peripheral devices and/or an external terminator are attached to the SCSI bus, then the internal switchable SCSI terminator does not terminate the SCSI bus on the external side.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a routing of cables between devices within a computer chassis. The method comprises signaling, for each of the devices, deactivation of a selected signal line of each cable. Then, one of the devices is requested to activate its selected signal line for one of the cables. The selected signal line is coupled to an input/output (I/O) data port of a driver circuit associated with the devices. The voltage on the I/O data port is sensed to determine which device is coupled to and in control of other device(s).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for checking an installation of a plurality of power supply modules in a multiprocessor system having a plurality of processor modules. A detector detects if one of the processor modules is present. A voltage monitor monitors the voltage level of one of the power supply modules which corresponds to the processor module. A control circuit generates a control signal to turn off the power if the processor module is present and the voltage level is outside an operating range.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing a computer system from overheating when a processor or software controlling the processor which controls the cooling system fails. The apparatus utilizes a watchdog timer which receives periodic signals confirming proper operation of the processor. When these status signals are not received, the watchdog timer transmits signals causing the cooling system that prevents overheating of the computer system.