Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-level power hierarchy are described. This power hierarchy contains a higher level, which includes a first sub-circuit, and a lower level, which includes a second sub-circuit and a third sub-circuit. Moreover, the second sub-circuit and the third sub-circuit are included in branches in the power hierarchy and are separately electrically coupled to the first sub-circuit. A given sub-circuit in a given level includes programmable power protection which is configured to protect sub-circuits at higher levels of the power hierarchy from power variations associated with changes in load on branches at lower levels of the power hierarchy, thereby providing failure isolation in the power hierarchy.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system (such as a computer system), a circuit, a method and a computer-program product (e.g., software) for use with the computer system are described. In these embodiments, one or more physical characteristics of a device may be monitored, and the measured values may be used to assess the reliability of a device. In particular, using hardware and/or software, the probability that the device will be unable to restart if the device is switched to a powered-on operating mode may be determined based at least in part on the one or more measured values and predetermined probabilities of occurrence of one or more failure mechanisms in the device. If the probability is less than a threshold value, the device may be safely transitioned to a powered-on operating mode. However, if the probability exceeds the threshold value, the device may be kept in a power-saving mode until remedial action is taken.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system (such as a computer system), a circuit, a method and a computer-program product (e.g., software) for use with the computer system are described. In these embodiments, one or more physical characteristics of a device may be monitored, and the measured values may be used to assess the reliability of a device. In particular, using hardware and/or software, the probability that the device will be unable to restart if the device is switched to a powered-on operating mode may be determined based at least in part on the one or more measured values and predetermined probabilities of occurrence of one or more failure mechanisms in the device. If the probability is less than a threshold value, the device may be safely transitioned to a powered-on operating mode. However, if the probability exceeds the threshold value, the device may be kept in a power-saving mode until remedial action is taken.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for directing airflow through a computing device. This system comprises an airflow baffle, which includes a set of signal pins and a circuit. The airflow baffle is configured to direct airflow through the computing device, and the set of signal pins are configured to interface the airflow baffle with the computing device. Moreover, the circuit in the airflow baffle is coupled to the set of signal pins, and is configured to use the signal pins to notify the computing device that the airflow baffle is installed in the computing device.