Abstract: A system and method for monitoring power consumption of a computer system component, such as a central processing unit (CPU), of a desktop computer system. The component is supplied with supply power from a power supply unit of the computer through a power supply cable. A coupling is disposed between the power supply unit and a substrate (e.g., motherboard) on which the component is mounted, and is electrically connected to at least one power supply line of the power supply cable and a power supply connector on the substrate. The power supply line carries a supply voltage. The current flow through the power supply line is determined, a power consumption reading for the component is generated based on the supply voltage and the current flow through the power supply line, and the supply voltage on the power supply line is modulated to determine a lowest current flow therethrough.

Abstract: Main power (e.g. an alternating voltage) is applied to a data processing system through a switch in a first state of the switch operation. The switch may have an arm movable to a first terminal to obtain the first state of switch operation and to a second terminal to obtain a second state of switch operation. A microprocessor periodically checks to determine if the main power to the data processing system has been interrupted. Upon such an interruption, the microprocessor produces a signal which causes the switch to be transferred to the second state of operation. The microprocessor is also operative to cause an alternating voltage to be produced during the interruption in the application of the main power to the data processing system. This alternating voltage is introduced to the data processing system in the second state of operation of the switch to energize the data processing system.