Grounding computer systems
US6452794B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 8, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/188
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A computer system includes a chassis, electronic circuitry, a plurality of removable power supply units, and a power distribution mechanism to which the power supply units are connectable. The chassis includes at least one connector for effecting a connection to a first, chassis, ground potential. The electrical circuitry is connected to a second, logic, ground potential. Each of the power supply units is provided with a separate removable grounding plate for selectively coupling chassis ground to logic ground. The use of a power distribution mechanism with a plurality of removable power supply units enables redundancy for the power supply units, whereby the system can remain powered when one of the power supply units fail. The use of the grounding plates for each of the power supply units enables reliable connection of the electrical and chassis grounds can be effected, even when one of the power supply units and/or its connecting cable is faulty. When it is desired to isolate the electrical and chassis grounds, then all of the grounding plates can be removed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.