Peripheral device power management circuit and method for selecting between main and auxiliary power sources or from third power source
US6564333B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 13, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/26
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A circuit and method thereof for arbitrating between a first power source and a second power source in a computer system peripheral device such as a network adapter (e.g., a network interface card) that is connected to multiple power sources. The circuit includes a field effect transistor (FET) and a diode integral with the FET coupled between the first power source and the second power source. The FET is adapted to conduct current from the second power source when power is not available from the first power source, and to substantially prevent current from flowing from the first power source to the second power source. The circuit also includes a voltage regulator coupled between the first power source and the second power source, adapted to regulate voltage such that a voltage from the first power source and a voltage from the second power source are approximately equal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.