Digital rack interface pod (DRIP) with intelligent power control system and method

摘要

An intelligent power control system and method adapted for use with a digital rack interface pod (DRIP). A switching regulator generates a set output voltage. If power is available from a USB port of an external device, such as an external server, then the system uses this power to power the DRIP. If DC power is detected as being received on a different input from an external power transformer, then the system may still continue to use the power being received from the USB port to power the DRIP. If power from the USB port of the external device is lost but power from the external transformer is present, then the system may use the power available from the external transformer to power the DRIP. If the DRIP is being powered by USB power from the external device, and no DC power is available from the external transformer, but backup power from an appliance to which the DRIP is coupled is being received on one of the DRIP's power input ports, then the DRIP may switch to backup power from the appliance if power from the USB port of the external device (e.g., server) is lost. The system thus intelligently prioritizes the use of power available from a plurality of different power sources to maintain the DRIP powered on when one or more of the power sources is lost or otherwise not available.

主权项

1. An apparatus for interfacing a communications component to a managed device in communication with the communications component, the apparatus comprising:
a first input for receiving power from the managed device that is used to power the apparatus; a second input for receiving power from the communications component; a regulator subsystem responsive to the first and second inputs, and configured to monitor the power provided on the first input; and the regulator subsystem further being configured to detect when power is unavailable from the first input, and then to automatically use power from the second input to power the apparatus.