Patent ID: 6526515
Filing Date: 2003-02-25
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A system for providing power to a digital peripheral device via a computer port when the primary power source provides insufficient instantaneous power for powering the digital peripheral device, but otherwise having sufficient average power for powering the digital peripheral device, the system comprising:means for removably housing the peripheral device, the peripheral device including at least a first electrical connector for carrying a first electrical signal from the peripheral device to a computer device; means for coupling the first electrical signal between the peripheral device and a computing device, the computing device including a primary power supply; means for conveying electrical power from the primary power supply to the peripheral device; means for storing electrical power, the means for storing electrical power positioned outside of the computing device; and a power management circuit being capable of detecting when the current drawn by the peripheral device exceeds a predetermined threshold and being capable of supplying supplementary power to the peripheral device only when the current drawn by the peripheral device exceeds the predetermined threshold such that the operation of the peripheral device is maintained.