Patent ID: 6137188
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A system for supplying power to multiple devices, the system including:a comparator having a first input for receiving a first voltage identification signal from a first device, a second input for receiving a second voltage identification signal from a second device, and an output for outputting a voltage control signal, where the comparator is configured to generate a predetermined value at the output of the comparator responsive to a value of the first voltage identification signal being different from a value of the second voltage identification signal, and where the comparator is further configured to forward the value of the first voltage identification signal to the output of the comparator responsive to when the value of the first voltage identification signal matches the value of the second voltage identification signal; anda programmable voltage regulator having a first power input for receiving a first power supply voltage, a second power input for receiving a second power supply voltage, a voltage control input coupled to the output of the comparator, and a power supply output for outputting a power supply voltage to the first and second devices, the programmable voltage regulator being configured to output a voltage level at the power supply output responsive to a voltage control signal received at the voltage control input, where the voltage regulator will produce one of a predetermined power supply voltage level when it receives the predetermined value and a power supply voltage level corresponding to the value of the first voltage identification signal.