Patent ID: 6407896
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
A redundant power system comprising:a plurality of power supply modules; a power distribution module electrically coupled to the plurality of power supply modules; a first connector removably coupled to the power distribution module; a first power cable comprised of a first plurality of electrically conductive wires for supplying power to the power distribution module, wherein each of the first plurality of electrically conductive wires has a first end located within the first connector; a second connector removably coupled to the power distribution module; a second power cable comprised of a second plurality of electrically conductive wires for supplying power to the power distribution module, wherein each of the second plurality of electrically conductive wires has a second end located within the second connector, and wherein the first power cable and the second power cable redundantly supply power to the power distribution module; a plurality of circuits for sensing if power is supplied from the first and second pluralities of electrically conductive wires to the power distribution module, wherein a first one of the plurality of circuits is electrically coupled to the first plurality of electrically conductive wires and located within the first connector, wherein the first one of the plurality of circuits senses a connection between the first plurality of electrically conductive wires and the power distribution module, wherein a second one of the plurality of circuits is electrically coupled to the second plurality of electrically conductive wires and located within the second connector, and wherein the second one of the plurality of circuits senses a connection between the second plurality of electrically conductive wires and the power distribution module; and an alarm module electrically coupled to the first one and the second one of the plurality of circuits, wherein the alarm module provides an alarm when the first one of the plurality of circuits detects a first predetermined alarm condition of the connection between the first plurality of electrically conductive wires and the power distribution module, and wherein the alarm module provides the alarm when the second one of the plurality of circuits detects a second predetermined alarm condition of the connection between the second plurality of electrically conductive wires and the power distribution module.