Patent ID: 6269288
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: G06F,H04L,Y02D,Y10S

Abstract:
A power control system adapted for connection to a pre-existing serial communication signal line for controlling power supplied to a first device which receives serial information signals from a second device through the pre-existing serial communication signal line, wherein the first device is enclosed in a first housing and the second device is enclosed in a second housing separated by a distance from the first housing, said power control system comprising:a connector adapted for connection to said pre-existing serial communication signal line, wherein said connector includes a first signal path to allow the serial information signals to propagate from the second device to the first device, and wherein said connector includes a second signal path configured to provide a duplicate copy of the serial information signals;a serial port receiver circuit coupled to the second signal path of said connector for receiving the duplicate copy of the serial information signals;a processor coupled to the serial port receiver circuit and configured to monitor the duplicate copy of the serial information signals to thereby detect a predetermined serial control sequence; anda switch control circuit for controlling a switching of power within said first device, wherein said switch control circuit is coupled to said processor and is configured to generate a control signal to selectively power-on said first device in response to said processor detecting said predetermined serial control sequence, wherein said serial port receiver circuit, said processor, and said switch control circuit are contained in a third housing separate from the first and second housings, and wherein power for powering said first device is not propagated through said third housing.