Patent ID: 6691235
Filing Date: 2004-02-10
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
Apparatus for providing electrical power to a processor having first and second power inputs within a computing system, wherein said apparatus comprises:a programmable power supply producing a variable output voltage as a function of a program input code; instruction storage, accessed by said processor during each power initialization sequence, wherein said instruction storage holds a program for execution within said processor, and wherein said program includes an instruction causing said processor to provide a processor identifying code indicating a type of said processor; decode logic receiving said processor identifying code and generating said program input code as a function of said processor identifying code; a first data connection, between said processor and said decode logic, wherein said processor identifying code is transmitted over said first data connection; a second data connection, between said decode logic and said programmable power supply, wherein said program input code is transmitted over said second data connection; and a first electrical power supply line between said programmable power supply and said first power input to said processor, wherein current is driven along said first electrical power supply line at said variable output voltage.