Patent ID: 7696643
Filing Date: 2010-04-13
Classification: G06F,H02J

Abstract:
1. An interim power source, comprising: an input power terminal configured to receive input power from a power supply unit that is separate and distinct from the interim power source, wherein the power supply unit receives power from a main power source and provides the input power terminal with direct current power in a form usable by processing unit and memory components of a computing subsystem; an output power terminal coupled with the input power terminal to deliver direct current power to the computing subsystem; an energy storage element capable of providing at the output power terminal direct current power in a form usable by the processing unit and memory components of the computing subsystem, the energy storage element capable of powering the processing unit and memory components over a transition period upon a disruption in power from a main power source; a charging circuit coupled to the energy storage element to regulate power flowing into the energy storage element; a switch with a first input coupled to the input power terminal, a second input coupled to the energy storage element, and an output coupled to the output power terminal to control, between power arriving on the input power terminal and power from the energy storage element, a source of power to be delivered out of the output power terminal; and a control circuit coupled with the output power terminal to detect a direct current input voltage associated with the input power terminal, to detect a direct current output voltage associated with the output power terminal, and to cause the switch to select the source of power from at least one of the input power terminal and the energy storage element for delivery to the computing subsystem via the output terminal, wherein the control circuit monitors a direct current voltage and controls the switch based on the voltage monitoring.