Patent ID: 6153946
Filing Date: 2000-11-28
Classification: H02J

Abstract:
An apparatus for providing redundant power comprising:a plurality of devices, with each device comprising:device circuits having a power requirement;a power supply having a power rating sufficient to meet the power requirements of the device circuits;an external power input for receiving redundant power exclusively from another device;an external power output for providing redundant power exclusively to another device; anda short-preventing network that prevents a failure of the power supply of the device from shorting out a power supply in another device, and prevents a failure of a power supply in another device from shorting out the power supply of the device, wherein the short-preventing network is coupled between the device circuits, a node of the power supply that provides a power out put the external power input, and the external power output to provide power from the power supply to the device circuits, provide redundant power exclusively to another device, and receive redundant power exclusively from another device; anda first power sharing cable coupled between the external power output of a first device of the plurality of devices and the external power input of a second device of the plurality of devices, thereby allowing the first device to provide redundant power exclusively to the second device if the power supply of the second device fails.