Abstract:
A method includes supplying power from a power supply to a. first electrical circuit breaker. The method includes detecting whether at least one of a current and a voltage of the power has exceeded an operating threshold for the first electrical circuit The method includes, in response to detecting that at least one of the current and the voltage of the power has exceeded the operating threshold for the first electrical circuit, shutting off the power supply and the first electrical circuit breaker. The method includes in response to detecting that at least one of the current and the voltage of the power has not exceeded the operating threshold for the first electrical circuit, supplying the power from the power supply to the second electrical circuit breaker that is electrically coupled to the second electrical circuit.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation and claims the benefit of priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/260,879, filed on Apr. 24, 2014, which is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Taiwan Patent Application 102115503 filed on Apr. 30, 2013. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the inventive subject matter generally relate to power distribution, and more particularly, to power distribution in an information handling system. 
         [0003]    Due to persistent improvement and development of components for use with information handling systems, applicable printed circuit boards and components mounted thereon are increasingly intricate. Accordingly, it is imperative to carry out effective thermal management for the printed circuit boards and components thereon. 
         [0004]    In a conventional information handling system, a plurality of printed circuit boards typically carry, interconnect and power various components. The printed circuit boards operate at a high power level, and thus the components mounted on the printed circuit boards are likely to burn, be carbonized, or ignite. The mentioned kinds of damage are unwanted. 
         [0005]    In a conventional computer system, a server or a mobile computer system typically comprises a circuit board, a power supply unit (PSU), a power plane, and a plurality of power rails. A large amount of heat easily accumulates at a specific portion of each of the aforesaid components. Furthermore, the aforesaid components lack any good protection mechanism. As a result, there is currently great concern about severe combustion and damage of the aforesaid components. 
         [0006]    For example, components which are likely to accumulate excessive heat include, are not limited to, a plurality of voltage regulator modules (VRM) for supplying power to the components in the computer system. The plurality of voltage regulator modules include a voltage regulator module which supply a voltage to a central processing unit (CPU), a voltage regulator module which supply a voltage to a memory, and a voltage regulator module which supply a voltage to a hard disk drive. The voltage regulator modules perform voltage transformation to thereby supply appropriate voltages to the CPU, the memory, and the hard disk drive. 
         [0007]    Each of the voltage regulators or the other components is often equipped with a high-integration chip and often has a protective logical circuit. Due to each voltage regulator being equipped with a high-integration chip, if a portion of the chip is damaged, heat generated will accumulate at the damaged portion of the chip, and the temperature of the damaged portion of the chip will increase abruptly. As a result, the printed circuit board or similar means is likely to ignite and smolder. Although each of the voltage regulators or the other components has the protective circuit, the protective circuit provides only one-time protection. For example, although the protective circuit serves a protective purpose such that the computer system stops being supplied with power and shuts down, the protective circuit may have burnt at this time. 
         [0008]    When one of the protective circuits has been burnt, an ignorant user may restart the computer system or the computer system itself may restart. As a result, the voltage is applied to the printed circuit board or components to generate an abnormally large current such that severe damages may happen on the chips or a related portion of the printed circuit board or similar means may burn, smolder, or ignite. 
         [0009]    In other words, the one-time protective logical circuit is incapable of providing protection beyond at point when the circuit is damaged, in particular, with the trend of ever-increasing integration of chips, severe combustion and damage of the printed circuit board or components can happen. 
         [0010]    The aforesaid combustion and damage is not solely attributed to voltage regulators, but the other electronic components can also encounter the similar problem. Hence, with regard to electronic components mounted on printed circuit board, it is imperative to find a solution concerning short-circuit/burnout which can occur for different reasons, including but not limited to short-circuit/burnout due to an overly large current generated as a result of a user&#39;s restarting the computer system manually or the spontaneous restart of the computer system. At present, conventional approaches have not yet provided any solution to how to achieve multiple-time protection. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0011]    In some embodiments, a method includes supplying power from a power supply to a first electrical circuit breaker, wherein a first electrical circuit is electrically coupled to receive the power from the power supply through the first electrical circuit breaker. The method includes detecting, by the first electrical circuit breaker, whether at least one of a current and a voltage of the power has exceeded an operating threshold for the first electrical circuit. The method includes, in response to detecting that at least one of the current and the voltage of the power has exceeded the operating threshold for the first electrical circuit, shutting off the power supply and the first electrical circuit breaker, wherein the shutting off of the power supply prevents supplying the power from the power supply to a second electrical circuit breaker that is electrically coupled to a second electrical circuit to receive the power from the power supply. The method includes in response to detecting that at least one of the current and the voltage of the power has not exceeded the operating, threshold for the first electrical circuit, supplying the power from the power supply to the second electrical circuit breaker that is electrically coupled to the second electrical circuit. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The present embodiments may be better understood, and numerous objects, features, and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  depicts a block diagram of an information handling system, according to some embodiments. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  depicts a flow chart of a power distribution method, according to some embodiments. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  depicts a block diagram of an information handling system, according to some other embodiments. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 4A-4C  depict flow charts of a power distribution method, according to some other embodiments. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  depicts a block diagram of an information handling system, according to some other embodiments. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 6A-6C  depict flow charts of a power distribution method, according to some other embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    The description that follows includes exemplary systems, methods, techniques, instruction sequences and computer program products that embody techniques of the present inventive subject matter. However, it is understood that the described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known instruction instances, protocols, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obfuscate the description. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  depicts a block diagram of an information handling system, according to some embodiments.  FIG. 1  depicts the hardware architecture of an information handling system  10 . The information handling system  10  includes a power supply unit (PSU)  4 . A power plane  24  is electrically coupled to power supply unit  4 . A first electrical circuit breaker (first ECB)  28 , a second electrical circuit breaker (second ECB)  32 , a third electrical circuit breaker (third ECB)  36 , . . . , and an Nth electrical circuit breaker (Nth ECB)  40  are electrically coupled to the power plane  24 . The information handling system  10  further comprises a first region of devices  8 , a second region of devices  12 , a third region of devices  16 , . . . , and an Nth region of devices  20 . The first region of devices  8 , the second region of devices  12 , the third region of devices  16 , and the Nth region of devices  20  are electrically coupled to the first electrical circuit breaker (first ECB  28 , the second electrical circuit breaker (second ECS)  32 , the third electrical circuit breaker (third ECB)  36 , . . . , and the Nth electrical circuit breaker (Nth ECB)  40 , respectively. The details and operation of the components of the information handling system  10  are described later. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, the first region of devices  8 , the second region of devices  12 , the third region of devices  16 , . . . , the Nth region of devices  20 , the first electrical circuit breaker  28 , the second electrical circuit breaker  32 , the third electrical circuit breaker  36 , and the Nth electrical circuit breaker  40  are disposed on a printed circuit board. The aforesaid components of which quantity can change as needed are operably interconnected. Optionally, the aforesaid components can communicate with each other or with the other components (not shown). The first region of devices  8 , the second region of devices  12 , the third region of devices  16 , . . . , and the Nth region of devices  20  include functional modules, circuits, or devices in any forms, for example, including but not limited to a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, a hard disk drive, a voltage regulator module, and/or a module with a plurality of semiconductor components such as a module with complementary metal-oxide semiconductor components (including P-channel metal-oxide semiconductor components and N -channel metal-oxide semiconductor components). for example, the first region of devices  8  comprises 1, 2, . . . n devices  9 . The second region of devices  12  comprises 1, 2, . . . n devices  13 . The third region of devices  16  comprises 1, 2, n devices  17 . The Nth region of devices  20  comprises 1, 2, . . . n devices  21 . 
         [0022]    The first electrical circuit breaker  28 , the second electrical circuit breaker  32 , the third electrical circuit breaker  36 , . . . , and the Nth electrical circuit breaker  40  are typical electrical circuit breakers which provide conventional circuit protection. 
         [0023]    A power distribution technology provided according to some embodiments is illustrated hereunder with the hardware architecture shown in  FIG. 1  and a flow chart shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 2  depicts a flow chart of a power distribution method, according to some embodiments.  FIG. 2  depicts a flow chart  50  for use with the information handling system  10 . 
         [0024]    At block  52 , the power supply unit  4  starts. 
         [0025]    At block  56 , a determination is made of whether the power supply unit  4  is read. In some embodiments, if the voltage does not reach a predetermined level or a power-good signal is not transmitted it can be determined that the power supply unit  4  is not ready. If the voltage reaches a predetermined level or a power-good signal is transmitted, it can be determined that the power supply unit  4  is ready, 
         [0026]    At block  60 , if it is determined that the power supply unit  4  is not ready, the system power source of the information handling system  10  will remain off. In some embodiments, the power supply unit  4  is a single power source of the information handling system  10 . If the power supply unit  4  is not ready, the information handling stem  10  will keep its original state, that is the off state. 
         [0027]    At block  64 , if it is determined that the power supply unit  4  is ready, the power supply unit  4  will transmit a power-good signal to the first electrical circuit breaker  28 , wherein the power-good signal functions as an enabling signal to enable first electrical circuit breaker  28 . 
         [0028]    At block  68 , a detection is executed at the first electrical circuit breaker  28  to determine whether the first electrical circuit breaker  28  is faulty or whether there is a system abnormality. For example, if an abnormal current which is much higher than the rated current or an abnormal voltage level is detected at the first electrical circuit breaker  28 , it will be determined that the first electrical, circuit breaker  28  is faulty or that the system abnormality is detected. 
         [0029]    At block  72 , if it is determined that the first electrical circuit breaker  28  is faulty or that the system abnormality is detected, both the first electrical circuit breaker  28  and the power supply unit  4  will be turned off, and second electrical circuit breaker  32  will not start. For example, the first electrical circuit breaker  28  can be turned off by means of a controller (not shown) thereof, and the power supply unit  4  can be turned off according to a signal indicative of a detected fault generated by the controller of the first electrical circuit breaker  28 , in some embodiments, the first electrical circuit breaker  28  does not send any signal to start the other subsequent electrical circuit breaker (such as the second electrical circuit breaker  32 ). 
         [0030]    At block  76 , if it is determined that the first electrical circuit breaker  28  is not faulty or that the system abnormality is not detected, the second electrical circuit breaker will receive a power-good signal, and the second electrical circuit breaker  32  will be enabled. 
         [0031]    At block  80 , a detection is executed at the second electrical circuit breaker  32  to determine whether the second electrical circuit breaker  32  is faulty or whether there is a system abnormality. For example, if an abnormal current which is much higher than the rated current or an abnormal voltage level is detected at the second electrical circuit breaker  32 , it will be determined that the second electrical circuit breaker  32  is faulty or that the system abnormality is detected. 
         [0032]    At block  84 , if it is determined that the second electrical circuit breaker  32  is faulty or that the system abnormality is detected, both the second electrical circuit breaker  32  and the power supply unit  4  will be turned off, and third electrical circuit breaker  36  will not start. For example, the second electrical circuit breaker  32  is turned off by means of a controller (not shown) thereof, and the power supply unit  4  is turned off according to a signal indicative of a detected fault generated by the controller of the second electrical circuit breaker  32 . In some embodiments, the second electrical circuit breaker  32  does not send any signal to start the other subsequent electrical circuit breaker (such as the third electrical circuit breaker  36 ). 
         [0033]    At block  86 , if it is determined that the second electrical circuit breaker  32  is not faulty or that the system abnormality is not detected, the third electrical circuit breaker  36  will receive a power-good signal, and the third electrical circuit breaker  36  will be enabled. 
         [0034]    The aforesaid operations can be performed on the subsequent electrical circuit breakers, regions of devices, and specific devices in regions of devices in sequence to test and determine whether the electrical circuit breakers are faulty for whether the system abnormalities are detected). 
         [0035]    At block  88 , if it is determined that the (N-1)th electrical circuit breaker (not shown) is not faulty or that the system abnormality is not detected, the Nth electrical circuit breaker  40  will receive a power-good signal, and the Nth electrical circuit breaker  40  will be enabled. 
         [0036]    At block  90 , a detection is executed at the Nth electrical circuit breaker  40  to determine whether the Nth electrical circuit breaker  40  is faulty or whether there is a system abnormality. For example, if an abnormal current which is much higher than the rated current or an abnormal voltage level is detected at, the Nth electrical circuit breaker  40 , it will be determined that the Nth electrical circuit breaker  40  is faulty or that the system abnormality is detected. 
         [0037]    At block  92 , if it is determined that the Nth electrical circuit breaker  40  is faulty or that the system abnormality is detected, both the Nth electrical circuit breaker  40  and the power supply unit  4  will be turned off For example, the Nth electrical circuit breaker  40  is turned off by means of a controller (not shown) thereof, and the power supply unit  4  is turned off according to a signal indicative of a detected fault generated by the controller of the Nth electrical circuit breaker  40 . 
         [0038]    At block  94 , if it is determined that the Nth electrical circuit breaker  40  is not faulty or that the system abnormality is not detected, the system  10  will continue to operate well. 
         [0039]      FIG. 3  depicts a block diagram of an information handling system, according to some other embodiments.  FIG. 3  depicts the hardware architecture of an information handling system  100 . In some embodiments, the information handling system  100  comprises a power supply unit  104 , a first region of devices  108 , a second region of devices  112 , a third region or devices  116 , . . . , and an Nth region of devices  120 . A power plane  124  is electrically coupled to the power supply unit  104 . A first electrical circuit breaker (first ECB)  128 , a second electrical circuit breaker (second ECB)  132 , a third electrical circuit breaker (third ECK)  136 , . . . , and an Nth electrical circuit breaker (Nth ECB)  140  are electrically coupled to the power plane  124 , the first region of devices  108 , the second region of devices  112 , the third region of devices  116 , . . . , and the Nth region of devices  120 , respectively. The information handling system  100  further comprises: a first AND gate  144  for performing “AND” operation on signals transmitted by the first region of devices  108  and the first electrical circuit breaker  128 : a second AND gate  148  for performing “AND” operation on signals transmitted by the second region of devices  112  and the second electrical circuit breaker  132 ; a third AND gate  152  for performing “AND” operation on signals transmitted by the third region of devices  116  and the third electrical circuit breaker  136 ; . . . , and an Nth AND gate  156 . The details and operation of the components of the information handling system  100  are described later. 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, the first region of devices  108 , the second region of devices  112 , the third region of devices  116 , . . . , the Nth region of devices  120 , the first electrical circuit breaker  128 , the second electrical circuit breaker  132 , the third electrical circuit breaker  136 , . . . , and the Nth electrical circuit breaker  140  are disposed on a printed circuit board. The aforesaid components of which quantity can change as needed, are operably interconnected. Optionally, the aforesaid components can communicate with each other or with the other components (not shown). The first region of devices  108 , the second region of devices  112 , the third region of devices  116 , . . . , and the Nth region of devices  120  include functional modules, circuits, or devices in any forms, for example, including but not limited to a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, a hard disk drive, a voltage regulator module, and/or a module with a plurality of semiconductor components, such as a module with complementary metal-oxide semiconductor components (including P-channel metal-oxide semiconductor components and N-channel metal-oxide semiconductor components). For example, the first region of devices  108  comprises 1, 2, . . . n devices  109 , the second region of devices  112  comprises 1, 2, n devices  113 , the third region of devices  116  comprises  1 ,  2 , n devices  117 , and the Nth region of devices  120  comprises 1, 2, . . . n devices  121 . 
         [0041]    The first electrical circuit breaker  128 , the second electrical circuit breaker  132 , the third electrical circuit breaker  136 , . . . , and the Nth electrical circuit breaker  140  not only provide protection to the regions (i.e., the first region of devices  108 , the second region of devices  112 , the third region of devices  116 , . . . and the Nth region of devices  120 ) but also provide a convenient way of shutting down the regions. 
         [0042]    A power distribution technology provided according to some embodiments is illustrated with the hardware architecture shown in  FIG. 3  and flow charts shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C .  FIGS. 4A-4C  depict flow charts of a power distribution method, according to some other embodiments.  FIGS. 4A-4C  include transition points A-B for transition among the flow charts.  FIGS. 4A-4C  depict flow charts  200  for use with the information handling system  100 . 
         [0043]    At block  202 , the power supply unit  104  starts. 
         [0044]    At block  204 , a determination is made of whether the power supply unit  104  is ready. In some embodiments, if the voltage does not reach a predetermined level or a power-good signal is not transmitted, it will be determined that the power supply unit  104  is not ready. If the voltage reaches a predetermined level or a power-good signal is transmitted, it will be determined that the power supply unit  104  is ready. 
         [0045]    At block  208 , if it is determined that the power supply unit  104  is not ready, the system power source of the information handling system  100  will remain off in some embodiments, the power supply unit  104  is a single power source of the information handling system  100 . If the power supply unit  104  is not ready, the information handling system  100  will keep its original state, that is, the off state. 
         [0046]    At block  212  it is determined that the over supply unit  104  is ready, power supply unit  104  will transmit a power-good signal to the first electrical circuit breaker  128 , wherein the power-good signal functions as an enabling signal to enable first electrical circuit breaker  128 . Then, the process flow of the method continues at block  216  and block  222 . 
         [0047]    At block  216 , a detection is executed at the first electrical circuit breaker  128  to determine whether the first electrical circuit breaker  128  is faulty or whether there is a system abnormality. For example, if an abnormal current which is much higher than the rated current or an abnormal voltage level is detected at the first electrical circuit breaker  128 , it will be determined that the first electrical circuit breaker  128  is faulty or that the system abnormality is detected. 
         [0048]    At block  220 , if it is determined that the first electrical circuit breaker  128  is not faulty or that the system abnormality is not detected, the first electrical circuit breaker  128  will transmit a power-good signal to the first AND gate  144 . Then, the process flow of the method continues at block  240 . 
         [0049]    At block  224 , if it is determined that the first electrical circuit breaker  128  is faulty or that the system abnormality is detected, both the first electrical circuit breaker  128  and the power supply unit  104  will be turned off, and the second electrical circuit breaker  132  will not start. In some embodiments, the first electrical circuit breaker  128  is turned off by means of a controller (not shown) thereof, and the power supply unit  104  is turned off according to a signal indicative of a detected fault generated. by the controller of the first electrical circuit breaker  128 , In some embodiments, the first electrical circuit breaker  128  does not send any signal to start the other subsequent electrical circuit breaker (such as the second electrical circuit breaker  132 ). 
         [0050]    At block  222   :  the first region of devices  108  performs a self-test to determine whether a specific module, circuit, or device  109  exists in first region of devices  108 . In some embodiments, whether the first voltage regulator module  109  exists is determined. If the first voltage regulator module  109  does not exist, then the process flow of the method will continue at block  226 . If the first voltage regulator module  109  exists, then the process flow of the method will continue at block  228 . The specific module, circuit, or device  109  in the first region of devices  108  is not necessarily a voltage regulator module, and can be any other appropriate module, circuit, or device. 
         [0051]    At block  226 , the first AND gate  144  is unnecessarily used and the power good signal transmitted from the first electrical circuit breaker  128  is directly applied to enable the second electrical circuit breaker  132 . 
         [0052]    At. block  228 , whether the specific module, circuit, or device  109  in the first region of devices  108  is faulty is determined. In some embodiments, whether the first voltage regulator module  109  is faulty is determined. For example, according to the health state of the first voltage regulator module  109 , the first voltage regulator module  109  is faulty if no power-good signal is sent. If it is determined that the first voltage regulator module  109  is faulty, then the process flow of the method continues at block  236 . If it is determined that the first voltage regulator module  109  is not faulty, then the process flow of the method continues at block.  232 . 
         [0053]    At block  232 , a power-good signal is transmitted from the specific module, circuit, or device  109  in the first region of devices  108  to the first AND gate  144 . In some embodiments, the first voltage regulator module  109  transmits a power-good signal to the first AND gate  144 . 
         [0054]    At block  236 , the power supply unit  104  is turned off and the second electrical circuit breaker  132  does not start. 
         [0055]    At block  240 , the first AND gate  144  receives a power-good signal from the first electrical circuit breaker  128  and a power-good signal, if any, from the specific module, circuit, or device  109  in the first region of devices  108 . In some embodiments, the first AND gate  144  receives a power-good signal from the first electrical circuit breaker  128 , and the first AND gate  144  receives a power-good signal, if any, from the first voltage regulator module  109 . 
         [0056]    At block  312 , a power-good signal is transmitted from the first AND gate  144  to the second electrical circuit breaker  132 , wherein the power-good signal functions as an enabling signal to enable the second electrical circuit breaker  132 , and then the process flow of the method continues at block  316  and block  322 . 
         [0057]      71  At block  316 , a detection is executed at the second electrical circuit breaker  132  to determine whether the second electrical circuit breaker  132  is faulty or whether there is a system abnormality. In some embodiments, if an abnormal current which is much higher than the rated current or an abnormal voltage level is detected at the second electrical circuit breaker  132 , it will be determined that the second electrical circuit breaker  132  is faulty or that the system abnormality is detected. 
         [0058]    At block  320 , if it is determined that the second electrical circuit breaker  132  is not faulty or that the system abnormality is not detected, the second electrical circuit breaker  132  will transmit a power-good signal to the second AND gate  148 , and then the process flow of the method continues at block  340 . 
         [0059]    At block  324 , if it is determined that the second electrical circuit breaker  132  is faulty or that the system abnormality is detected, both the second electrical circuit breaker  132  and the power supply unit  104  will be turned off and the third electrical circuit breaker  136  will, not start. In some embodiments, the second electrical circuit breaker  132  is turned off by means of a controller (not shown) thereof and the power supply unit  104  is turned off according to a signal indicative of a detected fault generated by the controller of the second electrical circuit breaker  132 . In some embodiments, the second electrical circuit breaker  132  does not send any signal to start the other subsequent electrical circuit breaker such as third electrical circuit breaker  136 ). 
         [0060]    At block  322 , the second region of devices  112  performs a self-test to determine whether a specific module, circuit, or device  113  exists in second region of devices  112 . In some embodiments, whether the second voltage regulator module  113  exists is determined. If the second voltage regulator module  113  does not exist, then the process flow of the method continues at block  326 , If the second voltage regulator module  113  exists, then the process flow of the method continues at block  328 . Of course, the specific module, circuit, or device  113  in the second region of devices  112  is not necessarily a voltage regulator module, and can be any other appropriate module, circuit, or device. 
         [0061]    At block  326 , the second ANT) gate  148  is unnecessarily used and the power-good signal transmitted from the second electrical circuit breaker  132  is directly applied to enable the third electrical circuit breaker  136 . 
         [0062]    At block  328 , whether the specific module, circuit, or device  113  in the second region of devices  112  is faulty is determined. In some embodiments, whether the second voltage regulator module  113  is faulty is determined. For example, according to the health state of the second voltage regulator module  113 , the second voltage regulator module  113  is faulty if no power-good signal is sent. If it is determined that the second voltage regulator module  113  is faulty, then the process flow of the method continues at block.  336 . Hit is determined that the second voltage regulator module  113  is not faulty, then the process flow of the method continues at block  332 . 
         [0063]    At block  332 , a power-good signal is transmitted from the specific module, circuit, or device  113  in the second region of devices  112  to the second AND gate  148 , In some embodiments, the second voltage regulator module  113  transmits a power-good signal to the second AND gate  148 . 
         [0064]    At block  336 , the power supply unit  104  is turned off and the third electrical circuit breaker  136  does not start. 
         [0065]    At block  340 , the second AND gate  148  receives a power-good signal from the second electrical circuit breaker  132  and a power-good signal, if any, from the specific module, circuit, or device  113  in the second region of devices  112 . in some embodiments, the second AND gate  148  receives a power-good signal from the second electrical circuit breaker  132 , and the second AND gate  148  receives a power-good signal, if any, from the first voltage regulator module  113 . 
         [0066]    The subsequent AND gates, the electrical circuit breakers, the regions of devices, and the specific modules in regions of devices can act according to the aforesaid operations at block  212  through block  240  or block  312  through block  340 . 
         [0067]    Hence, the operations performed on the Nth AND gate  156 , the Nth electrical circuit breaker  140 . and the Nth region of devices  120  are as follows. 
         [0068]    At block  512 , a power-good signal is transmitted from the (N-1)th AND gate (not shown) to the Nth electrical circuit breaker  140 , wherein the power-good signal functions as an enabling signal to enable the Nth electrical circuit breaker  140 , and then the process flow of the method continues at block  516  and block  522 . 
         [0069]    At block  516 , a detection is executed at the Nth electrical circuit breaker  140  and according to its health state, whether the Nth electrical circuit breaker  140  is faulty or whether the system abnormality is detected is determined. in some embodiments, if an abnormal current which is much higher than the rated current or an abnormal voltage level is detected at the Nth electrical circuit breaker  140 , it will be determined that the Nth electrical circuit breaker  140  is faulty or that the system abnormality is detected. 
         [0070]    At block  520 , if it is determined that the Nth electrical circuit breaker  140  is not faulty or that the system abnormality is not detected, the Nth electrical circuit breaker  140  will transmit a power-good signal to the Nth AND gate  156 , and then the process flow of the method continues at block  540 . 
         [0071]    At block  524 , if it is determined that the Nth electrical circuit breaker  140  is faulty or that the system abnormality is detected, both the Nth electrical circuit breaker  140  and the power supply unit  104  will be turned off. In some embodiments, the Nth electrical circuit breaker  140  is turned off by means of a controller (not shown) thereof, and the power supply unit  104  is turned off according to a signal indicative of a detected fault generated by the controller of the Nth electrical circuit breaker  140 . 
         [0072]    At block  522 , the Nth electrical circuit breaker  140  performs a self-test to determine whether a specific module, circuit, or device  121  exists in Nth region of devices  120 . In some embodiments, whether the Nth voltage regulator module  121  exists is determined. If the Nth voltage regulator module  121  does not exist, then the process flow of the method continues at block  526 . If the Nth voltage regulator module  121  exists, then the process flow of the method continues at block  528 . Of course, the specific module, circuit, or device  121  in the Nth region of devices  120  is not necessarily a voltage regulator module, and can be the other appropriate module, circuit, or device. 
         [0073]    At block  526 , the Nth AND) gate  148  is unnecessarily used and the power-good signal transmitted from the Nth electrical circuit breaker  140  is directly applied to enable the continuous operation of the system  100 . 
         [0074]    At block  528 , whether the specific module, circuit, or device  121  in Nth region of devices  120  is faulty is determined. In some embodiments, whether the Nth voltage regulator module  121  is faulty is determined. For example, according to the health state of the Nth voltage regulator module  121 , the Nth voltage regulator module  121  is faulty if no power-good signal is sent. If it is determined that the Nth voltage regulator module  121  is faulty, then the process flow of the method continues at block  536 . If it is determined that the Nth voltage regulator module  121  is not faulty, then the process flow of the method continues at block  532 . 
         [0075]    At block  532 , a power-good signal is transmitted from the specific module, circuit, or device  121  in the Nth region of devices  120  to the Nth AND gate  156 . In some embodiments, the Nth voltage regulator module  121  transmits a power-good signal to the Nth AND gate  156 . 
         [0076]    At block  536 , the power supply unit  104  is turned off. 
         [0077]    At block  540 . the Nth AND gate  156  receives a power-good signal from the Nth electrical circuit breaker  140  and a power-good signal, if any, from the specific module, circuit, or device  121  in the Nth region of devices  120 . In some embodiments, the Nth AND gate  156  receives a power-good signal from the Nth electrical circuit breaker  140 , and the Nth AND gate  156  receives a power-good signal, if any, from the Nth voltage regulator module  121 . 
         [0078]    At block  566 , the normal operation of the system  100  is performed. 
         [0079]      FIG. 5  depicts a block diagram of an information handling system, according to some other embodiments.  FIG. 5  depicts the hardware architecture of an information handling system  600 . In some embodiments, the information handling system  600  comprises a power supply unit  604 , a first region of devices  608 , a second region of devices  612 , a third region of devices  616 , . . . , and an Nth region of devices  620 . A power plane  624  is electrically coupled to the power supply unit  604 . A first electrical circuit breaker (first ECB)  628 , a second electrical circuit breaker (second ECB)  632 , a third electrical circuit breaker (third ECM  636 , and an Nth electrical circuit breaker (Nth ECB)  640  are electrically coupled to the power plane  624 , the first region of devices  608 , the second region of devices  612 , the third region of devices  616 , . . . , and the Nth region of devices  620 , respectively. 
         [0080]    The information handling system  600  comprises an OR gate  688  electrically coupled to the power supply unit  604 . The information handling system  600  further comprises a first AND gate  644 , a second AND gate  648 , a third AND gate  652 , . . . , and an Nth AND gate  656 . 
         [0081]    The information handling system  600  further comprises a system management unit  671  and a timer  672 . The tinier  672  and the system management unit  671  are either separated from each other or integrated with each other. Alternatively, the timer  672  is embedded in the system management unit  671 . In some embodiments, the system management unit  671  is a baseboard management controller (BMC) which usually applies to a server system and includes, but is not limited to, BMC firmware stored in a flash chip. in some embodiments, the system management unit  671  includes, but is not limited to, an integrated management module (iMM), Basically, the constitution of the iMM is similar to that of the baseboard management controller and comprises an integrated management module firmware (iMM firmware, not shown) for managing the information handling system  600 , so as to integrate service processor functions, super I/O, a video controller, and remote-end capacity into a chip (not shown) on a motherboard of the information handling system  600 . Furthermore, the iMM firmware comprises instructions and routines for executing related functions disclosed herein. in some embodiments, the system management unit  671  can be referred to iLo (integrated lights-out) baseband management controllers. The system management unit  671  can also be any other independent controller. 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , inputs of the timer  672 /the system management unit  671  are denoted by T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , Tn, whereas the outputs of the timer  672 /the system management unit  671  fall into three categories, namely S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , . . . , Sn, S 1 ′, S 2 ′, S 3 ′, . . . , Sn′, and Disable. T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , Tn are electrically coupled to the first region of devices  608 , the second region of devices  612 , the third region of devices  616 , . . . , and the Nth region of devices  620 , respectively. S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , . . . , Sn are electrically coupled to the first AND gate  644 , the second AND gate  648 , the third AND gate  652 , . . . , and the Nth AND gate  656 , respectively. S 1 ′, S 2 ′, S 3 ′, . . . , Sn&#39; are electrically coupled to the OR gate  688 , respectively. Disable is electrically coupled to the first electrical circuit breaker  628 , the second electrical circuit breaker  632 , the third electrical circuit breaker  636 , and the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640 , respectively. Given x-1, 2, 3, . . . , n, the signal of Sx indicates that specific devices  609 ,  613 ,  617 , . . . ,  621  are ready in a predetermined period of time. The signal of Sx′ indicates that specific devices  609 ,  613 ,  617 , . . . ,  621  are not ready in a predetermined period of time. The signal of Disable indicates disable. The signal of Tx is a reference signal employed by the timer  672 /the system management unit  671  to start timing, and is, basically, an enabling signal of a specific module, circuit, or device in a region of devices, For example, in some embodiments, Ti denotes a signal transmitted by the first region of devices  608  and functions as the reference signal for use with the timer  672 /the system management unit  671  to start timing. The other signals are defined in a manner similar to the above-mentioned. The details and operation of the aforesaid components are described later. 
         [0083]    The first AND gate  644  performs “AND” operation on S 1  and signals transmitted from the first region of devices  608  and the first electrical circuit breaker  628 . The second AND gate  648  performs “AND” operation on S 2  and signals transmitted from the second region of devices  612  and the second electrical circuit breaker  632 . The third AND gate  652  performs “AND” operation on  53  and signals transmitted from the third region of devices  616  and the third electrical circuit breaker  636 . The Nth AND gate  656  performs “AND” operation on Sn and signals transmitted from the Nth region of devices  620  and the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640 . 
         [0084]    In some embodiments, the first region of devices  608 , the second region of devices  612 , the third region of devices  616 , . . . , the Nth region of devices  620 , the first electrical circuit breaker  628 , the second electrical circuit breaker  632 , the third electrical circuit breaker  636 , . . . , and the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640  are disposed on a printed circuit board. The aforesaid components of which quantity can change as needed, are operably interconnected. Optionally, the aforesaid components can communicate with each other or with the other components (not shown). The first region of devices  608 , the second region of devices  612 , the third region of devices  616 , . . . , and the Nth region of devices  620  include functional modules, circuits, or devices in any forms, for example, including a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, a hard disk drive, a voltage regulator module, and/or a module with a plurality of semiconductor components, such as a module with complementary metal-oxide semiconductor components (including P-channel metal-oxide semiconductor components and N-channel metal-oxide semiconductor components). For example, the first region of devices  608  comprises 1, 2, . . . , n devices  609 . The second region of devices  612  comprises 1, 2, . . . , n devices  613 . The third region of devices  616  comprises 1, 2, . . . , n devices  617 . The Nth region of devices  620  comprises 1, 2, . . . , n devices  621 . 
         [0085]    The first electrical circuit breaker  628 , the second electrical circuit breaker  632 , the third electrical circuit breaker  636 , . . . , and the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640  not only provide protection to the regions (i.e., the first region of devices  608 , the second region of devices  612 , the third region of devices  616 , . . . , and the Nth region of devices  620 ) but also provide a convenient way of shutting down the regions (modules). 
         [0086]    A power distribution technology provided according to some embodiments is illustrated with the hardware architecture shown in  FIG. 5  and the flow charts shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C . FIGS,  6 A- 6 C depict flow charts of a power distribution method, according, to some other embodiments.  FIGS. 6A-6C  include transition points D-F. for transition among the flow charts.  FIGS. 6A-6C  depict flow charts  700  for use with the information handling system  600 . 
         [0087]    At block.  702 , the power supply unit  604  starts. 
         [0088]    At block  704 . whether power supply unit  604  is ready is determined. In some embodiments, if the voltage does not reach a predetermined level or a power-good signal is not transmitted, it will be determined that the power supply unit  604  is not ready. If the voltage reaches a predetermined level or a power-good signal is transmitted, it will be determined that the power supply unit  604  is ready. 
         [0089]    At block  708 , if it is determined that the power supply unit  604  is not ready, the system power source of the information handling system  600  will remain off In sonic embodiments, the power supply unit  604  is a single power source of the information handling system  600 . If the power supply unit  604  is not ready, the information handling system  600  will keep its original state, that is, the off state. 
         [0090]    At block  712 , if it is determined that the power supply unit  604  is ready, the power supply unit  604  will transmit a power-good signal to the first electrical circuit breaker  62 $, wherein the power-good signal functions as an enabling signal to enable first electrical circuit breaker  628 . Then, the process flow of the method continue at block  716  and block  722 . 
         [0091]    At block  716 , a detection is executed at the first electrical circuit breaker  628  and according to its health state, whether the first electrical circuit breaker  628  is faulty or whether the system abnormality is detected is determined. In some embodiments, if an abnormal current which is much higher than the rated current or an abnormal voltage level, is detected at the first electrical circuit breaker  628 , it will be determined that the first electrical circuit breaker  628  is faulty or that the system abnormality is detected. 
         [0092]    At block  720 , if it is determined that the first electrical circuit breaker  628  is not faulty or that the system abnormality is not detected, the first electrical circuit breaker  628  will transmit a power-good signal to the first AND gate  644 . Then, the process flow of the method continues at block  740 . 
         [0093]    At block  724 , if it is determined that the first electrical circuit breaker  628  is faulty or that the system abnormality is detected, both the first electrical circuit breaker  628  and the power supply unit  604  will be turned off, and the second electrical circuit breaker  632  will not start. In some embodiments, the first electrical circuit breaker  628  is turned off by means of a controller (not shown) thereof, and the power supply unit  604  is turned off according to a signal indicative of a detected faith generated by the controller of the first electrical circuit breaker  628 . Of course, the first electrical circuit breaker  628  does not send any signal to start the other subsequent electrical circuit breaker (such as the second electrical circuit breaker  632 ). 
         [0094]    At block  722 , the first region of devices  608  performs a self test to determine whether a specific module, circuit, or device  609  exists in the first region of devices  608 . In some embodiments, whether the first voltage regulator module  609  exists is determined. If the first voltage regulator module  609  does not exist, then the process flow of the method continues at block  726 . If the first voltage regulator module  609  exists, then the process flow of the method continues at block  728  and block  737 . Of course, the specific module, circuit, or device  609  in the first region of devices  608  is not necessarily a voltage regulator module, and can be any other appropriate module, circuit, or device. 
         [0095]    At block  726 , the first AND gate  644  is unnecessarily used and the power-good signal transmitted from the first electrical circuit breaker  628  is directly applied to enable the second electrical circuit breaker  632 . 
         [0096]    At block  728 , whether the specific module, circuit, or device  609  in the first region of devices  608  is faulty is determined. In some embodiments, whether the first voltage regulator module  609  is faulty is determined. For example, according to the health state of the first voltage regulator module  609 , the first voltage regulator module  609  is faulty if no power-good signal is sent. lf it is determined that the first voltage regulator module  609  is faulty, then the process flow of the method continues at block  736 . If it is determined that the first voltage regulator module  609  is not faulty, then the process flow of the method continues at block  732 . 
         [0097]    At block  732 , a power-good signal is transmitted from the specific module, circuit, or device  609  in the first region of devices  608  to the first AND gate  644 . In some embodiments, the first voltage regulator module  609  transmits a power-good signal to the first AND gate  644 . 
         [0098]    At block  736 , the power supply unit  604  is turned off and the second electrical circuit breaker  632  does not start. 
         [0099]    At block  737 , the timer  672 /the system management unit  671  monitors whether the first voltage regulator module  609  transmits a power-good signal in a predetermined period of time. if the determination is negative, then the process flow of the method continues at block  738 . If the determination is affirmative, then the process flow of the method continues at block  739 . 
         [0100]    At block  738 , both the power supply unit  604  and the first electrical circuit. breaker  628  are turned off and the second electrical circuit breaker  632  does not start. 
         [0101]    At block  739 , a signal is transmitted from the system management unit  671  to the first AND gate  644  to indicate that the first voltage regulator module  609  has transmitted a power-good signal in a predetermined period of time. Then, the process flow of the method continues at block  740 . 
         [0102]    At block  740 , it is determined that the signals from the specific module, circuit, or device  609  in the first region of devices  608 /from the first electrical circuit breaker  628  are power-good signals and the signal from the system management unit  671  indicates that the first voltage regulator module  609  transmits a power-good signal in a predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, it is determined that the signals from the first electrical circuit breaker  628 /from the first voltage regulator module  609  are power-good signals and that the signal from the system management unit.  671  indicates that the first voltage regulator module  609  transmits a power-good signal in a predetermined period of time. 
         [0103]    A block  812 , a power-good signal is transmitted from first AND gate  644  to second electrical circuit breaker  632 , wherein the power-good signal functions as an enabling signal to enable the second electrical circuit breaker  632 . Then, the process flow of the method continues at block  816  and block  822 . 
         [0104]    At block  816 , a detection is executed at the second electrical circuit breaker  632  and according to its health state, whether the second electrical circuit breaker  632  is faulty or whether the system abnormality is detected is determined, In some embodiments, if an abnormal current which is much higher than the rated current or an abnormal voltage level is detected at the second electrical circuit breaker  632 , it will be determined that the second electrical circuit breaker  632  is faulty or that the system abnormality is detected. 
         [0105]    At block  820 , if it is determined that the second electrical circuit breaker  632  is not faulty or that the system abnormality is not detected, the second electrical circuit breaker  632  will transmit a power-good signal to the second AND gate  648 . Then, the process flow of the method continue at block  840 . 
         [0106]    At block  824 , if it is determined that the second electrical circuit breaker  632  is faulty or that the system abnormality is detected, both the second electrical circuit breaker  632  and the power supply unit  604  will be turned off and the third electrical circuit breaker  636  will not start, in some embodiments, the second electrical circuit breaker  632  is turned off by means of a controller (not shown) thereof, and the power supply unit  604  is turned off according to a signal indicative of a detected fault generated by the controller of the second electrical circuit breaker  632 . Of course, the second electrical circuit breaker  632  does not send any signal to start the other subsequent electrical circuit breaker (such as the third electrical circuit breaker  636 ). 
         [0107]    At block  822 , the second region of devices  612  performs a self-test to determine whether a specific module, circuit, or device  613  exists in the second region of devices  612 . In some embodiments, whether the second voltage regulator module  613  exists is determined. If the second voltage regulator module  613  does not exist, then the process flow of the method continue at block  826 . If the second voltage regulator module  613  exists, then the process flow of the method continues at block  828  and block  837 . Of course, the specific module, circuit, or device  613  in the second region of devices  612  is not necessarily a voltage regulator module, and can be any other appropriate module, circuit, or device. 
         [0108]    At block  826 , the second AND gate  648  is unnecessarily used and the power-good signal transmitted from the second electrical circuit breaker  632  is directly applied to enable the third electrical circuit breaker  636 . 
         [0109]    At block  828 , whether the specific module, circuit, or device  613  in second region of devices  612  is faulty is determined. In some embodiments, whether second voltage regulator module  613  is faulty is determined. For example, according to the health state of the second voltage regulator module  613 , the second voltage regulator module  613  is faulty if no power-good signal is sent. If it is determined that the second voltage regulator module  613  is faulty, then the process flow of the method continues at block  836 . If it is determined that the second voltage regulator module  613  is not faulty, then the process flow of the method continues at block  832 . 
         [0110]    At block  832 , a power-good signal is transmitted from the specific module, circuit, or device  613  in second region of devices  612  to the second AND gate  648 . In some embodiments, the second voltage regulator module  613  transmits a power-good signal to the second AND gate  648 . 
         [0111]    At block  836  the power supply unit  604  is turned off and the third electrical circuit breaker  636  does not start. 
         [0112]    At block  837 , the timer  672 /the system management unit  671  monitors whether the second voltage regulator module  613  transmits a power-good signal in a predetermined period of time. If the determination is negative, then the process flow of the method continues at block  838 . If the determination is affirmative, then the process flow of the method continues at block  839 . 
         [0113]    At block  838 , both the power supply unit  604  and the second electrical circuit breaker  632  are turned off and the third electrical circuit breaker  636  does not start. 
         [0114]    At block  839 , a signal is transmitted from the system management unit  671  to the second AND gate  648  to indicate that the second voltage regulator module  613  has transmitted a power-good signal in a predetermined period of time. Then, the process flow of the method continues at block  840 . 
         [0115]    At block  840 , it is determined that the signals from the specific module, circuit, or device  613  in the second region of devices  612 /from the second electrical circuit breaker  632  are power-good signals and the signal from the system management unit  671  indicates that the second voltage regulator module  613  transmits a power-good signal in a predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, it is determined that the signals from the second electrical circuit breaker  632 /from second voltage regulator module  613  are power-good signals and that the signal from the system management unit  671  indicates that the second voltage regulator module  613  transmits a power-good signal in a predetermined period of time. 
         [0116]    The subsequent AND gates, the electrical circuit breakers, the regions of devices, the specific modules in regions of devices, the OR gate  688 , the power supply unit  604 , the timer  672 /the system management unit  671 , and the power plane  624  can act according to the aforesaid operations at block  712  through block  740  or block  812  through block  840 . 
         [0117]    Hence, the operations performed on the Nth AND gate  656 , the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640 , and the Nth region of devices  620  are as follows. 
         [0118]    At block  912 , a power-good signal is transmitted from the (N-1)th AND gate (not shown) to the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640 , wherein the power-good signal functions as an enabling signal to enable the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640 . Then, the process flow of the method continues at block  916  and block  922 . 
         [0119]    At block  916 , a detection is executed at the Nth electrical. circuit breaker  640  and according, to its health state, whether the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640  is faulty or whether the system abnormality is detected is determined. In some embodiments, if an abnormal current which is much higher than the rated current or an abnormal voltage level is detected at the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640 , it will be determined that the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640  is faulty or that the system abnormality is detected, 
         [0120]    At block  920 , if it is determined that the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640  is not faulty or that the system abnormality is not detected, the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640  will transmit a power-good signal to the Nth AND gate  656 . Then, the process flow of the method continues at block  940 . 
         [0121]    At block  924 , if it is determined that the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640  is faulty or that the system abnormality is detected, both the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640  and the power supply unit  604  will be turned off. In some embodiments, the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640  is turned off by means of a controller (not shown) thereof, and the power supply unit  604  is turned off according to a signal indicative of a detected fault generated by the controller of the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640 . 
         [0122]    At block  922 , the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640  performs a self test to determine whether a specific module, circuit, or device  621  exists in the Nth region of devices  620 . In some embodiments, whether the Nth voltage regulator module  621  exists is determined. If the Nth voltage regulator module  621  does not exist, then the process flow of the method continues at block  926 . If the Nth voltage regulator module  621  exists, then the process flow of the method continues at block  928  and block  937 . Of course, the specific module, circuit, or device  621  in the Nth region of devices  620  is not necessarily a voltage regulator module, and can be any other appropriate module, circuit, or device. 
         [0123]    At block  926 , the Nth AND gate  648  is unnecessarily used and the power-good signal transmitted from the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640  is directly applied to enable continuous operation of the system  600 . 
         [0124]    At block  928 , whether a specific module, circuit, or device  621  in the Nth region of devices  620  is faulty is determined. In some embodiments, whether the Nth voltage regulator module  621  is faulty is determined. For example, according to the health state of the Nth voltage regulator module  621 , the Nth voltage regulator module  621  is faulty if no power-good signal is sent. If it is determined that the Nth voltage regulator module  621  is faulty, then the process flow of the method continues at block  936 . If it is determined that the Nth voltage regulator module  621  is not faulty, then the process flow of the method continues at block  932 . 
         [0125]    At block  932 , a power-good signal is transmitted from the specific module, circuit, or device  621  in the Nth region of devices  620  to the Nth AND gate  656 . In some embodiments, the Nth voltage regulator module  621  transmits a power-good signal to the Nth AND gate  656 . 
         [0126]    At block  936 , the lower supply unit  604  is turned off. 
         [0127]    At block  937 , the timer  672 /the system management unit  671  monitors whether the Nth voltage regulator module  621  transmits a power-good signal in a predetermined period of time. If the determination is negative, then the process flow of the method continues at block  938 . If the determination is affirmative, then the process flow of the method continues at block  939 . 
         [0128]    At block  938 , both the power supply unit  604  and the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640  are turned off. 
         [0129]    At block  939 , a signal is transmitted from the system management unit  671  to the Nth AND gate  656  to indicate that the Nth voltage regulator module  621  has transmitted a power-good signal in a predetermined period of time, and then the process flow of the method continues at block  940 . 
         [0130]    At block  940 , it is determined that the signals from the specific module, circuit, or device  621  in the Nth region of devices  620 /from the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640  are power-good signals and the signal from the system management unit  671  indicates that the Nth voltage regulator module  621  transmits a power-good signal in a predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, it is determined that the signals from the Nth electrical circuit breaker  640 /from the Nth voltage regulator module  621  are power-good signals and the signal from the system management unit  671  indicates that the Nth voltage regulator module  621  transmits a power-good signal in a predetermined period of time. 
         [0131]    At block  966 , the continuous normal operation of the system  600  is performed. 
         [0132]    Although the aforesaid embodiments are illustrated with voltage regulator modules, persons skilled in the art. can easily infer other embodiments with the other related devices, including but not limited to a CPU, a memory, a fan, a hard disk drive, a RAID controller, or a PCI E card. Furthermore, the aforesaid embodiments are illustrated with N ECBs and N regions of devices, wherein N is an integer larger than or equal to 2, but embodiments not restrictive of N. 
         [0133]    As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present inventive subject matter may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present inventive subject matter may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present inventive subject matter may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable. program code embodied thereon. 
         [0134]    Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having, one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. 
         [0135]    A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. 
         [0136]    Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing, 
         [0137]    Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present inventive subject matter may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user&#39;s computer, partly on the user&#39;s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user&#39;s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. in the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user&#39;s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). 
         [0138]    Aspects of the present inventive subject matter are described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks ill the flowchart illustrations anchor block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
         [0139]    These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
         [0140]    The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing, apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
         [0141]    While the embodiments are described with reference to various implementations and exploitations, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the inventive subject matter is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. 
         [0142]    Plural instances may be provided for components, operations or structures described herein as a single instance. Finally, boundaries between various components, operations and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specific illustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter, in general, structures and functionality presented as separate components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fail within the scope of the inventive subject matter.