Patent ID: 7038984

Claim:
A disk array apparatus, comprising: a connector provided for connection with an external power supply to receive power from the external power supply; an internal power supply section for supplying the power received from the connector after AC/DC conversion; a plurality of disk drive cabinets, each connected to the internal power supply section, each including: a first voltage converter for subjecting the power coming from the internal power supply section to DC conversion to derive a different voltage; a disk drive for receiving the power as a result of conversion by the first voltage converter; and a first backup power supply for storing the power provided to the first voltage converter; a communications adapter connected to the internal power supply section for performing data exchange with an external device, including: a second voltage converter for subjecting the power coming from the internal power supply section to DC conversion to derive a different voltage; a plurality of power consumption circuits for receiving the power as a result of conversion by the second voltage converter; and a second backup power supply for storing the power provided to the second voltage converter; a disk adapter connected to the internal power supply section for controlling data writing or reading to/from the disk drive cabinets, including: a third voltage converter for subjecting the power coming from the internal power supply section to DC conversion to derive a different voltage; a plurality of power consumption circuits for receiving the power as a result of conversion by the third voltage converter; and a third backup power supply for storing the power provided to the third voltage converter; a memory section connected to the internal power supply section for storing data and control information to be written or read to/from the communications adapter and the disk adapter, including: a fourth voltage converter to subject the power coming from the internal power supply section to DC conversion to derive a different voltage; a plurality of power consumption circuits for receiving the power as a result of conversion by the fourth voltage converter; and a fourth backup power supply for storing the power provided to the fourth voltage converter; and a mutual power supply line that is connected to the disk drive cabinets, the communications adapter, the disk adapter, and to the memory section, the mutual power supply line is operable so that when the power from the internal power supply section is interrupted, the mutual power supply line can supply backup power to any of the components in need of power using at least one of the first backup power supply provided to each of the disk drive cabinets, the second backup power supply provided to the communications adapter, the third backup power supply provided to the disk adapter, or the fourth backup power supply provided to the memory section.