Patent ID: 7650435

Claim:
A method to install a component in an information storage and retrieval system, comprising the steps of: providing an information storage and retrieval system comprising a system processor and system data; providing a component, wherein said component comprises a power conversion module comprising memory and persistent component data written to said memory, wherein said persistent component data comprises an input power, an output power, and an operating temperature range; attaching said component to said information storage and retrieval system while said information storage and retrieval system remains in normal operation; reading said persistent component data; determining using said persistent component data and while said information storage and retrieval system remains in normal operation, if said component is compatible with said information storage and retrieval system; operative if said component is compatible with said information storage and retrieval system, placing said component into service while said information storage and retrieval system remains in normal operation; providing first power to said component prior to performing said determining compatibility step; and providing full power to said component if said component is compatible with said information storage and retrieval system, wherein said full power is greater than said first power.