Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus is disclosed for controlling and monitoring a modular power supply system for supplying power to a data processing system and the like that includes a plurality of power sources allocated among a plurality of power supply subsystems in a predetermined configuration. Each subsystem is interfaced to the control bus of a control unit that includes a microprocessor by an addressable interface unit that controls the power sources in response to control signals from the control unit and that monitors the power sources and the devices powered by such sources and supplies monitor signals to the control unit. Also interfaced to the control bus are an operator's console, a service panel for monitoring and controlling the system for maintenance purposes, a primary power supply that supplies power to the power sources via a separate power bus, and a configuration definition unit comprising a read only memory that stores data defining the system configuration and the parameters of the power sources for use by the control unit. Faults are detected and detail fault information is displayed on the service panel. Because of its modular nature, the system may be readily reconfigured by simply changing modules and the data stored in the configuration definition unit.

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First Claim