A power backup method for a disk array apparatus, comprising:
- a first step of receiving power from an external power supply through a connector provided for connection therewith;
- a second step of supplying the power received from the connector in the first step after AC/DC conversion in an internal power supply section;
- a third step of converting a direct current coming from the internal power supply section as a result of AC/DC conversion in the second step into another direct current having a different voltage by a first voltage converter each provided to a plurality of disk drive cabinets that are connected to the internal power supply section;
- a fourth step of supplying the power as a result of conversion by the first voltage converter in the third step from the first voltage converter to a disk drive provided to each of the disk drive cabinets;
- a fifth step of supplying the power as a result of conversion by the first voltage conversion in the third step from the first voltage converter to a first backup power supply for storing the power to be supplied to the first voltage converter each provided to the disk drive cabinets;
- a sixth step of converting the direct current coming from the internal power supply section in the second step into another direct current having a different voltage by the second voltage converter of a communications adapter for data provision and reception with an external device that is connected to the internal power supply section;
- a seventh step of supplying the power as a result of conversion by the second voltage converter in the sixth step from the second voltage converter to a plurality of power consumption circuits of the communications adapter;
- an eighth step of supplying the power as a result of conversion by the second voltage converter in the sixth step from the second voltage converter to a second backup power supply for storing the power to be supplied to the second voltage converter of the communications adapter;
- a ninth step of converting the direct current coming from the internal power supply section in the second step into another direct current having a different voltage using a third voltage converter of a disk adapter that controls data writing or reading to/from the disk drive cabinets that are connected to the internal power supply section;
- a tenth step of supplying the power as a result of conversion by the third voltage converter in the ninth step from the third voltage converter to the power consumption circuits of the disk adapter;
- an eleventh step of supplying the power as a result of conversion by the third voltage converter in the ninth step from the third voltage converter to a third backup power supply for storing the power to be supplied to the third voltage converter of the disk adapter;
- a twelfth step of converting the direct current coming from the internal power supply section in the second step into another direct current having a different voltage using a fourth voltage converter of a memory section for storing data and control information to be written or read to/from the communications adapter and the disk adapter both connected to the internal power supply section;
- a thirteenth step of supplying the power as a result of conversion by the fourth voltage converter in the twelfth step from the fourth voltage converter to the power consumption circuits of the memory section;
- a fourteenth step of supplying the power as a result of conversion by the fourth voltage converter in the twelfth step from the fourth voltage converter to a fourth backup power supply for storing the power to be supplied to the fourth voltage converter of the memory section;
- and
- a fifteenth step of, when the internal power supply section stops in current supply in the second step, through a mutual power supply line that is connected to components of the disk drive cabinets, the communications adapter, the disk adapter, and the memory section, performing power provision to any of the components in need of power using any of the corresponding backup power supplies.