Apparatus and method for controlling the supply of power to a device when a power on/off signal is input

A power control apparatus for receiving an input power voltage from a power source and supplying a corresponding output power voltage to a device, the apparatus comprising:

• a counter that inputs a power control signal and outputs a count signal, wherein the count signal corresponds to a lapsed time from when the power control signal is input;
• a processor that inputs the count signal and outputs a time out signal, wherein the time out signal has a first value if the lapsed time is less than a predetermined time and has a second value if the lapsed time is greater than the predetermined time;
• and
• a switch that receives the input power voltage from the power source and the time out signal, wherein the switch does not output the output power voltage to the device when the time out signal has the second value and outputs the output power voltage to the device when the input power voltage is received and the time out signal has the first value.

A power control method for controlling the supply of a power supply voltage to a device, the method comprising:

• (a) inputting a first power signal;
• (b) counting a lapsed time from when the first power command is input;
• (c) inputting a second power signal;
• (d) determining if the lapsed time and a predetermined time have a first predetermined relationship when the second power signal is input;
• (e) selectively outputting the power supply voltage to the device depending on whether or not the lapsed time and the predetermined time have the first predetermined relationship.