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US 6,789,149 B1Granted
Scheme to detect correct plug-in function modules in computers
AssigneeDell Products L.P.
InventorsSandeep Bhadsavle, Daniel W. Kehoe
Life of this patent
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AssigneeDell Products L.P.
InventorsSandeep Bhadsavle, Daniel W. Kehoe
Estimating the term…
A sensing apparatus for detecting a disconnection in a connector for interfacing a component module in a computer system. A first portion of the connector is coupled to the computer system and a second portion of the connector is coupled to a component module in the computer system. The connector portions include electrically conductive portions that mate to enable communication and/or transmission of power signals between the component module and the computer system. One or more sense signals are applied to a predetermined number of electrically conductive portions on the first portion of the connector. A set of corresponding electrically conductive portions on the second portion of the connector are connected to ground. When the connector portions properly mated, the sense signals applied to the first portion of the connector are pulled to ground. A logic circuit provides an output signal indicative of whether the sense signals are pulled to ground on the corresponding set of electrically conductive portions on the first portion of the connector. If the sense signals are pulled to ground, then the logic circuit allows power to be supplied to the component module. When the sense signals are not pulled to ground on any one or more of the corresponding electrically conductive portions on the first portion of the connector, the logic circuit prevents power from being applied to the component module. The circuit will also remove power from the component module if the connector becomes disconnected to the point where the sense signals are not pulled to ground. The output of the logic circuit may also be used to provide an indication to the user that there is a disconnection in the particular connector.
A method for applying power to a component module in a computer system, the computer system including a connector for coupling the component module to signals from the computer system, the connector having a first mating portion and a second mating portion, the method comprising:
A sensing apparatus for detecting a connection between a first portion of a connector in a computer system and a second portion of the connector in a component module, the apparatus comprising:
A computer system having a sensing apparatus for detecting a connection between a first portion of a connector and a second portion of the connector on a component module that plugs into the first portion of the connector, the computer system comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.