IP Library Granted Patent US 7,741,736
Granted Patent B2
US 7,741,736 · App. 11/869,116 · Granted Jun 22, 2010

System and method for multiple sense point voltage regulation

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,741,736
App. No.
11/869,116
Granted
Jun 22, 2010
Kind
B2
Abstract

The present invention is a system and method for sensing the voltage at multiple sense points. The present invention acquires optimal feedback from a plurality of sources including those integrated on the same motherboard, for populated or unpopulated connectors and for adapter cards plugged into the connectors, for the purpose of controlling the voltage regulator output. The voltage regulator, connected to a logic system, provides voltage to those connectors needing the voltage.

Claims (8)

1. A system for sensing the voltage at multiple sense points comprising:

one or more connectors for receiving adapters or other electronic components;

sensors, connected to each of the connectors, for sensing the voltage used and needed by the connectors;

a multiplexer (MUX) for receiving voltage readings from the sensors and for multiplexing those readings and passing those readings to a logic system;

the logic system determining a highest voltage and a lowest voltage of the voltage readings and for selecting which of the highest voltage and the lowest voltage readings is closest to a voltage requirement; and

a voltage regulator, connected to the logic system, for receiving the closest voltage reading.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein each sensor comprises a dedicated sense power point pair.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the MUX receives voltage readings from the sensors via remote sense lines.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 10, 2014
From: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
To: LENOVO INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
Reel/Frame 034194/0291 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 31, 2007
From: CLEMO, RAYMOND M.; FOSTER, JIMMY G., SR.; MICHELICH, SUZANNE M.; SIGRIST, SHELDON J.; TAYLOR, JACQUES B.
To: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 020041/0210 →