Interface circuit for providing a computer logic circuit with first and second voltages and an associated method
A universal interface circuit and an associated method are provided that can supply a computer logic circuit, such as the components mounted upon an adapter card, with first and second inputs having first and second predetermined voltage levels, respectively, based upon power drawn from both first and second supply voltages. The interface circuit typically includes a first power supply circuit for providing the first input having the first predetermined voltage level in response to the first supply voltage. Additionally, the interface surface includes a regulator for generating an output having the second predetermined voltage level in response to the first supply voltage. The interface circuit further includes a second power supply circuit for providing an output that also has the second predetermined voltage level, albeit in response to the second supply voltage. In order to divide the anticipated load between the first and second supply voltages, the regulator and the second power supply circuit cooperate to provide the second input having the second predetermined voltage level in instances in which the second supply voltage is present. The interface circuit provides for the universal operation of the computer logic circuit, however, in that the regulator will provide the second input having the second predetermined voltage level in a manner independent of the second power supply circuit in instances in which the second supply voltage is unavailable.
1. A method implemented by an interface circuit for supplying a computer logic circuit with a first input having a first predetermined voltage level and a second input having a second predetermined voltage level, the first predetermined voltage level being different from the second predetermined voltage level and from a ground, the second predetermined voltage level being different from the ground, the method comprising:
said interface circuit and said computer logic circuit included in an adapter card;
providing, by the interface circuit, the computer logic circuit with the first input having the first predetermined voltage level based upon a first supply voltage;
determining if a second supply voltage that is different from the first supply voltage and from the ground is present;
providing, by the interface circuit, the computer logic circuit with the second input having the second predetermined voltage level,
wherein providing the second input comprises providing the second input having the second predetermined voltage level based upon both the first and second supply voltages if the second supply voltage is present, and
wherein providing the second input comprises providing the second input having the second predetermined voltage level based only upon the first supply voltage if the second supply voltage is unavailable;
said adapter card connected to a first power rail and a second power rail using said interface circuit;
said first supply voltage provided to said interface circuit using the first power rail; and
said second supply voltage provided to said interface circuit using the second power rail if said second supply voltage is present.
2. A method according to claim 1 further comprising isolating the second supply voltage and the computer logic circuit by permitting the second supply voltage to be provided to the computer logic circuit without permitting the computer logic circuit to drive the second supply voltage.