초록 ▼

A fusible link provided in a power supply of a computer system for providing evidence of an over temperature condition to document a fan failure in the event of catastrophic failure of the power supply. The power supply typically includes a temperature detection circuit often including a thermistor

A fusible link provided in a power supply of a computer system for providing evidence of an over temperature condition to document a fan failure in the event of catastrophic failure of the power supply. The power supply typically includes a temperature detection circuit often including a thermistor providing a signal indicative of an over temperature condition in the power supply. A latch circuit coupled to the temperature detection circuit shuts the power supply down in an attempt to prevent such catastrophic failure. In a circuit according to the present invention, a fuse is coupled to the temperature detection circuit where the fuse open-circuits when an over temperature condition is detected. Such blown fuse documents the over temperature condition. An external pin provided through a Zener diode and coupled to the fusible link enables external determination of the state of the fuse without disassembling the power supply. In particular, a current source and voltmeter is connected to the external pin, where the current source injects current and the voltmeter measures the voltage indicative of the state of the fuse. In this manner, the present invention provides documentation of an over temperature condition existing prior to failure of a power supply, which typically indicates malfunctioning of the cooling fan.

대표청구항 ▼

A memory circuit for documenting an over temperature condition in a power supply, the power supply including a temperature sensor circuit asserting a signal indicative of an over temperature condition, said memory circuit comprising: a switch receiving the over temperature condition signal and switc

A memory circuit for documenting an over temperature condition in a power supply, the power supply including a temperature sensor circuit asserting a signal indicative of an over temperature condition, said memory circuit comprising: a switch receiving the over temperature condition signal and switching in response thereto for switching a power voltage; and a fuse coupled to said switch for receiving said power voltage wherein said fuse open-circuits in response to said power voltage being applied across it; wherein the power supply includes an external pin, and: means coupled to said fuse and for coupling to the external pin for facilitating detection of the status of said fuse; and said status detection means comprises a Zener diode having a predetermined nominal voltage.