Seagate Technology Incorporated

David Louis Spengler

Bill A Pagano

David Peter DeCenzo

William Pagano

Thomas M Lawlor

Aaron Danis

An apparatus and associated method is provided employing data capacity determination logic. The logic dynamically changes a data storage capacity of an electronic data storage memory. The change in capacity is made in relation to a transient energy during a power state change sequence performed by the electronic data storage memory.

Changing power state with an elastic cache

Method and apparatus for assessing a time interval during which a refresh device can be maintained in a self-refresh mode by an associated energy source. The refresh device is initially operated in a self-refresh mode to maintain the device in a selected state. The time interval during which the refresh device can be subsequently maintained in the refresh mode is next determined in relation to an energy requirement value obtained during the self-refresh mode and an energy capacity value from the associated energy source. The energy capacity value is preferably obtained by fully discharging the associated energy source. Preferably, the refresh device is characterized as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and the associated energy source is characterized as a rechargeable backup battery. A selected test pattern is preferably written to the refresh device and maintained thereby during the self-refresh mode.

Assessing energy requirements for a refreshed device

An apparatus and associated method for analyzing a communications link between two components on a common PCB. The communications link has a pair of through-board conductors connected by a first conductive etching on one side of the PCB. The communications link further has second etchings on an opposite side of the PCB respectively connecting each of the through-board conductors to one of the components. The first conductive etching can operably be open-circuited and connectors of an analyzer can be fitted to the through-board conductors to test the communications link between the components.

Testing a high speed serial bus within a printed circuit board

Method and apparatus for controllably applying input power to storage devices in a multi-device array. The array preferably includes a circuit which changes input power state of the storage devices in a time-staggered sequence. Preferably, the change of input power state transitions the array from an operationally deactivated state to an operationally activated state, or vice versa. The storage devices preferably store data in accordance with a selected RAID configuration. A power supply preferably supplies respective first and second direct current (dc) voltages to each of the storage devices, and the circuit respectively connects the dc voltages to the storage devices in a selected sequential order. The circuit further preferably changes an input power state of a single storage device of the array in accordance with a selected time-varying profile. The profile is preferably applied to a gate of a switching device to control a source-drain conduction path.

Individual storage device power control in a multi-device array

An electronics cabinet is provided comprising an electrical connector in electrical communication with a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a PCB power plane, the connector comprising a plurality of power contacts defining a connector power plane adapted for receiving a substantially even power load distribution from the PCB power plane among the power contacts.

Electrical connector defining a power plane

An apparatus and associated method for reducing power consumption in an electronic circuit comprising a refresh load device being employed alternatively between an operational mode and a state refresh mode. A supply voltage level to the refresh load device is adjusted in relation to which of the operational and state refresh modes is employed and in relation to which of a primary alternating current derived power source or a backup battery power source is employed.

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Colorado Springs, CO, United States of America

David Louis Spengler