Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.p.

Ken Check

The circuit includes a first power supply coupled to power supply sensor, which is in turn coupled to a first switch and to a third switch. A second power supply is coupled to a second power supply sensor, which is in turn coupled to a second switch and a fourth switch. A first disk drive sensor couples the first and second switches to a first disk drive. A second disk drive sensor couples the third and fourth switches to a second disk drive. The first power supply sensor examines the first power supply to recognize when a failure occurs. When the first power supply is functioning, the first power supply sensor drives the first switch to remain closed and drives the third switch to remain open. Accordingly, the first power supply powers the first disk drive. Upon recognition of a failure, the first power supply sensor drives the first switch to open and the second switch to close. The second power supply then powers the first disk drive and the second disk drive clusters. The second power supply sensor examines the second power supply to recognize when a failure occurs. When the second power supply is functioning, the second power supply sensor drives the fourth switch to remain closed and the third switch to open. Accordingly, the second power supply powers the second disk drive. Upon recognition of a failure, the second power supply sensor drives the fourth switch to open and the third switch to close. Thus, the first power supply powers the first disk drive and the second disk drive clusters. The first disk drive sensor examines the first disk drive to recognize if a failure occurs. Upon recognition of a failure, the first disk drive sensor drives the first and second switches to remain open, thereby isolating the first disk drive from the first power supply and the second power supply. The second disk drive sensor examines the second disk drive to recognize if the second disk drive fails. Upon recognition of a failure, the second disk drive sensor drives the third and fourth switches to remain open, thereby isolating the second disk drive from the first and second power supplies.

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San Jose, CA, United States of America

Ken Check