Enclosure for circuit modules

Abstract

An enclosure is provided for circuit modules which are mounted as an array in a vertical orientation within a card cage and which are electrically coupled to a back plane positioned rearwardly within the housing. A plurality of specified voltages asserted from a primary power source within the housing are monitored by a microcomputer based control system performing in conjunction with programmable memory. The status of the voltage sources is displayed at a supervisory panel mounted at the front face of the enclosure. This supervisory panel includes an array of light emitting diode based indicators which display both acceptable performance and out of tolerance performance to the operator. The outputs for each channel additionally are associated with a reset switch permitting a form of operator interrogation of any channel in question. The heat transfer air path of the enclosure is initiated along the sides of the enclosure where conveniently accessible elongate and vertically oriented filters are positioned. Air path passes through the card cage in heat transfer relationship with the modules and is monitored at a location downstream from the card cage. An output at the supervisory panel will indicate the presence or absence of proper air flow. The monitoring features of the enclosure are powered from a separate power supply which, in turn, is buttressed by a rechargeable battery back-up performing in conjunction with a d.c.-to-d.c. converter. The batteries of this power supply are conveniently located behind the supervisory panel. An audible alarm also is incorporated at the supervisory panel.