Techniques for indicating the status of power devices of a power subsystem

Abstract

A technique for operating a power subsystem includes determining a respective power status of power devices in the power subsystem. The power devices include a first power device and a second power device that derives power from the first power device. Respective visual indicators of the first and second power devices are controlled to uniquely indicate which of the first and second power devices have an associated fault based on the respective power status of the power devices.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]This disclosure relates to power subsystems and, more specifically, to indicating the status of power devices of a power subsystem included in, for example, a data storage system.[0002]A cascading failure in a system occurs when a failure of one or more components triggers the failure of one or more other components. A cascading failure may occur in various systems / subsystems, e.g., a power transmission system, a computer networking system, and a transportation system. As one specific example, a cascading failure may occur in an electronic system whose power subsystem utilizes cascaded power devices, where one or more power devices source power to one or more other power devices. In the case of a power subsystem that employs cascaded power devices it may not be readily evident as to which power devices in the power subsystem have actually failed, as upstream power device failure affects all downstream cascaded power devices.BRIEF SUMMARY[0003]A techn...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent relates to a technique for operating a power subsystem by monitoring the power status of power devices. The technique allows for the unique identification of which power device has a fault based on the visual indicators of the devices. This can improve efficiency and facilitate maintenance of the power subsystem. The technique can be applied in a method, system, or program product form.

Problems solved by technology

A cascading failure in a system occurs when a failure of one or more components triggers the failure of one or more other components.

A cascading failure may occur in various systems / subsystems, e.g., a power transmission system, a computer networking system, and a transportation system.

As one specific example, a cascading failure may occur in an electronic system whose power subsystem utilizes cascaded power devices, where one or more power devices source power to one or more other power devices.

In the case of a power subsystem that employs cascaded power devices it may not be readily evident as to which power devices in the power subsystem have actually failed, as upstream power device failure affects all downstream cascaded power devices.

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