LU88207A1 - Security device for computers with uninterrupted power supply - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a security device for computers with uninterrupted power supply, comprising a circuit for detecting network failures whose signals are transmitted to the central computer to be interpreted and used for the purposes of optimization of uninterrupted feeding and minimal disruption of ongoing treatment. "v.

Computers currently use uninterruptible power systems through which they are powered.

These are systems for storing energy from the electrical network, which is simultaneously transferred to the computer through a battery-generator set, so that an instantaneous interruption of the network (micro-interruption) or a prolonged interruption is not perceived by the computer, not only in its power supply itself but also in the quality of the voltage and the uniformity of ripple, which can seriously affect the functioning of the system.

Uninterruptible power systems are usually expensive and solve the problem of outages, but 'prolonged outages require a large battery capacity, which involves high expense and considerable volume and weight.

Network interruptions neutralized by known uninterrupted power systems do not go beyond 15 minutes of service and in many cases the user is not sufficiently warned of the problems that arise in the event of an overshoot. Even if warned, the user does not have much time to save most of his treatment. On the other hand, to avoid unpleasant surprises, the user must remain vigilant with regard to network outages and act immediately, and may not let the computer work outside office hours to avoid the risks entailed by the power failure.

All these drawbacks can be resolved, if one does not want to use a large-scale uninterrupted power supply system, which itself has the abovementioned drawbacks, by using the device according to the invention.

Thanks to this device, it is possible to inform the various terminals of a system of the presence of a break, we can automatically end a treatment in progress at the appropriate time, we can stop the system automatically at a previously chosen time, treatments that could not be terminated can be canceled, by closing the archives assigned to these treatments, energy from the uninterrupted power system can be disconnected in the event of damage to it , the system can be started automatically and the system can be closed and disconnected automatically at the end of unsupervised treatment outside normal working hours.

The device consists of a network supply failure detector circuit to the uninterrupted power supply system. After detection of the failure, an instruction is produced in the device which informs the central computer of the anomaly, which in turn activates information mechanisms for the various users of the central system for the cancellation of the treatments in progress. and closing the archives in good time, according to a specified autonomy and taken into account in the concrete implementation of the system.

If the entire system has been properly protected, it automatically disconnects from the uninterruptible power supply, limiting the discharge of the batteries to what is essential to save processing and archives without leading to excessive exhaustion which could damage them.

After restoration of the network, the system is started automatically by means of orders generated by the aforementioned detectors, the state of charge of the batteries being checked so that their autonomy is sufficient.

The device also allows switching on or off by means of a programming clock or by remote control.

The device according to the invention is designed so as to be able to be incorporated into any known uninterruptible power supply computer system, as an additional external unit, or as an integral part of the uninterruptible power supply computer system included during the manufacture of that -this.

The advantages of the invention will lead to incorporating the device into future systems, the cost of the additional circuits which it implies being much lower than that of a large uninterrupted power supply system.

More specifically, the device according to the invention comprises a network failure detector connected to the input and to the output of the uninterrupted power supply, contained in a first module having at least eight free voltage outputs which signal the situation, the first module being connected to second and third adaptation and conversion modules at levels and forms suitable for the computer system used, whose signals developed as responses to those received from the first module for the computer system are introduced into a fourth module for issuing outputs, which in turn develops other voltage-free outputs which are routed to a fifth module that transmits connection and disconnection orders of elements that form the computer system, manual action being arranged in this last module, which combines the program and the actions of connection and disconnection, the system comprising operating control means by time programming clock and / or remote control. Other characteristics, complementary or alternative, of the invention are set out below: - The network failure detector is replaced by an electrical network analyzer, at the output of which is connected the second module for adaptation to computer levels . - The connection between the network failure detection modules and the connection with the computer system of the central computer is carried out by means of openings and closings of circuits free of electrical potential in parallel. - The connection of the various modules to the central computer system and to the uninterrupted power supply system is arranged on the external or external access ports of these two systems. - The parallel connections between the different modules of the device are converted into series, as well as the serial outputs which are converted in parallel for the operation of the different modules. The invention will be better understood from the description given below of a practical embodiment, without any limiting character and with reference to the appended drawing which represents a block diagram of an embodiment of the device connected to a powered computer. by an uninterrupted power system.

The figure is divided into four main groups G-1 to G-4 which in turn are divided into compartments or modules which are described below.

In group G-l is represented in compartment A the conventional uninterruptible power supply system used in all computer systems, which is connected to the electrical network R.

In compartment B, the device according to the invention incorporates a module provided with at least eight outputs, free of voltage, which send outwards signals indicating the states of the system, and alarms in the event that ^ the module is not yet included in the equipment.

The most important signals that can be processed are: direct switching to the network, connected equipment, imminent disconnection, failure of the DC / AC converter of the uninterruptible power system, incident, as well as others that may be necessary.

The versatility of the system allows connection to more sophisticated network analyzer systems, the outputs of which activate the aforementioned outputs, ensuring total independence from the system.

Still in Gl, compartment C contains a module having at least eight potential-free opening or closing inputs, which allow the connection or disconnection of computer elements such as terminals, printers, etc., connected to the power system. uninterrupted, allowing to optimize the stored energy. Connections and disconnections are directed from the central computer.

The connection-disconnection signals can be manipulated from the outside, internal manipulation of the uninterrupted power supply system is not necessary for installation, as well as for compartment B, which preserves the independence of the system.

Then comes in compartment B of G-l the automatic connection-disconnection arrangement by means of a program or from a distant point by a manual command.

In G-2 is represented the computer system in which A is the central unit, C represents the specific software of the system and B the auxiliary serial channel which will be used for the communication between the computer system and the device of the invention.

In G-4 is represented the converter module of the device which is broken down into the following compartments: A: Represents the power source proper, receiving the voltage at the output of the uninterrupted power supply system used in the general computer system, and therefore connected externally. In this block are produced the voltages which supply the device. B: Represents the module which receives at least the eight free voltage signals from compartment B of Gl, which are passed through a galvanic isolator (optical coupler) and a disturbance filter which also prevents bouncing of the Gl relays (B) . Next are Schmitt flip-flops which shape the signals with perfectly defined edges so that the bidirectional buffer can be driven at the input of the eight-bit binary converter and serial output. C: Represents the emission unit with potential-free outputs to the unit C of Gl, formed of a bidirectional buffer connected to the output of the converter and making it possible to excite the optical coupler as a second step, which includes an assembly from Darlington which energizes the output relays. D: Contains a crystal generator at the frequency of 19.2 kHz necessary for the reception and transmission of serial / parallel data, followed by the control logic formed by NAND gates in Schmitt flip-flops, which control the synchronization leading edges of the local oscillator.

The converter converts the signals received from parallel to serial, and these, using the appropriate software (G-2), are interpreted by the computer for decision-making, the result being transmitted to the "serial" station to the converter, a parallel output being obtained with at least eight states or combinations of connection-disconnection. E: In this block, the communication characteristics between the computer and the bidirectional converter are developed. The selection is made by the material, which thanks to classic adapters is compatible with all the communication systems in force.

The different relationships are made by actuating mini-switches installed on the printed circuit board, which present the operating / out-of-service states equivalent to 1/0. The most common selections would be: 1 Selecting the baud rate. 2 Parity mode: without, even, odd. 3 Data bits. 4 Stop bits. F: Complements E and serves as an adapter for voltage and impedance levels of reception / transmission signals from the computer to the converter and vice versa.

The G-4 group is also completely external and autonomous from the uninterrupted power system. This provides compact equipment without intermediate connections, the socket being a simple SERIE port on the computer system.

Of course, the features described and shown are subject to change in detail without departing from the invention.

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Claims (5)

1.- Security device for computers with uninterrupted power supply, characterized in that it comprises a network failure detector (G-1; B) connected to the input and to the output of the uninterrupted power supply (G-1 ; A), contained in a first module having at least eight free voltage outputs which signal the situation, the first module being connected to second and third modules (G-4; B, D) for adaptation and conversion to levels and forms suitable for the computer system used, whose signals developed as responses to those received from the first module for the computer system are introduced into a fourth output output module, which in turn develops other free outputs voltage which are routed to a fifth module transmitting connection and disconnection orders of elements which form the computer system, elements of manual actuation being arranged in this last module, which combines the program and the connection and disconnection actions, the system comprising operating control means by time programming clock and / or remote control. 2. - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the network failure detector is replaced by an electrical network analyzer, at the output of which is connected the second adaptation module to computer levels. 3. - Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the connection between the modules for detecting network failures and for connection with the computer system of the central computer takes place by means of openings and closings of circuits free of electrical potential in parallel. 4. - Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection of the various modules to the central computer system and to the uninterrupted power supply system is arranged on the external or external access ports of these two systems. 5.- Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the parallel connections between the different modules of the device are converted into series, as well as the serial outputs which are converted into parallel for the operation of the different modules.