WO2013056276A2

WO2013056276A2 - Uninterruptible computer power supply

Info

Publication number: WO2013056276A2
Application number: PCT/ZA2012/000063
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leslie CAROTO
Original assignee: Caroto Leslie
Priority date: 2011-10-11
Filing date: 2012-10-03
Publication date: 2013-04-18
Also published as: WO2013056276A3; WO2013056276A4

Abstract

An on-line uninterruptable computer power supply includes an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) direct current (DC) input connectable to a DC output of a power supply unit (PSU) of a desktop or server computer; a UPS DC output connectable to a motherboard of the desktop computer for operatively supplying DC power to the motherboard, internal computer hardware components and a computer display monitor screen; a rechargeable battery electrically connected between the DC input and the DC output via circuitry of the UPS; and a housing sized to fit a drive bay of the desktop computer.

Description

Uninterruptible Computer Power Supply

THIS INVENTION relates to an uninterruptible computer power supply. Computers of the kind include desktop computers and servers. The invention also relates to a computer case which includes the uninterruptable computer power supply.

The invention is expected to be particularly advantageous to desktop computers which are assembled into standard desktop cases. Desktop computer cases of the kind in question are also known as computer chassis, cabinets, boxes, towers, enclosures, and housings. Accordingly, such applications should particularly, but not exclusively, be borne in mind when considering this specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Uninterruptable power supplies (UPS) are well known for use with desktop computers and provide instantaneous or near-instantaneous power backup in cases of mains input power interruptions to a power supply of a desktop computer. Generally, a UPS for use with a desktop computer takes the form of a stand-by or line interactive UPS.

The UPS may be externally connected to a desktop computer, in which case the UPS typically accepts an alternating current (AC) input (from a power supply such as a domestic power outlet), rectifies the AC input to a direct current (DC) input for passing through a rechargeable battery to provide a DC battery output and inverts the DC battery output back to AC power for powering an AC power supply of the desktop computer. The inventor is aware of external UPS's that accept a DC input instead of an AC input. In contrast with external UPS's as mentioned, the inventor is further aware of UPS's that are installed inside a desktop computer case, accept an AC input and provide an AC output to an AC power supply of the desktop computer. However, such UPSs require cumbersome, custom installation of the UPS into the computer case and generally provide short backup times during power failure conditions. The inventor has identified a need for an internal desktop computer UPS that may be fitted to a desktop computer with reduced labour and effort, and which allows the computer to function for an extended length of time during the absence of a mains supply, similar to that of a laptop or notebook computer.

The UPS according to the present invention aims to address these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an uninterruptable computer power supply which includes: an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) direct current (DC) input connectable to a DC output of a power supply unit (PSU) of a desktop or rack mountable computer; a UPS DC output connectable to a motherboard of the computer for operatively supplying DC power to the motherboard; a rechargeable battery electrically connected between the DC input and the DC output via circuitry of the UPS; and a housing sized to fit a drive bay of the computer.

Typically, the UPS DC output is connectable to any one or more internal computer hardware components for operatively supplying DC power to such internal computer hardware components in use.

Generally, the DC input of the UPS includes a standardised DC input connector connectable to the DC output of the PSU. Preferably, the UPS is connected to the motherboard so as in use to provide DC power to the motherboard and to receive power On-Off signals from the motherboard.

Typically, the UPS in use communicates with the motherboard to adjust power usage of the computer Generally, the DC input of the UPS has a main power connector and an auxiliary power connector, which connectors mate directly with the standardised DC output connectors of the PSU. Preferably, the DC input of the UPS uses at least one of the 3.3V, 5V, 12V and -12V power outputs from the PSU and the DC output of the UPS outputs power at four or more voltages simultaneously.

Typically, the drive bay of the computer is a standardised 5.25" personal computer drive bay.

Generally, the UPS is configured as a so-called on-line UPS.

Preferably, any one or more of the motherboard and internal hardware components are powered directly from the UPS DC output regardless of mains power supply being maintained at the PSU.

Typically, the UPS is operable: (i) to receive at least one control and/or status signal from the PSU; and (ii) provide at least one control and/or status signal to the PSU. Generally, the UPS is also operable: (i) to receive at least one control and/or status signal from the motherboard; and (ii) provide at least one control and/or status signal to the motherboard

Preferably, the UPS further includes a control interface for operative control and management of the computer. Typically, the control interface includes a Universal Serial Bus (USB) (or similar) type connector.

Generally, the control interface communicates with the motherboard via a USB (or similar) cable.

Preferably, the control interface operatively provides a user of the computer with a user interface for determining a charge status of the rechargeable battery and determining or modifying operational parameters of the UPS by means of a computer programme operatively installed on the computer.

Typically, the UPS includes a UPS activation switch to power up the computer in the absence of mains power.

Optionally, the UPS is connected to a computer On-Off power switch, the computer On-Off power switch being mounted on the computer case of the computer, such that, when installed, the UPS is operable to relay a signal from the computer On-Off power switch to any one of the PSU and motherboard of the computer to simulate any of an activation, deactivation and "hibernation" function of the computer On-Off power switch. Preferably, when in use, the UPS is interposed between the PSU power outputs and the power inputs of the motherboard and internal computer hardware components.

Typically, the UPS intercepts the power control, status and/or monitoring signals of the PSU and the motherboard.

Generally, the UPS appears to the PSU as the motherboard, and appears to the motherboard as the PSU.

Preferably, the UPS is controlled by the motherboard in the same way as a directly connected PSU would be controlled by the motherboard and, during the presence of mains power, the presence of the UPS is transparent to a computer user.

Alternatively, the UPS intercepts signals between the computer On-Off power switch and the motherboard. In this arrangement, the UPS is able to ensure that the computer remains on whilst mains or battery power is available and disregards user operation of the computer On- Off power switch to shut the computer down.

Typically, when the computer On-Off power switch is operated to power up the computer, the motherboard instructs the UPS to power up, which instruction is in turn relayed by the UPS to the PSU.

Generally, after the UPS relays the instruction to power up the computer to the PSU, there is a delay to ensure stability of PSU power outputs, following which the PSU signals to the UPS that it is switched On, which signal is in turn relayed by the UPS to the motherboard, which then proceeds with its powering up sequence.

Preferably, in use, the UPS receives DC power from the PSU and regenerates the PSU power outputs to power the motherboard and computer hardware components. Typically, in the event of a mains power failure, the UPS switches its input power source from the PSU to its battery, without any effect on its UPS power outputs. And, in the event that mains power is restored during operation, the UPS switches its input power source from the battery back to the PSU without any effect on its DC power outputs. Generally, when the computer On-Off power switch is operated to power down the computer, the motherboard instructs the UPS to power down, which instruction is in turn relayed by the UPS to the PSU.

Preferably, following relay of the power down instruction to the PSU, the PSU powers down power outputs while maintaining its 5V power output, and signals to the UPS that it is switched Off, which signal is in turn relayed by the UPS to the motherboard. Typically, in the event of the battery becoming depleted, the UPS makes use of an emulated power switch output to instruct the Motherboard to shut down or "hibernate" the computer. Alternatively, in the event of the battery becoming depleted, the UPS makes use of the data connection between the UPS and motherboard to initiate a software program to shut down or "hibernate" the computer, which software program would receive such instruction through the medium of a control and management interface via a USB or similar data interface connection to the UPS.

Preferably, the UPS provides the capability to power up the computer from a shut down condition in the absence of mains power.

Typically, when the UPS activation switch is operated whist the computer is Off and during the absence of mains power, the UPS provides a 5V Standby power to the motherboard, thus inducing the motherboard to enter a partially active state wherein it is able to detect the state of the computer On-Off power switch. If the computer On-Off power switch is not operated within a defined period of time, the UPS powers down the 5V Standby power to the motherboard and reverts to an Off state. Alternatively, if the computer On-Off power switch is operated whilst the UPS is providing 5V Standby power, the UPS powers up its voltage rails, thereby furnishing the motherboard with all voltages required for operation, and after a standardised period of delay, signals to the motherboard that it may proceed with its powering up sequence.

Generally, the UPS also provides an output to power a computer display monitor screen, both during the presence and absence of mains power. Preferably, when the computer is switched off in the presence of AC mains power, the PSU provides 5V power output to the UPS, which is relayed by the UPS to the motherboard.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a computer case that includes: an AC PSU; a motherboard; and a UPS according to the first aspect of the invention, the DC input of the UPS electrically connected to a DC output of the PSU and the DC output of the UPS connected to the motherboard, internal computer hardware components and computer display monitor, for operative powering of the computer, the UPS installed in a standardised drive bay of the computer case. Typically, the UPS is installed in a 5.25" standardised drive bay of the computer case.

Preferably, the computer case includes one or more supplementary rechargeable batteries which, in use, are electrically connected to the UPS in addition to the rechargeable battery of the UPS.

More preferably, the one or more supplementary rechargeable batteries are mounted within the computer case. Alternatively, the one or more supplementary rechargeable batteries are attached externally to the computer case via an external battery connector cable.

Generally, the UPS is operable to supply a charging current to both its internal and any supplementary batteries during the presence of mains power, regardless of whether the computer is in use.

The invention is now described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows, schematically, a sectional side view of a desktop computer UPS in accordance with the invention and a computer case which includes a desktop computer UPS in accordance with another aspect of the invention; and Figure 2 shows, schematically, the UPS of Figure 1.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION With reference to Figures 1 and 2, reference numeral 10 denotes, generally, a desktop computer case having a desktop computer UPS, generally denoted by numeral 12, installed therein. For the purposes of the description that follows, the UPS 12 is described as installed in the computer case 10. It should be noted that the UPS 12 may be offered as a stand-alone unit, in which case inputs and outputs of the UPS 12 (as will become more apparent hereunder) are not connected to computer case 10. The UPS 12 has a housing sized to fit a standardised drive bay 14 of the desktop computer case 10 so that is may be slotted into the drive bay 14 in use.

In use and in installed configuration: (i) a UPS DC input 16 of the UPS 12 is connected electrically via standardised DC input connectors to an output 19 of a PSU 18 of the desktop computer case 10 (i.e. the UPS DC input 16 is connected electrically to an output 19 of the PSU 18 utilising complementary connectors that mate directly with standardised PSU output connectors); and (ii) a UPS DC output 24 is electrically connected to a motherboard 22 of the computer case for operatively supplying DC power to a primary connector 24 of the motherboard 22. In addition, a UPS DC output 26 is electrically connected to cables and connectors for operatively supplying DC power to one or more internal computer hardware components 26. A rechargeable battery 25 (shown in Figure 2) is included in the UPS 12 and is connected between the DC input 16 and the DC output 20 of the UPS 12 via circuitry of the UPS 12. In this embodiment, the standardised drive bay is a 5.25" drive bay of a tower-type or rack-mountable computer case.

The UPS 12 is an on-line UPS with the rechargeable battery always connected to the UPS circuitry. And, the motherboard 22, internal hardware components and display monitor are powered directly from the UPS DC outputs 20 and 28 regardless of mains power supply being maintained at the power supply of the desktop computer. The UPS DC input 16 comprises a 24 pin main power connector and a 4 pin auxiliary power connector. Such power connectors receive 3.3V, 5V, 12V and -12V power from the PSU 18 and the UPS DC output 20 has multiple pins to deliver power at four or more voltages simultaneously. In use, the UPS 12 is operable to receive at least one control or status signal from the PSU 18 and to provide at least one control or status signal to the PSU 18. The UPS 12 is further operable to receive at least one control or status signal from the Motherboard 22 and to provide at least one control or status signal to the motherboard 22.

With reference to Figure 2, between the UPS DC input 16 and UPS DC output 20, is a UPS internal power bus 21 that is powered by the PSU 18 during the presence of mains power and the rechargeable battery 25 in the absence of mains power. The UPS internal power bus 21 is electrically connected to: (i) a first step down power circuit unit 23a that provides a 5V and 5V Standby power supply; (ii) a second step up power supply circuit 23b that provides a 12V power supply; (iii) a third step down power supply circuit 23c that provides a 3.3V power supply; (iv) an inverting circuit 23d that provides a -12V power supply; and (v) a step up power supply circuit 23d that provides a 110V power supply to drive an external LCD or similar display monitor.

During the presence of mains power, the DC input connector 16 is electrically connected to the UPS internal power bus 2 .

Connection of the UPS DC output 20, in addition to supplying power to the motherboard 22 via the primary connector 24, supplies DC power to one or more internal computer hardware components, for example a CD drive and a hard drive, collectively denoted by numeral 26. In the current embodiment, an additional DC output 28 is provided via an external connector 30 that is installed at an operatively rear end of the computer case 10 via a connector cable 32. In this embodiment, output 28 is defined as 110V DC, but it could equally be configured to provide a 110V AC output, or a 220V DC or AC output, as display monitors will accept any of these voltages as an input power source. The external connector 30 is installed in a rear metal chassis mounting bracket 34 mounted internally on an expansion card slot of the computer case 10. The mounting bracket 34 conforms to a standard card-mounting profile / expansion card bracket used for the mounting of standard peripheral cards that are mounted in computer expansion slots. In use, a display monitor device is connected to the external connector 30 and the display monitor (not shown) is powered by the additional UPS output 28. Whereas the UPS DC output 20 provides DC power to the internal hardware components 26, the additional UPS output 28 supplies power directly to the display monitor via the connector cable 32 and on to the external connector 30 mounted in the rear mounting bracket 34. In one embodiment (not shown), the UPS has an output to supply a display monitor with power. The power supply to a Computer screen or monitor may be connected to a like external connector as that denoted by the connector 30.

Optionally, the mounting bracket 34 includes external connection points for connecting an external supplementary battery (not shown). In this case, the mounting bracket 34 is equipped with an additional cable to extend the external supplementary battery connection to the UPS 12.

Furthermore, connector 30 and the connection points for connecting an external supplementary battery may optionally be mounted directly to the computer case or chassis, without the use of a mounting bracket 34. The UPS 12 includes a connector 35, for example a USB connector, the USB connector 35 being connected to a control interface of the UPS 12 for operative communication with the computer to enable a user of the desktop computer to determine a charge status of the rechargeable battery of the UPS 12 and determine or modify operational parameters of the UPS 12 by means of a computer programme operatively installed on the computer. Although not shown, connection to a USB interface could be effected internally within the computer housing, through the medium of a cable connected directly from the UPS to an available USB port equipped on the motherboard.

In such arrangement, the UPS 12 is connected to the motherboard 22 so as to communicate data between the UPS 12 and motherboard 22. Such data communication could adjust power usage of the computer and/or operational parameters of the UPS 12.

It will be appreciated that in the arrangement described above, the UPS 12 intercepts the power control (e.g. power On-Off signals) and monitoring signals of the PSU 18 and the motherboard 22, the UPS 12 appearing to: (i) the PSU 18 as the motherboard 22; and (ii) to the motherboard 22 as the PSU 18. The UPS 12 being controlled by the motherboard 22 in the same way as a directly connected PSU 18 would be controlled by the motherboard 22 and, during the presence of mains power, the existence of the UPS 12 is transparent to a computer user. It should be appreciated that, although not shown in figure 1 , the computer case 10 naturally includes a computer On-Off power switch. In a UPS 12 installed configuration of the computer case 10, the computer On-Off power switch may be wired to an input 36 of the UPS 12 such that signals from the computer On-Off power switch are relayed to the UPS 12 instead of to the motherboard 22. The UPS 12 monitors the computer On-Off power switch and controls the On-Off power switch input of the motherboard 22 via an emulated power switch output 37 of the UPS 12.

The UPS 12 includes a UPS activation switch 38 that, if activated during the absence of mains input power, and whilst the computer is Off, causes the UPS 12 to provide 5V Standby power to the motherboard 22, inducing the motherboard 22 into a partially active state wherein it is able to detect the state of the computer On-Off power switch. If the computer On-Off power switch is not operated within a defined period of time, the UPS 12 powers down the 5V Standby power to the motherboard 22 and reverts to an Off state. Alternatively, if the computer On-Off power switch is operated during such defined period of time, the UPS 12 powers up its voltage rails, thereby furnishing the motherboard 22 with all voltages required for operation and, after a standardised period of delay, signals to the motherboard 22 that it may proceed with its powering up sequence. The computer is accordingly powered up and operates from the UPS 12 battery source.

When the computer On-Off power switch is operated to power up the computer, the motherboard 22 instructs the UPS 12 to power up, which instruction is in turn relayed by the UPS 12 to the PSU 18. After a delay (sufficient to ensure stability of the PSU 18 power outputs), the PSU 18 signals to the UPS 12 that it is switched On, which signal is in turn relayed by the UPS 12 to the motherboard 22, which then proceeds with its powering up sequence. Similarly, when the computer On-Off power switch is operated to power down the computer, the motherboard 22 instructs the UPS 12 to power down, which instruction is in turn relayed by the UPS 12 to the PSU 18. In response, the PSU 18 powers down the power outputs while maintaining its 5V power output and signals to the UPS 12 that it is switched Off, which signal is in turn relayed by the UPS 12 to the motherboard 22.

The UPS 12 may be configured to ensure that the computer remains on while mains or battery power is available, disregarding user operation of the computer On-Off power switch to shut the computer down. However, when mains power is not available for an extended period and battery power is nearly depleted, the UPS 12 may: (i) make use of an emulated power switch output to instruct the motherboard 22 to shut down or "hibernate"; or (ii) make use of the data connection 35 between the UPS 12 and motherboard 22 to initiate a software program to shut down or "hibernate" the computer. Furthermore, the UPS 12 has the capability to power up the computer from a shut down condition in the absence of mains power, on demand. The UPS 12 includes charging circuits 41 and 42 to charge the internal rechargeable battery and one or more external supplementary batteries which may be equipped. In this embodiment, the charger circuits 41 and 42 make use of the 5V and 12V power sources available at the UPS DC Input 16 to recharge the batteries during the presence of mains power. However, a single power source or a different combination of power sources available at the UPS DC input 16 could also be utilized for this purpose.

Claims

An uninterruptable computer power supply including: an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) direct current (DC) input connectable to a DC output of a power supply unit (PSU) of a desktop or rack mountable computer; a UPS DC output connectable to a motherboard of the computer for operatively supplying DC power to the motherboard; a rechargeable battery electrically connected between the DC input and the DC output via circuitry of the UPS; and a housing sized to fit a drive bay of the computer.

An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 1 , wherein the UPS DC output is connectable to any one or more internal computer hardware components for operatively supplying DC power to such internal computer hardware components in use.

An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 2, wherein the DC input of the UPS includes a standardised DC input connector connectable to the DC output of the PSU.

An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 3, wherein the UPS is connected to the motherboard so as in use to provide DC power to the motherboard and to receive power On-Off signals from the motherboard.

An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 4, wherein the UPS in use communicates with the motherboard to adjust power usage of the computer

An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 5, wherein the DC input of the UPS has a main power connector and an auxiliary power connector, which connectors mate directly with the standardised DC output connectors of the PSU.

An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 6, wherein the DC input of the UPS uses at least one of the 3.3V, 5V, 12V and -12V power outputs from the PSU and the DC output of the UPS outputs power at four or more voltages simultaneously.

8. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 7, wherein the drive bay of the computer is a standardised 5.25" personal computer drive bay.

9. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 8, wherein the UPS also provides an output to power a computer display monitor screen, both during the presence and absence of mains power.

10. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 9, wherein the UPS is configured as a so-called on-line UPS.

11.. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 10, wherein any one or more of the motherboard and internal hardware components are powered directly from the UPS DC output regardless of mains power supply being maintained at the PSU.

12. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 1 , wherein the UPS is operable: (i) to receive at least one control and/or status signal from the PSU; and (ii) provide at least one control and/or status signal to the PSU.

13. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 12, wherein the UPS is operable: (i) to receive at least one control and/or status signal from the motherboard; and (ii) provide at least one control and/or status signal to the motherboard

14. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 13, further including a control interface for operative control and management of the computer.

15. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 14, wherein the control interface includes a Universal Serial Bus (USB) (or similar) type connector.

16. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 15, wherein the control interface communicates with the motherboard via a USB (or similar) cable.

17. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 16, wherein the control interface operatively provides a user of the computer with a user interface for determining a charge status of the rechargeable battery and determining or modifying operational parameters of the UPS by means of a computer programme operatively installed on the computer.

18. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 17, wherein the UPS includes a UPS activation switch to power up the computer in the absence of mains power.

19. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 18, wherein the UPS is connected to an On-Off power switch of the computer, the computer On-Off power switch being mounted on the computer case of the computer, such that, when installed, the UPS is operable to relay a signal from the computer On-Off power switch to any one of the PSU and motherboard of the computer to simulate any of an activation, deactivation and "hibernation" function of the computer On-Off power switch.

20. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 19, wherein, in use, the UPS is interposed between the PSU power outputs and the power inputs of the motherboard and internal computer hardware components.

21. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 20, wherein the UPS intercepts the power control, status and/or monitoring signals of the PSU and the motherboard.

22. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 21 , wherein the UPS appears to the PSU as the motherboard, and appears to the motherboard as the PSU.

23. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 22, wherein the UPS is controlled by the motherboard in the same way as a directly connected PSU would be controlled by the motherboard and, during the presence of mains power, the presence of the UPS is transparent to a computer user.

24. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 23, wherein the UPS intercepts the computer On-Off power switch.

25. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 24, wherein the UPS provides a connection to the motherboard, emulating the computer On-Off power switch.

26. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 25, wherein the UPS is able to ensure that the computer remains on whilst mains or battery power is available and disregards user operation of the computer On-Off power switch to shut the computer down.

27. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 23, wherein when the computer On-Off power switch is operated to power up the computer, the motherboard instructs the UPS to power up, which instruction is in turn relayed by the UPS to the PSU.

28. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 27, wherein after the UPS relays the instruction to power up the computer to the PSU, there is a delay to ensure stability of PSU power outputs, following which the PSU signals to the UPS that it is switched On, which signal is in turn relayed by the UPS to the motherboard, which then proceeds with its powering up sequence.

29. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 28, wherein, in use, the UPS receives DC power from the PSU and regenerates the PSU power outputs to power the motherboard and computer hardware components.

30. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 29, wherein in the event of a mains power failure, the UPS switches its input power source from the PSU to its battery, without any effect on its UPS power outputs.

31. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 30, wherein in the event that mains power is restored during operation, the UPS switches its input power source from the battery back to the PSU without any effect on its DC power outputs.

32. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 31 , wherein when the computer On-Off power switch is operated to power down the computer, the motherboard instructs the UPS to power down, which instruction is in turn relayed by the UPS to the PSU.

33. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 32, wherein, following relay of the power down instruction to the PSU, the PSU powers down power outputs while maintaining its 5V power output, and signals to the UPS that it is switched Off, which signal is in turn relayed by the UPS to the motherboard.

34. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 33, wherein in the event of the battery becoming depleted, the UPS makes use of an emulated power switch output to instruct the Motherboard to shut down or "hibernate" the computer.

35. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 33, wherein in the event of the battery becoming depleted, the UPS makes use of the data connection between the UPS and motherboard to initiate a software program to shut down or "hibernate" the computer, which software program would receive such instruction through the medium of a control and management interface via a USB or similar data interface connection to the UPS.

36. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to either claim 34 or claim 35, wherein the UPS provides the capability to power up the computer from a shut down condition in the absence of mains power.

37. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 36, wherein, when the UPS activation switch is operated whist the computer is Off and during the absence of mains power, the UPS provides a 5V Standby power to the motherboard, thus inducing the motherboard to enter a partially active state wherein it is able to detect the state of the computer On-Off power switch.

38. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 37, wherein if the computer On-Off power switch is not operated within a defined period of time, the UPS powers down the 5V Standby power to the motherboard and reverts to an Off state.

39. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 38, wherein if the computer On-Off power switch is operated whilst the UPS is providing 5V Standby power, the UPS powers up its voltage rails, thereby furnishing the motherboard with all voltages required for operation, and after a standardised period of delay, signals to the motherboard that it may proceed with its powering up sequence.

40. An uninterruptable computer power supply according to claim 39, wherein, when the computer is switched off in the presence of AC mains power, the PSU provides 5V power output to the UPS, which is relayed by the UPS to the motherboard.

41. A computer case including: an AC PSU; a motherboard; and a UPS according to any one of claims 1 to 40, the DC input of the UPS electrically connected to a DC output of the PSU and the DC output of the UPS connected to the motherboard, internal computer hardware components and computer display monitor, for operative powering of the computer, the UPS installed in a standardised drive bay of the computer case.

42. A computer case according to claim 41 , wherein the UPS is installed in a 5.25" standardised drive bay of the computer case.

43. A computer case according to claim 42, wherein the computer case includes one or more supplementary rechargeable batteries which, in use, are electrically connected to the UPS in addition to the rechargeable battery of the UPS.

44. A computer case according to claim 43, wherein the one or more supplementary rechargeable batteries are mounted within the computer case.

45. A computer case according to claim 43, wherein the one or more supplementary rechargeable batteries are attached externally to the computer case via an external battery connector cable.

46. A computer case according to any one of claims 44 to 45, wherein the UPS is operable to supply a charging current to both its internal and any supplementary batteries during the presence of mains power, regardless of whether the computer is in use.