A system for distributing power throughout a computer system, preferably a portable computer, while still maintaining a desired power mode hierarchy so that the most critical components or circuits-within the computer system receive power before non-critical components. The system includes a micro-controller unit for controlling power allocations throughout the system. The system further includes a power connector for interfacing with a dual-line AC-to-DC adapter, a switching regulator for providing regulated DC power outputs to a central processing unit, memory unit and the like, a battery switching circuit having two battery packs to support simultaneous charging and sequential discharging of the battery packs in the event that the AC-to-DC adapter is decoupled from the computer system and an auxiliary battery source for supplying power to critical components in the computer system as a last resort.
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