Single-chip microcomputer programmable power distributor

摘要

Apparatus and method are provided for intelligently controlling an electrical power distributor for a personal computer, its peripherals, and other devices. The apparatus includes a parallel interface; single- chip microcomputer; plurality of relays; power source connector; and plurality of electrical outlets. The parallel interface can be removably connected through a parallel cable to a parallel port of a personal computer. The single-chip microcomputer has a clock to keep time independent of the personal computer. In response to programming instructions from the personal computer, the single-chip microcomputer controls the relays to selectively connect and disconnect the power lead connector to the electrical outlets of the distributor. Communicating with the distributor is made user friendly by including a software prorgram for the personal computer that translates simple commands from the user into commands sent through the parallel port of the personal computer to the distributor. The distributor can share the parallel port of the personal computer with another peripheral device, such as a printer, by use of a split-Y parallel cable or similar split cable or connector. The distributor reacts only to particular data transmitted on the split-Y parallel cable and ignores other data. A preferred embodiment of the distributor also includes a phone ring interface for detecting and responding to telephone ring signals. The single-chip microcomputer can be programmed by the personal computer to respond to one or more preselected sequences of one or more phone ring signals.