A sensing apparatus for detecting a disconnection in a connector for
interfacing a component module in a computer system. A first portion of
the connector is coupled to the computer system and a second portion of
the connector is coupled to a component module in the computer system. The
connector portions include electrically conductive portions that mate to
enable communication and/or transmission of power signals between the
component module and the computer system. One or more sense signals are
applied to a predetermined number of electrically conductive portions on
the first portion of the connector. A set of corresponding electrically
conductive portions on the second portion of the connector are connected
to ground. When the connector portions properly mated, the sense signals
applied to the first portion of the connector are pulled to ground. A
logic circuit provides an output signal indicative of whether the sense
signals are pulled to ground on the corresponding set of electrically
conductive portions on the first portion of the connector. If the sense
signals are pulled to ground, then the logic circuit allows power to be
supplied to the component module. When the sense signals are not pulled to
ground on any one or more of the corresponding electrically conductive
portions on the first portion of the connector, the logic circuit prevents
power from being applied to the component module. The circuit will also
remove power from the component module if the connector becomes
disconnected to the point where the sense signals are not pulled to
ground. The output of the logic circuit may also be used to provide an
indication to the user that there is a disconnection in the particular
connector.
