A communication system and a power supply method

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application disclose a communication system and a power supply method. One power supply can be used to supply power to two communication modules, or two power supplies can be used to supply power to two communication modules respectively. Specifically, a first PIU corresponding to a first power supply can be connected to a first communication module and a second communication module. If the second power supply is not provided, the switch in the first PIU is controlled so that the first power supply supplies power to the first communication module and the second communication module. If the second power supply is provided, the switch in the first PIU and the switch in a second PIU corresponding to the second power supply are controlled to switch to the second power supply to supply power to the second communication module. By the above method, in the case of tight power distribution resources, one power supply can be used to supply power to multiple communication modules, ensuring the normal operation of each communication module. Moreover, if the subsequent power distribution resources are sufficient, the power supply mode can be switched from single-power supply to multi-power supply, and the power supply mode can be flexibly switched according to the power distribution resources.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of power supply for communication devices, and particularly to a communication system and a power supply method. Background Art

[0002] Communication devices generally use DC power supply, and it is necessary to pull a power cord from the head cabinet in the machine room to access DC power distribution. The general high-power power distribution specification is (63A x 48V). If the power consumption of a communication device exceeds this specification, multiple 63A power supplies need to be used to meet the power required for the device to operate. The power consumption of communication devices varies greatly. For example, communication device A requires 2-way 63A power distribution, and communication device B requires 3-way 63A power distribution. Therefore, in the case of tight power distribution resources in the machine room, it is best for communication devices to occupy power distribution terminals as needed to avoid waste of power distribution resources.

[0003] The current solution is to divide communication devices into multiple partitions, each partition independently uses one power supply input, and only supplies power to the single boards within this partition. If a power interface unit (PIU) is not connected to the power supply due to tight power distribution resources, power cannot be supplied to the partition corresponding to this PIU. This affects the normal use of communication devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of this application provide a communication system and a power supply method, which can switch from single-power supply to multi-power supply, and the power supply mode can be flexibly switched according to power distribution resources.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication system. The communication system includes a first power interface unit (PIU), a second PIU, a first communication module, and a second communication module. The first PIU includes a first switch, and the second PIU includes a second switch. Among them, the first power interface of the first PIU is connected to a first power supply, the second power interface of the first PIU is connected to the first communication module, and the third power interface of the first PIU is connected to the second communication module. The first switch is connected between the first power interface and the third power interface of the first PIU. The first power interface of the second PIU is used to connect to a second power supply, and the second power interface of the second PIU is connected to the second communication module. The second switch is connected between the first power interface and the second power interface of the second PIU.

[0006] Specifically, there are the following two power supply modes according to the connection situation between the second PIU and the second power supply. The first mode: If the first power supply interface of the second PIU is not connected to the second power supply, the first switch is turned on and the second switch is turned off. The first communication module and the second communication module are powered by the first power supply. The second mode: If the first power supply interface of the second PIU is connected to the second power supply, the second switch is turned on and the first switch is turned off. The first communication module is powered by the first power supply. The second communication module is powered by the second power supply.

[0007] In this embodiment, one power supply can be used to power two communication modules, or two power supplies can be used to power the two communication modules respectively. In the case of tight power distribution resources, one power supply can be used to power multiple communication modules, ensuring the normal operation of each communication module. Moreover, if the subsequent power distribution resources are abundant, it can be switched from single-power supply to multi-power supply, and the power supply mode can be flexibly switched according to the power distribution resources.

[0008] In some possible embodiments, the communication system further includes a processor. The processor is used to detect whether the first power supply interface of the second PIU is connected to the second power supply. Furthermore, the processor can control the on-off states of the first switch and the second switch according to the connection situation between the second PIU and the second power supply. Specifically, if the first power supply interface of the second PIU is not connected to the second power supply, the processor controls the first switch to turn on and controls the second switch to turn off. If the first power supply interface of the second PIU is connected to the second power supply, the processor controls the second switch to turn on and controls the first switch to turn off. Through the above method, the communication system can autonomously detect the connection situation of the power supply and realize the switching of different power supply modes by controlling the switches. Compared with the manual control method, it saves labor costs and has higher practical value.

[0009] In some possible embodiments, the communication system further includes a third PIU and a third communication module. The second communication module includes a first sub-communication module and a second sub-communication module. The second PIU further includes a third switch, and the third PIU includes a fourth switch. The third power supply interface of the first PIU is connected to the first sub-communication module. The second power supply interface of the second PIU is connected to the first sub-communication module. The third power supply interface of the second PIU is connected to the second sub-communication module. The first power supply interface of the third PIU is connected to the third power supply, the second power supply interface of the third PIU is connected to the third communication module, and the third power supply interface of the third PIU is connected to the second sub-communication module. The third switch is connected between the first power supply interface and the third power supply interface of the second PIU. The fourth switch is connected between the first power supply interface and the third power supply interface of the third PIU.

[0010] Specifically, there are two power supply modes according to the connection situation between the second PIU and the second power supply. The first mode: If the first power supply interface of the second PIU is not connected to the second power supply, the first switch and the fourth switch are turned on and the second switch and the third switch are turned off. The first communication module and the first sub-communication module are powered by the first power supply. The third communication module and the second sub-communication module are powered by the third power supply. The second mode: If the first power supply interface of the second PIU is connected to the second power supply, the first switch and the fourth switch are turned off and the second switch and the third switch are turned on. The first communication module is powered by the first power supply. The first sub-communication module and the second sub-communication module are powered by the second power supply. The third communication module is powered by the third power supply. Through the above method, the switching between the two-way power supply mode and the three-way power supply mode is realized. Moreover, the second communication module is split into the first sub-communication module and the second sub-communication module, so that the load of the first power supply and the third power supply is balanced in the two-way power supply mode. In addition, the implementation method of this expansion to the three-way power supply requires fewer switches, has a simpler structure, and lower implementation cost.

[0011] In some possible implementation manners, the communication system further includes a third PIU and a third communication module. The first PIU further includes a third switch, and the third PIU includes a fourth switch. The fourth power supply interface of the first PIU is connected to the third communication module. The second power supply interface of the third PIU is connected to the third communication module. The third switch is connected between the first power supply interface of the first PIU and the fourth power supply interface of the first PIU. The fourth switch is connected between the first power supply interface of the third PIU and the second power supply interface of the third PIU.

[0012] Specifically, on the basis of supporting the switching between the single-way power supply mode and the two-way power supply mode. It can also be switched to the three-way power supply mode according to the connection situation between the third PIU and the third power supply. If the first power supply interface of the third PIU is not connected to the third power supply, the third switch is turned on and the fourth switch is turned off. The third communication module is powered by the first power supply. If the first power supply interface of the third PIU is connected to the third power supply, the third switch is turned off and the fourth switch is turned on. The third communication module is powered by the third power supply. Through the above method, the communication system can flexibly switch between the single-way power supply mode, the two-way power supply mode and the three-way power supply mode, making the scalability of this solution stronger.

[0013] In some possible embodiments, the communication system further includes a third PIU, and the communication system further includes a third communication module. The third communication module includes a first sub-communication module and a second sub-communication module. The first PIU further includes a third switch and a fourth switch. The second PIU further includes a fifth switch. The third PIU includes a sixth switch and a seventh switch. The fourth power interface of the first PIU is connected to the first sub-communication module, and the fifth power interface of the first PIU is connected to the second sub-communication module. The second power interface of the third PIU is connected to the first sub-communication module, and the third power interface of the third PIU is connected to the second sub-communication module. The third power interface of the second PIU is connected to the second sub-communication module. The third switch is connected between the first power interface of the first PIU and the fourth power interface of the first PIU. The fourth switch is connected between the first power interface of the first PIU and the fifth power interface of the first PIU. The fifth switch is connected between the first power interface of the second PIU and the third power interface of the second PIU. The sixth switch is connected between the first power interface of the third PIU and the second power interface of the third PIU. The seventh switch is connected between the first power interface of the third PIU and the third power interface of the third PIU.

[0014] Specifically, if the first power interface of the third PIU is not connected to the third power supply and the first power interface of the second PIU is not connected to the second power supply, the third switch and the fourth switch are turned on and the fifth switch, the sixth switch and the seventh switch are turned off. The first sub-communication module and the second sub-communication module are powered by the first power supply. If the first power interface of the third PIU is not connected to the third power supply and the first power interface of the second PIU is connected to the second power supply, the third switch and the fifth switch are turned on and the fourth switch, the sixth switch and the seventh switch are turned off. The first sub-communication module is powered by the first power supply, and the second PIU is further configured to power the second sub-communication module by the second power supply. If the first power interface of the third PIU is connected to the third power supply, the third switch, the fourth switch and the fifth switch are turned off and the sixth switch and the seventh switch are turned on. The first sub-communication module and the second sub-communication module are powered by the third power supply. In the above manner, the communication system can flexibly switch between a single-path power supply mode, a two-path power supply mode, and a three-path power supply mode. Moreover, the third communication module can be split into a first sub-communication module and a second sub-communication module. In the dual-path power supply mode, the loads of the first power supply and the second power supply are balanced.

[0015] In some possible embodiments, the communication system can be a complete power supply system including a first power supply and a second power supply, further improving the scalability of the present solution.

[0016] In some possible embodiments, the first communication module and the second communication module are optical transport network (OTN) devices or routers, which improves the practicability of this solution.

[0017] In a second aspect, the present application provides a power supply method. The method includes the following steps. First, power the first communication module through a first PIU. Among them, the first power interface of the first PIU is connected to a first power supply. The first PIU includes a first switch. The first switch is connected between the first power interface of the first PIU and the second communication module. Next, detect whether the first power interface of the second PIU is connected to a second power supply. Among them, the second PIU includes a second switch, and the second switch is connected between the second power interface of the second PIU and the second communication module. If the second PIU is not connected to the second power supply, control the first switch to conduct and the second switch to disconnect. To power the second communication module through the first power supply. If the second PIU is connected to the second power supply, control the first switch to disconnect and the second switch to conduct. To power the second communication module through the second power supply.

[0018] In some possible embodiments, the second communication module includes a first sub-communication module and a second sub-communication module, and the second PIU further includes a third switch. The first switch is connected between the first power interface of the first PIU and the first sub-communication module. The second switch is connected between the first power interface of the second PIU and the first sub-communication module. The third switch is connected between the first power interface of the second PIU and the second sub-communication module. The method further includes: power the third communication module through a third power supply. Among them, the first power interface of the third PIU is connected to the third power supply, and the third PIU includes a fourth switch, and the fourth switch is connected between the first power interface of the third PIU and the second sub-communication module. If the first power interface of the second PIU is not connected to the second power supply, control the first switch and the fourth switch to conduct and the second switch and the third switch to disconnect. To power the first sub-communication module through the first power supply and power the second sub-communication module through the third PIU. If the first power interface of the second PIU is connected to the second power supply, control the first switch and the fourth switch to disconnect and the second switch and the third switch to conduct. To power the first sub-communication module and the second sub-communication module through the second power supply.

[0019] In some possible embodiments, the first PIU further includes a third switch. The method further includes: detecting whether a first power interface of a third PIU is connected to a third power supply. Wherein, the third PIU includes a fourth switch. The third switch is connected between the first power interface of the first PIU and the third communication module. The fourth switch is connected between the first power interface of the third PIU and the third communication module. If not, then control the third switch to conduct and the fourth switch to disconnect, so as to supply power to the third communication module through the first power supply. If so, then control the fourth switch to disconnect and the third switch to conduct, so as to supply power to the third communication module through the third power supply.

[0020] In some possible embodiments, the first communication module and the second communication module are OTN devices or routers.

[0021] In the embodiments of the present application, one power supply can be used to supply power to two communication modules, or two power supplies can be used to supply power to the two communication modules respectively. Specifically, the first PIU corresponding to the first power supply can be connected to the first communication module and the second communication module at the same time. If the second power supply is not provided, then by controlling the switch in the first PIU, so that the first power supply supplies power to the first communication module and the second communication module. If the second power supply is provided, then by controlling the switch in the first PIU and the switch in the second PIU corresponding to the second power supply, to switch to the second power supply to supply power to the second communication module. Through the above method, in the case of tight power distribution resources, one power supply can be used to supply power to multiple communication modules, ensuring the normal operation of each communication module. And, if the subsequent power distribution resources are sufficient, it can also be switched from single-power supply to multi-power supply, and the power supply mode can be flexibly switched according to the power distribution resources. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1(a) is a schematic diagram of the first power supply mode of the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG. 1(b) is a schematic diagram of the second power supply mode of the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG. 2(a) is a schematic diagram of the third power supply mode of the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG. 2(b) is a schematic diagram of the fourth power supply mode of the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG. 3(a) is a schematic diagram of the fifth power supply mode of the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG. 3(b) is a schematic diagram of the sixth power supply mode of the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG. 3(c) is a schematic diagram of the seventh power supply mode of the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 4(a) is a schematic diagram of the eighth power supply mode of the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 4(b) is a schematic diagram of the ninth power supply mode of the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 5 It is a schematic flow chart of a power supply method provided by the embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0032] The embodiment of the present application provides a communication system and a power supply method. In the case of tight power distribution resources, one power supply can be used to supply power to multiple communication modules, ensuring the normal operation of each communication module. And if the subsequent power distribution resources are sufficient, it can also be switched from single-power supply to multi-power supply, and the power supply mode can be flexibly switched according to the power distribution resources.

[0033] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth" in the specification, claims, and above-mentioned drawings of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects, rather than to limit a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the above terms can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments described in the present application can be implemented in an order other than the content described in the present application. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units does not necessarily have to be limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0034] The embodiment of the present application is mainly applied to the scenario of powering communication devices. The communication device can be an optical transport network (OTN) device or a router, etc. Taking the OTN device as an example, the power consumption of different OTN devices may also be different, so the power distribution resources required by OTN devices with different power consumption are also different. In order for each OTN device to occupy the power supply as needed and avoid waste of power distribution resources caused by the OTN device still occupying more power supplies when the power supply demand is met, multiple power supply partitions can be divided for the OTN device, and each power supply partition includes at least one board. Each power supply partition is powered by an independent power supply. For example, power supply 1 only powers power supply partition 1, power supply 2 only powers power supply partition 2, etc. However, if a certain power supply is temporarily unable to supply power to the corresponding power supply partition due to tight power distribution resources, the normal use of the power supply partition will be affected.

[0035] To this end, the present application provides a communication system that can flexibly switch between single-power supply and multi-power supply, and can ensure the normal operation of each power supply zone regardless of the power supply mode.

[0036] FIG. 1(a) is a schematic diagram of the first power supply mode of the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1(a), the communication system includes a first power interface unit (PIU) 10, a second PIU 20, a first communication module 30, and a second communication module 40. A first switch 101 is provided in the first PIU 10, and a second switch 201 is provided in the second PIU 20. It should be understood that only one power supply can be connected to the power interface of each PIU. Specifically, the first power interface 1 of the first PIU 10 is used to connect to the first power supply 50, and the first power interface 1 of the second PIU 20 is used to connect to the second power supply 60. The second power interface 2 of the first PIU 10 is connected to the first communication module 30, and the third power interface 3 of the first PIU 10 is connected to the second communication module 40. The second power interface 2 of the second PIU 20 is connected to the second communication module 40. The first switch 101 is connected between the first power interface 1 and the third power interface 3 of the first PIU 10. The second switch 201 is connected between the first power interface 1 and the second power interface 2 of the second PIU 20. The first power interface 1 and the second power interface 2 of the first PIU 10 are conducting. In this embodiment, in order to make the first communication module 30 and the second communication module 40 work properly, at least the first power supply 50 needs to be connected to supply power to the first communication module 30 and the second communication module 40. That is to say, the first power supply 50 can be provided all the time, but it cannot be guaranteed that the second power supply 60 can be provided all the time. Therefore, the communication system needs to switch between single-path power supply and multi-path power supply according to whether the second power supply 60 is provided. The switching of the power supply mode will be further introduced below. It should be understood that in some possible implementation manners, a switch may also be provided between the first power interface 1 and the second power interface 2 of the first PIU 10, and specific details are not limited here.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 1(a), in the single - power - supply mode, the second power supply 60 is not provided. At this time, the first switch 101 is turned on and the second switch 201 is turned off, and the first communication module 30 and the second communication module 40 are powered by the first power supply 50. In a possible implementation, the communication system further includes a processor 100, which is used to detect the connection status of each PIU with the power supply and control the on - off status of the switches in each PIU. For example, when it is detected that the first power - supply interface 1 of the second PIU 20 is not connected to the second power supply 60, the processor 100 controls the first switch 101 to be turned on and the second switch 201 to be turned off. It should be understood that in actual applications, it is also possible for the staff to check the power - supply access situation and control the on - off status of the switches, and specific details are not limited here. It should be noted that the processor 100 needs to be connected to the first PIU 10 and the second PIU 20. For the sake of simplicity in Fig. 1(a), the connections of the processor 100 with each PIU are not all drawn.

[0038] Fig. 1(b) is a schematic diagram of the second power - supply mode of the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application. In the two - power - supply mode shown in Fig. 1(b), the second power supply 60 is provided and the second power supply 60 is connected to the second PIU 20. At this time, the first switch 101 needs to be turned off and the second switch 201 needs to be turned on. The first communication module 30 is powered by the first power supply 50, and the second communication module 40 is powered by the second power supply 60. That is to say, compared with the single - power - supply mode shown in Fig. 1(a), the two - power - supply mode shown in Fig. 1(b) is switched to, improving the load - carrying capacity. It should be understood that if the second power supply 60 cannot be provided later, it will switch back to the power - supply mode shown in Fig. 1(a).

[0039] It should be understood that during the process of switching between the power - supply modes shown in Fig. 1(a) and Fig. 1(b) above, there may be a state where the first switch 101 and the second switch 201 are both turned on at the same time. At this time, the first power supply 50 and the second power supply 60 need to be combined to power the second communication module 40. However, the output voltages of the first power supply 50 and the second power supply 60 may not be the same, which will cause the current to flow from the power supply with a higher output voltage to the power supply with a lower output voltage. To avoid this situation, a combining device 102 can be set in the first PIU 10, and a combining device 202 can be set in the second PIU 20. Among them, the first switch 101 is connected in series with the combining device 102, and the second switch 201 is connected in series with the combining device 202. It should be understood that the combining device 102 and the combining device 202 can be devices with a unidirectional conduction function such as diodes or MOS transistors. Therefore, by setting the combining device 102 and the combining device 202, it can be ensured that the first power supply 50 and the second power supply 60 are combined to power the second communication module 40.

[0040] It should be noted that the communication system described above can be a complete power supply system including a power source. Alternatively, the communication system described above can also be a communication device without a power source. That is, this application can provide only a communication device including a power interface without providing a power source, which is convenient for application in any computer room with a power source.

[0041] The above-mentioned first communication module 30 and second communication module 40 can be two independent communication devices. For example, the first communication module 30 and the second communication module 40 can be two routers. Alternatively, the above-mentioned first communication module 30 and second communication module 40 can also be two communication modules divided on the same communication device. For example, an OTN device is divided into two power supply partitions, and each power supply partition includes at least one board. The first communication module 30 and the second communication module 40 can be regarded as two power supply partitions.

[0042] The above-mentioned PIU can also be called a "power access board", etc., and its function is to connect a power source to the communication module. This application does not limit its specific naming method.

[0043] The above embodiments introduce a communication system compatible with single-way power supply and two-way power supply. On this basis, the communication system provided by this application can also be extended to application scenarios with more power supply paths. Below, taking the extension to three-way power supply as an example, the communication system provided by this application will be further introduced. For the convenience of introduction, the following several embodiments will only introduce the switching between various power supply modes in combination with the on-off states of the switches. The switching of all switches can be controlled by a processor, and a combining device can be connected in series on the line where each switch is located. For specific details, please refer to the relevant introduction of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), and the following embodiments will not be elaborated one by one.

[0044] The first implementation method of extending to three-way power supply:

[0045] Figure 2(a) is a schematic diagram of the third power supply mode of the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2(a), the communication system further includes a third PIU 70 and a third communication module 80. A fourth switch 701 is provided in the third PIU 70. A switch 103 is also provided in the first PIU 10. Specifically, the first power supply interface 1 of the third PIU 70 is used to connect to the third power supply 90, and the second power supply interface 2 of the third PIU 70 is connected to the third communication module 80. The fourth power supply interface 4 of the first PIU 10 is connected to the third communication module 80. The switch 103 is connected between the first power supply interface 1 and the fourth power supply interface 4 of the first PIU 10. The fourth switch 701 is connected between the first power supply interface 1 and the second power supply interface 2 of the third PIU 70. In this embodiment, in order to enable the first communication modules 30, 40, and 80 to work properly, at least the first power supply 50 needs to be connected to supply power to these three communication modules. The cases of whether the second power supply 60 is provided have been introduced in detail in the above embodiments shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b). Next, the cases of whether the third power supply 90 is provided will be mainly introduced.

[0046] As shown in the single - path power supply mode in Figure 2(a), the third power supply 90 is not provided. At this time, the switch 103 needs to be turned on and the fourth switch 701 needs to be turned off, and the first power supply 50 is used to supply power to the first communication module 30 and the third communication module 80.

[0047] Figure 2(b) is a schematic diagram of the fourth power supply mode of the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application. As shown in the two - path power supply mode in Figure 2(b), the third power supply 90 is provided and the third power supply 90 is connected to the second PIU 20. At this time, the switch 103 needs to be turned off and the fourth switch 701 needs to be turned on. The first power supply 50 is used to supply power to the first communication module 30, and the third power supply 90 is used to supply power to the third communication module 80.

[0048] Combined with the above embodiments shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), it can be seen that if only the first power supply 50 is connected, the communication system adopts a single - path power supply. If the first power supply 50 and the second power supply 60 are connected together or the first power supply 50 and the third power supply 90 are connected together, the communication system adopts a two - path power supply. If the first power supply 50, the second power supply 60, and the third power supply 90 are connected together, the communication system adopts a three - path power supply.

[0049] The second implementation method for expanding to three - path power supply:

[0050] FIG. 3(a) is a schematic diagram of the fifth power supply mode of the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the communication system further includes a third PIU 70 and a third communication module 80. Among them, the third communication module 80 is further divided into a first sub-communication module 801 and a second sub-communication module 802. The third PIU 70 is provided with a fourth switch 701 and 703. The first PIU 10 is further provided with a switch 103 and a switch 105. The second PIU 20 is further provided with a third switch 203. Specifically, the first power supply interface 1 of the third PIU 70 is used to connect to the third power supply 90. The second power supply interface 2 of the third PIU 70 is connected to the first sub-communication module 801. The third power supply interface 3 of the third PIU 70 is connected to the second sub-communication module 802. The fourth power supply interface 4 of the first PIU 10 is connected to the first sub-communication module 801. The fifth power supply interface 5 of the first PIU 10 is connected to the second sub-communication module 802. The third power supply interface 3 of the second PIU 20 is connected to the second sub-communication module 802. The switch 103 is connected between the first power supply interface 1 and the fourth power supply interface 4 of the first PIU 10. The switch 105 is connected between the first power supply interface 1 and the fifth power supply interface 5 of the first PIU 10. The third switch 203 is connected between the first power supply interface 1 and the third power supply interface 3 of the second PIU 20. The fourth switch 701 is connected between the first power supply interface 1 and the second power supply interface 2 of the third PIU 70. The switch 703 is connected between the first power supply interface 1 and the third power supply interface 3 of the third PIU 70. The cases of single-path power supply, two-path power supply, and three-path power supply will be described below respectively.

[0051] As shown in the single-path power supply mode of FIG. 3(a), the first power supply 50 is provided, but the second power supply 60 and the third power supply 90 are not provided. At this time, the first switch 101, the switch 103, and the switch 105 need to be turned on, and the second switch 201, the third switch 203, the fourth switch 701, and the switch 703 need to be turned off. The first communication module 30, the second communication module 40, the first sub-communication module 801, and the second sub-communication module 802 are powered by the first power supply 50.

[0052] FIG. 3(b) is a schematic diagram of the sixth power supply mode of the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application. The two-path power supply mode shown in FIG. 3(b) provides the first power supply 50 and the second power supply 60, but does not provide the third power supply 90. At this time, the switch 103, the second switch 201, and the third switch 203 need to be turned on, and the first switch 101, the switch 105, the fourth switch 701, and the switch 703 need to be turned off. The first communication module 30 and the first sub-communication module 801 are powered by the first power supply 50. The second communication module 40 and the second sub-communication module 802 are powered by the second power supply 60.

[0053] Figure 3(c) is a schematic diagram of the seventh power supply mode of the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application. As shown in the three-way power supply mode in Figure 3(c), the first power supply 50, the second power supply 60, and the third power supply 90 are provided. At this time, it is necessary to turn on the second switch 201, the fourth switch 701, and the switch 703, and turn off the first switch 101, the switch 103, the switch 105, and the third switch 203. The first communication module 30 is powered by the first power supply 50. The second communication module 40 is powered by the second power supply 60. The first sub-communication module 801 and the second sub-communication module 802 are powered by the third power supply 90.

[0054] It should be noted that the main purpose of splitting the third communication module 80 into the first sub-communication module 801 and the second sub-communication module 802 in this embodiment is to ensure load balance in the two-way power supply mode. Specifically, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) above, if the first power supply 50 and the second power supply 60 are connected, the second power supply 60 only powers the second communication module 40. The first power supply 50 needs to power the first communication module 30 and the third communication module 80, and the loads of the first power supply 50 and the second power supply 60 are unbalanced. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3(b), if the first power supply 50 and the second power supply 60 are connected, the first power supply 50 powers the first communication module 30 and the first sub-communication module 801. The second power supply 60 powers the second communication module 40 and the second sub-communication module 802, and the loads of the first power supply 50 and the second power supply 60 are balanced.

[0055] The third implementation method of expanding to three-way power supply:

[0056] Figure 4(a) is a schematic diagram of the eighth power supply mode of the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4(a), the communication system further includes a third PIU 70 and a third communication module 80. Among them, the second communication module 40 is further divided into a first sub-communication module 401 and a second sub-communication module 402. A fourth switch 701 is provided in the third PIU 70. A third switch 203 is also provided in the second PIU 20. Specifically, the first power interface 1 of the third PIU 70 is used to connect to the third power supply 90. The second power interface 2 of the third PIU 70 is connected to the third communication module 80. The third power interface 3 of the third PIU 70 is connected to the second sub-communication module 402. The third power interface 3 of the first PIU 10 is connected to the first sub-communication module 401. The second power interface 2 of the second PIU 20 is connected to the first sub-communication module 401. The third power interface 3 of the second PIU 20 is connected to the second sub-communication module 402. The fourth switch 701 is connected between the first power interface 1 and the second power interface 2 of the third PIU 70. The third switch 203 is connected between the first power interface 1 and the third power interface 3 of the second PIU 20. The first power interface 1 and the second power interface 2 of the third PIU 70 are conducting. It should be understood that compared with the above-mentioned first and second embodiments of extending to three-way power supply, the difference in this embodiment is that in addition to providing the first power supply 50, a third power supply 90 needs to be provided. That is to say, at least two-way power supply is required in this embodiment to ensure the normal operation of each communication module. The situations of two-way power supply and three-way power supply will be introduced separately below in combination with whether the second power supply 60 is provided.

[0057] As shown in the two-way power supply mode of Figure 4(a), the first power supply 50 and the third power supply 90 are provided, but the second power supply 60 is not provided. At this time, the first switch 101 and the fourth switch 701 need to be made conducting, and the second switch 201 and the third switch 203 need to be made non-conducting. The first communication module 30 and the first sub-communication module 401 are powered by the first power supply 50. The third communication module 80 and the second sub-communication module 402 are powered by the third power supply 90.

[0058] Figure 4(b) is a schematic diagram of the ninth power supply mode of the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application. As shown in the three-way power supply mode of Figure 4(b), the first power supply 50, the second power supply 60, and the third power supply 90 are provided. At this time, the first switch 101 and the fourth switch 701 need to be made non-conducting, and the second switch 201 and the third switch 203 need to be made conducting. The first communication module 30 is powered by the first power supply 50. The third communication module 80 is powered by the third power supply 90. The first sub-communication module 401 and the second sub-communication module 402 are powered by the second power supply 60.

[0059] By comparing the two-way power supply mode shown in FIG. 4(a) with the above-mentioned FIG. 2(b), it can be seen that the two-way power supply mode adopted in this embodiment can ensure the load balance of the first power supply 50 and the third power supply 90. By comparing Figures 4(a) - 4(b) the embodiments shown with the above-mentioned Figures 3(a) - 3(c) embodiments shown, it can be seen that the overall structure of this embodiment is simpler, and the implementation cost of expanding to three-way power supply is relatively low. However, since this embodiment needs to satisfy at least two-way power supply, single-way power supply cannot ensure that all communication modules work properly. Therefore, compared with the above two implementation manners of expanding to three-way power supply, the applicable scenarios of this embodiment are fewer.

[0060] It should be noted that the system structure supporting three-way power supply introduced above can be further expanded to support more power supply modes. The specific expansion method is similar to the method of expanding to three-way power supply above, and will not be introduced one by one later. In the embodiment of the present application, in the case of tight power distribution resources, one power supply can be used to supply power to multiple communication modules, ensuring the normal operation of each communication module. And if the subsequent power distribution resources are abundant, it can be switched from single-power supply to multi-power supply, and the power supply mode can be flexibly switched according to the power distribution resources. In addition, in the communication system provided by the present application, only a small number of devices such as switches and combining devices are added to each PIU, making the integration degree of the communication system high and the cost low.

[0061] Based on the introduction of the above communication system, the power supply method applied to the communication system will be introduced below. It should be noted that the system structure corresponding to the following power supply method can be as described in the above communication system embodiment. However, it is not limited to the communication system described above.

[0062] Figure 5 is a schematic flow chart of a power supply method provided by an embodiment of the present application. It should be noted that the communication system in this embodiment can specifically be the communication system in any of the above Figures 1(a) - 4(b) embodiments shown. The power supply method will be mainly introduced by taking the communication systems shown in FIG. 1(a) and FIG. 1(b) above as examples. In this example, the power supply method includes the following steps.

[0063] 501. The communication system supplies power to the first communication module through the first power supply.

[0064] In this embodiment, the first power supply is connected to the first power supply interface of the first PIU. The first PIU includes a first switch. The first switch is connected between the first power supply interface of the first PIU and the second communication module. Then, when the first power supply is connected to the first power supply interface of the first PIU, the communication system can supply power to the first communication module through the first power supply.

[0065] 502. The communication system detects whether the first power interface of the second PIU is connected to the second power supply. If not, step 503 is executed. If so, step 504 is executed.

[0066] Specifically, the processor in the communication system can detect the connection status between the first power interface of the second PIU and the second power supply. If the second power supply is not provided, the communication system supplies power to the first communication module and the second communication module in a single - power - supply mode. If the second power supply is provided and the second power supply is connected to the first power interface of the second PIU, the communication system supplies power to the first communication module and the second communication module in a two - power - supply mode.

[0067] 503. If the second power supply is not connected to the first power interface of the second PIU, the communication system supplies power to the second communication module through the first power supply.

[0068] Specifically, the second PIU includes a second switch. The second switch is connected between the second power interface and the second communication module. The processor controls the first switch to conduct and controls the second switch to disconnect. The first power supply will supply power to the first communication module and the second communication module.

[0069] 504. If the second power supply is connected to the first power interface of the second PIU, the communication system supplies power to the second communication module through the second power supply.

[0070] Specifically, the processor controls the first switch to disconnect and controls the second switch to conduct. The first power supply still supplies power to the first communication module. The second power supply will supply power to the second communication module.

[0071] It should be noted that the processor can achieve the switching of the power - supply mode by detecting the connection situation of the second power supply and controlling the on - off states of each switch. However, during the process of switching between single - power - supply and two - power - supply, there may be a state where the first switch and the second switch are both conducting. To ensure that the first power supply and the second power supply can supply power to the second communication module in a combined way, a first combining device in series with the first switch and a second combining device in series with the second switch can be set, respectively making the current output by the first power supply and the current output by the second power supply conduct unidirectionally.

[0072] It should be understood that the above Figure 5 The embodiments shown mainly introduce the implementation methods for switching between single - power - supply and two - power - supply. Specifically, it can be understood with reference to the embodiments shown in FIG. 1(a) and FIG. 1(b) above. If this communication system is further extended to such as Figures 2(a) - 4(b)The communication system supporting three-way power supply as shown. The processor can also detect the connection between the power interfaces of other PIUs and the power supply. For example, whether the first power interface of the third PIU 70 is connected to the third power supply 90. Furthermore, the processor controls the corresponding switches in each PIU to achieve the switching between single-way power supply, two-way power supply, and three-way power supply. For the on / off states of each switch, please refer to the corresponding description in the above Figures 2(a) - 4(b) , which will not be elaborated here.

Claims

1. A communication system, characterized in that, Comprising: A first power interface unit PIU, a second PIU, a third PIU, a first communication module, a second communication module, and a third communication module, wherein: The second communication module includes a first sub-communication module and a second sub-communication module. The first power interface unit PIU includes a first switch. The second PIU includes a second switch and a third switch. The third PIU includes a fourth switch; The first power interface of the first power interface unit PIU is connected to a first power source. The second power interface of the first power interface unit PIU is connected to the first communication module. The third power interface of the first power interface unit PIU is connected to the first sub-communication module of the second communication module. The first switch is connected between the first power interface of the first power interface unit PIU and the third power interface of the first power interface unit PIU. The first power interface of the second PIU is used to connect to a second power source. The second power interface of the second PIU is connected to the first sub-communication module of the second communication module. The third power interface of the second PIU is connected to the second sub-communication module of the second communication module. The second switch is connected between the first power interface and the second power interface of the second PIU. The third switch is connected between the first power interface and the third power interface of the second PIU. The first power interface of the third PIU is connected to a third power source. The second power interface of the third PIU is connected to the third communication module. The third power interface of the third PIU is connected to the second sub-communication module. The fourth switch is connected between the first power interface and the third power interface of the third PIU. The first power interface and the second power interface of the first power interface unit PIU are electrically connected; If the first power interface of the second PIU is not connected to the second power source, then the first switch and the fourth switch are turned on and the second switch and the third switch are turned off, so as to supply power to the first communication module and the first sub-communication module through the first power source, and supply power to the third communication module and the second sub-communication module through the third power source; If the first power interface of the second PIU is connected to the second power source, then the first switch and the fourth switch are turned off and the second switch and the third switch are turned on, so as to supply power to the first communication module through the first power source, supply power to the first sub-communication module and the second sub-communication module through the second power source, and supply power to the third communication module through the third power source.

2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein The communication system further includes a processor, and the processor is used to detect whether the first power interface of the second PIU is connected to the second power source; If the first power interface of the second PIU is not connected to the second power source, then the processor controls the first switch to be turned on and controls the second switch to be turned off; If the first power interface of the second PIU is connected to the second power supply, the processor controls the second switch to conduct and controls the first switch to disconnect.

3. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The communication system includes the first power supply and the second power supply.

4. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first communication module and the second communication module are optical transport network (OTN) devices or routers.

5. A power supply method, characterized in that, Comprising: Powering the first communication module through a first power supply, the first power supply being connected to the first power interface of a first power interface unit (PIU), the first power interface unit (PIU) including a first switch, the first switch being connected between the first power interface of the first power interface unit (PIU) and a first sub-communication module of the second communication module, the first power interface of the first power interface unit (PIU) being in conduction with the second power interface of the first power interface unit (PIU), the second communication module including a first sub-communication module and a second sub-communication module; Powering the third communication module through a third power supply, the third power supply being connected to the first power interface of a third PIU, the third PIU including a fourth switch, the fourth switch being connected between the first power interface of the third PIU and the second sub-communication module of the second communication module; Detecting whether the first power interface of the second PIU is connected to a second power supply, the second PIU including a second switch and a third switch, the second switch being connected between the first power interface of the second PIU and the first sub-communication module of the second communication module, the third switch being connected between the first power interface of the second PIU and the second sub-communication module of the second communication module; If the first power interface of the second PIU is not connected to the second power supply, control the first switch and the fourth switch to conduct and the second switch and the third switch to disconnect, so as to power the first sub-communication module through the first power supply and power the second sub-communication module through the third power supply; If the first power interface of the second PIU is connected to the second power supply, control the first switch and the fourth switch to disconnect and the second switch and the third switch to conduct, so as to power the first sub-communication module and the second sub-communication module through the second power supply.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein The first communication module and the second communication module are optical transport network (OTN) devices or routers.

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