Computer system and power supply method

Abstract

A computer system and a power supply method adopt a hybrid power supply mode and a control strategy, and can flexibly configure the number of power supplies and backup battery units. In the computer system, a core module is driven by a direct current to operate. A power supply is connected to the core module, and can receive and convert an alternating current to supply the direct current. A backup battery unit is connected to the core module and the power supply, and can determine an operation mode according to a state. When the power supply detects that the direct current is higher than a current threshold, the power supply outputs a constant direct current, and informs the backup battery unit to output a battery discharge current, so that the constant direct current and the battery discharge current jointly supply power to the core module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of power supplies for computer systems, and more particularly to a method of powering a system by a combination of a power supply and a backup battery unit. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional computer systems typically include a power supply unit (PSU). A PSU is a device that transforms alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC), allowing the core modules and peripheral components of the computer system to be driven by DC current. The PSU's output current is usually configured slightly higher than the computer system's power consumption limit.

[0003] In practical applications, it has been found that computer systems do not always operate at peak load. Instead, most of the time, computer systems are in standby or low-load operation. Therefore, configuring high-output current power supplies for occasional, isolated incidents becomes an additional cost waste. This is especially true for servers that are online for extended periods, where the proportion of time spent in standby is significant. These servers prioritize maintaining online stability, thus requiring a battery backup unit. Similar to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), the backup battery unit is located within the computer system, directly supplying DC power to the core modules or peripherals. In other words, the installation cost of servers is extremely high. Besides the burden of overly powerful power supplies, a backup battery unit is also necessary.

[0004] In view of this, a computer system that can reduce server installation costs and an improved power supply method are needed for development. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application proposes a computer system and power supply method applicable to computer systems that simultaneously include backup battery units and power supply systems. Embodiments of this application employ a hybrid power supply operating mode and control strategy, allowing for flexible configuration of the number of power supplies and backup battery units. Only when the total output current of the power supplies and backup battery units exceeds the maximum load requirement of the computer system is the total installed output current of the power supplies and backup battery units required to significantly reduce system cost.

[0006] One embodiment of this application provides a computer system. In this computer system, a core module operates driven by a direct current (DC). A power supply is connected to the core module and can receive and convert alternating current (AC) to supply the DC current. A backup battery unit is connected to the core module and the power supply, and can determine its operating mode based on the states of the power supply, the core module, and the backup battery unit. For example, when the power supply detects that the DC current is higher than a current threshold, the power supply outputs a constant DC current and notifies the backup battery unit to output a battery discharge current, so that the constant DC current and the battery discharge current jointly supply power to the core module.

[0007] In a further embodiment, the upper limit of the output current of the power supply is less than the upper limit of the load current of the core module, and the upper limit of the total output current of the power supply and the backup battery unit is not less than the upper limit of the load current of the core module.

[0008] In a further embodiment, when the remaining power of the backup battery unit is less than a power threshold, the backup battery unit can send a low power notification to the core module.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the core module can monitor the remaining power of the backup battery unit.

[0010] In a further embodiment, when the power supply detects that the DC current is not higher than a current threshold and the remaining charge of the backup battery unit is less than a charging threshold, the backup battery unit receives a portion of the DC current output by the power supply to charge.

[0011] In a further embodiment, when the power supply detects that the DC current is not higher than a current threshold and the remaining charge of the backup battery unit is greater than a charging threshold, the power supply supplies power to the core module, and the backup battery unit enters a standby state. More precisely, when the backup battery unit finishes charging, its capacity will gradually decrease due to self-discharge. In this embodiment, as long as the remaining charge of the backup battery unit is higher than the charging threshold, the backup battery unit enters a standby state and does not need to be constantly charged.

[0012] In a further embodiment, when the power supply is unable to supply the DC current, the core module determines whether to reduce the operating load based on the remaining power of the backup battery unit.

[0013] Another embodiment of this application is a power supply method applied to the computer system. First, a power supply receives alternating current and converts it into direct current to supply power to the core module, enabling the core module to operate driven by the direct current. When the power supply detects that the direct current is higher than a current threshold, the power supply outputs a constant direct current and notifies the backup battery unit to output a battery discharge current, so that the constant direct current and the battery discharge current jointly supply power to the core module. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a computer system architecture diagram of an embodiment of this application.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the backup battery cell architecture according to an embodiment of this application.

[0016] Figures 3 to 5 This is a flowchart of the power supply method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a flowchart 600 of the battery module remaining power monitoring process according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] Figure 1This is an architectural diagram of a computer system 100 according to an embodiment of this application. The computer system 100 includes a core module 130, which operates driven by current. The core module 130 is a collective term for various electronic components in the computer system 100, including at least a motherboard, processor, southbridge chip, northbridge chip, memory, flash memory, graphics card, storage, and / or any and all control modules and peripheral accessories attached thereto. Since the various components that may exist in the core module 130 are already in the prior art, they will not be described in detail here. The electrical energy consumed by the core module 130, also known as the load, is usually proportional to the computational load of code execution and data processing. It should be understood that the load can generally be described by the power consumed (watts). When the voltage source is a fixed value, the load is proportional to the current, and therefore can also be described by the magnitude of the operating current. Generally, the computing power of the core module 130 has a limit, therefore the operating current also has an upper limit.

[0020] In an embodiment of the computer system 100, in addition to a power supply 110, a backup battery unit 120 is also configured. The power supply 110 is connected to the core module 130 and can receive and convert alternating current (AC) to supply direct current (DC) to the core module 130. The core module 130 continuously changes its DC current consumption as the computational load changes. Therefore, the power supply 110 can detect the load state of the core module 130 based on the DC current consumption.

[0021] The backup battery unit 120 proposed in this embodiment is connected to the core module 130 and the power supply 110, and its operating mode can be determined according to the state of the power supply 110, the core module 130, and the backup battery unit 120. The operating modes of the backup battery unit 120 may include at least a charging mode, a discharging mode, a standby mode, and a hybrid mode proposed in this application.

[0022] The backup battery unit 120 serves as a backup power source, primarily operating in standby mode. In standby mode, the backup battery unit 120 neither charges nor discharges, and the core module 130 is powered solely by the power supply 110. When the power supply 110 fails to receive AC current or supply DC current for various reasons, the backup battery unit 120 can enter discharge mode to ensure a continuous and stable power supply to the core module 130 for a certain period. In traditional computer systems, the installed capacity of the backup battery unit 120 and the maximum output value of the power supply 110 are both required to exceed the load limit of the core module 130. This traditional design requirement significantly increases the cost of the computer system, and statistically, it has been shown that most of the time, the remaining capacity is not fully utilized, resulting in low cost-effectiveness.

[0023] To address the cost-effectiveness issue, this application proposes a hybrid mode that allows the power supply 110 and backup battery unit 120 to provide power without meeting traditional high-capacity requirements. For example, when the DC and AC currents (#AC) are normally supplied and the backup battery unit 120 has sufficient remaining capacity, if the power supply 110 detects that the DC current (#DC) exceeds a current threshold, it indicates that the load on the core module 130 is approaching its limit. At this point, the power supply 110 enters a constant current mode, outputting a fixed DC current (#DC). Simultaneously, the power supply 110 notifies the backup battery unit 120 to join in the power supply. The power supply 110 then enters a discharge mode, starting to output a battery discharge current (#IB). In other words, the hybrid mode proposed in this application simultaneously supplies power to the core module 130 with both the power supply 110 and the backup battery unit 120, providing a fixed DC current (#DC) and a fixed battery discharge current (#IB). In addition to supplying power to the core module 130, the backup battery unit 120 also controls the magnitude of the battery discharge current #IB to ensure that the voltage of the DC current #DC remains within a stable range. The power supply 110 and the backup battery unit 120 can be connected via a bus to transmit a command #S, which notifies the backup battery unit 120 to charge, discharge, or enter standby mode. Besides transmitting the command #S, the bus between the power supply 110 and the backup battery unit 120 can also be used by the backup battery unit 120 to simultaneously monitor voltage drops at nodes through which the DC current #DC passes, thereby controlling the discharge of the backup battery unit 120.

[0024] Understandably, although Figure 1The computer system 100 shows a power supply 110 and a backup battery unit 120, but the physical design is not limited thereto. The power supply 110 of the computer system 100 may use multiple identical or different power supplies connected in parallel. The backup battery unit 120 of the computer system 100 may also use multiple identical or different backup batteries connected in parallel.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the backup battery unit 120 according to an embodiment of this application. The backup battery unit 120 may include one or more battery modules 210. Each battery module 210 includes at least one or more battery cells 214. The battery cells 214 may be, but are not limited to, lithium-ion batteries, lithium iron batteries, or other chemical reaction batteries. The battery module 210 also includes a Battery Management System (BMS) 212 for monitoring the temperature and voltage of the battery cells 214 to provide various protection measures, such as overcharge protection, over-discharge protection, and high-temperature protection. The battery module 210 is connected to the outside world through an interface module 280. Figure 1 For example, the backup battery unit 120 is connected to the core module 130 via the interface module 280. In a further embodiment, the interface module 280 can provide a simple battery identification code for anti-counterfeiting purposes or to record information such as cumulative charge and discharge amounts. Since the charging and discharging of the battery module 210 are transmitted through the same circuit, a multiplexer 270 is needed for simple current direction control. In this embodiment, the multiplexer 270 also provides a fuse function to prevent excessive current from causing high-temperature ignition. The multiplexer 270 can also assist in circuit rerouting in special circumstances, such as hot-swapping one of the multiple battery modules 210.

[0026] The backup battery unit 120 includes a microcontroller 240, which can be programmed to operate the backup battery unit 120 in multiple modes. For example, in discharge mode, the microcontroller 240 activates the discharge module 220 and shuts down the charging module 230, causing the battery module 210 to output a battery discharge current #IB to the interface module 280 through the discharge module 220. Conversely, in charging mode, the microcontroller 240 activates the charging module 230 and shuts down the discharge module 220, causing the battery module 210 to receive a battery charging current #IC input from the interface module 280 through the charging module 230. The microcontroller 240 can also further control a heat dissipation module 250. For example, the heat dissipation module 250 may be a heat dissipation blade assembly including a fan. When the temperature rises, the microcontroller 240 can command the fan to increase its speed to enhance heat dissipation. The backup battery unit 120 also includes an auxiliary power module 260, which can convert the electrical energy of the battery module 210 into a power source for each module in the backup battery unit 120. The auxiliary power module 260 can also receive externally input battery charging current (#IC) through the multiplexer 270 and interface module 280 to drive the modules in the backup battery unit 120. The above embodiment of the backup battery unit 120 is only a simplified illustration of the functional modules and operating modes that may be included in the backup battery unit 120, and does not limit the possible architectural design in actual manufacturing.

[0027] Figure 2 The battery cell 214 in the backup battery unit 120 mentioned above can be a rechargeable battery, such as the aforementioned lithium-ion battery, lithium iron battery, various chemical reaction batteries, or a supercapacitor. The battery cell 214 can also be other non-rechargeable energy storage types, such as fuel cells, flywheel energy storage, superconducting energy storage, etc. When using rechargeable batteries, Figure 2 The power supply 110 can provide charging current #IC to replenish the power of the backup battery unit 120. In the case of using a non-rechargeable battery, when the backup battery unit 120 is low on power, it can be replenished by adding fuel or replacing the battery cell 214.

[0028] exist Figure 2 In the embodiments described, although the discharge module 220 and the charging module 230 are described as two independent functional modules, this does not actually limit the design of the physical circuitry. It is understood that the discharge module 220 and the charging module 230 can be implemented using a single bidirectional converter module. In the bidirectional converter module, energy can flow bidirectionally, allowing for both charging and discharging. Therefore, when the bidirectional converter module operates in charging mode, its function is equivalent to that of the charging module 230. Conversely, when the bidirectional converter module operates in discharging mode, its function is equivalent to that of the discharge module 220.

[0029] Figures 3 to 5 This is a flowchart of the power supply method according to an embodiment of this application. The power supply method proposed in this application is applicable to computer systems that simultaneously include a backup battery unit 120 and a power supply unit 110 system. This embodiment adopts a hybrid power supply working mode and control strategy, which can flexibly configure power supplies 110 and backup battery units 120 with different power supply specifications. Under the premise of ensuring that the total power supply capacity (total output current) of power supplies 110 and backup battery units 120 can meet the maximum load requirements of computer system 100, this embodiment can avoid configuring power supplies 110 and backup battery units 120 with excessively high specifications, thereby reducing system costs.

[0030] Considering that the load current of the core module 130 is mostly below its maximum load current limit during actual operation, for the computer system 100 already equipped with the backup battery unit 120, the installed output current of the power supply 110 no longer needs to be forced to meet the maximum demand of the core module 130. This application adds a hybrid discharge mode, allowing the computer system 100 to install a lower-specification (i.e., lower output current) power supply to save on installation costs. When the computer system 100 occasionally experiences high-load computing demands, the backup battery unit 120 and the power supply 110 can be used together to supply power to the core module 130, thus resolving the load demand at a low cost.

[0031] Because the storage capacity of the backup battery unit 120 is limited, the duration for which the computer system 100 can continuously operate at maximum load is also limited. During the manufacturing of the computer system 100 for a specific customer, the customer's application records can be analyzed in advance using big data analytics, such as statistical analysis of the occurrence and duration of maximum load, to determine the most cost-effective hardware specifications for the power supply 110 and / or the capacity configuration ratio of the backup battery unit 120.

[0032] In other words, in a further embodiment of the computer system 100, although the upper limit of the output current of the configured power supply 110 is less than the upper limit of the load current of the core module, the configuration arrangement of the power supply 110 and the backup battery unit 120 ensures that the total upper limit of the output current is sufficient to load the upper limit of the load current of the core module.

[0033] This implementation further provides a mechanism for derating operation. When the maximum load current required by the core module 130 exceeds the combined output capacity of the power supply 110 and the backup battery unit 120, the core module 130 can immediately drate operation based on specific monitoring signals or instructions.

[0034] Figure 3This is a flowchart of the power supply method according to an embodiment of this application. This power supply method is applicable to the aforementioned embodiment of the computer system 100. In step 301, the computer system 100 is started and services begin to run. Normal startup generally requires that AC power supply can normally supply power to the power supply unit 110. In this case, the power supply unit 110 receives AC current and converts it into DC current to supply power to the core module, enabling the core module to operate driven by the DC current. If there is a power outage, even if the computer system 100 is forcibly started relying on the backup battery unit 120, only some basic backup tasks can be performed with the system powered off.

[0035] In step 303, the computer system 100 can determine whether the power supply 110 is normally receiving AC current and supplying DC current, and whether the backup battery unit 120's power level is maintained above a certain level. If both the power supply 110 and the backup battery unit 120 meet the conditions in step 303, then step 400 is performed to determine the power supply mode based on the state of the computer system 100. Conversely, if either the power supply 110 or the backup battery unit 120 fails to meet the conditions in step 303, then step 500 is performed to determine the power supply mode based on the status of the power supply 110 and the backup battery unit 120.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a further flowchart of step 400 in an embodiment of this application. When determining the power supply mode based on the state of the computer system 100, the system load of the computer system 100 is first determined in step 401. For example, when the power supply 110 provides DC current #DC to the core module 130, the system load of the core module 130 can be determined based on the value of the DC current #DC.

[0037] In step 403, when the system load of the core module 130 exceeds a total output threshold, the computer system 100 executes step 405 to enter a hybrid power supply mode. For example, the total output threshold may be 80% of the maximum total output capacity of the power supply 110 and the backup battery unit 120.

[0038] In the hybrid power supply mode of step 405, the power supply 110 and the backup battery unit 120 simultaneously supply power to the core module 130 in the computer system 100. More specifically, when the power supply 110 detects that the output DC current #DC is higher than a current threshold, it indicates that the core module 130 is operating under high load, which may exceed the power supply 110's capacity to supply power alone. In this case, the backup battery unit 120 needs to be activated to provide power. The power supply 110 can change the output DC current #DC to a fixed value and instruct the backup battery unit 120 to output a battery discharge current #IB, so that the fixed DC current #DC and the battery discharge current #IB jointly supply power to the core module 130.

[0039] Generally, when the backup battery unit is close to saturation, the charging efficiency gradually decreases due to increased self-discharge. Therefore, as long as the remaining charge of the backup battery unit 120 is higher than a charging threshold, it does not need to be constantly charged. Therefore, if step 403 determines that the load is not large, step 407 is performed, where only the power supply 110 supplies power to the core module 130, while the backup battery unit 120 enters standby mode. In other words, when the power supply 110 detects that the DC current #DC is not higher than the current threshold, it indicates that the output capacity of the core module 130 is sufficient to handle its load independently. If the remaining charge of the backup battery unit 120 is greater than the charging threshold at this time, it indicates sufficient power and no charging is needed. In this case, the power supply 110 supplies power to the core module alone, while the backup battery unit 120 enters standby mode.

[0040] More specifically, when the power supply 110 detects that the DC current #DC has reached a preset upper limit threshold, the power supply 110 enters a constant current operating mode. Simultaneously, the power supply 110 sends a signal to activate the backup battery unit 120, causing it to exit standby mode and begin discharging. At this time, the power supply 110 and the backup battery unit 120 jointly supply power to the core module 130 and maintain the voltage stability of the core module 130. As long as the total power supply capacity of the power supply 110 and the backup battery unit 120 is greater than or equal to the system's maximum load requirement, the core module 130 can be ensured to maintain full-load operation.

[0041] As the backup battery unit 120 is depleted, the core module 130 can only operate at full load for a limited time. In an extreme case, the core module 130 may become overloaded, consuming current exceeding the combined output capacity of the power supply 110 and the backup battery unit 120. In this case, the computer system 100 of this embodiment will issue an immediate de-capacity operation request to the core module 130. For example, when the power supply 110 fails to supply the DC current due to a malfunction, and the remaining capacity or output capability of the backup battery unit 120 is insufficient to independently meet the needs of the core module 130, the core module 130 will also be required to de-capacity immediately.

[0042] In this embodiment, the core module 130 is designed with a mechanism for monitoring the backup battery unit 120. The core module 130 and the backup battery unit 120 can be connected via a bus. When the battery discharge current #IB output by the backup battery unit 120 is lower than a certain charge threshold, the backup battery unit 120 can send a charge notification #L to the core module 130. The core module 130 can then determine that the backup battery unit 120 is about to reach its discharge limit. This method allows the core module 130 to monitor the remaining charge of the backup battery unit 120 to decide when to reduce the operating load.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a further flowchart of step 500 in an embodiment of this application. When either the power supply 110 or the backup battery unit 120 fails to supply power normally, the computer system 100 of this application also supports normal operating mode switching. In step 501, the output status of the power supply 110 and the battery level are determined. The prerequisite for the power supply 110 to have a normal output status is that it can stably receive AC current #AC and output DC current #DC. If the AC current is disconnected or the power supply 110 fails, the power supply 110 will not be able to output normally.

[0044] In step 503, if it is determined that the power supply 110 can output normally, then step 505 is executed, using the power supply 110 to supply power to the core module 130. In other words, when the power supply 110 detects that the DC current #DC is not higher than the current threshold, it means that the core module 130 is not operating at full load. If the remaining power of the backup battery unit 120 is less than the power threshold at this time, the power supply 110 still has the capacity to charge the backup battery unit 120. For example, in step 505, it can be simultaneously determined whether the power level of the backup battery unit 120 is lower than a charging threshold. The charging threshold can be 80% of the maximum power level. If the power level of the backup battery unit 120 is lower than the charging threshold, then the power supply 110 further provides the excess current within its capacity, such as the battery charging current #IC, to charge the backup battery unit 120. The backup battery unit 120 can switch to charging mode and receive a shunt of the DC current #DC output by the power supply 110, i.e., the battery charging current #IC, for charging.

[0045] In step 507, if it is determined that the power supply 110 has a problem, such as a power outage or malfunction, but the backup battery unit 120 still has sufficient charge, then step 509 is executed, and the backup battery unit 120 switches to discharge mode to supply power to the core module 130 alone. At this time, the power supply 110 cannot supply the DC current #DC, and the core module 130 can also determine whether to reduce the operating load based on the remaining charge of the backup battery unit 120. For example, since the battery discharge current #IB output by the backup battery unit 120 at this time may not be sufficient for the core module 130 to operate fully, the backup battery unit 120 can notify the core module 130 via the bus to prepare to reduce the operating load. In this case, this embodiment can set a low charge threshold for the backup battery unit 120. When the discharge current drops below the low charge threshold, the backup battery unit 120 sends a charge notification #L to the core module 130, allowing the core module 130 to determine whether to reduce the load. In another scenario, if the output current of the backup battery unit 120 is greater than or equal to the maximum load requirement of the core module 130, and entering the discharge mode is sufficient to handle all the required load current of the core module 130 on its own, then the core module 130 does not need to reduce its load operation.

[0046] In a further scenario, if neither step 503 nor step 507 satisfies the conditions, it indicates that the AC power supply has been cut off and the backup battery unit 120 is about to run out. At this point, it is no longer possible to supply power to the core module 130, and step 511 must be executed to notify the computer system 100 to prepare to enter a shutdown or hibernation state to minimize data loss caused by the power outage.

[0047] Figure 6This is a flowchart 600 of the battery module remaining power monitoring process according to an embodiment of this application. In step 601, monitoring of the remaining power in the backup battery unit 120 begins. The monitoring mechanism can be implemented in... Figure 2 In the microcontroller 240, or in the battery management system 212. Figures 1 to 5 In this embodiment, the remaining power in the backup battery unit 120 can be continuously monitored. Depending on the remaining power level, the computer system 100 can provide different processing methods. In step 603, it is determined whether the remaining power in the backup battery unit 120 is less than a charging threshold. Generally, when the stored power in the backup battery unit 120 is close to saturation, the self-discharge effect increases, causing the charging efficiency to gradually decrease. In this embodiment, as long as the remaining power in the backup battery unit 120 is higher than a charging threshold, step 605 is executed, causing the backup battery unit 605 to enter a standby state, without needing to be constantly charged. For example, this charging threshold can be, but is not limited to, 95% of the maximum power. Conversely, if step 603 determines that the remaining power in the backup battery unit 120 is less than the charging threshold, then in step 607, it is determined whether the remaining power in the backup battery unit 120 is less than a low power threshold. The low power threshold is an indicator that the backup battery unit 120 is close to being depleted; the specific value can be, but is not limited to, 10% or 20% of the maximum power. In other words, the low battery threshold is lower than the aforementioned charging threshold.

[0048] If the remaining charge of the backup battery unit 120 is between the low charge threshold and the charging threshold, then step 609 is performed, whereby the computer system 100 controls the power supply 110 to charge the backup battery unit 120. In a further embodiment, even if the backup battery unit 120 meets the charging conditions in step 607, the load status of the computer system can be further considered to determine whether to execute step 609. Figures 3 to 5 Various scenarios have been listed in the embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0049] If the remaining power of the backup battery unit 120 is lower than the low power threshold, it indicates that the backup battery unit 120 is about to run out of power. In step 611, a power notification is sent to the core module 130. This situation typically indicates that the core module 130 has limited time left to maintain high-load operation. The best course of action for the core module 130 is to begin preparing to reduce its operating load. Therefore, this embodiment can be... Figure 1 The backup battery unit 120 transmits a power notification #L to the core module 130, enabling the core module 130 to decide whether to immediately reduce the power consumption.

[0050] Although Figure 6The document describes first checking whether the remaining charge of the backup battery unit 120 is less than the charging threshold, and then checking whether the remaining charge of the backup battery unit 120 is less than the low voltage threshold. However, it is understood that the execution order of these steps is not limited to this embodiment. Steps 603 and 607 can be executed individually in the physical design. In addition, the various thresholds mentioned in the foregoing embodiments can be determined within a reasonable range through experimentation or experience. This embodiment does not limit their specific values. Although the operating modes of the power supply 110 and the backup battery unit 120 are mentioned as charging mode, discharging mode, standby mode, and hybrid power supply mode, other combinations may exist as needed in actual applications. Any embodiment combining the power supply 110 and the backup battery unit 120 with a lower output capability falls within the spirit of this invention.

[0051] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0052] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A computer system, characterized in that, Include: The core module is driven by direct current. A power supply unit, connected to the core module, is used to receive and convert AC current to supply DC current; A backup battery unit, connected to the core module and the power supply, determines its operating mode based on the status of the power supply, the core module, and the backup battery unit itself; and A bus connects the power supply and the backup battery unit to transmit commands. These commands are used to instruct the backup battery unit to charge, discharge, or go into standby mode. The backup battery unit uses the bus to simultaneously monitor the voltage drop of the nodes through which the DC current passes to control its discharge. When the power supply detects that the DC current is higher than a current threshold, the power supply outputs a constant DC current and instructs the backup battery unit to output a battery discharge current, so that the constant DC current and the battery discharge current jointly supply power to the core module. The backup battery unit controls the battery discharge current to ensure that the voltage of the DC current remains within a stable range.

2. The computer system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The upper limit of the output current of the power supply is less than the upper limit of the load current of the core module; and The combined output current of the power supply and the backup battery unit shall not be less than the load current limit of the core module.

3. The computer system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The backup battery unit is a non-rechargeable battery; and When the remaining power of the backup battery unit is less than the power threshold, the backup battery unit sends a low power notification to the core module, prompting the core module to remind the user to replace the battery.

4. The computer system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The backup battery unit is a rechargeable battery; The core module monitors the remaining power of the backup battery unit; and When the remaining power of the backup battery unit is less than the low power threshold, the backup battery unit sends a low power notification to the core module.

5. The computer system as described in claim 4, characterized in that: When the power supply detects that the DC current is not higher than the current threshold and the remaining power of the backup battery unit is less than the charging threshold, the backup battery unit receives a portion of the DC current output by the power supply to charge; wherein the charging threshold is greater than the low power threshold.

6. The computer system as described in claim 4, characterized in that: When the power supply detects that the DC current is not higher than the current threshold and the remaining power of the backup battery unit is greater than the charging threshold, the power supply supplies power to the core module, and the backup battery unit enters standby mode.

7. The computer system as described in claim 5, characterized in that: When the power supply is unable to supply the DC current, and the combined output current of the power supply and the backup battery unit is insufficient to meet the needs of the core module, the core module operates at reduced capacity.

8. A power supply method for a computer system, the computer system comprising a power supply unit, a backup battery unit, a core module, and a bus; the bus being connected between the power supply unit and the backup battery unit for transmitting instructions; the core module being connected to the power supply unit; the backup battery unit being connected to the core module and the power supply unit; characterized in that, Include: The power supply receives AC current and converts it into DC current to power the core module. The core module operates under the drive of the DC current; and When the power supply detects that the DC current is higher than the current threshold, the power supply outputs a constant DC current and notifies the backup battery unit to output a battery discharge current, so that the constant DC current and the battery discharge current jointly supply power to the core module. The instruction is used to notify the backup battery unit to charge, discharge, or standby. The backup battery unit uses the bus to simultaneously monitor the voltage drop of the node through which the DC current passes in order to control the discharge of the backup battery unit. The backup battery unit controls the battery discharge current to ensure that the voltage of the DC current remains within a stable range.

9. The power supply method as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The upper limit of the output current of the power supply is less than the upper limit of the load current of the core module; and The combined output current of the power supply and the backup battery unit shall not be less than the load current limit of the core module.

10. The power supply method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The backup battery unit is a non-rechargeable battery, and the power supply method further includes: when the remaining power of the backup battery unit is less than the power threshold, the backup battery unit sends a low power notification to the core module, so that the core module prompts the user to replace the battery.

11. The power supply method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The backup battery unit is a rechargeable battery, and the power supply method further includes: The core module monitors the remaining power of the backup battery unit; When the remaining power of the backup battery unit is less than the low power threshold, the backup battery unit sends a low power notification to the core module.

12. The power supply method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: When the power supply detects that the DC current is not higher than the current threshold and the remaining power of the backup battery unit is less than the charging threshold, the backup battery unit receives a portion of the DC current output by the power supply to charge; wherein the charging threshold is greater than the low power threshold.

13. The power supply method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, Also includes: When the power supply detects that the DC current is not higher than the current threshold and the remaining power of the backup battery unit is greater than the charging threshold, the power supply supplies power to the core module and the backup battery unit enters standby mode.

14. The power supply method as described in claim 13, characterized in that, Also includes: When the power supply is unable to supply the DC current, and the combined output current of the power supply and the backup battery unit is insufficient to meet the needs of the core module, the core module operates at reduced capacity.

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