Intelligent power equipment coupler

Abstract

The invention relates to an intelligent power equipment coupler. A system including a power equipment coupler and a rack power distribution unit (rPDU) is provided. The power device coupler includes: a plug connector configured to be connected to a power outlet of the rPDU; a power outlet port; a microprocessor and a memory; an infrared (IR) receiver port configured to receive data via an IR signal and to transmit the received data to the microprocessor; an IR transmitter port configured to transmit the output data from the microprocessor as an IR signal; a voltage sensor operably coupled to the microprocessor; and a current sensor operably coupled to the microprocessor. The rPDU includes an input power line, an interchangeable monitoring device (IMD), a non-volatile memory, and a plurality of power outlets, and is operably coupled to a power equipment coupler via a wired connector.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 526,583, filed on July 13, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Apparatus and methods consistent with example embodiments relate to power coupler devices, and more particularly to intelligent power device couplers that interface with non-intelligent basic rack power distribution units (rPDUs). Background Art

[0004] In modern data centers, there are often dozens, hundreds or even thousands of electric devices being operated at a given time. Such devices can be servers, network switches, routers, and various other data center components. Typically, two or more such devices are coupled to a rack power distribution unit (rPDU), which is sometimes referred to as a "smart power board". A modern rPDU is a rack that can be installed in a standard equipment rack and typically includes multiple AC power sockets. The rPDU distributes the alternating current (AC) power received from the AC power supply in the data center to one or more data center devices, which couple their AC power lines to the AC power sockets of the PDU, and the data center devices are typically also installed in the same equipment rack as the rPDU. The rPDU may include its own electronic controller that can communicate with other upstream devices. The rPDU may also include an independently controllable power switch that can be controlled by its associated controller, which enables each socket of the rPDU to be independently turned on and off. This capability enables the rPDU to be commanded by an upstream device or application to selectively turn on and off AC power to the rPDU's associated AC outlet, thereby controlling the power applied to a specific data center device powered from that specific AC power outlet of the rPDU. This controller-commanded on / off switching capability enables various data center devices powered from a given rPDU to be power cycled on and off remotely by data center personnel through a suitable control application. Summary of the invention

[0005] Example embodiments may address at least the above problems and / or disadvantages and other disadvantages not described above. Also, example embodiments are not required to overcome the disadvantages described above, and may not overcome any of the problems described above.

[0006] One aspect of the disclosed embodiment includes an electrical device coupler comprising: a plug connector configured to connect to an electrical outlet; a electrical outlet port; a microprocessor; an infrared (IR) receiver port configured to receive data via an IR signal and transmit the received data to the microprocessor; an IR transmitter port configured to transmit output data from the microprocessor as an IR signal; a voltage sensor operably coupled to the microprocessor; and a current sensor operably coupled to the microprocessor.

[0007] Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment includes a power equipment coupler system, comprising: a rack power distribution unit (rPDU), comprising: an input power cord, an interchangeable monitoring device (IMD) and a plurality of power sockets; and a coupler communicatively coupled to the rPDU; wherein the coupler comprises: a plug connector configured to connect to one of the plurality of power sockets of the rPDU; a power socket port; a microprocessor; an infrared (IR) receiver port configured to receive data via an IR signal and transmit the received data to the microprocessor; an IR transmitter port configured to transmit output data from the microprocessor as an IR signal; a voltage sensor operably coupled to the microprocessor; and a current sensor operably coupled to the microprocessor.

[0008] Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment includes a computer-readable non-volatile memory having a program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, causes an electrical equipment coupler to perform the following operations: establish communication with a host of a rack power distribution unit (rPDU); receive an assigned index and configuration information from the host; establish communication with a downstream coupler; assign a next index to the downstream coupler; send configuration information to the downstream coupler; receive data and status information from the downstream coupler; determine a phase relationship and a circuit relationship with the downstream coupler; and send phase relationship and circuit relationship information to the host. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] These and / or other aspects will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of example embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rack power distribution unit (rPDU) and attached coupler according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of an rPDU and an attached coupler;

[0012] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the front of an rPDU according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 4 According to the principles of the present disclosure Figure 3 A perspective view of the rear of the rPDU and the attached coupler;

[0014] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a coupler including a non-detachable power cord according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a coupler including an integral plug connector receptacle in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a coupler according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of socket power wiring according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figures 9 to 11 are examples of logic applied to a four-socket gap rule, a three-socket gap rule, and a two-socket gap rule, respectively, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; and

[0019] Fig.12 and Fig.13 is a flow diagram representing a discovery operation of one or more couplers according to an example implementation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to example embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, example embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein.

[0021] It should be understood that when used in this specification, the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and / or “comprising” specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0022] It should also be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts may not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part.

[0023] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as "at least one of..." when following a list of elements modify the entire list of elements without modifying the individual elements of the list. In addition, terms such as "unit", "device (part)" and "module" described in the specification refer to elements for performing at least one function or operation, and can be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0024] Various terms are used to refer to specific system components. Different companies may refer to a component by different names - this document is not intended to distinguish between components that differ in name but have the same function.

[0025] Matters of these exemplary embodiments that are obvious to one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which these exemplary embodiments belong may not be described in detail herein.

[0026] In modern data centers, there are often dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of electrically powered devices being operated at a given time. Such devices may be servers, network switches, routers, and various other data center components.

[0027] A rack power distribution unit (rPDU) can be used to hold racks of electronic equipment such as servers. Sometimes referred to as power strips, rPDUs are commonly used in data center environments where one or more units are installed in racks arranged in rows to provide power to Internet technology equipment (ITE). A single rPDU can provide power to dozens of devices per rack via outlet receptacles, and intelligent rack PDUs employed in data centers can measure and control loads.

[0028] A smart power device coupler that interfaces with an rPDU can provide a flexible, self-organizing integration of customized outlet metering and switching capabilities based on the needs of the end user. In this way, electronic devices that may have been included in a smart rPDU can be incorporated into the coupler, enabling the coupler to control the product and provide metering and other features that may have been provided by the smart rPDU. Such a coupler can be used with a basic rPDU, enabling the rPDU to have a simpler design and redistribute intelligence to the coupler, or the coupler can be used with a slightly less intelligent rPDU that may have some basic metering and control capabilities. The features provided by the coupler may include, for example, metering and / or wireless communication.

[0029] A coupler according to one or more example embodiments interfaces with a non-intelligent basic rPDU to provide flexible, self-organizing integration of customized outlet metering and switching capabilities as needed.

[0030] Figure 1 and FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C1 is a diagram of an rPDU 100 and a plurality of couplers attached thereto according to an example embodiment. The rPDU 100 is a basic vertical rPDU, but this is merely an example. A horizontal rPDU may be used, for example, see below with respect to Figure 3 and Figure 4 discussed. Figure 1 and FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C The rPDU 100 includes a base 50, a three-phase input power cord (not shown) connected at the end of the base 50 of the rPDU 100, an internal terminal block (internal and not shown) for terminating four current-carrying power conductors (internal and not shown) and splitting them into twelve branch circuits (internal and now shown), an internal power supply (internal and not shown) for an interchangeable monitoring device (IMD) 72, a non-volatile memory (NVM) module (internal and not shown), a plurality of circuit breakers 60, an IMD mounting compartment 70, and a plurality of consecutive outlet groups 80. A serial to infrared (IR) adapter cable 73 is connected between a universal serial bus (USB) type A port 71 of the IMD 72 and a master coupler 91 of the plurality of couplers 90. Alternatively, the IMD 72 and the master coupler 91 may be wirelessly connected via radio frequency wireless communication and / or Bluetooth wireless communication.

[0031] The three-phase input power lines enter the rPDU 100 at the strain relief 40. Any of a variety of wiring and sizes thereof are compatible with the rPDU 100. An internal terminal block can be mounted on an internal printed circuit board (PCB) near the strain relief 40 to ground the power line wiring. From there, branch circuit wiring can propagate within the rPDU base 50 and connect to the circuit breaker 60, and then to the outlet 80. According to example aspects, the branch circuit can include or consist of wiring between the outlet 80 (e.g., the line side of the circuit breaker 60) and the terminal block. An internal power supply can be mounted on the internal PCB to provide power to the IMD.

[0032] The four current-carrying power conductors can be split into twelve branch circuits. However, these numbers are merely examples, and as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there may be more or fewer power conductors and / or branch circuits. Likewise, six circuit breakers are shown, but this is an example, and there may be more or fewer circuit breakers. The circuit breakers may, for example, be single-pole hydraulic magnetic circuit breakers. Alternatively, the circuit breakers may be another type of single-pole circuit breaker, a three-pole circuit breaker, a thermal circuit breaker, or any of a variety of other types. Additionally, the rPDU 100 shown is of a vertical type and includes 36 outlets, but these are examples. The rPDU may be of a horizontal type, and there may be more or fewer outlets.

[0033] Respectively, Figure 3is a perspective view of the front of a horizontal basic rPDU 200, and Figure 4 2 is a perspective view of the rear of a horizontal base rPDU 200 and an attached coupler. Elements of the horizontal rPDU 200 that are identical to those of the rPDU 100 but are organized and positioned differently are labeled with the same reference numerals. The rPDU 200 may include a base 50, a three-phase input power cord connected to a strain relief 40 at the rear of the base 50, an internal terminal block for terminating four current-carrying power conductors and splitting them into three branch circuits, an internal power supply for an IMD 72, an NVM module (not shown), three circuit breakers 60, an IMD mounting compartment 70, and two consecutive groups of six outlets 80 organized into a single layer or two outlet groups. A first USB plug / socket connector 73a may be mounted to the front side of the base 50, proximate the IMD compartment 70, and may be coupled to the IMD 72 at its USB Type A connector 71a. A second USB plug / socket bulkhead connector 71b may be mounted on the rear of the base 50. The serial-to-IR adapter cable 73 b may be connected between the second USB connector 71 b and a main coupler 91 of the plurality of couplers 90 .

[0034] As mentioned above Figure 1 As discussed in Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The numbers of power conductors, branch circuits, circuit breakers, and receptacles shown in are examples only, and as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there may be more or fewer.

[0035] An rPDU including multiple layers of outlets may also include an IR light pipe extender flange (not shown), wherein the extender flange also includes an embedded light pipe coupling two ports of the extender flange. The flange may be mounted at the end of the base 50 of the rPDU bridging adjacent outlet layers. The flange may be mounted in a position that aligns it with the IR port of the coupler 90 so that multiple layers of couplers 90 can be connected to each other in a serpentine manner.

[0036] The NVM module of the rPDU can communicate with the IMD to save and read the nameplate information, power configuration information and / or power mapping of the rPDU. Such power mapping may include, but is not limited to, input voltage and current ratings, circuit current ratings, number of circuits, type of circuit breakers, number of sockets, type of sockets, and / or any of various other features that will be understood by those skilled in the art. The NVM can be a separate module or can be part of the network card / IMD. The NVM module can be factory configured.

[0037] Non-IMD hosts can interoperate with couplers in a similar manner to IMDs. Non-IMD hosts can provide unique data presentation and support application programming interfaces (APIs) to allow manual or custom configuration of rPDU power mapping and similarly communicate this information to a master coupler among multiple couplers.

[0038] In addition to the IMD / network card, switch mode power supply (SMPS) and NVM, the metering and control electronics can be all external to the rPDU chassis and included within each coupler to allow, for example, less complex and faster assembly of a basic rPDU chassis. This can provide better quality and design for manufacturability to obtain higher first-time pass yields, reduced test time and better thermal performance. Alternatively, some metering and control electronics can be embedded in the rPDU.

[0039] In a coupler according to one or more example embodiments, the components may be enclosed in an opaque or transparent, colored or colorless plastic base. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this may be any plastic that meets the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) 94 flammability rating or other flammability rating. The coupler base or body may be hermetically sealed to prevent moisture and / or fluid ingress.

[0040] A smart coupler according to one or more example embodiments may include an integral plug connector receptacle for coupling to a detachable cord, or may include a non-detachable cord.The coupler may include a standard parameter (p) locking retention system.

[0041] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a coupler including a non-detachable power cord according to an example embodiment, and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a coupler including an integral plug connector receptacle according to an example embodiment. Figure 5 The coupler 90a and Figure 6 Each of the couplers 90b can be used as a primary coupler or a secondary coupler, as discussed in further detail below.

[0042] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a coupler according to one or more example embodiments.

[0043] Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7The coupler 90 (90a / 90b) may include an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60320-1 compatible plug connector 210 and a fixed power cord 222 or an equipment outlet 221 including two current carrying conductors 271 and a protective earthing (PE) 272 connected between the current carrying conductors, wherein one of the current carrying conductors 271 is operably coupled to a power relay 270. A microcontroller unit (MCU) 230 manages communications, data acquisition, measurement, power control, and touch and visual interfaces. The MCU 230 may include a static random access memory (SRAM) and a non-volatile read-only memory or a non-volatile random access memory, or communicate with a static random access memory (SRAM) and a non-volatile read-only memory or a non-volatile random access memory. It should be understood that the MCU 230 may include any suitable type or amount of memory or communicate with any suitable type or amount of memory. MCU 230 may include a mapping application (not shown) stored on a memory (e.g., a non-volatile memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, etc.) that communicates with the MCU or is itself incorporated into the MCU). Sensors 240 may be included to measure voltage and current. Voltage sensor 240a may detect the relay contact device status output and whether the load is connected to coupler 90. Current sensor 240b may be, for example, a toroidal current transformer or a proximity current sensor type. Current sensor 240b may also be a double toroidal current transformer for load and residual type A. Voltage sensor 240a and current sensor 240b may perform real-time root mean square (RMS) voltage measurement and RMS current measurement, respectively. Alternatively, the sensor may perform any of many other possible voltage and current measurements associated with energy metering and power quality analysis.

[0044] According to an example aspect, the dual IR transceiver ports 250 a , 250 b are arranged in a repeater topology with one or more internal light pipe segments to direct IR light into the IR transceiver 250 .

[0045] Coupler 90 may additionally include one or more indicators 260. Indicator 260 may be an audible indicator or a visual indicator such as a light emitting diode (LED), which may be an RGB LED. Indicator 260 may be operably connected to controller 230 to output a signal indicating a comprehensive state or operating condition of coupler 90 via one or more of a color and a flashing pattern. For example, indicator 260 may indicate a phase relationship, a switching state, relay contact health, overcurrent and / or undercurrent draw, an open circuit breaker condition, an identification of load balancing, whether the communication is outside the operable range (e.g., whether a socket clearance rule is violated), whether the IR transceiver is outside the operable range, and / or any of a variety of other indications as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Because each coupler is connected to the rPDU via a socket, the visual indicators may be naturally aligned along the same axis for intuitive association and interpretation of group status.

[0046] A bistable A-type single pole single throw (SPST) power relay 270 connects or disconnects a single conductor. Alternatively, a C-type single pole double throw (SPDT) power relay 270 switches alternating phases of a single current carrying conductor between a plug connector and an equipment receptacle or fixed cordset. The relay 270 can switch either pole exclusively.

[0047] The coupler may also include a touch sensitive area (not shown) to allow local changes in a single socket action or behavior. For example, touch may control the switching state of a socket during an unloaded condition, for example, for faster setup and commissioning.

[0048] An off-line switched mode power supply (SMPS) 290 may provide low voltage power.

[0049] An internal rechargeable battery (not shown) such as a lithium battery can provide backup power for electronics in the event of a loss of outlet power (e.g., during an open circuit breaker condition internal to the rPDU) to deliver a low power or reduced or limited operating mode state.

[0050] According to one or more example embodiments, the system may include a single primary coupler and at least one secondary coupler operably coupled to the primary coupler via wireless communication such as IR, which is supported internally via a flexible light pipe system or externally through air via IR transmission between and within the couplers. Alternatively, the wireless communication between / among the couplers of the system may be via radio frequency wireless communication and / or Bluetooth wireless communication and / or another form of wireless communication.

[0051] In some embodiments, a primary coupler can provide a serial to IR connection between an IMD or non-IMD host of an rPDU and one or more secondary couplers. For example, a primary coupler can be operably coupled to a serial cable, such as via a snap fit, that is connected to a USB Type A port or USB bulkhead connector of an IMD of the rPDU. One or more secondary couplers can also include the mating feature to enable any of the secondary couplers to alternately serve as a primary coupler.

[0052] Alternatively, the master coupler may support one or more other serial or RF wireless interfaces to enable communications with an IMD or non-IMD host of the rPDU.

[0053] Each of the primary and secondary couplers may include an IR Data Association (IrDA) transceiver supporting data rates in the range of approximately 2.4k to 115.2k baud. Alternatively, each of the couplers may include another type of IR transceiver, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0054] Thus, each of the couplers is configured to function as a repeater, with an IR port disposed at each of the opposite sides, which may be, for example, the shortest dimension of the coupler. A well-designed light pipe may couple approximately 80% to 90% of the optical power. In this manner, the primary and secondary couplers may exchange information via an IR link over a gap, which may have a maximum of approximately 0.5 to 1 meter.

[0055] A single master coupler can communicate with the IMD 72 of the rPDU 100 to receive power therefrom and mapping information extracted from the NVM and exchange a variable payload that includes system control information and N outlet operating states (where N is one or more outlets), energy metering parameters, and / or a collection of higher-level, hierarchical aggregate energy metering types such as circuit, input, phase, and / or total energy.

[0056] According to one or more example embodiments, each of the one or more secondary couplers communicates with its nearest upstream coupler and downstream coupler to receive and transmit a variable payload including operating conditions and energy metering parameters of itself and the downstream coupler, and partially aggregated current time series data between the on state of the downstream coupler and the N-phase x M circuit set having the same phase and circuit relationship.

[0057] It may be desirable to attach the primary coupler to a designated outlet (e.g., the first outlet) of an rPDU powered by the first circuit of the first phase, a outlet specifically designated for this purpose, in order to establish fixed directionality and absolute phase and circuit origin for the secondary coupler discovery order.

[0058] Figure 8 FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of socket power wiring according to an example embodiment. Figure 8 As shown, the continuous sockets 801 to 80 n Powering with alternating phases and alternating circuits in an interleaved manner promotes inherent three-phase load balancing and an even splitting of the current consumption of the circuits of the same phase, provided that a compact stacking arrangement of the coupler connections is implemented.

[0059] As shown, the schematic diagram of the rPDU can include six circuit breakers CB1 to CB6 and two socket groups. There are three phases, X, Y and Z, each with two corresponding circuit breakers. A pattern is used in which, for each group, the X-phase circuit CB1 is connected to the first socket 801, the Y-phase circuit CB3 is connected to the second socket 802, the Z-phase circuit CB5 is connected to the third socket, the X-phase circuit CB2 is connected to the fourth socket, the Y-phase circuit CB4 is connected to the fifth socket, and the Z-phase CB6 is connected to the sixth socket. If the pattern is violated, it means that one or more of the sockets may have been skipped. Therefore, it can be determined that at least one of the secondary couplers can be installed with no more than the two to four socket gap "rule" between it and the primary coupler in order to ensure reliable IR communication, making it less likely that line of sight obstructions will block or the coupler spacing will exceed the limits of IR transmission power.

[0060] The two to four socket gap rule also allows reliable determination of secondary coupler circuit phase relationships, such as for consecutive couplers with the same phase, an AC circuit in a Triple-N sequence holds true. Figures 9 to 11 Examples of logic applied to the four-socket gap rule, the three-socket gap rule, and the two-socket gap rule are shown. As can be seen from the figure, the restriction of not greater than the two-socket gap rule provides the simplest logic for inferring the circuit phase relationship and does not require measuring the IR optical power to distinguish the hop distance.

[0061] about Fig. 9 , where P is the phase; a jump greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 2 is short, and a gap greater than or equal to 3 and less than or equal to 4 is long; and C i is the circuit index, where 1≤i≤number of sockets / 3; then the circuit phase relationship and jump distance can be determined using the following: if (jump == length) && ((P X →P Y )||(PY →P Z )||(P Z →P X )), then i+=l; and if (jump == long) && ((P Z →P X )||(P Z →P Y )||(P Y →P X )), then i+=2; and if (jump == short)&&! ((P X →P Y )||(P Y →P Z )||(P X →P Z )), then i+=l.

[0062] about Fig.10 , where P is the phase; a jump greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 2 is short, and a gap of 3 is long; and C i is the circuit index, where 1≤i≤number of sockets / 3; then the circuit phase relationship and jump distance can be determined using the following: if (jump == length) && ((P X →P Y )||(P Y →P Z )||(P Z →P X )), then i+=1; and if (jump == short)&&! ((P X →P Y )||(P Y →P Z )||(P X →P Z )), then i+=l.

[0063] about Fig.11 , where P is the phase; 9; and C i is the circuit index, where 1≤i≤number of sockets / 3; then the circuit phase relationship and jump distance can be determined using the following: if! ((P X →P Y )||(P Y →P Z )||(P X →P Z )), then i+=l.

[0064] Alternatively, instead of the hop length determination described above, ranging may be performed. For example, ranging that can resolve a single socket gap over the entire length of the rPDU may not require a gap limit.

[0065] Alternatively, according to one or more example embodiments, circuit phase configuration may be established using a manual interactive process in which a user confirms or assigns a power map via an application programming interface (API).

[0066] For models with outlets configured with line voltage only, the outlet polarity can be reversed for AC circuits to enhance the circuit classification algorithm so that IR optical power does not need to be measured for three outlet gap distances and four outlet gap distances. Outlets configured with phase voltage cannot have their polarity reversed because UL-62368-1 safety agency Annex G.4.2 complies with the IEC60320-1 series of standards that clearly define which poles must be designated as line and neutral.

[0067] The coupler voltage time series data can be synchronized with its line frequency so that the zeroth phase corresponds to the approximate voltage waveform zero crossing at the transition of the sine from the fourth quadrant to the first quadrant. Its zeroth phase current time series data is also synchronized with the zeroth phase voltage time series data.

[0068] The master coupler can coordinate the runtime self-discovery process of the relative phase and circuit relationships of all secondary couplers (i.e., power mapping relative to their phases and circuits) to eliminate the need to pre-configure electronics at manufacturing time and allow for flexible self-organization of couplers incorporated through use as needed. The NVM information helps establish the power mapping that can vary between rPDU chassis models. The self-discovery process and mapping can be performed by a mapping application running on the master coupler's MCU.

[0069] Thus, a coupler can determine their relative phase and circuit by associating its voltage time series data with downstream couplers using a synchronization command to find out the relative phase difference between the zeroth phase of their corresponding voltage time series data. The relative voltage phase difference of three-phase power service is 120° for similarly phased outlets, or 30° for line-neutral and line-line phasing for outlets with the same first pole.

[0070] The secondary coupler may partially aggregate the current time series data of the downstream coupler for matching phase and matching circuits to reduce the data traffic between the couplers.

[0071] Coupler-to-receptacle enumeration can be inferred through the overall phase and circuit logic relationships established during the discovery process.

[0072] The coupler voltage time series data is synchronized with its line frequency, so the zeroth phase corresponds to the approximate voltage waveform zero crossing at the transition of the sine from the fourth quadrant to the first quadrant. Its zeroth phase current time series data is also synchronized with the zeroth phase voltage time series data.

[0073] In some embodiments, the master coupler coordinates a runtime self-discovery process of the relative phase and circuit relationships of all secondary couplers (i.e., power mapping relative to the master coupler's own phase and circuitry) to eliminate the need to pre-configure electronics at manufacturing time. The NVM information helps establish power mappings that can vary between rPDU chassis models.

[0074] The couplers can each determine their relative phase and circuit by associating their voltage time series data with the downstream coupler using a synchronization command to find the relative phase difference between the zeroth phase of their respective voltage time series data. The relative voltage phase difference of three-phase power service is 120° for similarly phased outlets, or 30° between line-neutral and line-line phasing for outlets with the same first pole.

[0075] The secondary coupler may partially aggregate the current time series data of the downstream coupler for matching phase and matching circuits to reduce the data traffic between the couplers.

[0076] In some embodiments, coupler-to-receptacle enumeration can be inferred through the overall phase and circuit logic relationships established during the discovery process. Thus, explicit knowledge of the coupler-to-receptacle mapping is not required, as this information is not necessary for intuitive user operation and interaction.

[0077] Fig.12 and Fig.13 is a flow chart showing a discovery operation of one or more couplers according to an example embodiment. Fig.12 , the host of the rPDU (e.g., an IMD as described above) communicates with the NVM module of the rPDU (1010) and reads the configuration information stored in the NVM module (1020). When a coupler (hereinafter, referred to as a master coupler) is installed in a first socket or a designated socket of the rPDU (1030), the host is able to establish communication with the master coupler via, for example, the adapter cable 73 (1040). The host then assigns a first logical address N=0 to the master coupler (1050), where N is used as an index of the coupler. The configuration information stored in the NVM is then sent from the host to the master coupler (1060).

[0078] Reference Fig.13, when one or more new couplers (hereinafter referred to as secondary couplers) are installed into an unused socket of the rPDU (1110), if one of the new secondary couplers is within the IR communication range of the last indexed coupler N (1120, yes), coupler N establishes communication with the nearest new secondary coupler (1130). In the case where only a master coupler is attached to the rPDU, master coupler N=0 is used as the last indexed coupler. The last indexed coupler N assigns the next logical address N+1 to the nearest secondary coupler (1140) and sends control and configuration information to the new secondary coupler N+1 (1150). If there are any additional secondary couplers, coupler N=N+1 uses the control and configuration information provided by coupler N and calculates data and status information for downstream couplers N+1 to M, where M is the maximum index of downstream couplers known to coupler N (1160). Then, coupler N=N+1 sends the data and status information of couplers N=N+1...M to coupler N (1170).

[0079] When a new secondary coupler is installed and is out of range of the last indexed coupler (1120, No), the last indexed coupler indicates the presence of the out-of-range coupler (1180) and sends data and status information to the master coupler N=0 (1220). In the case where the master coupler is the last indexed coupler, this operation is omitted. Alternatively, in the case where the last indexed coupler is N=1, the last indexed coupler N=1 sends data and status information to the master coupler N=0 (1220).

[0080] from Fig.13 Starting from ② in the figure, when coupler N receives information from couplers N=N+1...M, it processes the data and status information (1210) and sends it to the master coupler N=0 (1220). After receiving the data and status information, the master coupler N=0 determines the phase relationship with respect to the downstream coupler N (1230) and determines the circuit relationship with respect to the downstream coupler N (1240). Then, the master coupler calculates the data and status information of couplers N=0...N (1250) and sends the information to the host (1260). Finally, the host presents the data and status information (1270).

[0081] The methods and operations described above with respect to the primary and secondary couplers may be implemented, for example, within the MCU 230 of each of the respective primary and secondary couplers. The MCU may be implemented at least in part in digital electronic circuitry, analog electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, these components may be implemented as a computer program product, such as a computer program, program code, or computer instructions tangibly embodied in an information carrier or machine-readable storage device, to be executed by a data processing device, such as a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers, or to control the operation of the data processing device.

[0082] The computer program can be written in any form of programming language including compiled or parsed language, and can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. The computer program can be deployed to execute on a computer or other device or execute on multiple devices, which are distributed at a site or across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network. In addition, programmers in the art can easily develop functional programs, codes and code segments for completing the features described herein. The method steps associated with the example implementation can be executed by one or more programmable processors to execute computer programs, codes or instructions to perform functions (for example, by operating on input data and / or generating output). For example, the method steps can also be performed by a dedicated logic circuit system and the device described herein can be implemented as a dedicated logic circuit system, which is, for example, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0083] The MCU may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the MCU may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller or state machine. Alternatively, the MCU may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0084] By way of example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include both general-purpose microprocessors and special-purpose microprocessors and any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include or be operably coupled to one or more large-capacity storage devices such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks for storing data to receive data from or transmit data to or both. Information carriers suitable for implementing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including semiconductor storage devices by way of example, such as electrically programmable read-only memory (ROM) (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory devices, and data storage disks. The processor and memory can be supplemented by or incorporated into a dedicated logic circuit system.

[0085] Computer-readable non-transitory media include all types of computer-readable media including magnetic storage media, optical storage media, flash memory media, and solid-state storage media.

[0086] It is to be understood that the example embodiments described herein may be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects in each example embodiment may be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other example embodiments.

[0087] Although example implementations have been described with reference to the drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A power equipment coupler, comprising: a plug connector configured to connect to an electrical power outlet; Power socket port; microprocessor; an infrared (IR) receiver port configured to receive data via an IR signal and transmit the received data to the microprocessor; an IR transmitter port configured to transmit output data from the microprocessor as an IR signal; a voltage sensor operably coupled to the microprocessor, and A current sensor is operably coupled to the microprocessor.

2. The power device coupler according to claim 1, further comprising: An offline switched mode power supply is operably coupled to the microprocessor.

3. The power device coupler of claim 1, further comprising a visual indicator operably coupled to the microprocessor.

4. The power device coupler of claim 1, further comprising a power cord secured to the power outlet port.

5. The power device coupler according to claim 1, wherein: The power outlet port includes an equipment outlet.

6. A power equipment coupler system, comprising: A rack power distribution unit rPDU, comprising a plurality of power sockets: and a coupler communicatively coupled to the rPDU; Wherein, the coupler comprises: a plug connector configured to connect to one of the plurality of power outlets of the rPDU, microprocessor, an infrared (IR) receiver port configured to receive data via an IR signal and transmit the received data to the microprocessor, an IR transmitter port configured to transmit output data from the microprocessor as an IR signal, a voltage sensor operably coupled to the microprocessor, and A current sensor is operably coupled to the microprocessor.

7. The power device coupler system of claim 6, further comprising: A wired connector is capable of operatively connecting the rPDU and the coupler.

8. The power device coupler system according to claim 6, wherein: The coupler is wirelessly communicatively coupled to the rPDU.

9. The power device coupler system according to claim 6, wherein: The rPDU also includes an input power cord.

10. The power device coupler system of claim 6, wherein: The rPDU further comprises an interchangeable monitoring device IMD.

11. The power device coupler system of claim 6, wherein: The coupler also includes an offline switched mode power supply operably coupled to the microprocessor.

12. The power device coupler system of claim 6, wherein: The coupler also includes a visual indicator operably coupled to the microprocessor.

13. The power device coupler system of claim 6, wherein: The coupler also includes a power receptacle port.

14. The power device coupler system of claim 13, wherein: The coupler also includes a power cord secured to the power receptacle port.

15. The power device coupler system of claim 14, wherein: The power outlet port includes an equipment outlet.

16. A computer-readable non-volatile memory storing a program, the program, when executed by a processor, causing a power device coupler to: Establishing communication with the host of the rack power distribution unit rPDU; receiving the assigned index and configuration information from the host; establishing communications with a downstream coupler; assigning a next index to the downstream coupler; and The configuration information is sent to the downstream coupler.

17. The computer-readable non-volatile memory according to claim 16, wherein: The program also causes the power device coupler to receive data and status information from the downstream coupler.

18. The computer-readable non-volatile memory according to claim 17, wherein: The program also causes the power device coupler to determine a phase relationship and a circuit relationship with the downstream coupler.

19. The computer-readable non-volatile memory according to claim 18, wherein: The program also causes the power device coupler to send phase relationship and circuit relationship information to the host.

20. The computer-readable non-volatile memory according to claim 16, wherein: The program also causes the power device coupler to communicate with the downstream coupler using an infrared (IR) port.

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