Power supply device and power supply method

Abstract

The invention relates to a power supply device and a power supply method. In one embodiment, an apparatus for supplying power comprises: a connection module comprising a plurality of input paths and a power output port, the plurality of input paths being coupleable to respective ones of a plurality of power sources, the connection module being arranged to selectively connect any one of the plurality of input paths to the power output port; and a controller in signal communication with the connection module, the controller being configured to control the connection module to connect a single input path of the plurality of input paths to the power supply output port based on at least one power supply current of the plurality of power supplies to provide a working power supply current.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to power supply, and more particularly, to a device for power supply and a power supply method. Background Art

[0002] Multiple power supplies for computing devices provide redundancy and robustness for computing operations. However, phase differences between different power supplies can interfere with operations and, in some cases, cause irreversible damage to the computing device. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to one aspect, the present application provides a device for power supply. The device for power supply includes: a connection module, the connection module includes multiple input paths and a power output port, the multiple input paths can be coupled to corresponding power supplies among multiple power supplies, the connection module is configured to selectively connect any one of the multiple input paths to the power output port; and a controller, the controller communicates with the connection module by signal, the controller is configured to control the connection module to connect a single input path among the multiple input paths to the power output port based on at least one power current of the multiple power supplies to provide a working power current.

[0004] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to disconnect the first of the plurality of power supplies from the power outlet and connect the second of the plurality of power supplies to the power outlet in response to detecting a change in the operating power supply voltage. Preferably, the change corresponds to a drop in the operating power supply voltage below a voltage threshold lower limit. Preferably, the change corresponds to a fluctuation in the operating power supply voltage outside a voltage threshold band. Preferably, the connection module comprises a plurality of relay modules, each of the plurality of relay modules being coupled between a corresponding input path of the plurality of input paths and the power outlet.

[0005] In some embodiments, each relay module of the plurality of relay modules comprises a relay, the relay being coupled to a switch and a positive temperature coefficient thermistor, the switch and the positive temperature coefficient thermistor being coupled between the relay and the power outlet in a parallel arrangement. Preferably, the controller is configured to disconnect a first relay and a first switch of a first relay module of the plurality of relay modules; and connect a second relay and a second switch of another relay module of the plurality of relay modules. Preferably, the controller is further configured to provide a transition pause between disconnecting the first relay and the first switch and connecting the second relay and the second switch. The controller may also connect the second switch after connecting the second relay.

[0006] In some embodiments, the device further comprises at least one security module coupled to the plurality of input paths. Preferably, the at least one security module comprises an X capacitor, a line fuse and a varistor coupled in series. Preferably, the computing device comprises the device of any one of claims 1 to 11.

[0007] According to another aspect, the present application provides a power supply method. The power supply method includes: based on at least one power supply current of multiple power supplies, controlling a connection module to connect a single input path of multiple input paths to a power supply output port to provide a working power supply current, wherein the connection module includes the multiple input paths and the power supply output port, each input path of the multiple input paths can be coupled to a corresponding power supply of the multiple power supplies, and the connection module is configured to selectively connect any one of the multiple input paths to the power supply output port.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to detecting a change in the working power supply voltage, disconnecting the first of the plurality of power supplies from the power supply outlet, and connecting the second of the plurality of power supplies to the power supply outlet. Preferably, the change corresponds to the working power supply voltage dropping below a voltage threshold lower limit. Preferably, the change corresponds to a fluctuation of the working power supply voltage outside a voltage threshold band.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method also includes: disconnecting a first relay and a first switch of a first relay module among a plurality of relay modules; and connecting a second relay and a second switch of a second relay module among the plurality of relay modules, each of the plurality of relay modules being coupled between a corresponding input path among the plurality of input paths and the power output port.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: providing a transition pause between disconnecting the first relay and the first switch and connecting the second relay and the second switch. Preferably, the transition pause is in the range of 12 milliseconds to 14 milliseconds. Preferably, the method further comprises: connecting the second switch after connecting the second relay. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The following describes various embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0012] Figure 1 The ideal source current is shown;

[0013] Figure 2 It shows that two source currents from different power supplies form a phase difference;

[0014] Figure 3Two source currents 180 degrees out of phase from different power supplies are shown;

[0015] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a computing device including a connecting module and a receiving module provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a computing device including a connection module and a power supply unit (PSU) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a computing device including a connection module having a plurality of relay modules according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a relay module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 8 A working logic diagram of a switching module according to an example is shown.

[0020] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a power supply method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig.10 A block diagram of a processing system for implementing an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following detailed description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show details and embodiments of the present disclosure for illustrative purposes. Features described in the context of an embodiment may be correspondingly applicable to the same or similar features in other embodiments, even if not explicitly described in these other embodiments. Additions and / or combinations and / or substitutions described for features in the context of an embodiment may be correspondingly applicable to the same or similar features in other embodiments.

[0023] In the context of various embodiments, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” used with respect to features or elements include reference to one or more features or elements.

[0024] In the context of various embodiments, the term "about" or "approximately" applied to a numerical value encompasses the exact value and a reasonable variance, such as within 10% of the specified value, as commonly understood in the relevant technical field.

[0025] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0026] As used herein, the terms "connect" or "make connection" may be used to refer to any one or more of the terms "electrically connect", "make electrical connection", "electrically connected", "electrically connected", "make electrical connection", etc., as can be understood from the context. The term "connect" or "make connection" may refer to allowing current to flow or pass between two components, such as from a first module A to a second module B. The term "connect" may also refer to the act of allowing current to intentionally transfer power or current between two components. The action of "connecting" or "making connection" may include closing a switch between a power source and a power receiving module, reducing the resistance of a connecting resistor between two electrical modules, providing a source current to a receiving module, providing substantially zero resistance between two power modules, etc.

[0027] The term "coupled" or "coupled" may generally refer to a connection or connection relationship, which includes a potential connection and / or an indirect connection relationship between two components. For example, the coupling between the first module A and the second module B may be a potential connection set between the module A and the module B for connecting and disconnecting the two modules A / B, such as a switch. In another example, the module A may be indirectly coupled to the module B by using an intermediate device between the two modules A / B to connect the module A to the module B.

[0028] For the sake of brevity, the device for powering may include, but is not limited to, various devices that can be connected to one or more power sources. As an example, the device may include a power supply unit, a submodule of a power supply unit, a detachable module for a power supply unit, an insert module for a power supply unit, an integrated controller module, a power connector, a module, a power management module, a power adapter, etc.

[0029] The computing device may include, but is not limited to, a computing unit, a controller unit, a motherboard, a server, a server node, a server cluster, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, and other computing devices.

[0030] The receiving module may include but is not limited to various modules for receiving power supply current / voltage, such as a calculation module, a power supply module, a submodule of a power supply unit, a power regulation module, a submodule of a power supply module, etc. Controller, etc.

[0031] As used herein, the term "source current" may be used to refer to any one or more of the terms "source power", "source voltage", "supply current", "supply voltage", etc., as can be understood from the context.

[0032] The motivation for providing multiple input power supplies in a computing device stems from the benefits of power redundancy and robustness of computing operations. In one example, such as an edge server that forms a connection between multiple independent networks, multiple input power supplies for the edge server reduce the risk of potential power outages due to input power failures, thereby reducing potential downtime. In addition, multiple input power supplies also provide the option of selecting a power supply for optimal performance. For example, a power supply that provides an unstable or fluctuating source current or source voltage can be switched to another power supply that provides a stable source current or source voltage.

[0033] Figure 1 FIG. 8 shows an ideal source current 81 derived from two independent input power supplies. The ideal source current 81 may be a combination of two source currents 81a / 81b that are completely in phase. However, in practical applications, such as Figure 2 As shown, the source currents 81c / 81d from different power supplies are usually out of phase, thus forming a phase gap (Phase Gap, PG). However, this phase gap (PG) creates an obstacle for dual-input or multi-input power supplies. Since the source currents come from different power supplies, the phases may not be synchronized before being input to the power supply unit (Power Supply Unit, PSU). For example, a typical PSU may include a power factor correction (Power Factor Correction, PFC) topology (AC / DC) configured to track the input source current for power factor correction. However, due to the differences in power supplies, the power factor corrector is usually unable to correct the different phases of the source current. In addition, when two different source currents are combined, the resulting source current waveform may be converted into a harmonic current, causing the power factor corrector to fail to work. Further, refer to Figure 3 , in an example where the phase difference (PG) between two source currents (sine waves) is 180 degrees or the two source currents are 180 degrees out of phase, the source currents will cancel each other or destructively interfere, thereby forming a source current waveform with a zero amplitude and may cause damage or failure of the computing device, such as short circuit, overheating, etc.

[0034] In view of various potential disadvantages or difficulties of different phases of multiple input source currents / voltages, the present disclosure includes a device for supplying power to a computing unit and a method for supplying power to a computing unit according to various embodiments. The device for supplying power may be in the form of a plug-in module of a power supply unit (Power Supply Unit, PSU) of the computing unit. Alternatively, the device for supplying power may be integrated with the power supply unit of the computing unit. The device for supplying power may also be integrated with a processing unit of the computing unit.

[0035] According to various embodiments, the device may be coupled to multiple power supplies. The device may also be coupled to a receiving module, such as a power supply unit, via a power supply output port. The device may provide multiple separate or independent input paths between multiple power supplies and the power supply unit. Therefore, each input path may be coupled to a power supply correspondingly. Under the control of the controller, autonomous selection of a single power supply from multiple power supplies may be performed to determine the working power supply. After selecting the working power supply, the connection module may connect the working power supply to the power supply unit to provide the working power supply current / working power supply voltage. By selecting only one power supply during operation, the device alleviates the problem caused by the different phases of multiple power supplies. In response to changes in the working power supply current / working power supply voltage, the controller may disconnect the working power supply and connect another power supply to the power supply unit to ensure stable and consistent power input. In various embodiments of the connection module, each input path may be coupled to a separate relay or relay module. Under the control of the controller, the selection or change of the working power supply may be achieved by switching or connecting / disconnecting each relay or relay module. This overcomes the problem of phase difference between multiple source currents / voltages, thereby achieving a pair or multiple input power supplies.

[0036] According to various embodiments of an exemplary power supply unit (PSU), the power supply unit may be divided into a connection module and a receiving module. The receiving module may correspond to an existing power supply unit module or a power supply unit architecture. The connection module may include a path switching relay for switching between two or more power supplies, and provide a working power current / working power voltage to the power supply unit module via a power outlet. The path switching relay may be powered by an auxiliary power supply of the power supply unit module. The controller of the power supply unit module may be configured to control the path switching relay. The controller of the power supply unit module may also monitor and / or sense the corresponding source current / voltage from each power supply. In response to detecting a power outage or interruption of the working power current / working power voltage, the controller may control the connection module to switch from one power supply to another power supply as the working power supply, while maintaining a single power supply to power the power supply unit module.

[0037] To help understanding but not to be limiting, various embodiments of the apparatus 100 for supplying power will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a computing device 50. The computing device 50 includes a connection module 100 coupled to a receiving module 300. The connection module 100 may be coupled to two or more power supplies 80a / 80b / … / 80n. Each power supply 80a / 80b / … / 80n may provide a corresponding source current 81a / 81b / … / 81n or a source voltage 82a / 82b / … / 82n. The connection module 100 may be coupled between the power supply 80a / 80b / … / 80n and the receiving module 300. The receiving module 300 may be a power supply unit (PSU) or a power supply unit module. In other examples, the receiving module 300 may be a computing unit or a processor.

[0038] In a number of embodiments, the device 100 may be a connection module 100 that includes a plurality of input paths 201a / 201b / … / 201n, each input path 201a / 201b / … / 201n coupled to a corresponding one of the power sources 80a / 80b / … / 80n. For example, the input path 201a may correspond to the power source 80a for transmitting the source current 81a, and the input path 201b may correspond to the power source 80b for transmitting the source current 81b. The input paths 201a / 201b / … / 201n may be coupled between the power sources 80a / 80b / … / 80n. The input paths 201a / 201b / … / 201n may be separate paths that are electrically insulated from each other. In some examples, adjacent input paths 201a / 201b may be spaced apart by a minimum safety gap or distance of 4.6 mm. In other words, the input paths 201a / 201b / ... / 201n are arranged to cause minimal interference / noise between each other. The input paths 201a / 201b / ... / 201n may be connected to one or more security modules 209. The security module 209 may include independent active safety elements or passive safety elements for the corresponding input paths 201a / 201b / ... / 201n through which each source current 81a / 81b / ... / 81n flows. The connection module 100 may also include a power outlet 202. The power outlet 202 may be coupled to the receiving module 300.

[0039] In some embodiments, the connection module 100 may selectively connect any one of the input paths 201a / 201b / … / 201n to the power outlet 202, and thus to the receiving module 300. The connection module 100 may include a switching module 200. The switching module 200 may selectively connect any one of the input paths 201a / 201b / … / 201n to the receiving module 300. For example, the switching module 200 may switch from connecting the first power source 80a to the receiving module 300 to connecting the second power source 80b to the receiving module 300. In some examples, the switching module 200 may include a relay or switch for switching between two or more power sources. In an example with a single relay or a single switch, there may be a minimum safety gap between adjacent input paths 201a / 201b / … / 201n. As an example, the minimum safety gap between adjacent input paths may be in the range of 4 to 5 millimeters (mm), preferably about 4.6mm.

[0040] In some embodiments, the connection module 100 may include a controller 400 that communicates with the connection module 100 signals. In some embodiments, the controller may be integrated with the connection module 100. For example, the controller 410 may be assembled on the same printed circuit board as the connection module 100. In various embodiments, the controller 410 may be configured to control the connection module 100 to connect a single input path (e.g., input path 80a) to the receiving module 300 via the power outlet 202. For example, the controller 410 may send a control signal to the connection module 100 based on a control rule or a control algorithm. Therefore, the controller 410 controls the connection module 100 to provide the working power current 203 / working power voltage 204 to the power outlet 202 / receiving module 300 with a single power supply. In other words, at any one time, at most only one power supply 80 / one input path 201 is connected to the power outlet 202 / receiving module 300.

[0041] In some embodiments, the controller 410 controls the connection module 100 based on one or more of the corresponding power supply voltages 82a / 82b / ... / 82n from the power supply 80a / 80b / ... / 80n. The controller 410 can independently measure or sense each corresponding source voltage 82a / 82b / ... / 82n in the input path 201a / 201b / ... / 201n, and control the connection module 100 based on the source voltage 82a / 82b / ... / 82n. In one example, the first power supply 80a can be a working power supply. When a change in the working power supply voltage 204 is detected, the controller 410 can control the connection module 100 to disconnect the first power supply 80a from the power outlet 202 / receiving module 300 and connect the second power supply 80b to the power outlet 202 / receiving module 300. Therefore, the second power supply 80b can be a working power supply for providing the working power current 203 and the working power voltage 204 to the power outlet 202. The change in the operating power supply voltage 204 may correspond to a power outage or an operating power failure. For example, the change in the operating power supply voltage 204 may correspond to the operating power supply voltage 204 dropping below a voltage threshold or a voltage threshold lower limit. For example, the voltage threshold may be between 70V and 75V. The voltage threshold lower limit may correspond to a minimum threshold average power. In another example, the change in the operating power supply voltage 204 may correspond to a surge in the operating power supply voltage 204 causing the operating power supply voltage 204 to be higher than an upper voltage threshold. The upper voltage threshold may correspond to a maximum threshold average power. In other examples, the change in the operating power supply voltage 204 may correspond to a fluctuation in the operating power supply voltage 204 outside a voltage threshold band. The voltage threshold band may correspond to an acceptable fluctuation band for average power.

[0042] In other embodiments, the controller 410 may measure and compare two or more source currents 81a / 81b / ... / 81n and / or two or more source voltages 82a / 82b / ... / 82n from the corresponding power sources 80a / 80b / ... / before controlling the connection module 100 to select the most suitable power source as the working power source. For example, the controller 410 may determine the most stable source current 81b among all available power sources 80a / 80b / ... / 80n, and select the power source 80b as the working power source.

[0043] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a computing device 50 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The computing device 50 may include a connection module 100 coupled between two power supplies 80a / 80b and a receiving module 300. The connection module 100 may include a plurality of input paths 201a / 201b, each input path 201a / 201b coupled to a corresponding power supply 80a / 80b. The connection module 100 may also include a power output port 202. The power output port 202 may be coupled to the receiving module 300. The connection module 100 may also include a switching module 200. The switching module 200 may selectively connect any one of the input paths 201a / 201b to the power output port 202, and thus to the receiving module 300.

[0044] The receiving module 300 may be a power supply unit (PSU) 300, which is used to receive the working power current 203 and output the output current 205 to other modules of the computing device. The power supply unit 300 may include: an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter 310; a bridge diode 320; a power factor correction (PFC) topology (AC / DC) 330; and a resonant converter (LLC) topology (DC / DC) 340 coupled in series. In some examples, the power supply unit 300 may perform power conditioning on the working power current 203, such as converting the alternating current working power current 203 (AC) into a direct current output current 205 (DC).

[0045] The controller 410 can communicate signals with the connection module 100. The controller 410 can be configured to control the switching module 200 to connect a single input path (e.g., input path 80a) to the receiving module 300 via the power socket 202. Therefore, the controller 410 can control the connection module 100 to provide the working power current 203 / working power voltage 204 from a single power source to the receiving module 300. The controller 410 can be a power supply unit controller or a power supply unit digital signal processor (Power Supply Unit-Digital Signal Processor PSU-DSP). In addition, an auxiliary power supply (AUX) 420 on the power supply unit can be used to power the switching module 200. In an embodiment, the controller 410 and the auxiliary power supply 420 are integrated with the PSU 300. In various embodiments, the controller 410 can independently measure or sense each source voltage 82a / 82b in the input path 201a / 201b, and control the connection module 100 based on the source voltage 82a / 82b.

[0046] The connection module 100 may further include a plurality of safety modules 209a / 209b. Each safety module 209a / 209b may be coupled to a corresponding input path 201a / 201b. Each safety module 209a / 209b may include an independent active safety element or a passive safety element for the corresponding input path 201a / 201b through which each source current 81a / 81b flows.

[0047] In various embodiments, Figure 5 As shown, each safety module 209a / 209b may include an X capacitor 220a / 220b, a line fuse 230a / 230b, and a varistor 240a / 240b coupled in series. The X capacitor 220a / 220b may be configured to suppress differential mode interference and play a role in power supply filtering. In the event of a current surge in the corresponding input path 201a / 201b, the line fuse 230a / 230b may serve as a circuit-breaking safety element. The varistor 240a / 240b may have a variable resistance. The varistor 240a / 240b may be used for lightning protection.

[0048] Figure 6is a schematic diagram of a computing device 50 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The computing device 50 may include a connection module 100 coupled between two power supplies 80a / 80b and a receiving module 300. The two power supplies 80a / 80b may include a first power supply 80a and a second power supply 80b. In various embodiments, the connection module 100 may include a first input path 201a connected to the first power supply 80a, and a second input path 201b connected to the second power supply 80b. The connection module 100 may also include a power output port 202 coupled to the receiving module 300. The connection module 100 may also include a switching module 200. The switching module 200 may selectively connect any one of the input paths 201a / 201b to the power output port 202.

[0049] In various embodiments, the switch module 200 may include a plurality of relay modules 210, such as a first relay module 210a and a second relay module 210b arranged in parallel. Each relay module 210a / 210b may be coupled between a corresponding input path 80a / 80b and a receiving module 300. The first relay module 210a may be coupled to the first input path 201a, and the second relay module 210b may be coupled to the second input path 201b. Each relay module 210a / 210b is configured to independently connect the corresponding input path 80a / 80b to the receiving module 300. Similarly, each relay module 210a / 210b may be configured to independently disconnect the corresponding input path 80a / 80b from the power outlet 202 / receiving module 300.

[0050] The controller 410 can communicate with the connection module 100. The controller 410 can be configured to control the switching module 200 to connect a single input path (e.g., input path 80b) of the input paths to the power output port 202. Therefore, the controller 410 controls the connection module 100 to provide the working power current 203 / working power voltage 204 to the receiving module 300 from a single power source. It can be understood that when there are more than two power inputs (e.g., Figure 4 In various embodiments of the power inputs 80a / 80b / ... / 80n shown in FIG. 1 , the controller 410 may be configured to control (connect or disconnect) each relay module to connect a single input path (eg, Figure 4 The input path 81n shown is connected to the power outlet 202 / receiving module 300, and other input paths (such as Figure 4 The input path 201a / 201b / ...) is shown to be disconnected from the power outlet 202 / receiving module 300.

[0051] The controller 410 may be integrated with the connection module 100. In addition, an auxiliary power supply (AUX) 420 may be used to power the switching module 200 and the controller 410. The auxiliary power supply 420 may also be integrated with the connection module 100. The receiving module 300 may be a power supply unit 300. The power supply unit 300 may include: an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter 310; a bridge diode 320; a power factor correction (PFC) topology (AC / DC) 330; and a resonant converter (LLC) topology (DC / DC) 340 coupled in series.

[0052] In some embodiments, the controller 410 and the auxiliary power supply 420 can be integrated with the connection module 100 to form an independent plug-in module. In some examples, the connection module 100 can be configured as a detachable module or as an additional device of a current existing computing device (e.g., a desktop computer). In other examples, the connection module 100 can be an additional accessory of an existing edge server (EdgeServer) and can be used on the edge server without any modification to the edge server. In other examples, the connection module 100 can be an accessory of an existing power supply unit, thereby allowing the existing power supply unit to have multiple power inputs.

[0053] Figure 7 A relay module 210 is shown according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The relay module 210 may include a relay 212 coupled to a switch 214 and a thermistor or a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (PTC) 216. The switch 214 and the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 216 may be arranged in parallel and coupled between the relay 212 and the power outlet 202. In various embodiments, the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 216 may suppress surge or inrush current when the relay 212 is turned on (forming a closed circuit). Multiple parallel relay modules 210 may be coupled to the receiving module 300 via the power outlet 202.

[0054] Figure 8 Shown according to Figure 6 and Figure 71. The working logic diagram of the relay module 210a / 210b of the switch module 200 of the example device shown in FIG. In the example, the first relay module 210a includes a relay 212a coupled to the switch 214a and the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 216a, and the second relay module 210b includes a relay 212b coupled to the switch 214b and the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 216b. In this example, the first power supply 80a provides a source current 81a and a source voltage 82a. Similarly, the second power supply 80b provides a source current 81b and a source voltage 82b.

[0055] At time T0, the first power supply 80a is connected to the receiving module 300 through the first relay module 210a. Therefore, the first power supply 80a provides the working power current 203 / working power voltage 204 to the receiving module 300. In order to connect the first power supply 80a to the receiving module 300, the relay 212a and the switch 214a are both closed. Further, the second power supply 80b is disconnected from the receiving module 300. Therefore, the second power supply 80b does not provide the working power current 203 / working power voltage 204 to the receiving module 300. In order to disconnect the second power supply 80b from the receiving module 300, the relay 212b and the switch 212b are disconnected.

[0056] At time T1, the first power supply 80a fails, causing the working power supply voltage 204 (i.e., the source voltage 82a from the first power supply 80a) to drop below the voltage threshold. When the working power supply voltage 204 drops at time T1, the controller 410 controls the connection module 100 to disconnect the first relay 212a and the first switch 214a of the first relay module 210a at time T2, and connect the second switch 212b and the second switch 214b of the second relay module 210b at time T3. It can be noted that since the controller 410 needs some reaction time to detect the drop of the working power supply voltage 204 and disconnect the first relay 212a and the first switch 214a, there may be a small hysteresis T12 between T1 and T2. In the example, the hysteresis is usually between 2 and 4 milliseconds.

[0057] In some cases, in order to filter out the bounce of the relay contacts, a transition period or transition pause T23 between time T2 and T3 may be provided by the controller 410. The transition pause T23 is an intentional interruption between disconnecting the first relay 212a and the first switch 214a and connecting the second relay 212b and / or the second switch 214b. This enables the bounce of the relay contacts to be filtered or eliminated. For example, the range of the transition pause may be between 12 and 14 milliseconds. During the transition pause T23, the receiving module 300 may use the energy stored in the bulk capacitor to continue working. For example, the receiving module 300 may use the energy in the bulk capacitor to continue to power the computing device.

[0058] In some cases, since the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 216b can suppress the inrush current or current surge from the second relay 212b, the controller 410 can control the connection module 100 to connect the second switch 214b after connecting the second relay 212b. The controller 410 can provide a gap time T34 between connecting the second relay 212b and connecting the switch 214b. As an example, the gap time T34 is about 2 milliseconds.

[0059] According to another aspect, a method 400 for supplying power to a computing device is disclosed according to various embodiments. The method 400 may include, at 410, controlling a connection module to connect a single input path of a plurality of input paths to a power outlet to provide an operating power current. In some embodiments, the method 400 may also include, at 420, disconnecting a first of a plurality of power supplies from the power outlet in response to detecting a change in the operating power voltage, and connecting a second of a plurality of power supplies to the power outlet. In some embodiments, the method 400 may also include, at 430, disconnecting a first relay and a first switch of a first relay module of a plurality of relay modules; and connecting a second relay and a second switch of a second relay module of a plurality of relay modules, each relay module of the plurality of relay modules being coupled between a corresponding input path of a plurality of input paths and the power outlet. In some embodiments, the method 400 may also include providing a transition pause between disconnecting the first relay and the first switch and connecting the second relay and the second switch. In some embodiments, the method 400 may also include connecting the second switch after connecting the second relay.

[0060] A block diagram representing components of a processing system 1800 that may be provided within a controller 410 to perform digital signal processing functions or calculations according to embodiments of the present disclosure, or any other module or sub-system such as Figure 2 Those skilled in the art will recognize that the exact configuration of each processing system provided within these modules may be different, and the exact configuration of processing system 1800 may vary, and Fig.10 The arrangement shown in can be varied. Fig.10 It is provided by way of example only.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processing system 1800 may include a controller 1801 and a user interface 1802. The user interface 1802 is arranged to enable manual interaction between a user and a computing module as required, and for this purpose includes an input / output component required by the user to input instructions to provide updates for each module. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the components of the user interface 1802 may vary according to the embodiment, but will typically include one or more of a display 1840, a keyboard 1835, and an optical device 1836.

[0062] The controller 1801 communicates data with the user interface 1802 via a bus 1815, and includes a memory 1820, a processing unit, a processing element or a processor 1805 mounted on a circuit board, which processes instructions and data for executing the method of the embodiment, an operating system 1806, an input / output (I / O) interface 1830, for communicating with the user interface 1802 and a communication interface, in this embodiment, the communication interface is in the form of a network card 1850. The network card 1850 can be used, for example, to connect to other processing devices via a wired or wireless network or to receive data via a wired or wireless network. The wireless networks that the network card 1850 can use include, but are not limited to, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), cellular networks, satellite networks, telecommunication networks, wide area networks (WAN)) and the like.

[0063] The memory 1820 and the operating system 1806 are in data communication with the processor 1805 via the bus 1810. The memory components include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, including random access memory (RAM) 1823, read-only memory (ROM) 1825, and mass storage devices 1845, the last of which includes one or more solid-state drives (SSDs). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the above-mentioned memory components include non-transitory computer-readable media and should be considered to include all computer-readable media except transient propagating signals. Typically, instructions are stored in the memory components as program code, but may also be hard-wired. The memory 1820 may include a kernel and / or programming modules, such as software applications that may be stored in volatile or non-volatile memory.

[0064] Herein, the term "processor" is generally used to refer to any device or component capable of processing such instructions, and may include: a microprocessor, a processing unit, a plurality of processing elements, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device, or any other type of processor. Computing device. That is, the processor 1805 can be provided by any suitable logic circuit for receiving inputs, processing them according to instructions stored in a memory, and generating outputs (e.g., to a memory component or on a display 1840). In this embodiment, the processor 1805 can be a single-core or multi-core processor with a memory addressable space. In one example, the processor 1805 can be multi-core, including, for example, an 8-core CPU. In another example, it can be a CPU core cluster running in parallel to accelerate calculations.

[0065] All examples described herein, whether apparatus, methods, materials or products, are presented for the purpose of illustration and aiding understanding, and are not intended to be limiting or exhaustive. Modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1. A device for supplying power, characterized in that: include: a connection module, the connection module comprising a plurality of input paths and a power output port, the plurality of input paths being coupleable to corresponding power sources among a plurality of power sources, the connection module being configured to selectively connect any one of the plurality of input paths to the power output port; and A controller is in signal communication with the connection module, and the controller is configured to control the connection module to connect a single input path of the multiple input paths to the power output port based on at least one power current of the multiple power supplies to provide a working power current.

2. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The controller is configured to disconnect a first one of the plurality of power supplies from the power outlet and connect a second one of the plurality of power supplies to the power outlet in response to detecting a change in the operating power supply voltage.

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The change corresponds to the operating power supply voltage dropping below a lower voltage threshold.

4. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The change corresponds to a fluctuation of the operating power supply voltage outside a voltage threshold band.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The connection module includes a plurality of relay modules, each of which is coupled between a corresponding input path of the plurality of input paths and the power outlet.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that Each of the plurality of relay modules includes a relay coupled to a switch and a positive temperature coefficient thermistor, and the switch and the positive temperature coefficient thermistor are coupled in parallel between the relay and the power outlet.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that The controller is configured to disconnect a first relay and a first switch of a first relay module among the plurality of relay modules; and connect a second relay and a second switch of another relay module among the plurality of relay modules.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The controller is further configured to provide a transition pause between disconnecting the first relay and the first switch and connecting the second relay and the second switch.

9. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The controller may further connect the second switch after connecting the second relay.

10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The apparatus also includes at least one security module coupled to the plurality of input paths.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The at least one safety module includes an X-capacitor, a line fuse, and a varistor coupled in series.

12. A computing device, characterized in that: The computing device comprises the device of any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A power supply method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Based on at least one power supply current of the multiple power supplies, the control connection module connects a single input path of the multiple input paths to the power output port to provide a working power supply current, The connection module includes the multiple input paths and the power output port, each of the multiple input paths can be coupled to a corresponding power supply among the multiple power supplies, and the connection module is configured to selectively connect any one of the multiple input paths to the power output port.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The method further includes disconnecting a first one of the plurality of power supplies from the power outlet and connecting a second one of the plurality of power supplies to the power outlet in response to detecting a change in the operating power supply voltage.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The change corresponds to the operating power supply voltage dropping below a lower voltage threshold.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The change corresponds to a fluctuation of the working power supply voltage being outside a voltage threshold band.

17. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The method also includes: disconnecting a first relay and a first switch of a first relay module among a plurality of relay modules; and connecting a second relay and a second switch of a second relay module among the plurality of relay modules, each of the plurality of relay modules being coupled between a corresponding input path among the plurality of input paths and the power output port.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The method also includes providing a transition pause between disconnecting the first relay and the first switch and connecting the second relay and the second switch.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The transition pause is in the range of 12 milliseconds to 14 milliseconds.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The method further includes connecting the second switch after connecting the second relay.

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