Power supply control equipment of server fan

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a server fan power supply control device which comprises a first connector and a controller, a plurality of connecting ports on the first connector are used for being connected with a plurality of fans in a server in a one-to-one correspondence mode, and the controller is connected with the first connector; the first connector is used for transmitting an electric energy signal to the controller; the controller is used for sending a connection instruction to the first connector under the condition that the electric energy signal indicates that the target fan in the reverse starting state exists; the first connector is further used for adjusting the connection state among the multiple connection ports according to the connection relation indicated by the connection instruction to obtain a target connection link, and the reverse electric energy is transmitted to the reference fan through the target connection link. According to the method and the device, the problem of relatively low protection efficiency of the reverse start of the server fan in related technologies is solved, and the effect of improving the protection efficiency of the reverse start of the server fan is further achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the computer field, and in particular, to a power supply control device for a server fan. Background Art

[0002] When the server fan is reverse started, it will generate reverse electrical energy. Excessive reverse electrical energy will damage the components on the fan circuit board. In order to avoid the impact of the fan reverse start on the fan circuit board, the related technology configures a discharge circuit on the fan circuit board corresponding to each fan to absorb the reverse electrical energy generated by the fan reverse start. However, on the one hand, the space of each fan circuit board is limited, resulting in a small power of the discharge resistor in the discharge circuit, which cannot effectively cope with the large amount of reverse electrical energy generated when the fan is reversed at high speed. On the other hand, configuring multiple discharge circuits will significantly increase the space occupied by the circuit board, resulting in tight space resources inside the server, which in turn leads to low protection efficiency for the reverse start of the server fan. Summary of the invention

[0003] An embodiment of the present application provides a power supply control device for a server fan, so as to at least solve the problem of low protection efficiency for reverse startup of a server fan in the related art.

[0004] According to another embodiment of the present application, a power supply control device for a server fan is provided, comprising:

[0005] A first connector and a controller, the controller is connected to the first connector, each of a plurality of connection ports on the first connector is connected to a fan, and different fans are connected to different connection ports;

[0006] The first connector is used to transmit an electric energy signal to the controller, wherein the electric energy signal is used to indicate a receiving state of the connection port for reverse electric energy, and the reverse electric energy is electric energy generated by reverse starting of the fan;

[0007] The controller is configured to send a connection instruction to the first connector when the power signal indicates that there is a target fan in a reverse start state, wherein the connection instruction is used to indicate a connection relationship between the target fan and a reference fan that is not in a reverse start state;

[0008] The first connector is further configured to establish a target connection link between the plurality of connection ports in response to the connection instruction, wherein the reverse electric energy is transmitted to the reference fan through the target connection link.

[0009] Optionally, the first connector includes a plurality of target switches, a power supply bus and a driver, the target switches and the connection ports are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, the first interface of the target switch is connected to the corresponding connection port, and the second interface of each target switch is respectively connected to the power supply bus;

[0010] The driver is used to generate a switching instruction for each of the target switches in response to the connection instruction, wherein the switching instruction is used to indicate a connection state between the corresponding connection port and the power supply bus;

[0011] The target switch adjusts the connection state between the first interface and the second interface in response to the switching instruction.

[0012] Optionally, the driver includes a sub-driver, the sub-driver is configured with a plurality of signal output terminals and a signal input terminal, the signal input terminal is connected to the controller, and the plurality of signal output terminals are respectively connected to the plurality of target switches in a one-to-one correspondence;

[0013] The controller is configured to generate a second instruction when the power signal indicates that there is a target fan in a reverse start state, wherein the connection instruction includes the second instruction, and the second instruction is used to instruct to connect the fan in the server to the power supply bus;

[0014] The driver is used to respond to the second instruction and generate the corresponding switching instruction for the connected target switch.

[0015] Optionally, the driver includes a plurality of sub-drivers, the plurality of sub-drivers are respectively arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of target switches, and the controller is respectively connected to each of the sub-drivers;

[0016] The controller is used to generate a corresponding first instruction according to the operating state of each fan, wherein each first instruction is used to indicate the connection state of the corresponding fan on the power supply bus, and the connection instruction includes a plurality of the first instructions;

[0017] The sub-driver is used to respond to the first instruction and generate the corresponding switching instruction for the connected target switch.

[0018] Optionally, the driver is used to output a first level signal and a second level signal, wherein the switching instruction includes the first level signal and the second level signal, the level value of the first level signal is higher than the target level value, the level value of the second level signal is lower than the target level value, the first level signal is used to indicate connecting the fan to the power supply bus, and the second level signal is used to indicate stopping connecting the fan to the power supply bus.

[0019] Optionally, the target switch is a metal oxide semiconductor transistor, a drain of the metal oxide semiconductor transistor is connected to the power supply bus, a source of the metal oxide semiconductor transistor is connected to the corresponding connection port, and a gate of the metal oxide semiconductor transistor is connected to the driver.

[0020] Optionally, the controller is used to match the target electric energy value of the target reverse electric energy output by the first connector with a reference electric energy value, wherein the electric energy signal includes the target electric energy value of the target reverse electric energy; and send the connection instruction to the first connector when the target electric energy value is greater than or equal to the reference electric energy value.

[0021] Optionally, the controller includes an electric energy comparator, a signal output end of the electric energy comparator is connected to the first connector, a positive input end of the electric energy comparator is connected to the first connector, a negative input end of the electric energy comparator is connected to a reference power supply, and the reference power supply is used to output the electric energy of the reference electric energy value;

[0022] The electric energy comparator is used to send a third level signal to the first connector when the target electric energy value of the target reverse electric energy is greater than or equal to the reference electric energy value, wherein the level value of the third level signal is greater than or equal to a preset level value, and the connection instruction includes the third level signal.

[0023] Optionally, the electric energy comparator is further configured to send a fourth level signal to the first connector when the target electric energy value of the target reverse electric energy is less than the reference electric energy value, wherein the level value of the fourth level signal is less than the preset level value;

[0024] The first connector is further used to disconnect any connection ports among the plurality of connection ports.

[0025] Optionally, the controller further includes a first current limiting resistor and a second current limiting resistor, wherein the first current limiting resistor is connected to the positive output terminal of the electric energy comparator, and the second current limiting resistor is connected to the negative input terminal of the electric energy comparator.

[0026] Optionally, the first connector further comprises a connection bus, a first end of the connection bus is respectively connected to the plurality of connection ports, and a second end of the connection bus is connected to the controller;

[0027] The connection bus is used to combine the reverse electric energy received by the multiple connection ports to obtain the electric energy signal; and send the electric energy signal to the controller through the second port of the connection bus.

[0028] Optionally, the first connector further includes a filter capacitor, one end of the filter capacitor is connected to the second end of the connection bus, and the other end of the filter capacitor is grounded.

[0029] Optionally, the power supply control device further includes a discharger and a second connector, the power supply ports on the second connector are respectively connected to the plurality of fans in the server, the discharge port of the second connector is connected to the discharger, and the controller is connected to the second connector;

[0030] The controller is further configured to send a target instruction to the second connector when the power signal indicates that all the fans in the server are in a reverse start state, wherein the target instruction is used to indicate the connection relationship between the power supply port and the discharge port of the second connector;

[0031] The second connector is used to respond to the target instruction and establish a connection relationship between the power supply port and the discharge port;

[0032] The discharger is used to release the reverse electric energy generated by the fan.

[0033] Optionally, the discharger includes a discharge resistor.

[0034] Optionally, the power supply control device further includes an energy storage device and a second connector, the power supply ports on the second connector are respectively connected to the plurality of fans in the server, the discharge port of the second connector is connected to the power input end of the energy storage device, the power output port of the energy storage device is connected to the power supply port of the server, and the controller is connected to the second connector;

[0035] The controller is further configured to send a target instruction to the second connector when the power signal indicates that all the fans in the server are in a reverse start state, wherein the target instruction is used to indicate the connection relationship between the power supply port and the discharge port of the second connector;

[0036] The second connector is used to respond to the target instruction and establish a connection relationship between the power supply port and the discharge port;

[0037] The energy storage device is used to recover the reverse electric energy generated by the fan.

[0038] Through the present application, when there is a target fan in a reverse start state in the server, the first connector receives the reverse electric energy generated by the reverse start of the target fan through the connection port between the first connector and the target fan, and then the first connector transmits an electric energy signal to the controller for indicating the receiving state of the connection port for the reverse electric energy, and then the controller sends a connection instruction to the first connector for indicating the connection relationship between the target fan and the reference fan that is not in the reverse start state when the electric energy signal indicates that there is a target fan in the reverse start state, and then the first connector can respond to the connection instruction to build a target connection link between multiple connection ports, and then the reverse electric energy generated by the target fan can be transmitted to the reference fan through the target connection link. Through the above method, when there is a fan in the server that is reversely started, by adjusting the connection relationship between multiple fans, the reverse electric energy generated by the reverse start fan can be recovered for use by the fan that is not in the reverse start state, which improves the reverse start capability of the server fan on the one hand, and realizes the recycling of reverse electric energy on the other hand, reducing energy waste. Therefore, the problem of low protection efficiency of the reverse start of the server fan in the related art can be solved, and the effect of improving the protection efficiency of the reverse start of the server fan can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a power supply control device for a server fan according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 2 A hardware connection of a power supply control device for a server fan according to an embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0041] Figure 3 A hardware connection of a power supply control device for a server fan according to an embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0042] Figure 4 A hardware connection of a power supply control device for a server fan according to an embodiment of the present application Figure 3 ;

[0043] Figure 5 A hardware connection of a power supply control device for a server fan according to an embodiment of the present application Figure 4 ;

[0044] Figure 6 A hardware connection of a power supply control device for a server fan according to an embodiment of the present application Figure 5 ;

[0045] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an automatic discharge and energy recovery solution for fan reverse start-up according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an automatic discharge and energy recovery circuit according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Fig. 9 It is a logic flow chart of fan automatic discharge and energy recovery control according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0049] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0050] In this embodiment, a power supply control device for a server fan is provided. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a power supply control device for a server fan according to an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the device includes:

[0051] A first connector and a controller, the controller is connected to the first connector, each of a plurality of connection ports on the first connector is connected to a fan, and different fans are connected to different connection ports;

[0052] The first connector is used to transmit an electric energy signal to the controller, wherein the electric energy signal is used to indicate a receiving state of the connection port for reverse electric energy, and the reverse electric energy is electric energy generated by reverse starting of the fan;

[0053] The controller is configured to send a connection instruction to the first connector when the power signal indicates that there is a target fan in a reverse start state, wherein the connection instruction is used to indicate a connection relationship between the target fan and a reference fan that is not in a reverse start state;

[0054] The first connector is further configured to establish a target connection link between the plurality of connection ports in response to the connection instruction, wherein the reverse electric energy is transmitted to the reference fan through the target connection link.

[0055] Through the above content, when there is a target fan in the reverse start state in the server, the first connector will receive the reverse electric energy generated by the reverse start of the target fan through the connection port between the target fan, and then the first connector transmits an electric energy signal to the controller for indicating the receiving state of the connection port for the reverse electric energy, and then the controller sends a connection instruction to the first connector for indicating the connection relationship between the target fan and the reference fan that is not in the reverse start state when the electric energy signal indicates that there is a target fan in the reverse start state, and then the first connector can respond to the connection instruction to build a target connection link between multiple connection ports, and then the reverse electric energy generated by the target fan can be transmitted to the reference fan through the target connection link. Through the above method, when there is a fan in the server that is reverse started, by adjusting the connection relationship between multiple fans, the reverse electric energy generated by the reverse start fan can be recovered for use by the fan that is not in the reverse start state, which improves the reverse start capability of the server fan on the one hand, and realizes the recycling of reverse electric energy on the other hand, reducing energy waste. Therefore, the problem of low protection efficiency of the reverse start of the server fan in the related art can be solved, and the effect of improving the protection efficiency of the reverse start of the server fan can be achieved. Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, if Figure 1 As shown, the power supply control device of the server fan includes a first connector and a controller, and the multiple connection ports on the first connector are connected to the multiple fans in the server in a one-to-one correspondence, such as port 1 on the first connector is connected to fan 1, port 2 is connected to fan 2, and port N is connected to fan N, so that the first connector can receive the reverse power generated by the multiple fans due to reverse start through the multiple connection ports. The controller is connected to the first connector, and then the first connector can transmit to the controller an electric energy signal for indicating the receiving state of the connection port for the reverse power when receiving the reverse power generated by the reverse started fan. When the received electric energy signal indicates that there is a target fan in the reverse start state, the controller sends a connection instruction to the first connector, and then the first connector can adjust the connection state between the multiple connection ports according to the connection relationship indicated by the connection instruction, thereby changing the connection relationship between the target fan and the reference fan that is not in the reverse start state, and obtaining the target connection link, and then the reverse power generated by the target fan can be transmitted to the reference fan through the target connection link.

[0056] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the electric energy signal is used to indicate the receiving status of the connection port on the first connector for reverse electric energy. The electric energy signal may be, but is not limited to, characterizing the voltage value of the reverse electric energy, the relationship between the voltage value of the reverse electric energy and a preset reference voltage, etc. For example, when the voltage value of the reverse electric energy is greater than the preset reference voltage, the electric energy signal is used to indicate that there is currently a fan in a reverse start state.

[0057] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the controller is used to screen out a reference fan to be powered from multiple fans when the electric energy signal indicates that there is a target fan in a reverse start state, and then control the first connector to adjust the connection relationship between the target fan and the reference fan. In order to achieve the above functions, the connector of the present application may be but is not limited to including multiple reference switches and drivers, the reference switches and connection ports are set in a one-to-one correspondence, the first interface of the reference switch is connected to the corresponding connection port, and each reference switch is also configured with multiple second interfaces respectively connected to other reference switches except the current reference switch, and the driver is connected to the controller; the controller determines the target fan currently in the reverse state and the target reverse electric energy value generated by the target fan in the current reverse state based on the received electric energy signal; the controller converts the candidate fan in the current operating state based on the operating status information of the candidate fan. The power demand information of the target reverse power value is obtained, and then a reference fan whose power demand matches the target reverse power value is screened out from multiple candidate fans according to the target reverse power value, wherein the candidate fan is a fan other than the target fan among the multiple fans; and then the controller sends a connection instruction to the driver to indicate the connection between the target fan and the reference fan; the driver is used to respond to the connection instruction, control the first reference switch corresponding to the target fan to establish a connection relationship between the first interface in the first reference switch and the reference interface (the reference interface is an interface connected to the second reference switch corresponding to the reference fan among the multiple second interfaces on the first reference switch), and control the second reference switch to establish a connection relationship between the second interface in the second reference switch and the candidate interface (the candidate interface is an interface connected to the first reference switch corresponding to the target fan among the multiple second interfaces on the second reference switch). Through the above implementation, the connection relationship between the fans is dynamically adjusted according to the output of the reverse power, the recovery efficiency of the reverse power is guaranteed, and the waste of the reverse power is avoided.

[0058] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the controller may be, but is not limited to, a voltage comparator. For example, when the voltage value of the reverse electric energy indicated by the electric energy signal received by the voltage comparator is greater than the discharge threshold reference voltage set at the system end, the voltage comparator sends a connection instruction to the first connector to control the first connector to adjust the connection relationship between the target fan and the reference fan so that the reverse electric energy generated by the target fan is directed to the reference fan.

[0059] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, after receiving the connection instruction sent by the controller, the first connector will adjust the connection status between the multiple connection ports according to the connection relationship indicated by the connection instruction. For example, the target fan corresponds to port 1 on the first connector, and the reference fan corresponds to ports 2, 3, and 4 on the first connector. The first connector can control port 1 and ports 2, 3, and 4 to be connected, so that the reverse electric energy generated by the target fan due to the reverse start can be transmitted from port 1 to ports 2, 3, and 4 to multiple reference fans that are not in the reverse start state for use, thereby realizing the recycling of reverse electric energy and reducing energy waste. At the same time, the reverse started fan can achieve high-power discharge through the discharge path, thereby improving the reverse start capability of the fan.

[0060] As an optional embodiment, the first connector includes a plurality of target switches, a power supply bus and a driver, the target switches and the connection ports are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, the first interface of the target switch is connected to the corresponding connection port, and the second interface of each target switch is respectively connected to the power supply bus;

[0061] The driver is used to generate a switching instruction for each of the target switches in response to the connection instruction, wherein the switching instruction is used to indicate a connection state between the corresponding connection port and the power supply bus;

[0062] The target switch adjusts the connection state between the first interface and the second interface in response to the switching instruction.

[0063] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, Figure 2 A hardware connection of a power supply control device for a server fan according to an embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ,like Figure 2 As shown, the first connector includes multiple target switches, a power supply bus and a driver. The target switches and the connection ports are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The first interface of the target switch is connected to the corresponding fan through the corresponding connection port, and the second interface of each target switch is respectively connected to the power supply bus.

[0064] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the driver is used to receive and respond to a connection instruction sent by the controller, and generate a corresponding switching instruction for each target switch according to the connection instruction, so as to control each target switch to adjust the connection state between the corresponding connection port and the power supply bus. The driver can be, but is not limited to, a circuit or chip that controls a MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor), and this solution does not limit this.

[0065] Optionally, in the embodiment of the present application, the target switch is used to receive and respond to the switching instruction sent by the driver, and adjust the connection state between the first interface and the second interface according to the switching instruction, for example, Figure 2 As shown, assuming that fan 1 is a target fan in a reverse start state, and fan 2 and fan 3 are reference fans that are not in a reverse start state, the controller, when receiving an electric energy signal indicating that there is a target fan in a reverse start state, will send a connection instruction to the driver to adjust the connection relationship between the target fan and the reference fan, that is, control the target fan to be connected to the reference fan so that the reverse electric energy generated by the target fan is directed to the reference fan. After receiving the connection instruction sent by the controller, the driver will generate corresponding switching instructions for each target switch to control each target switch to adjust the connection state between the corresponding connection port and the power supply bus. Multiple target switches Receive and respond to the switching instruction sent by the driver, and adjust the connection status between the first interface and the second interface according to the corresponding switching instruction. For example, switching instruction 2 indicates to connect the connection port 2 of the power supply bus and the fan 2, then the target switch 2 controls the first interface 2 to be connected with the second interface 2; switching instruction 3 indicates to disconnect the connection port 3 of the power supply bus and the fan 3, then the target switch 3 controls the first interface 3 to be disconnected with the second interface 3. At this time, the reverse electric energy generated by the target fan (i.e., fan 1) can be guided to the fan 2 that is not in the reverse start state through the path between the second interface 2 and the first interface 2, thereby realizing the reverse start discharge of the fan 1 and the recycling of the reverse electric energy.

[0066] Through the above, by deploying drivers and multiple target switches corresponding to server fans one by one, the power supply and discharge of multiple fans can be centrally managed, reducing the need to configure a discharge circuit for each fan separately, thereby simplifying the circuit layout inside the server and saving space resources.

[0067] As an optional embodiment, the driver includes a sub-driver, the sub-driver is configured with a plurality of signal output terminals and a signal input terminal, the signal input terminal is connected to the controller, and the plurality of signal output terminals are respectively connected to the plurality of target switches in a one-to-one correspondence;

[0068] The controller is configured to generate a second instruction when the power signal indicates that there is a target fan in a reverse start state, wherein the connection instruction includes the second instruction, and the second instruction is used to instruct to connect the fan in the server to the power supply bus;

[0069] The driver is used to respond to the second instruction and generate the corresponding switching instruction for the connected target switch.

[0070] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, Figure 3A hardware connection of a power supply control device for a server fan according to an embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ,like Figure 3 As shown, the driver includes a sub-driver, and the sub-driver is configured with multiple signal output terminals (i.e. Figure 3 Output 1, Output 2, Output 3) and a signal input terminal (i.e. Figure 3 The signal input terminal is connected to the controller, and the multiple signal output terminals are connected to the multiple target switches one by one, such as Figure 3 The output 1 shown corresponds to the connection target switch 1, the output 2 corresponds to the connection target switch 2, and the output 3 corresponds to the connection target switch 3.

[0071] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, when the power signal indicates that there is a target fan in a reverse start state, the controller will generate a second instruction for instructing the fans in the server to be connected to the power supply bus, and send it to the signal input end of the sub-driver. That is, when there is a fan that is reverse started, the controller will control the sub-driver to connect all fans in the server to the power supply bus.

[0072] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the driver is used to receive and respond to a second instruction sent by the controller, generate a corresponding switching instruction for the corresponding target switch, and send it to the corresponding target switch through the corresponding signal output terminal, that is, control all target switches to connect the first interface and the second interface.

[0073] Through the above content, when there is a target fan in the server that is in the reverse start state, the discharge power of the reverse start fan can be significantly improved by controlling the driver to connect all the fans in the server to the power supply bus, thereby avoiding the problem of low power of the discharge circuit due to limited space on the fan circuit board in the related technology, and significantly improving the reverse start capability of the fan.

[0074] As an optional embodiment, the driver includes a plurality of sub-drivers, the plurality of sub-drivers are respectively arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of target switches, and the controller is respectively connected to each of the sub-drivers;

[0075] The controller is used to generate a corresponding first instruction according to the operating state of each fan, wherein each first instruction is used to indicate the connection state of the corresponding fan on the power supply bus, and the connection instruction includes a plurality of the first instructions;

[0076] The sub-driver is used to respond to the first instruction and generate the corresponding switching instruction for the connected target switch.

[0077] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, Figure 4A hardware connection of a power supply control device for a server fan according to an embodiment of the present application Figure 3 ,like Figure 4 As shown, the driver includes multiple sub-drivers (sub-driver 1, sub-driver 2, sub-driver 3), the multiple sub-drivers are respectively set in one-to-one correspondence with the multiple target switches, and the controller is connected to each sub-driver respectively.

[0078] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the controller is used to generate a corresponding first instruction based on the operating status of each fan, that is, to connect the running fan to the power supply bus to absorb the reverse electric energy generated by the reverse start fan. In this way, while ensuring the discharge of the reverse start fan, the power supply to the fan running normally can be maximized, thereby maximizing the utilization of energy.

[0079] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the sub-driver is used to respond to the first instruction and generate a corresponding switching instruction for the connected target switch, that is, to control the connectivity status of the first interface and the second interface of the target switch according to the access status of the corresponding fan on the power supply bus indicated by the first instruction. For example, the first instruction 1 indicates that fan 1 is connected to the power supply bus, then the target switch 1 controls the connectivity between the first interface 1 and the second interface 1.

[0080] Through the above content, by determining the connection status of the corresponding fan on the power supply bus according to the operating status of each fan, it is possible to ensure that the reverse start fan is discharged while maximizing the power supply to the fan that is operating normally, thereby maximizing energy utilization.

[0081] As an optional embodiment, the driver is used to output a first level signal and a second level signal, wherein the switching instruction includes the first level signal and the second level signal, the level value of the first level signal is higher than the target level value, the level value of the second level signal is lower than the target level value, the first level signal is used to indicate connecting the fan to the power supply bus, and the second level signal is used to indicate stopping connecting the fan to the power supply bus.

[0082] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the driver is also used to output a first level signal and a second level signal according to a connection instruction sent by the controller. When the connection instruction sent by the controller instructs to connect the fan to the power supply bus, the driver outputs a level signal higher than the target level value. When the connection instruction sent by the controller instructs to stop connecting the fan to the power supply bus, the driver outputs a level signal lower than the target level value.

[0083] As an optional embodiment, the target switch is a metal oxide semiconductor transistor, the drain of the metal oxide semiconductor transistor is connected to the power supply bus, the source of the metal oxide semiconductor transistor is connected to the corresponding connection port, and the gate of the metal oxide semiconductor transistor is connected to the driver.

[0084] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the target switch is a metal oxide semiconductor transistor. In the reverse power management circuit of the server fan, a MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor transistor) is used as a fast-response switch. When the driver receives an instruction from the controller to cut off or establish a connection between the fan and the power supply bus, it sends a corresponding control voltage to the gate of the MOSFET to achieve rapid conduction or shutdown of the MOSFET.

[0085] As an optional embodiment, the controller is used to match the target electric energy value and reference electric energy value of the target reverse electric energy output by the first connector, wherein the electric energy signal includes the target electric energy value of the target reverse electric energy; and when the target electric energy value is greater than or equal to the reference electric energy value, the connection instruction is sent to the first connector.

[0086] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the controller is used to obtain a target electric energy value of the target reverse electric energy output by the first connector, and match the target electric energy value with a reference electric energy value. The reference electric energy value may be a discharge threshold reference voltage set by the system end. When the target electric energy value is greater than or equal to the discharge threshold reference voltage set by the system end, it indicates that the bus voltage of the fan drive board is raised due to the reversed back electromotive force and exceeds the safety threshold range. The fan drive board needs to discharge, and the controller sends a connection instruction to the first connector.

[0087] Through the above method, the controller can monitor the reverse electric energy output by the first connector in real time and accurately obtain its target electric energy value. Through the logical judgment of the controller, the system can accurately control the discharge process, avoiding starting the discharge circuit when the reverse electric energy is low or no discharge is required, thereby reducing ineffective energy loss.

[0088] As an optional embodiment, the controller includes an electric energy comparator, a signal output end of the electric energy comparator is connected to the first connector, a positive input end of the electric energy comparator is connected to the first connector, a negative input end of the electric energy comparator is connected to a reference power supply, and the reference power supply is used to output the electric energy of the reference electric energy value;

[0089] The electric energy comparator is used to send a third level signal to the first connector when the target electric energy value of the target reverse electric energy is greater than or equal to the reference electric energy value, wherein the level value of the third level signal is greater than or equal to a preset level value, and the connection instruction includes the third level signal.

[0090] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the controller includes an energy comparator, the positive input end of the energy comparator is connected to the first connector, and is used to obtain the energy value of the reverse energy generated by the target fan, and the negative input end is connected to the reference power supply, and is used to obtain the discharge threshold reference voltage set by the system end. When the target energy value of the target reverse energy is greater than or equal to the reference energy value, it means that the bus voltage of the fan drive board is raised due to the back electromotive force generated by the reverse start, and exceeds the safety threshold range, the fan drive board needs to discharge, and the energy comparator outputs a high level signal (i.e., the third level signal).

[0091] As an optional embodiment, the electric energy comparator is further used to send a fourth level signal to the first connector when the target electric energy value of the target reverse electric energy is less than the reference electric energy value, wherein the level value of the fourth level signal is less than the preset level value;

[0092] The first connector is further used to disconnect any connection ports among the plurality of connection ports.

[0093] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, when the target electric energy value of the target reverse electric energy is less than the reference electric energy value, it indicates that the bus voltage of the fan drive board is within the safety threshold range and does not need to be discharged, and the electric energy comparator outputs a low level signal (ie, the fourth level signal).

[0094] As an optional embodiment, the controller further includes a first current limiting resistor and a second current limiting resistor, wherein the first current limiting resistor is connected to the positive output terminal of the electric energy comparator, and the second current limiting resistor is connected to the negative input terminal of the electric energy comparator.

[0095] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the controller further includes a first current limiting resistor and a second current limiting resistor, wherein the first current limiting resistor is connected to the positive output terminal of the electric energy comparator, and its function is to limit the magnitude of the signal current output from the electric energy comparator, to ensure that the current intensity of the control signal is within a safe range, and to prevent the components in the first connector from being overheated and damaged due to excessive current. The second current limiting resistor is connected to the negative input terminal of the electric energy comparator, and its function is to limit the current input from the reference power supply to the electric energy comparator, so as to protect the electric energy comparator from being affected by overload current.

[0096] Through the above content, adding the first current limiting resistor and the second current limiting resistor in the controller can protect key circuit components such as the power comparator and the first connector, avoid damage caused by overcurrent, and improve the stability and safety of the entire discharge circuit.

[0097] As an optional embodiment, the first connector further includes a connection bus, a first end of the connection bus is respectively connected to the plurality of connection ports, and a second end of the connection bus is connected to the controller;

[0098] The connection bus is used to combine the reverse electric energy received by the multiple connection ports to obtain the electric energy signal; and send the electric energy signal to the controller through the second port of the connection bus.

[0099] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the first connector further includes a connection bus, the first end of which is connected to a plurality of connection ports, which correspond to the fans in the server respectively; and the second end is directly connected to the input end of the controller. When a fan in the server starts to reverse and start to generate reverse power, the reverse power will enter the connection bus through the connection port in the first connector. At this time, the connection bus merges the reverse power signals received by each connection port to form a unified power signal, which carries the total information of the reverse power generated by all the fans that are reversed, and then sends it to the controller through the second port of the connection bus.

[0100] Through the above content, by connecting the bus to merge the reverse power signals, centralized management and control of the reverse power generated by the reverse start-up of all fans in the server can be achieved, avoiding the complexity and resource waste of each fan processing the reverse power separately.

[0101] As an optional embodiment, the first connector further includes a filter capacitor, one end of the filter capacitor is connected to the second end of the connection bus, and the other end of the filter capacitor is grounded.

[0102] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the first connector also includes a filter capacitor. Because instantaneous voltage fluctuations and noise may be generated during the fan brake discharge process, if it is directly transmitted to the controller without filtering, it may affect the accuracy of the power comparator and the decision-making process of the controller. The filter capacitor can effectively eliminate the noise in the power signal, improve the purity of the signal, and ensure that the controller can accurately obtain the target power value of the reverse power to avoid misoperation.

[0103] Through the above content, by deploying the filter capacitor in the first connector, not only the quality of signal transmission is improved, but also the stability and reliability of the system are enhanced, which helps to optimize the power comparison and discharge control logic and achieve more accurate reverse power management.

[0104] As an optional embodiment, the power supply control device further includes a discharger and a second connector, the power supply ports on the second connector are respectively connected to the plurality of fans in the server, the discharge port of the second connector is connected to the discharger, and the controller is connected to the second connector;

[0105] The controller is further configured to send a target instruction to the second connector when the power signal indicates that all the fans in the server are in a reverse start state, wherein the target instruction is used to indicate the connection relationship between the power supply port and the discharge port of the second connector;

[0106] The second connector is used to respond to the target instruction and establish a connection relationship between the power supply port and the discharge port;

[0107] The discharger is used to release the reverse electric energy generated by the fan.

[0108] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, Figure 5 A hardware connection of a power supply control device for a server fan according to an embodiment of the present application Figure 4 ,like Figure 5 As shown, the power supply control device also includes a discharger and a second connector, the power supply ports on the second connector are respectively connected to multiple fans in the server, the discharge port of the second connector is connected to the discharger, and the controller is connected to the second connector.

[0109] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, when the controller detects that the power signal indicates that all fans in the server are in a reverse start state, the controller will send a target instruction to the second connector because the reverse power generated by the target fan cannot be directed to the reference fan for consumption. After receiving the target instruction, the second connector will immediately establish a connection relationship between its power supply port and the discharge port to form a discharge path for the reverse power. Subsequently, the reverse power generated by the server fan will flow directly to the discharger through the discharge port of the second connector, and the discharger will consume the energy.

[0110] Through the above content, by introducing the discharger and the second connector, it is possible to avoid overvoltage damage to the server circuit board caused by high reverse power, especially in high-load scenarios where all fans are reversely started at the same time, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of reverse power processing.

[0111] As an optional embodiment, the discharger includes a discharge resistor.

[0112] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the discharge resistor is a core component in the discharger, and its main function is to convert reverse electric energy into heat energy and dissipate it, thereby realizing the consumption of reverse electric energy and the protection of the circuit.

[0113] As an optional embodiment, the power supply control device further includes an energy storage device and a second connector, the power supply ports on the second connector are respectively connected to the plurality of fans in the server, the discharge port of the second connector is connected to the power input end of the energy storage device, the power output port of the energy storage device is connected to the power supply port of the server, and the controller is connected to the second connector;

[0114] The controller is further configured to send a target instruction to the second connector when the power signal indicates that all the fans in the server are in a reverse start state, wherein the target instruction is used to indicate the connection relationship between the power supply port and the discharge port of the second connector;

[0115] The second connector is used to respond to the target instruction and establish a connection relationship between the power supply port and the discharge port;

[0116] The energy storage device is used to recover the reverse electric energy generated by the fan.

[0117] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, Figure 6 A hardware connection of a power supply control device for a server fan according to an embodiment of the present application Figure 5 ,like Figure 6 As shown, the power supply port on the second connector is respectively connected to multiple fans in the server, the discharge port of the second connector is connected to the power input end of the energy storage device, the power output port of the energy storage device is connected to the power supply port of the server, and the controller is connected to the second connector.

[0118] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, when the controller detects that all fans in the server are in a reverse start state, it sends a target instruction to the second connector, and the second connector responds to the target instruction, establishes an electrical connection between its power supply port and the discharge port, and guides the reverse power to the energy storage device for storage. Later, when the server needs additional power, the energy storage device can release the stored energy back to the server power supply system to achieve energy recycling.

[0119] Through the above, by introducing the energy storage device and the second connector, the reverse electric energy is stored through the energy storage device and then released as a backup power source when the server needs it, which significantly improves the energy utilization efficiency and reduces energy waste.

[0120] As an optional embodiment, this embodiment also provides a fan reverse start-up method and system in a server fan hot-plug scenario, adds a discharge power path between the fan and the system fan board, and adds an automatic energy recovery circuit on the system fan board, so that the fan can automatically discharge at high power through the discharge path during hot plugging, thereby improving the fan's reverse start-up capability, and through the automatic energy recovery circuit, realizes the recycling of electric energy and reduces energy waste.

[0121] 1. Automatic discharge and energy recovery solution:

[0122] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an automatic discharge and energy recovery solution for fan reverse start according to an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the original discharge circuit and MCU discharge control program of the fan driver board are deleted to save software and hardware resources. A discharge power line is added between the fan and the system fan board. The discharge power line is led from the bus voltage of each fan driver board to the MOS switch group of the system fan board. After passing through the MOS switch group, the discharge power lines of all fans are connected to form a discharge bus of the system fan board. The discharge bus is connected to the discharge control module as an input signal. The output of the discharge control module is connected to the MOS driver module as an input signal. The output of the MOS driver module is connected to the MOS switch group as a control signal of the MOS switch.

[0123] The discharge power line is a bidirectional power line. When the target fan brakes and starts, the discharge power line serves as a discharge path after the bus voltage of the target fan driving board is raised. At the same time, for other fans that are operating normally, the discharge power line is an energy recovery path to charge other fans. The MOS switch group is composed of multiple N-MOS, the number of which corresponds to the number of fan rotors. When the fan is operating normally, all of them are turned off. Due to the presence of its body diode, it plays an isolation role to prevent bus voltage crosstalk between fans during normal operation; when the target fan brakes and discharges, all MOS are turned on, the target fan can be discharged through the power line, and other fans can be charged through the power line to achieve energy recovery. The discharge bus is a converging bus of the discharge power lines of each fan after passing through the MOS switch group. The discharge control module collects the voltage of the discharge bus and compares it to output signals of different levels. The MOS drive module can realize the on-off control of the MOS switch group.

[0124] A server is usually equipped with 6 or more fans. The normal operation of each fan consumes a lot of electricity. Taking the 54V-8086 model fan as an example, the normal operating power of a fan is close to 200W. Therefore, when the target fan is hot-plugged for brake discharge, the released electricity can be completely absorbed and utilized by other running fans. Therefore, this solution not only realizes high-power discharge of the target fan, but also realizes energy recycling.

[0125] 2. Automatic discharge and energy recovery circuit:

[0126] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an automatic discharge and energy recovery circuit according to an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 8 As shown (taking two fans, i.e., four rotors as an example), FAN1-VBUS is the discharge power line of fan rotor 1, which is connected to the S pole of N-MOS tube Q1. The power lines of each fan are led out from the D poles of N-MOS tubes Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 and connected to form a discharge bus VBUS. VBUS is connected to the filter capacitor C1 and grounded. The positive input end of the voltage comparator U1 is VBUS passing through the current limiting resistor R1, and the negative input end is the reference voltage V-REF passing through the current limiting resistor R2. The output end of U1 is connected to the input end of the MOS driver U2, and the output end of the MOS driver U2 is connected to the G poles of N-MOS tubes Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 respectively.

[0127] The N-MOS tubes Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 form a MOS switch group. When the fan is operating normally, the N-MOS tubes are all turned off; the C1 is a filter capacitor used to filter out the noise of the power bus; the reference voltage V-REF is a discharge threshold set by the system end; the voltage comparator U1 is used for voltage comparison, that is, when VBUS is equal to or less than the V-REF voltage, U1 outputs a low level, and when VBUS is greater than the V-REF voltage, U1 outputs a high level; R1 and R2 are current limiting resistors at the input end of U1 respectively; the MOS driver U2 is used for switching drive of the N-MOS tube. When the input signal of U2 is high, the N-MOS tube is driven to turn on, and when the input signal of U2 is low, the N-MOS tube is controlled to turn off.

[0128] The working principle of the circuit is as follows: FAN1 performs reverse braking, and FAN2, FAN3 and FAN4 operate normally. FAN1 generates back electromotive force due to motor braking, which raises the bus voltage, namely FAN1-VBUS. The potential of FAN1-VBUS raises the potential of VBUS through the body diode of Q1. Further, if VBUS is greater than the V-REF voltage, that is, it exceeds the discharge threshold set by the system end, U1 outputs a high level, and U2 drives the MOS switch group to turn on, that is, Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 are all turned on. FAN1-VBUS passes through Q1 to VBUS and then flows to FAN2, FAN3 and FAN4 through Q2, Q3 and Q4, thereby realizing the discharge of FAN1 and the charging of FAN2, FAN3 and FAN4, until VBUS drops to the V-REF voltage, that is, the bus voltage of the fan drops to the safety threshold range, U1 outputs a low level, U2 stops driving the MOS, the MOS switch group is turned off, and fan 1 completes the braking discharge.

[0129] 3. Fan automatic discharge and energy recovery control logic:

[0130] Fig. 9 is a logic flow chart of fan automatic discharge and energy recovery control according to an embodiment of the present application, such as Fig. 9 As shown, the voltage comparator collects and compares the discharge bus voltage VBUS and the discharge threshold reference voltage V-REF set at the system end. If VBUS is less than or equal to the voltage of V-REF, it means that the bus voltage of the fan drive board is within the safety threshold range and does not need to be discharged. The voltage comparator U1 outputs a low level, and the MOS driver U2 stops driving the MOS, and the MOS switch group is turned off, that is, the discharge and energy recovery circuit is not turned on; if VBUS is greater than the voltage of V-REF, it means that the bus voltage of the fan drive board is raised due to the back electromotive force generated by the brake and exceeds the safety threshold range. The fan drive board needs to be discharged, and the voltage comparator U1 outputs a high level. U2 drives the MOS switch group to turn on, that is, Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 are all turned on. FAN1-VBUS passes through Q1 to VBUS and then flows to FAN2, FAN3 and FAN4 through Q2, Q3 and Q4 until VBUS drops to the V-REF voltage, that is, the bus voltage of the target fan drops to the safety threshold range, U1 outputs a low level, U2 stops driving the MOS, and the MOS switch group is turned off, that is, the discharge and energy recovery circuit is turned off.

[0131] The implementation steps of this solution are as follows:

[0132] 1. Fan driver board circuit and program design: Delete the original brake discharge circuit and MCU brake discharge control program of the fan driver board, add a discharge power line between the fan and the system fan board, and the discharge power line is led out from the busbar of each fan driver board.

[0133] 2. System fan board circuit design: add MOS switch group, discharge control module and MOS drive module to realize automatic high-power discharge and energy recovery of the fan.

[0134] On the one hand, this solution addresses the problem of limited reverse start capability of existing fans by adding a discharge power path between the fan and the system fan board, allowing the fan to automatically discharge at high power through the discharge path during hot plugging, thereby improving the fan's reverse start capability. On the other hand, in response to the problem of waste of reverse discharge energy of existing fans, an automatic energy recovery circuit is added to the system fan board, realizing the recycling of electrical energy and reducing energy waste.

[0135] For specific examples in this embodiment, reference may be made to the examples described in the above embodiments and exemplary implementation modes, and this embodiment will not be described in detail herein.

[0136] Obviously, those skilled in the art should understand that the above modules or steps of the present application can be implemented by a general computing device, they can be concentrated on a single computing device, or distributed on a network composed of multiple computing devices, they can be implemented by a program code executable by a computing device, so that they can be stored in a storage device and executed by the computing device, and in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in a different order from that herein, or they can be made into individual integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or steps therein can be made into a single integrated circuit module for implementation. Thus, the present application is not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.

[0137] The above description is only the preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the principles of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A power supply control device for a server fan, It is characterized in that The invention comprises: a first connector and a controller, wherein the controller is connected to the first connector, each of a plurality of connection ports on the first connector is connected to a fan, and different fans are connected to different connection ports; The first connector is used to transmit an electric energy signal to the controller, wherein the electric energy signal is used to indicate a receiving state of the connection port for reverse electric energy, and the reverse electric energy is electric energy generated by reverse starting of the fan; The controller is configured to send a connection instruction to the first connector when the power signal indicates that there is a target fan in a reverse start state, wherein the connection instruction is used to indicate a connection relationship between the target fan and a reference fan that is not in a reverse start state; The first connector is further configured to establish a target connection link between the plurality of connection ports in response to the connection instruction, wherein the reverse electric energy is transmitted to the reference fan through the target connection link.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first connector includes a plurality of target switches, a power supply bus and a driver, wherein the target switches and the connection ports are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, the first interface of the target switch is connected to the corresponding connection port, and the second interface of each target switch is respectively connected to the power supply bus; The driver is used to generate a switching instruction for each of the target switches in response to the connection instruction, wherein the switching instruction is used to indicate a connection state between the corresponding connection port and the power supply bus; The target switch adjusts the connection state between the first interface and the second interface in response to the switching instruction.

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The driver comprises a sub-driver, the sub-driver is provided with a plurality of signal output terminals and a signal input terminal, the signal input terminal is connected to the controller, and the plurality of signal output terminals are respectively connected to the plurality of target switches in a one-to-one correspondence; The controller is configured to generate a second instruction when the power signal indicates that there is a target fan in a reverse start state, wherein the connection instruction includes the second instruction, and the second instruction is used to instruct to connect the fan in the server to the power supply bus; The driver is used to respond to the second instruction and generate the corresponding switching instruction for the connected target switch.

4. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The driver comprises a plurality of sub-drivers, the plurality of sub-drivers are respectively arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of target switches, and the controller is respectively connected to each of the sub-drivers; The controller is used to generate a corresponding first instruction according to the operating state of each fan, wherein each first instruction is used to indicate the connection state of the corresponding fan on the power supply bus, and the connection instruction includes a plurality of the first instructions; The sub-driver is used to respond to the first instruction and generate the corresponding switching instruction for the connected target switch.

5. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The driver is used to output a first level signal and a second level signal, wherein the switching instruction includes the first level signal and the second level signal, the level value of the first level signal is higher than the target level value, the level value of the second level signal is lower than the target level value, the first level signal is used to indicate connecting the fan to the power supply bus, and the second level signal is used to indicate stopping connecting the fan to the power supply bus.

6. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The target switch is a metal oxide semiconductor transistor, a drain of the metal oxide semiconductor transistor is connected to the power supply bus, a source of the metal oxide semiconductor transistor is connected to the corresponding connection port, and a gate of the metal oxide semiconductor transistor is connected to the driver.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The controller is used to match the target electric energy value of the target reverse electric energy output by the first connector with a reference electric energy value, wherein the electric energy signal includes the target electric energy value of the target reverse electric energy; and send the connection instruction to the first connector when the target electric energy value is greater than or equal to the reference electric energy value.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The controller comprises an electric energy comparator, wherein a signal output terminal of the electric energy comparator is connected to the first connector, a positive input terminal of the electric energy comparator is connected to the first connector, and a negative input terminal of the electric energy comparator is connected to a reference power supply, and the reference power supply is used to output electric energy of the reference electric energy value; The electric energy comparator is used to send a third level signal to the first connector when the target electric energy value of the target reverse electric energy is greater than or equal to the reference electric energy value, wherein the level value of the third level signal is greater than or equal to a preset level value, and the connection instruction includes the third level signal.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The electric energy comparator is further configured to send a fourth level signal to the first connector when the target electric energy value of the target reverse electric energy is less than the reference electric energy value, wherein the level value of the fourth level signal is less than the preset level value; The first connector is further used to disconnect any connection ports among the plurality of connection ports.

10. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The controller further includes a first current limiting resistor and a second current limiting resistor, wherein the first current limiting resistor is connected to the positive output terminal of the electric energy comparator, and the second current limiting resistor is connected to the negative input terminal of the electric energy comparator.

11. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first connector further comprises a connection bus, a first end of the connection bus is respectively connected to the plurality of connection ports, and a second end of the connection bus is connected to the controller; The connection bus is used to combine the reverse electric energy received by the plurality of connection ports to obtain the electric energy signal; The electric energy signal is sent to the controller through the second port of the connection bus.

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that The first connector further includes a filter capacitor, one end of which is connected to the second end of the connection bus, and the other end of which is grounded.

13. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The power supply control device further includes a discharger and a second connector, the power supply ports on the second connector are respectively connected to the plurality of fans in the server, the discharge port of the second connector is connected to the discharger, and the controller is connected to the second connector; The controller is further configured to send a target instruction to the second connector when the power signal indicates that all the fans in the server are in a reverse start state, wherein the target instruction is used to indicate the connection relationship between the power supply port and the discharge port of the second connector; The second connector is used to respond to the target instruction and establish a connection relationship between the power supply port and the discharge port; The discharger is used to release the reverse electric energy generated by the fan.

14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that The arrester includes a discharge resistor.

15. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The power supply control device further includes an energy storage device and a second connector, the power supply port on the second connector is respectively connected to the plurality of fans in the server, the discharge port of the second connector is connected to the power input end of the energy storage device, the power output port of the energy storage device is connected to the power supply port of the server, and the controller is connected to the second connector; The controller is further configured to send a target instruction to the second connector when the power signal indicates that all the fans in the server are in a reverse start state, wherein the target instruction is used to indicate the connection relationship between the power supply port and the discharge port of the second connector; The second connector is used to respond to the target instruction and establish a connection relationship between the power supply port and the discharge port; The energy storage device is used to recover the reverse electric energy generated by the fan.

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