Detecting short circuit in power supply unit

Abstract

Detecting a short circuit in a PSU includes: setting an input of a relay to establish a first power path between the input of the PSU and a low voltage output of an auxiliary PSU; receiving an input power signal and converting a first voltage of the input power signal into a second voltage; outputting an output power signal having the second voltage at the low voltage output to provide the output power signal through a resistor and to the input of the relay; measuring, by the MCU, a voltage at a terminal between the resistor and the input of the relay; and determining that the voltage at the terminal is less than a first threshold; and in response, determining that the voltage at the terminal is less than a second threshold; and in response, maintaining the first power path such that the PSU does not receive the input power signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to power supply units, and in particular to detecting a short circuit in a power supply unit for an information handling system. Background Art

[0002] As the value and use of information continue to grow, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is an information handling system. An information handling system typically processes, compiles, stores and / or communicates information or data for commercial, personal or other purposes, thereby allowing users to exploit the value of this information. Since technology and information handling requirements and needs are different between different users or applications, information handling systems may also differ in terms of what information to handle, how to handle information, how much information to process, store or transmit, and how quickly and efficiently information can be processed, stored or transmitted. The changes in information handling systems allow information handling systems to be general or configured for specific users or specific purposes (such as financial transaction processing, airline ticketing, enterprise data storage or global communications). In addition, an information handling system may include a variety of hardware and software components that can be configured to process, store and communicate information, and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems and networking systems.

[0003] The power supply unit (PSU) is an important component in electronic devices that converts electrical energy from the power source into a form suitable for the device. The PSU provides a stable and regulated voltage to ensure the proper operation of the components. A reliable PSU is critical to the lifespan and stability of information handling systems. Summary of the invention

[0004] Inventive aspects of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a method for detecting a short circuit in a power supply unit (PSU), the method comprising: setting, by a microcontroller unit (MCU), an input of a relay to establish a first power path between the input of the PSU and a low-voltage output of an auxiliary PSU; receiving an input power signal at the auxiliary PSU; converting, by the auxiliary PSU, a first voltage of the input power signal to a second voltage; outputting, by the auxiliary PSU, an output power signal having the second voltage at the low-voltage output of the auxiliary PSU to pass through a resistor and provide the output power signal to the input of the relay; measuring, by the MCU, a voltage at a terminal between the resistor and the input of the relay; determining, by the MCU and based on the measurement, that the voltage at the terminal is less than a first threshold; in response to determining that the voltage at the terminal is less than the first threshold, determining, by the MCU and based on the measurement, that the voltage at the terminal is less than a second threshold; in response to determining that the voltage at the terminal is less than the second threshold: maintaining, by the MCU, the first power path so that the PSU does not receive the input power signal.

[0005] Other embodiments of these aspects include corresponding systems and devices.

[0006] These and other embodiments may each optionally include one or more of the following features. For example, the second voltage is less than the first voltage. The second voltage is approximately 5 volts. In addition, in response to determining that the voltage at the terminal is less than the second threshold, a notification indicating a fault of the PSU is provided. Setting the input of the relay to establish the first power path also includes: setting a transistor coupled to a control terminal of the relay to an off state by the MCU so that the input of the relay is set to establish the first power path between the input of the PSU and the low voltage output of the auxiliary PSU. Setting the transistor to the off state includes setting the voltage of the transistor to 0 volts. Determining by the MCU and based on the measurement that the voltage at the terminal is greater than the first threshold; in response to determining that the voltage at the terminal is greater than the first threshold: setting the input of the relay by the MCU to establish a second power path between the input of the PSU and the input power signal. Setting the input of the relay to establish the second power path also includes: setting, by the MCU, a transistor coupled to a control terminal of the relay to an on state so that the input of the relay is set to establish the second power path between the input of the PSU and the input power. Setting the transistor to the on state includes setting a voltage of the transistor to 5 volts. Determining, by the MCU and based on the measurement, that the voltage at the terminal is greater than the second threshold; receiving a user input indicating that the input power signal is applied to the PSU in response to determining that the voltage at the terminal is less than the second threshold; and setting, by the MCU, the input of the relay to establish the second power path between the input of the PSU and the input power signal in response to the user input.

[0007] Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented to achieve one or more of the following advantages: For example, preventing accidental tripping of a facility's AC circuit breaker; avoiding graceful shutdown of a platform at the facility; and quickly identifying a faulty power supply unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other potential features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of an information handling system.

[0010] Figure 2A block diagram showing an apparatus for detecting a failure in a power supply unit of an information handling system in a first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 A computing environment including multiple information handling systems and corresponding power supply units is shown.

[0012] Figure 4 A block diagram showing an apparatus for detecting a failure in a power supply unit of an information handling system in a second embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 A method for detecting a short circuit / fault in a power supply unit of an information handling system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The present disclosure discusses methods and systems for detecting a short circuit / fault in a power supply unit (PSU) of an information handling system. In short, the PSU is connected to a power source to supply power to the information handling system. However, the PSU may include a fault (short circuit) and therefore a facility damage may occur. The PSU 206 and / or the information handling system 202 may be identified and isolated.

[0015] Specifically, the present disclosure discusses a system and method for detecting a short circuit in a power supply unit (PSU), which includes: setting an input of a relay by a microcontroller unit (MCU) to establish a first power path between the input of the PSU and a low-voltage output of an auxiliary PSU; receiving an input power signal at the auxiliary PSU; converting a first voltage of the input power signal to a second voltage by the auxiliary PSU; outputting an output power signal having the second voltage at the low-voltage output of the auxiliary PSU to pass through a resistor and provide the output power signal to the input of the relay; measuring a voltage at a terminal between the resistor and the input of the relay by the MCU; determining by the MCU and based on the measurement that the voltage at the terminal is less than a first threshold; in response to determining that the voltage at the terminal is less than the first threshold, determining by the MCU and based on the measurement that the voltage at the terminal is less than a second threshold; in response to determining that the voltage at the terminal is less than the second threshold: maintaining the first power path by the MCU so that the PSU does not receive the input power signal.

[0016] In the following description, details are set forth by way of example to facilitate discussion of the disclosed subject matter. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments are exemplary and not exhaustive of all possible embodiments.

[0017] For the purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system may include a tool or collection of tools operable to calculate, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, generate, switch, store, display, indicate, detect, record, reproduce, dispose of, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for commercial, scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer, a PDA, a consumer electronic device, a network storage device, or another suitable device, and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. An information handling system may include a memory, one or more processing resources, such as a central processing unit (CPU), or hardware or software control logic. Additional components of an information handling system may include one or more storage devices, one or more communication ports for communicating with external devices, and various input and output (I / O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. An information handling system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communications between various hardware components.

[0018] For purposes of this disclosure, a computer-readable medium may include a tool or collection of tools that can retain data and / or instructions for a period of time. Computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to: storage media such as direct access storage devices (e.g., hard disk drives or floppy disks), sequential access storage devices (e.g., tape disk drives), compact discs, CD-ROMs, DVDs, random access memories (RAM), read-only memories (ROMs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), and / or flash memories (SSDs); and communication media such as wires, optical fibers, microwaves, radio waves, and other electromagnetic and / or optical carrier waves; and / or any combination of the foregoing.

[0019] By reference Figures 1 to 5 The particular embodiments are best understood wherein like numerals are used to designate like and corresponding parts.

[0020] Turning now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1A block diagram depicting selected elements of a computing environment 101 is shown, the computing environment including an information handling system 100 and a power supply unit (PSU) 103 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the information handling system 100 can represent different types of portable information handling systems, such as a display device, a head-mounted display, a head-mounted display system, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a media player, a digital camera, a two-in-one tablet-laptop combination computer, and a wireless organizer or other types of portable information handling systems. In one or more embodiments, the information handling system 100 can also represent other types of information handling systems, including desktop computers, server systems, controllers and microcontroller units, and other types of information handling systems. The components of the information handling system 100 can include, but are not limited to: a processor subsystem 120, which can include one or more processors; and a system bus 121 that communicatively couples various system components to the processor subsystem 120, the various system components including, for example, a memory subsystem 130, an I / O subsystem 140, a local storage resource 150, and a network interface 160. The system bus 121 may represent various suitable types of bus structures, such as a memory bus, a peripheral bus, or a local bus using various bus architectures in selected embodiments. For example, such architectures may include, but are not limited to, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI Express bus, a HyperTransport (HT) bus, and a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus.

[0021] like Figure 1 As depicted, the processor subsystem 120 may include a system, device, or apparatus operable to interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process data, and may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another digital or analog circuit configured to interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process data. In some embodiments, the processor subsystem 120 may interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process locally stored data (e.g., stored in the memory subsystem 130 and / or another component of the information handling system). In the same or alternative embodiments, the processor subsystem 120 may interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process remotely stored data (e.g., stored in the network storage resource 170).

[0022] Also in Figure 1100. Memory subsystem 130 may include a system, device, or apparatus (e.g., a computer-readable medium) operable to retain and / or retrieve program instructions and / or data over a period of time. Memory subsystem 130 may include random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), PCMCIA cards, flash memory, magnetic storage devices, optical-magnetic storage devices, and / or a series and / or array of suitable volatile or non-volatile memories that retain data after power is removed from their associated information handling system (such as system 100).

[0023] In information handling system 100, I / O subsystem 140 may include systems, devices, or apparatuses that are generally operable to receive data from and / or transmit data to / within information handling system 100. I / O subsystem 140 may represent, for example, various communication interfaces, graphics interfaces, video interfaces, user input interfaces, and / or peripheral interfaces. In various embodiments, I / O subsystem 140 may be used to support various peripheral devices, such as a touch panel, a display adapter, a keyboard, an accelerometer, a touch pad, a gyroscope, an IR sensor, a microphone, a sensor, or a camera or another type of peripheral device.

[0024] PSU 103 may be coupled to IHS 100 .

[0025] The local storage resources 150 may include computer-readable media (e.g., a hard drive, a floppy disk drive, a CD-ROM, and / or other types of rotating storage media, flash memory, EEPROM, and / or another type of solid-state storage media) and are generally operable to store instructions and / or data. Similarly, the network storage resources may include computer-readable media (e.g., a hard drive, a floppy disk drive, a CD-ROM, and / or other types of rotating storage media, flash memory, EEPROM, and / or another type of solid-state storage media) and are generally operable to store instructions and / or data.

[0026] exist Figure 1100 and the like. In some embodiments, the network interface 160 may be a suitable system, device, or apparatus operable to act as an interface between the information handling system 100 and the network 110. The network interface 160 may enable the information handling system 100 to communicate through the network 110 using suitable transmission protocols and / or standards, including but not limited to the transmission protocols and / or standards listed below in the discussion of the network 110. In some embodiments, the network interface 160 may be communicatively coupled to the network storage resource 170 via the network 110. The network 110 may be a public network or a private (e.g., corporate) network. The network may be implemented as a storage area network (SAN), a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a virtual private network (VPN), an intranet, the Internet, or another suitable architecture or system that facilitates the transmission of signals, data, and / or messages (commonly referred to as data), or may be a part of them. Network interface 160 may enable wired and / or wireless communications (eg, NFC or Bluetooth) to and / or from information handling system 100 .

[0027] In a particular embodiment, the network 110 may include one or more routers for routing data between the client information handling system 100 and the server information handling system 100. Devices on the network 110 (e.g., the client information handling system 100 or the server information handling system 100) may be addressed by corresponding network addresses, including, for example, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, Internet names, Windows Internet Name Service (WINS) names, domain names, or other system names. In a particular embodiment, the network 110 may include one or more logical groupings of network devices, such as, for example, one or more sites (e.g., customer sites) or subnets. As an example, a corporate network may include potentially thousands of offices or branches, each of which has its own subnet (or multiple subnets) with many devices. One or more client information handling systems 100 may communicate with one or more server information handling systems 100 via any suitable connection, including, for example, a modem connection, a LAN connection including Ethernet, or a broadband WAN connection including DSL, cable, Ti, T3, fiber, Wi-Fi, or a mobile network connection including GSM, GPRS, 3G, or WiMax.

[0028] The network 110 may transmit data using a desired storage and / or communication protocol including, but not limited to, Fibre Channel, Frame Relay, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Internet Protocol (IP), other packet-based protocols, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), Internet SCSI (iSCSI), Serial Attached SCSI (SAS), or another transport operating with the SCSI protocol, Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA), Serial ATA (SATA), Advanced Technology Attachment Packet Interface (ATAPI), Serial Storage Architecture (SSA), Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE), and / or any combination thereof. The network 110 and its various components may be implemented using hardware, software, or any combination thereof.

[0029] Steering Figure 2 , Figure 2 An environment 200 is shown that includes an information handling system 202, a power supply 204, a power supply unit (PSU) 206, and a power distribution unit (PDU) / automatic transfer switch (ATS) 208. PDU / ATS 208 may include an auxiliary power supply unit (PSU) 210, a first resistor 212, a second resistor 214, a relay 216, a microcontroller unit (MCU) 218, and a transistor 220. In some examples, information handling system 202 is similar to Figure 1 In some examples, the PSU 206 is similar to Figure 1 The PSU 103 may include the PSU.

[0030] The power supply 204 may be in communication with the auxiliary PSU 210 and the relay 216. The auxiliary PSU 210 may be in communication with the power supply 204 and the resistor 212. The resistor 212 may be in communication with the resistor 214 and the relay 216. The resistor 214 may be in communication with the resistor 212, the relay 216, and the MCU 218. The MCU 218 is in communication with the resistor 214 and the transistor 220. The relay 216 is in communication with the resistor 212, the resistor 214, and the PSU 206. The transistor 220 is in communication with the MCU 218 and the relay 216. The PSU 206 is in communication with the relay 216 and the information handling system 202.

[0031] In short, PSU 206 is connected to power source 204 to provide power to information handling system 202. However, PSU 206 may include a fault (short circuit), and thus a circuit breaker (not shown) may trip. PDU / ATS 208 may detect such a fault and isolate PSU 206 and / or information handling system 202.

[0032] Specifically, the MCU 218 may set the input of the relay 216 to establish the first power path 230 between the input of the PSU 206 and the low voltage output of the auxiliary PSU 210. Specifically, the transistor 220 may be coupled to the control terminal of the relay 216. Based on the state of the control terminal of the relay 216, the relay 216 selects one of the inputs of the relay 216 to pass to the output of the relay 216. Specifically, the MCU 218 may set the transistor 220 to an off state—for example, setting the input voltage of the transistor 220 to 0 volts. When the transistor 220 is in the off state, the transistor 220 may set the control terminal of the relay 216 so that the input of the relay 216 selects the first power path 230 to establish the first power path 230 between the input of the PSU 206 and the low voltage output of the auxiliary PSU 210.

[0033] The auxiliary PSU 210 receives an input power signal from the power source 204. The auxiliary PSU 210 converts a first voltage of the input power signal to a second voltage. That is, the auxiliary PSU 210 adjusts the first voltage to a lower second voltage. In some examples, the first voltage is 120 volts. In some examples, the second voltage is 5 volts.

[0034] The auxiliary PSU 210 outputs an output power signal at a low voltage output of the auxiliary PSU 210. The output power signal has a second voltage. The output power signal is provided through a resistor 212 and to an input of a relay 216.

[0035] MCU 218 measures the voltage at terminal 232. Terminal 232 is located between resistor 212 and the input of relay 216. MCU 218 determines based on the measurement whether the voltage at terminal 232 is less than a first threshold. For example, the first threshold is 3.8 volts.

[0036] In some cases, MCU 218 determines that the voltage at terminal 232 is less than a first threshold. When MCU 218 determines that the voltage at terminal 232 is less than the first threshold, in response, MCU 218 determines whether the voltage at terminal 232 is less than a second threshold based on the measurement. For example, the second threshold is 2.8 volts. For example, the second threshold is 2.1 volts.

[0037] In some cases, the MCU 218 determines that the voltage at the terminal 232 is less than the second threshold. When the MCU 218 determines that the voltage at the terminal 232 is less than the second threshold, in response, the MCU 218 maintains the first power path 230 such that the PSU 206 does not receive the input power signal. That is, the MCU 218 holds / maintains the voltage of the transistor 220 at 0 volts (the transistor 220 is in the off-power state) such that the control terminal of the relay 216 indicates that the first power path 230 is selected to maintain the first power path 230 between the input of the PSU 206 and the low-voltage output of the auxiliary PSU 210. In other words, the PSU 206 does not receive the input power signal.

[0038] In some examples, MCU 218 also provides a notification indicating a fault in PSU 206 (or therein) in response to determining that the voltage at terminal 232 is less than the second threshold. For example, the notification can include a notification via a communication interface (a display coupled to information handling system 200 or an auxiliary computing device associated with information handling system 202 or associated with a user / administrator of information handling system 202). For example, the notification can include an audible alarm—an audible alarm via a speaker coupled to information handling system 202.

[0039] In some cases, the MCU 218 determines that the voltage at the terminal 232 is greater than a first threshold. When the MCU 218 determines that the voltage at the terminal 232 is greater than the first threshold, in response, the MCU 218 sets the input of the relay 216 to establish the second power path 234 between the input of the PSU 206 and the input power signal. As mentioned herein, the transistor 220 can be coupled to the control terminal of the relay 216. Based on the state of the control terminal of the relay 216, the relay 216 selects one of the inputs of the relay 216 to pass to the output of the relay 216. Specifically, the MCU 218 can set the transistor 220 to an on state—for example, setting the input voltage of the transistor 220 to 5 volts. When the transistor 220 is in the on state, the transistor 220 can set the control terminal of the relay 216 so that the input of the relay 216 selects the second power path 234 to establish the second power path 232 between the input of the PSU 206 and the input power signal.

[0040] In some cases, the MCU 218 determines that the voltage at the terminal 232 is greater than the second threshold. When the MCU 218 determines that the voltage at the terminal 232 is greater than the second threshold, in response, the MCU 218 receives a user input indicating that the input power signal is to be applied to the PSU. That is, the user input "overrides" the first power path 232 to indicate that the input power signal is to be applied to the PSU 206 via the second power path 234. In response to the user input, the MCU 218 sets the input of the relay 216 to establish the second power path 234 between the input of the PSU 206 and the input power signal.

[0041] Figure 3 Computing environment 300 is shown. Computing environment 300 may include power supply 304; PDU / ATS 308; PSUs 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d (collectively referred to as PSUs 306); information handling systems 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d (collectively referred to as information handling systems 302). Power supply 304 may be similar to Figure 2 The power supply 204; the PDU / ATS 308 may be similar to Figure 2 PDU / ATS208; PSU 306 can be similar to Figure 2 PSU 206; and information handling system 302 may be similar to Figure 2 The PDU / ATS 308 may include a plurality of relays 216 , resistors 212 , resistors 214 , and a single MCU 218 and a single auxiliary PSU 210 of the PDU / ATS 208 .

[0042] To this end, similar to Figure 2 As described, when any of the PSUs 306 fails (as described in reference Figure 2 As described above, the PDU / ATS 308 may shut down only the failed PSU 306 (rather than each of the PSUs 306). That is, when the PDU / ATS 308 detects that one of the PSUs 306 is failed / faulty / short-circuited (e.g., the voltage at the terminal 232 is below the second threshold), the PSU 306 may block the input power signal from the power source 304 from reaching the failed PSU 306 while allowing the power signal to reach the other PSUs 306 that are working.

[0043] Figure 4A computing environment 400 is shown that is similar to computing environment 200. Specifically, PDU / ATS 208 may also include a backup transistor switch 402. Backup transistor switch 402 may communicate between resistor 212 and relay 216. In response to the voltage at terminal 232 being below the first threshold and / or the second threshold, backup transistor switch 402 may remove power provided through resistor 212 to save power.

[0044] Figure 5 A flow chart depicting selected elements of an embodiment of a method 500 for detecting a short circuit in a power supply of an information handling system is shown. Figures 1 to 4 , method 500 may be performed by information handling system 100, PDU / ATS 208, and / or PDU / ATS 308. Note that certain operations described in method 500 may be optional or may be rearranged in different embodiments.

[0045] At 502, the MCU 218 sets the input of the relay 216 to establish a first power path 230 between the input of the PSU 206 and the low voltage output of the auxiliary PSU 210. The auxiliary PSU 210 receives an input power signal from the power source 204 at 504. The auxiliary PSU 210 converts the first voltage of the input power signal to a second voltage at 506. The auxiliary PSU 210 outputs an output power signal at the low voltage output of the auxiliary PSU 210 at 508. The output power signal has a second voltage. The output power signal is provided through the resistor 212 and to the input of the relay 216. The MCU 218 measures the voltage at the terminal 232 at 510. The MCU 218 determines whether the voltage at the terminal 232 is less than the first threshold based on the measurement at 512. In some examples, the MCU 218 determines (at 512) that the voltage at the terminal 232 is less than a first threshold, and in response, the MCU 218 determines at 514 whether the voltage at the terminal 232 is less than a second threshold based on the measurement. In some examples, the MCU 218 determines (at 514) that the voltage at the terminal 232 is less than the second threshold, and in response, the MCU 218 maintains the first power path 230 so that the PSU 206 does not receive the input power signal. In other words, the PSU 206 does not receive the input power signal. In some examples, the MCU 218 determines (at 512) that the voltage at the terminal 232 is greater than the first threshold, and in response, the MCU 218 sets the input of the relay 216 at 518 to establish a second power path 234 between the input of the PSU 206 and the input power signal. In some examples, the MCU 218 determines (at 514) that the voltage at the terminal 232 is greater than the second threshold, and in response, the MCU 218 receives a user input indicating that an input power signal is to be applied to the PSU 206 at 520. In some examples, in response to the user input, the MCU 218 sets an input of the relay 216 to establish a second power path 234 between an input of the PSU 206 and the input power signal.

[0046] The subject matter disclosed above should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the appended claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

[0047] As used herein, "or" is inclusive and not exclusive, unless expressly indicated otherwise or the context indicates otherwise. Thus, as used herein, "A or B" means "A, B, or both," unless expressly indicated otherwise or the context indicates otherwise. Additionally, "and" is both conjunctive and individual, unless expressly indicated otherwise or the context indicates otherwise. Thus, as used herein, "A and B" means "A and B jointly or individually," unless expressly indicated otherwise or the context indicates otherwise.

[0048] The scope of the present disclosure covers all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations and modifications to the exemplary embodiments described or shown herein that would be conceived by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described or shown herein. In addition, although the present disclosure describes and illustrates each embodiment herein as including specific components, elements, features, functions, operations or steps, any of these embodiments may include any combination or arrangement of components, elements, features, functions, operations or steps that would be conceived by a person of ordinary skill in the art described or illustrated anywhere herein. References to devices or systems or components of devices or systems adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to or operated to perform specific functions in the appended claims cover the devices, systems, components, whether or not the devices, systems, components or the specific functions are activated, turned on or unlocked, as long as the devices, systems or components are adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to or operated to perform specific functions.

Claims

1. A method of detecting a short circuit in a power supply unit (PSU), the method comprising: setting, by a microcontroller unit (MCU), an input of the relay to establish a first power path between an input of the PSU and a low voltage output of the auxiliary PSU; receiving an input power signal at the auxiliary PSU; converting, by the auxiliary PSU, a first voltage of the input power signal into a second voltage; outputting an output power signal having the second voltage at the low voltage output of the auxiliary PSU to pass through a resistor and provide the output power signal to the input of the relay; measuring, by the MCU, a voltage at a terminal between the resistor and the input of the relay; determining, by the MCU and based on the measurement, that the voltage at the terminal is less than a first threshold; In response to determining that the voltage at the terminal is less than the first threshold, determining, by the MCU and based on the measurement, that the voltage at the terminal is less than a second threshold; In response to determining that the voltage at the terminal is less than the second threshold: The first power path is maintained by the MCU such that the PSU does not receive the input power signal. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second voltage is less than the first voltage. The method of claim 2 , wherein the second voltage is approximately 5 volts. 4 . The method of claim 1 , further providing a notification indicating a fault of the PSU in response to determining that the voltage at the terminals is less than the second threshold.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein setting the input of the relay to establish the first power path further comprises: A transistor coupled to a control terminal of the relay is set to an off state by the MCU so that the input of the relay is set to establish the first power path between the input of the PSU and the low voltage output of the auxiliary PSU. 6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein setting the transistor to the off state comprises setting a voltage of the transistor to 0 volts.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining, by the MCU and based on the measurement, that the voltage at the terminal is greater than the first threshold; In response to determining that the voltage at the terminal is greater than the first threshold: The input of the relay is set by the MCU to establish a second power path between the input of the PSU and the input power signal.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein setting the input of the relay to establish the second power path further comprises: A transistor coupled to a control terminal of the relay is set to an on state by the MCU, so that the input of the relay is set to establish the second power path between the input of the PSU and the input power.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein setting the transistor to the on state comprises setting a voltage of the transistor to 5 volts.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining, by the MCU and based on the measurement, that the voltage at the terminal is greater than the second threshold; responsive to determining that the voltage at the terminal is less than the second threshold, receiving a user input instructing to apply the input power signal to the PSU; as well as In response to the user input, the input of the relay is set by the MCU to establish a second power path between the input of the PSU and the input power signal.

11. An apparatus for detecting a short circuit in a power supply unit (PSU), the apparatus comprising: Resistors; Relay; An auxiliary PSU, the auxiliary PSU being configured to: receiving an input power signal; converting a first voltage of the input power signal into a second voltage; as well as outputting an output power signal having the second voltage at a low voltage output to pass through the resistor and provide the output power signal to an input of the relay; A microcontroller unit (MCU), the microcontroller unit being configured to: setting an input of the relay to establish a first power path between an input of the PSU and a low voltage output of the auxiliary PSU; measuring a voltage at terminals between the resistor and the input of the relay; determining, based on the measuring, that the voltage at the terminal is less than a first threshold; In response to determining that the voltage at the terminal is less than the first threshold, determining based on the measuring that the voltage at the terminal is less than a second threshold; In response to determining that the voltage at the terminal is less than the second threshold: The first power path is maintained such that the PSU does not receive the input power signal.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second voltage is less than the first voltage.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second voltage is approximately 5 volts.

14. The device of claim 11, the MCU further configured to determine that the voltage at the terminal is less than the second threshold, and in response, provide a notification indicating a failure of the PSU.

15. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: a transistor coupled to a control terminal of the relay, Wherein the MCU is further configured to set the transistor to an off state so that the input of the relay is set to establish the first power path between the input of the PSU and the low voltage output of the auxiliary PSU.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the MCU is further configured to set the transistor to the off state by setting a voltage of the transistor to 0 volts.

17. The device according to claim 11, wherein the MCU is further configured to: determining, based on the measuring, that the voltage at the terminal is greater than the first threshold; in response to determining that the voltage at the terminal is greater than the first threshold; The input of the relay is arranged to establish a second power path between the input of the PSU and the input power signal.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: a transistor coupled to a control terminal of the relay, The MCU is further configured to set a transistor coupled to a control terminal of the relay to an on state so that the input of the relay is set to establish the second power path between the input of the PSU and the input power.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the MCU is further configured to set the transistor to the on-state by setting a voltage of the transistor to 5 volts.

20. The device according to claim 11, wherein the MCU is further configured to: determining, based on the measuring, that the voltage at the terminal is greater than the second threshold; In response to determining that the voltage at the terminal is less than the second threshold, receiving a user input instructing to apply the input power signal to the PSU; and In response to the user input, the input of the relay is set to establish a second power path between the input of the PSU and the input power signal.

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