Power supply unit of communication power supply system

Abstract

The invention provides a power supply unit of a communication power supply system. The power supply unit comprises a first port, a second port, a processor, an amplifier unit and a communication module, the first port is configured to provide a first voltage and comprises a first output end and a first grounding end, and the second port is configured to provide a second voltage and comprises a second output end and a second grounding end. The second voltage is less than the first voltage. The second ground terminal is isolated from the first ground terminal. The processor has a reference point electrically connected to the second ground terminal, and is configured to perform system control, communication, and control the electric energy provided by the first port. The amplifier unit has a reference point electrically connected to a first ground terminal. The communication module is arranged between the processor and the amplifier unit for signal transmission with electrical isolation.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 435,425, filed on December 27, 2022, entitled "GOLDEN FINGER LAYOUT DESIGN AND CIRCUIT CONFIGURATION OF TELECOM POWER SYSTEM FOR M-CRPS AND PoE" and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 466,751, filed on May 16, 2023, entitled "GOLDEN FINGER LAYOUT DESIGN AND CIRCUIT CONFIGURATION OF TELECOM POWER SYSTEM FOR CRPS AND M-CRPS AND PoE." The entire contents of each of these patent applications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This case relates to a power supply unit, and more particularly to a power supply unit for a communication power system. Background Art

[0004] Most communication power systems have two different platforms for power and signal output. In addition, all power supply units in a communication power system must comply with the system communication protocol (such as I2C, CAN BUS or UART protocol).

[0005] The first platform is considered a non-isolated platform, where the high-voltage circuits are not isolated from the low-voltage and communications circuits.

[0006] The second platform is considered an isolated platform, where the high-voltage circuits are isolated from the low-voltage and communications circuits. This second platform requires two different system grounds and more creepage and clearance distances between the high-voltage circuits and the low-voltage and communications circuits.

[0007] To be suitable for both isolated and non-isolated applications, the communications power system requires two different platforms of power supply units, and the corresponding output connectors also need to be separated, which increases the system design complexity and cost.

[0008] Therefore, it is an urgent need to invent a power supply unit that can improve the above-mentioned prior art communication power supply system. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this application is to provide a power supply unit for a communication power system, which is suitable for both isolated and non-isolated applications, thereby reducing the design complexity and cost of the system.

[0010] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides a power supply unit for a communication power supply system, comprising a first port, a second port, a processor, an amplifier unit and a communication module. The first port is configured to provide a first voltage and comprises a first output terminal and a first ground terminal. The second port is configured to provide a second voltage and comprises a second output terminal and a second ground terminal. The second voltage is less than the first voltage. The second ground terminal is isolated from the first ground terminal. The processor has a reference point electrically connected to the second ground terminal and is configured to perform system control, communication and control the electrical energy provided by the first port. The amplifier unit has a reference point electrically connected to the first ground terminal. The communication module is configured to perform electrically isolated signal transmission between the processor and the amplifier unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 Illustrate a non-isolated platform for a communications power system.

[0012] Figure 2 Illustrate an isolated platform for a communications power system.

[0013] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power supply unit of a communication power system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 4 exemplify Figure 3 An implementation of a power supply unit.

[0015] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power supply unit of a communication power system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power supply connector of a power supply unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 7 Various system connectors and application systems to which the power supply connector of this case is applicable are illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Some typical embodiments that embody the features and advantages of this invention will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that this invention is capable of various variations in various aspects without departing from the scope of this invention, and that the descriptions and illustrations herein are intended to be illustrative in nature and not to limit this invention.

[0019] Figure 3 FIG is a schematic diagram of the structure of the power supply unit of the communication power supply system of the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the power supply unit 1 includes a first port, a second port, a processor 11, an amplifier unit 12, and a communication module 13. The first port is configured to provide a first voltage and includes a first output terminal P1 and a first ground terminal P2. The second port is configured to provide a second voltage and includes a second output terminal P3 and a second ground terminal P4. The second voltage is lower than the first voltage. For example, the first voltage may be 54V or 48V, and the second voltage may be 12V or a standby voltage of 12V. In some embodiments, when implemented in an isolated manner, the second ground terminal P4 is isolated from the first ground terminal P2. In other words, the circuits associated with the first voltage and the circuits associated with the second voltage are electrically isolated from each other.

[0020] Processor 11 has a reference point electrically connected to a second ground terminal P4 and is configured to perform system control, communication, and control the output power provided by the first and second ports. For example, processor 11 can function as both a PWM feedback controller and an internal management and system communication controller, but is not limited thereto. Processor 11 can control and receive feedback from the first port and a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus, where the CAN bus is used to transmit system communications, warning status signals of the power supply unit 1, and system control logic for the power supply. Regarding communication functionality, processor 11 may also include a communication port P5, which is configured to transmit signals between the communicating power system and the power supply unit 1. In some embodiments, processor 11 receives control logic for activating or deactivating the power supply unit 1 from the communicating power system via communication port P5. Furthermore, processor 11 can report the operating status of the power supply unit 1 to the communicating power system based on a bus communication protocol. Processor 11 may, for example, but is not limited to, a DSP (Digital Signal Processing) or an MCU (Microcontroller Unit).

[0021] Amplifier unit 12 has a reference point electrically connected to first ground terminal P2. In some embodiments, amplifier unit 12 includes at least one operational amplifier, and the reference point of at least one operational amplifier is electrically connected to first ground terminal P2. Communication module 13 is configured to facilitate electrically isolated signal transmission between processor 11 and amplifier unit 12.

[0022] It can be seen that in the power supply unit 1 , the circuits related to the first voltage (ie high voltage) and the circuits related to the second voltage (ie low voltage) and the communication signal are electrically isolated from each other.

[0023] In addition, the power supply unit 1 further includes a first converter, which is used to convert a voltage from a high-voltage source into a first voltage provided to the first port. In some embodiments, the first converter includes an isolation transformer 14 and a switching circuit 15. The processor 11 controls the power provided by the first port by providing at least one control signal to the switching circuit 15. In some embodiments, the processor 11 provides the control signal to the switching circuit 15 via an optoelectronic isolation PWM driver or a drive transformer. For example, the optoelectronic isolation PWM driver or drive transformer includes a transmitter and a receiver, and the processor 11 outputs the control signal of the switching circuit 15 to the transmitter, and the transmitter triggers the receiver to transmit the control signal to drive at least the primary side switch of the switching circuit 15, but is not limited to this.

[0024] Similarly, the power supply unit 1 further includes a second converter configured to convert a voltage from the high-voltage source into a second voltage provided to the second port. In some embodiments, the second converter includes an isolation transformer 16 and a switching circuit 17. In some embodiments, the power supply unit 1 further includes a control circuit 18 electrically connected to the processor 11. The control circuit 18 reports the status of the power provided by the second port, and the processor 11 provides a control signal to the control circuit 18 to control the power provided by the second port (e.g., to control the power supply on / off).

[0025] For the output of the first port, the power supply unit 1 includes a plurality of detection circuits for status detection. An amplifier unit 12 is connected between the communication module 13 and the plurality of detection circuits. Specifically, the amplifier unit 12 is electrically connected to the detection circuits and provides the detection results to the communication module 13. The communication module 13 then transmits the detection results to the processor 11 in an electrically isolated manner.

[0026] Figure 4 exemplify Figure 3 An embodiment of a power supply unit. Figure 4As shown, the communication module 13 includes at least one optocoupler, wherein the optocoupler is used to transmit detection results in an electrically isolated manner. Each optocoupler includes a transmitter and a receiver electrically connected to the amplifier unit 12 and the processor 11, respectively. The plurality of detection circuits used to detect the state of the power provided by the first port may include at least one of a voltage sensing circuit, a current sensing circuit, an overvoltage protection (OVP) fault detection circuit, an overcurrent protection (OCP) fault detection circuit, and a short circuit detection circuit, but is not limited thereto. For example, in this embodiment, the amplifier unit 12 receives the detection results of the voltage sensing circuit, the current sensing circuit, the OVP fault detection circuit, and the OCP fault detection circuit and provides the detection results to the four optocouplers of the communication module 13. The transmitter 131a and receiver 131b of one optocoupler of the communication module 13 transmit the voltage detection result to the processor 11 in an electrically isolated manner. The transmitter 132a and receiver 132b of another optocoupler of the communication module 13 transmit the current detection result to the processor 11 in an electrically isolated manner. The transmitter 133a and receiver 133b of another optocoupler of the communication module 13 transmit the OVP fault detection result to the processor 11 in an electrically isolated manner. The transmitter 134a and receiver 134b of another optocoupler of the communication module 13 transmit the OCP fault detection result to the processor 11 in an electrically isolated manner. It should be noted that the number of the at least one operational amplifier of the amplifier unit 12 and the number of the at least one optocoupler of the communication module 13 are not limited and can be determined according to the number of detection circuits.

[0027] Figure 5 FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the power supply unit of the communication power supply system of the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 In, with Figure 3 Elements with similar functions or structures are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described in detail herein. Figure 3 In the first embodiment shown, the amplifier unit 12 reports the state of the power provided by the first port to the processor 11, and the processor 11 is adapted to control the entire power supply unit 1. In contrast, in Figure 5 In the second embodiment shown, the power supply unit 2 uses the first processor 21 and the second processor 22 to control the power provided by the second port and the first port respectively. Figure 5As shown, the power supply unit 2 includes a first processor 21 and a second processor 22. The first processor 21 has a reference point electrically connected to the second ground terminal P4. Similar to the processor 11 in the first embodiment, the first processor 21 can also be used for communication. The first processor 21 receives the status of the power provided by the second port from the control circuit 18 and provides a control signal to the control circuit 18 to control the power provided by the second port (e.g., control the power supply on / off). The second processor 22 has a reference point electrically connected to the first ground terminal P2, and the second processor 22 controls the power provided by the first port by providing a control signal to the switch circuit 15. For example, the first processor 21 includes an MCU, and the second processor 22 includes a DSP MCU. In some embodiments, the second processor 22 can provide the control signal to the switch circuit 15 via an optoelectronically isolated PWM driver or a drive transformer. Specifically, the optoelectronically isolated PWM driver or drive transformer includes a transmitter and a receiver. The second processor 22 outputs the control signal to the transmitter, and the receiver in the switch circuit 15 is triggered by the transmitter to transmit the control signal to the switch in the switch circuit 15.

[0028] Furthermore, the first processor 21 can provide a control signal to the second processor 22 via the transmitter 23 and receiver 24 of the optical coupler, wherein the control signal is used to control the on / off state of the first voltage. In some embodiments, the second processor 22 communicates with the first processor 21 via an internal communication bus of the power supply unit 2, and the second processor 22 reports the status of the power provided by the first port to the first processor 21 via the internal communication bus.

[0029] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power supply connector of a power supply unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 As shown, the power supply connector 3 is structured to connect the power supply circuit of the power supply unit in the aforementioned embodiment (ie, the circuit of the power supply unit 1 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 or 4, or Figure 5(See the circuit diagram of the power supply unit 2 in the second embodiment shown in FIG. ) Specifically, the power supply connector 3 includes a first portion and a second portion arranged in sequence. The first portion includes a first contact area 31, wherein the first contact area 31 includes a plurality of pins electrically connected to the first ground terminal P2. The second portion includes a second contact area 32 and a third contact area 33. The second contact area 32 includes a plurality of pins electrically connected to the first output terminal P1, and the third contact area 33 includes a plurality of pins, wherein the plurality of pins in the third contact area 33 are electrically connected to at least one of the second output terminal P3, the second ground terminal P4, and the communication port P5. Furthermore, the power supply connector 3 includes a gap between the first portion and the second portion. Furthermore, the second contact area 32 and the third contact area 33 are spaced apart to ensure sufficient creepage distance and electrical clearance between the high-voltage circuit and the low-voltage and communication circuits at maximum operating current.

[0030] To be applicable to both isolated and non-isolated applications, the communication power supply system may require power supply units of two different platforms.

[0031] In a non-isolated platform, high voltage (e.g. 54V) circuits are not isolated from low voltage (e.g. 12V) and communication circuits. Figure 1 As shown, the high-voltage ground is directly connected to the low-voltage and communication signal grounds. Non-isolated platforms simplify control circuitry, and all grounds can be considered connected to the same node, the cabinet's floating ground. Non-isolated platforms are suitable for non-isolated applications, such as modular common redundant power supplies (M-CRPS).

[0032] In an isolated platform, high-voltage circuits are isolated from low-voltage and communication circuits. Figure 2 As shown, the high-voltage ground is isolated from the low-voltage and communication signal grounds. For example, Y capacitors can be used to achieve this isolation. An isolated platform requires two distinct system grounds and increased creepage and clearance between the high-voltage circuits and the low-voltage and communication circuits. This isolated platform is suitable for isolated applications, such as PoE (power over Ethernet).

[0033] When the power supply unit is applied to an application system (eg, an isolated system or a non-isolated system), the power supply connector 3 is connected to a system connector of the application system. Figure 7 The following examples illustrate various system connectors and application systems to which the power supply connector of this case is applicable. Figure 7As shown, system connector 4 is a non-isolated system. When system connector 4 is connected to power supply connector 3, first pin 41, second pin 42, and third pin 43 of system connector 4 are coupled to the pins of first contact region 31, second contact region 32, and third contact region 33, respectively. Furthermore, system connector 4 may also include a ground pin (not shown) electrically connected to system ground 44. Both first pin 41 and the pins of first contact region 31 are electrically connected to system ground 44.

[0034] Another system connector 5 is an isolated system. When system connector 5 is connected to power supply connector 3, first pin 51, second pin 52, and third pin 53 of system connector 5 are coupled to the pins of first contact area 31, second contact area 32, and third contact area 33, respectively. First pin 51 and the pins of first contact area 31 are isolated from system ground 54.

[0035] Another system connector 6 is an isolated system. When system connector 6 is connected to power supply connector 3, first pin 61, second pin 62, and third pin 63 of system connector 6 are coupled to the pins of first contact area 31, second contact area 32, and third contact area 33, respectively. First pin 61 and the pins of first contact area 31 are isolated from system ground 64. Furthermore, system connector 6 includes pin 65 located between first pin 61, second pin 62, and third pin 63, but not connected to any power circuit.

[0036] In summary, this application provides a power supply unit for a communications power system that is suitable for both isolated and non-isolated applications, thereby reducing system design complexity and cost. Specifically, when used in applications with different isolation requirements, there is no need to adjust the power supply unit's circuit topology or the layout of the power supply connector accordingly.

[0037] It should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not limited to the embodiment described. The scope of the present invention is determined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the present invention is subject to various modifications by those skilled in the art, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A power supply unit for a communication power supply system, comprising: A first port configured to provide a first voltage and comprising a first output terminal and a first ground terminal; a second port configured to provide a second voltage and comprising a second output terminal and a second ground terminal, wherein the second voltage is lower than the first voltage, and the second ground terminal is isolated from the first ground terminal; a processor having a reference point electrically connected to the second ground terminal and configured to perform system control, communication, and control power provided by the first port; an amplifier unit having a reference point electrically connected to the first ground terminal; and A communication module is configured to perform electrical isolation signal transmission between the processor and the amplifier unit.

2. The power supply unit as described in claim 1 further includes a communication port, wherein the communication port is connected to the processor, and through the communication port, the processor receives control logic for activating or deactivating the power supply unit from the communication power system and / or reports the operating status of the power supply unit to the communication power system.

3. The power supply unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor comprises a digital signal processing microcontroller unit. 4 . The power supply unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the amplifier unit comprises at least one operational amplifier, and each of the operational amplifiers has a reference point electrically connected to the first ground terminal.

5. The power supply unit as claimed in claim 1 further comprises a first converter, wherein the first converter is used to convert a voltage source into the first voltage provided to the first port, and the processor provides a control signal for driving a switching circuit of the first converter through an opto-isolated pulse width modulation driver or a drive transformer to control the power provided by the first port.

6. The power supply unit as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a control circuit electrically connected to the processor, wherein the control circuit reports a state of the power provided by the second port and controls the power provided by the second port according to a control signal provided by the processor.

7. The power supply unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the amplifier unit reports a detection result to the processor via the communication module, wherein the detection result reflects a state of the power provided by the first port, and the detection result is obtained by a plurality of detection circuits of the power supply unit. 8 . The power supply unit as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the plurality of detection circuits include at least one of a voltage sensing circuit, a current sensing circuit, an overvoltage protection fault detection circuit, an overcurrent protection fault detection circuit, and a short circuit detection circuit.

9. The power supply unit as claimed in claim 7, wherein the communication module includes at least one optocoupler, and each of the optocouplers includes a transmitter and a receiver connected to the amplifier unit and the processor, respectively, and the at least one optocoupler is configured to transmit the detection result from the amplifier unit to the processor in an electrically isolated manner. 10 . The power supply unit as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the number of the at least one optical coupler is determined according to the number of the plurality of detection circuits.

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