Power connector monitoring system and electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses a power connector monitoring system and electronic equipment, and relates to the technical field of electronic equipment power supply.The controller of the multiplexing server is used to introduce a voltage comparator to directly measure the voltage difference between the two ends of the power connector, so that the real-time monitoring of the impedance state of the power connector is realized without adding special protection devices and occupying additional space.In this way, the hardware cost and design complexity are significantly reduced, which is in line with the lightweight trend of edge devices and the high-density trend of servers.Furthermore, the initial impedance reference is established through the calibration stage, the small impedance changes caused by aging, loosening or pollution of the connector can be sensitively perceived, timely warning can be given before overheating or damage occurs, the fundamental change from passive protection to early predictive maintenance is realized, the reliability of the power connector is improved, and the chain failure caused by the connector failure is avoided to a certain extent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of power supply technology for electronic devices, and in particular to a power connector monitoring system and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] As a critical interface for current transmission, the reliability of power connectors directly determines the stability of the entire power supply chain. Limited by their physical structure, material properties, and usage scenarios, they can become a hidden weak point in the transmission chain. A failure can lead to voltage drops and device frequency reduction, or even overheating, burnout, or system shutdown. Furthermore, due to their bridging role and physical characteristics in the circuit, when short circuits or overloads occur at the downstream end, the fault energy often preferentially acts on the connector, making it the most vulnerable component.

[0003] Related technologies primarily address this issue from three levels: optimizing connector selection and redundancy design, employing hardware protection mechanisms such as fuses or electronic fuses to quickly cut off faults, and deploying monitoring devices for temperature and current to achieve early warning. However, higher-performance connector redundancy designs and various protection and monitoring devices significantly increase hardware costs, resulting in resource waste and making it difficult to meet the low-cost and lightweight requirements of edge computing and other scenarios. They also occupy physical space, contradicting the current trend of high-performance, high-density, and miniaturized servers, increasing design complexity and compatibility constraints. Furthermore, current protection and monitoring solutions mainly target boards and backend loads, lacking sufficient direct protection and status awareness of the power connectors themselves, leading to monitoring lag. Protection mechanisms often only trigger warnings after irreversible damage to the connector, failing to achieve early prediction and intervention. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a power connector monitoring system and electronic device to at least solve the problem of blind spots in the protection and monitoring of power connectors in related technologies.

[0005] This application provides a power connector monitoring system, including: a first load, a voltage comparator, and a controller. A first end of the power connector is connected to a power source, a second end of the power connector is connected to the first load, the first load is communicatively connected to the controller, a first input end of the voltage comparator is connected to the first end of the power connector, a second input end of the voltage comparator is connected to the second end of the power connector, and the voltage comparator is communicatively connected to the controller. The controller is configured to send a first control command to the first load during a power connector calibration phase. The first load is configured to receive the first control command and operate at a preset power based on the first control command. The voltage comparator is configured to, when the first load operates at the preset power, acquire a first voltage difference between the first end and the second end of the power connector and send the first voltage difference to the controller. The controller is configured to receive the first voltage difference and determine a first initial impedance of the power connector based on the ratio between the first voltage difference and a first calibration current.

[0006] This application also provides an electronic device, including the aforementioned power connector monitoring system.

[0007] This application reuses the server's controller and introduces a voltage comparator to directly measure the voltage difference across the power connector. This enables real-time monitoring of the power connector's impedance status without requiring dedicated protection devices or additional space. This significantly reduces hardware costs and design complexity, aligning with the trends of lightweight edge devices and high-density servers. Furthermore, by establishing an initial impedance reference during the calibration phase, it can sensitively detect minute impedance changes caused by aging, loosening, or contamination of the connector, providing timely warnings before overheating or damage occurs. This represents a fundamental shift from passive protection to early predictive maintenance, improving the reliability of the power connector and, to a certain extent, preventing cascading failures caused by connector malfunctions. Attached Figure Description

[0008] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power connector monitoring system according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power connector monitoring system according to other embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power connector monitoring system according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is a block diagram of an electronic device according to some embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0010] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this application.

[0011] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. The terms "first," "second," etc., used in this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0012] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0013] The power connector monitoring system and electronic device according to embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power connector monitoring system according to some embodiments of this application. (Refer to...) Figure 1The power connector monitoring system 1 of this application embodiment includes: a first load 11, a voltage comparator 12, and a controller 13. The first end of the power connector 2 is connected to a power source, the second end of the power connector 2 is connected to the first load 11, the first load 11 is communicatively connected to the controller 13, the first input end of the voltage comparator 12 is connected to the first end of the power connector 2, the second input end of the voltage comparator 12 is connected to the second end of the power connector 2, and the voltage comparator 12 is communicatively connected to the controller 13. The first load 11 is a communicatible load that can communicate with the controller 13; for example, the first load 11 can be a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, etc. The controller 13 can be a BMC (Baseboard Management Controller), a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), etc. The first and second input ends of the voltage comparator 12 can be connected to the first end (power connection side) and the second end (load connection side) of the power connector 2 via PCB traces. Alternatively, the first and second input ends of the voltage comparator 12 can be connected to preset pins at both ends of the power connector 2; no specific limitations are imposed here.

[0015] Controller 13 is configured to send a first control command to first load 11 during the calibration phase of power connector 2; first load 11 is configured to receive the first control command and operate at a preset power based on the first control command; voltage comparator 12 is configured to acquire a first voltage difference between the first end and the second end of power connector 2 when the first load 11 is operating at the preset power, and send the first voltage difference to controller 13; controller 13 is configured to receive the first voltage difference and determine the first initial impedance of power connector 2 based on the ratio between the first voltage difference and the first calibration current. The preset power can be calibrated according to actual conditions and is not specifically limited here.

[0016] Specifically, during the calibration phase of power connector 2, controller 13 sends a first control command to first load 11. Upon receiving the first control command, first load 11 will operate at a preset power. If power connector 2 is a standard component, and first load 11 operates at the preset power, power connector 2 will generate a fixed current (first calibration current), which is pre-stored in controller 13. It should be noted that the preset power corresponds to the first calibration current.

[0017] When the first load 11 is running at a preset power, the voltage comparator 12 acquires a first voltage difference between the first end and the second end of the power connector 2 and sends the first voltage difference to the controller 13. Based on Ohm's law, the controller 13 calculates the ratio between the first voltage difference and the first calibration current to determine the current first initial impedance of the connector 2, thereby realizing the function of calibrating the impedance of the power connector 2.

[0018] It should be noted that a power connector 2 can connect to one or more first loads 11. When the power connector 2 is connected to one first load 11, the controller 13 sends a first control command to the first load 11, causing the first load 11 to operate at a preset power, thereby determining the first impedance of the power connector 2. When the power connector 2 is connected to multiple first loads 11, the controller 13 can send the first control command to one of the first loads 11, or the controller 13 can send the first control command to multiple of the first loads 11, and the first load 11 that does not receive the first control command will not operate. If the controller 13 sends the first control command to one of the first loads 11, the first load 11 will operate at a preset power, thereby determining the first impedance of the power connector 2; if the controller 13 sends the first control command to multiple of the first loads 11, and the multiple first loads 11 operate at a preset power, then the first calibration current is the sum of the currents corresponding to each first load 11.

[0019] This application reuses the server's controller and introduces a voltage comparator to directly measure the voltage difference across the power connector. This enables real-time monitoring of the power connector's impedance status without requiring dedicated protection devices or additional space. This significantly reduces hardware costs and design complexity, aligning with the trends of lightweight edge devices and high-density servers. Furthermore, by establishing an initial impedance reference during the calibration phase, it can sensitively detect minute impedance changes caused by aging, loosening, or contamination of the connector, providing timely warnings before overheating or damage occurs. This represents a fundamental shift from passive protection to early predictive maintenance, improving the reliability of the power connector and, to a certain extent, preventing cascading failures caused by connector malfunctions.

[0020] In some embodiments, the voltage comparator 12 is configured to, during the operation phase of the power connector 2, acquire a second voltage difference between the first end and the second end of the power connector 2 based on a first preset time interval, and send the second voltage difference to the controller 13; the controller 13 is configured to receive the second voltage difference, determine a first operating current of the power connector 2 based on the ratio between the second voltage difference and the first initial impedance, and control the first load 11 based on the first operating current. The first preset time interval can be determined according to actual conditions; for example, the first preset time interval can be 10ms, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0021] Specifically, during the operation phase of the power connector 2, the first load 11 operates normally. The voltage comparator 12 continuously collects the second voltage difference between the first and second ends of the power connector 2 according to a pre-set first preset time interval, and transmits the second voltage difference to the controller 13 in real time. After receiving the second voltage difference data, the controller 13 calculates it with the first initial impedance determined during the calibration phase of the power connector 2, and calculates the first operating current flowing through the power connector 2 by calculating the ratio between the two. Finally, the controller 13 implements corresponding adjustment or protection control on the first load 11 connected to the power connector 2 according to the first operating current value, such as overcurrent protection, power regulation, or operating state switching, thereby ensuring the safe, stable, and efficient operation of the entire power system.

[0022] In some embodiments, the controller 13 is configured to send a second control command to the first load 11 when the first operating current is greater than a first preset operating current threshold; the first load 11 is configured to receive the second control command and reduce its operating power consumption based on the second control command. The first preset operating current threshold can be calibrated according to actual conditions and is not specifically limited here.

[0023] Specifically, after the controller 13 calculates the first operating current of the power connector 2, it can compare the first operating current with the first preset operating current threshold. If the controller 13 detects that the first operating current is greater than the first preset operating current threshold, it means that the controller 13 has detected an overcurrent risk. Then, it immediately sends a second control command to the first load 11. After receiving the second control command, the first load 11 can actively and smoothly reduce its own operating power consumption by reducing the frequency, shutting down some non-core functions, adjusting the performance mode, etc., so that the operating current of the power connector 2 quickly drops back to a safe range. If the controller 13 detects that the first operating current is less than or equal to the first preset operating current threshold, it means that the controller 13 has not detected an overcurrent risk. Then, it is not necessary to send a second control command to the first load 11, and the power connector 2 works normally.

[0024] During the power connector's operation phase, this application continuously collects the second voltage difference across the connector and, combined with the first initial impedance obtained during the calibration phase, calculates the real-time first operating current. If the first operating current exceeds a first preset operating current threshold, the controller immediately sends a second control command to the first load, enabling the first load to proactively and intelligently reduce its power consumption by adjusting its operating mode, thereby quickly and smoothly restoring the loop current to a safe range. This not only achieves preventative and smooth suppression of overcurrent risks, avoiding service interruptions due to hard disconnection, but also, through the load's proactive cooperation, maximizes system energy efficiency and operational reliability while ensuring the continuity of core functions. It achieves an intelligent balance between safety protection and performance maintenance, improving overall availability and reliability.

[0025] In some embodiments, the controller 13 is configured to determine the impedance deviation rate of the power connector 2 based on the difference between the first initial impedance and the reference impedance of the power connector 2; and to execute a corresponding hierarchical control strategy based on the impedance deviation rate range in which the impedance deviation rate falls. Here, the reference impedance of the power connector 2 refers to the impedance of the power connector 2 in a brand new, intact, low-impedance state.

[0026] Specifically, after determining the first initial impedance of power connector 2 during the calibration phase, the difference between the first initial impedance and the reference impedance of power connector 2 can be calculated. The ratio of the absolute value of this difference to the reference impedance is determined as the impedance deviation rate of power connector 2. Then, based on the impedance deviation rate range, a corresponding graded control strategy is executed. For example, when the deviation rate is in a low range, only logging and minor warnings are performed; when the deviation rate rises to a medium range, the monitoring frequency is actively increased or the load power is reduced; if the deviation rate enters a high-risk range, a strong protection mechanism will be immediately triggered, such as cutting off the power or forcibly shutting down the device.

[0027] This application quantifies the degree of connector performance degradation by calculating the impedance deviation rate and mapping it to different warning intervals, thereby executing control actions matched to the severity level, ranging from recording and monitoring, power regulation to forced shutdown. This enables early prediction and intervention of power connector failures, effectively preventing secondary damage or safety accidents caused by connector problems. Furthermore, the tiered response avoids unnecessary system interruptions, achieving a balance between ensuring equipment safety and maintaining service continuity.

[0028] In some embodiments, the controller 13 is configured to: allow the first load 11 to start operation when the absolute value of the impedance deviation rate is less than or equal to a first preset deviation rate threshold; reduce a first preset operating current threshold based on the first initial impedance and generate a warning log when the absolute value of the impedance deviation rate is greater than the first preset deviation rate threshold and less than or equal to a second preset deviation rate threshold; and prohibit the first load 11 from starting operation when the absolute value of the impedance deviation rate is greater than the second preset deviation rate threshold. The first and second preset deviation rate thresholds can be determined according to actual conditions, and no specific restrictions are imposed here.

[0029] For example, when the absolute value of the impedance deviation rate is less than or equal to the first preset deviation rate threshold, it indicates that the difference between the impedance of the power connector 2 and the standard value is within an acceptable safe range, thus allowing the first load 11 to start and operate normally. When the absolute value of the impedance deviation rate exceeds the first threshold but has not yet reached the second threshold, it indicates that the connector 2 has degraded to a certain extent. At this time, preventive measures will be taken, namely, the first preset operating current threshold of the first load 11 will be reduced accordingly based on the currently high first initial impedance to prevent the connector 2 from overheating or accelerating damage under current-carrying conditions. At the same time, an early warning log will be generated to notify maintenance personnel. The first preset operating current threshold can be determined by looking up a preset relationship mapping table between the first initial impedance and the first preset operating current threshold. The preset relationship mapping table includes multiple first initial impedances and the first preset operating current threshold corresponding to each first initial impedance. Once the absolute value of the impedance deviation rate further increases and exceeds the second preset deviation rate threshold, it is determined that the connector 2 has severely deteriorated and poses a clear safety risk. The first load 11 will be immediately prohibited from starting and operating to avoid possible electrical faults or safety accidents.

[0030] In this way, by dynamically adjusting operating parameters and permissions, the device's availability time can be extended as much as possible while ensuring the safety of the power connector, and a seamless transition from early warning to protection can be provided.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a power connector monitoring system according to other embodiments of this application. (Refer to...) Figure 2The power connector monitoring system of this application embodiment includes: a second load 14, a resistor assembly R1, a switch assembly K1, a voltage comparator 12, and a controller 13. The first end of the power connector 2 is connected to a power source, and the second end of the power connector 2 is connected to the second load 14. One end of the resistor assembly R1 is connected to the second end of the power connector 2, and the other end of the resistor assembly R1 is connected to one end of the switch assembly K1. The other end of the switch assembly K1 is grounded. The controller 13 is communicatively connected to the switch assembly K1. The first input terminal of the voltage comparator 12 is connected to the first end of the power connector 2, and the second input terminal of the voltage comparator 12 is connected to the second end of the power connector 2. The voltage comparator 12 is communicatively connected to the controller 13. The second load 14 is a non-communicable load that cannot communicate with the controller 13; the second load 14 can be a cooling fan, etc.

[0032] Controller 13 is configured to control switch assembly K1 to close during the calibration phase of power connector 2; voltage comparator 12 is configured to acquire a third voltage difference between the first end and the second end of power connector 2 when switch assembly K1 is closed, and send the third voltage difference to controller 13; controller 13 is configured to receive the third voltage difference and determine the second initial impedance of power connector 2 based on the ratio between the third voltage difference and the second calibration current.

[0033] Specifically, when the power connector 2 is connected to the second load 14, an initial calibration bypass needs to be set at the connection node between the power connector 2 and the second load 14. The initial calibration bypass includes a resistor component R1 and a switch component K1. One end of the resistor component R1 is connected to the second end of the power connector 2, and the other end of the resistor component R1 is connected to one end of the switch component K1. The other end of the switch component K1 is grounded.

[0034] During the calibration phase of power connector 2, the second load 14 is not operating, and controller 13 sends a switch closing command to switch assembly K1 to activate the initial calibration bypass. When power connector 2 is a standard component, it will generate a fixed current (the second calibration current), which is pre-stored in controller 13. It should be noted that the resistance value of resistor assembly R1 corresponds to the second calibration current.

[0035] When the initial calibration bypass is activated, voltage comparator 12 acquires the third voltage difference between the first and second terminals of power connector 2 and sends this third voltage difference to controller 13. Controller 13 calculates the ratio between the third voltage difference and the second calibration current based on Ohm's law to determine the current second initial impedance of connector 2, thereby achieving the function of calibrating the impedance of power connector 2.

[0036] It should be noted that regardless of how many first loads 11 are connected to the power connector 2, an initial calibration bypass is set up.

[0037] This application utilizes a calibration bypass consisting of a resistor component with known resistance and a controllable switch component. During the calibration phase, the switch is closed to guide a preset second calibration current through the power connector. A voltage comparator measures the third voltage difference across the connector in real time, and Ohm's law is used to calculate the connector's true second initial impedance under the current physical state. This effectively eliminates impedance measurement errors caused by batch variations in power connectors, contact oxidation, wear, or changes in contact resistance due to long-term use, achieving accurate connector impedance calibration and improving the safety of the entire power supply system.

[0038] In some embodiments, the voltage comparator 12 is configured to, during the operation phase of the power connector 2, acquire a fourth voltage difference between the first end and the second end of the power connector 2 based on a second preset time interval, and send the fourth voltage difference to the controller 13; the controller 13 is configured to receive the fourth voltage difference and determine a second operating current of the power connector 2 based on the ratio between the fourth voltage difference and the second initial impedance. The second preset time interval can be determined according to actual conditions; for example, the second preset time interval can be 10ms, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0039] Specifically, during the operation phase of power connector 2, the second load 14 operates normally. The voltage comparator 12 continuously collects the fourth voltage difference between the first and second ends of power connector 2 according to the preset second time interval, and transmits the fourth voltage difference to the controller 13 in real time. After receiving the fourth voltage difference data, the controller 13 calculates it with the second initial impedance determined during the calibration phase of power connector 2, and calculates the second operating current flowing through power connector 2 by calculating the ratio between the two. Finally, the controller 13 performs overcurrent protection on power connector 2 according to the second operating current value, thereby ensuring the safe, stable and efficient operation of the entire power system.

[0040] In some embodiments, the controller 13 is configured to reduce the second operating current of the power connector 2 to the second preset operating current threshold and issue an alarm when the second operating current exceeds the second preset operating current threshold. The second preset operating current threshold can be calibrated according to actual conditions and is not specifically limited here.

[0041] Specifically, after calculating the second operating current of the power connector 2, the controller 13 can compare the second operating current with the second preset operating current threshold. If the controller 13 detects that the second operating current is greater than the second preset operating current threshold, it means that the controller 13 has detected an overcurrent risk. It can then dynamically reduce the second operating current of the power connector 2 to within the safe threshold by adjusting the power supply output or controlling the relevant power switches, thereby achieving rapid and smooth overload protection for the second load 14 and avoiding overheating of the connector 2, damage to the load, or system failure due to continuous overcurrent. At the same time, the controller 13 will also trigger alarm signals (such as audible and visual alarms, system log recording, or sending warning information to the host computer) to promptly notify the user or management system of the abnormal state so that further manual inspection or maintenance intervention can be carried out. If the controller 13 detects that the second operating current is less than or equal to the second preset operating current threshold, it means that the controller 13 has not detected an overcurrent risk, and the power connector 2 works normally.

[0042] During the power connector's operation phase, this application continuously collects the fourth voltage difference between the two ends of the connector and, combined with the second initial impedance obtained during the calibration phase, calculates the real-time second operating current. If the second operating current exceeds the second preset operating current threshold, the controller will not only immediately suppress the current to a safe range by adjusting the power supply, achieving rapid and smooth overload current limiting to prevent connector overheating or load damage, but also simultaneously trigger multi-level alarms to achieve real-time reporting and visualization of abnormal states, thereby improving overall availability and reliability.

[0043] In some embodiments, the controller 13 is configured to control the switch assembly K1 to disconnect during the operation phase of the power connector 2.

[0044] Specifically, during the operation of power connector 2, that is, when the second load 14 is in normal operation, controller 13 will send a disconnect command to switch assembly K1 to control switch assembly K1 to disconnect, close the calibration bypass, and prevent unnecessary energy loss.

[0045] In some embodiments, the controller 13 is configured to determine the impedance deviation rate of the power connector 2 based on the difference between the second initial impedance and the reference impedance of the power connector 2; and to execute a corresponding hierarchical control strategy based on the impedance deviation rate range in which the impedance deviation rate falls. Here, the reference impedance of the power connector 2 refers to the impedance of the power connector 2 in a brand new, intact, low-impedance state.

[0046] Specifically, after determining the second initial impedance of power connector 2 during the calibration phase, the difference between the second initial impedance and the reference impedance of power connector 2 is calculated, and the ratio of the absolute value of this difference to the reference impedance is determined as the impedance deviation rate of power connector 2. Then, based on the impedance deviation rate range, a corresponding graded control strategy is executed. For example, when the deviation rate is in a low range, only logging and minor warnings are performed; when the deviation rate rises to a medium range, the monitoring frequency is actively increased or the load power is reduced; if the deviation rate enters a high-risk range, a strong protection mechanism will be immediately triggered, such as cutting off the power or forcibly shutting down the device.

[0047] This application quantifies the degree of connector performance degradation by calculating the impedance deviation rate and mapping it to different warning intervals, thereby executing control actions matched to the severity level, ranging from recording and monitoring, power regulation to forced shutdown. This enables early prediction and intervention of power connector failures, effectively preventing secondary damage or safety accidents caused by connector problems. Furthermore, the tiered response avoids unnecessary system interruptions, achieving a balance between ensuring equipment safety and maintaining service continuity.

[0048] In some embodiments, the controller 13 is configured to: allow the second load 14 to start operation when the absolute value of the impedance deviation rate is less than or equal to a first preset deviation rate threshold; reduce a second preset operating current threshold based on the second initial impedance and generate a warning log when the absolute value of the impedance deviation rate is greater than the first preset deviation rate threshold but less than or equal to a second preset deviation rate threshold; and prohibit the second load 14 from starting operation when the absolute value of the impedance deviation rate is greater than the second preset deviation rate threshold. The first and second preset deviation rate thresholds can be determined according to actual conditions, and no specific restrictions are imposed here.

[0049] For example, when the absolute value of the impedance deviation rate is less than or equal to the first preset deviation rate threshold, it indicates that the difference between the impedance of the power connector 2 and the standard value is within an acceptable and safe range, thus allowing the second load 14 to start and operate normally. When the absolute value of the impedance deviation rate exceeds the first threshold but has not yet reached the second threshold, it indicates that the connector 2 has degraded to a certain extent. At this time, preventive measures will be taken, namely, the allowable operating current threshold of the second load 14 will be reduced accordingly based on the currently high second initial impedance to prevent the connector 2 from overheating or accelerating damage under current-carrying conditions. At the same time, a warning log will be generated to notify maintenance personnel. Once the absolute value of the impedance deviation rate further increases and exceeds the higher second preset deviation rate threshold, it is determined that the connector 2 has been severely degraded and there is a clear safety risk. The second load 14 will be immediately prohibited from starting and operating to avoid possible electrical faults or safety accidents.

[0050] In other words, when connector 2 suffers wear due to quality issues, improper insertion, or excessive insertion / removal cycles, its impedance will abnormally increase. The contact impedance of connector 2 can be detected before the node is activated by using an initial calibration bypass or the first load 11. If any of the aforementioned problems occur, an alarm can be triggered directly, protecting the circuit and the node.

[0051] In addition, current server node power detection is typically achieved using a device with added precision resistors. This application, however, allows the connector to function as a precision resistor by pre-calculating its initial impedance. This significantly saves board space and provides a real-time reference for server power.

[0052] In some embodiments, when the power connector 2 is simultaneously connected to the first load 11 and the second load 14, an initial calibration bypass can also be set, and when calibrating the initial impedance of the power connector 2, the initial impedance can be calibrated through the initial calibration bypass or through the second load 14.

[0053] When initial impedance calibration is performed via the initial calibration bypass, during the calibration phase of power connector 2, neither the first load 11 nor the second load 14 is operational. The controller 13 sends a switch closing command to the switching assembly K1 to activate the initial calibration bypass. When the initial calibration bypass is active, the voltage comparator 12 acquires the voltage difference between the first and second terminals of power connector 2 and sends this voltage difference to the controller 13. Based on Ohm's law, the controller 13 calculates the ratio between the voltage difference and the calibration current to determine the current initial impedance of connector 2, thereby achieving the function of calibrating the impedance of power connector 2.

[0054] When initial impedance calibration is performed using the first load 11, during the calibration phase of the power connector 2, the second load 14 is not working. The controller 13 sends a first control command to one or more first loads 11 to control the first loads 11 to operate at a preset power. The first loads 11 that do not receive the first control command do not work. The voltage comparator 12 collects the voltage difference between the first end and the second end of the power connector 2 and sends the voltage difference to the controller 13. The controller 13 calculates the ratio between the voltage difference and the calibration current based on Ohm's law to determine the current initial impedance of the connector 2, thereby realizing the function of calibrating the impedance of the power connector 2.

[0055] This application provides a dual-mode calibration path, allowing for initial impedance calibration via a controlled initial calibration bypass, or using a communicable first load as an online calibration source to complete impedance calibration without requiring additional hardware or a complete power outage. This ensures that the optimal calibration method can be selected based on the actual scenario during installation, commissioning, maintenance, and daily operation, obtaining the most accurate impedance value of the connector in real time. This lays a unified and reliable data foundation for subsequent real-time current monitoring, precise overload protection, and intelligent power consumption control, significantly improving the adaptability, safety, and long-term operational stability of complex power supply systems.

[0056] As a concrete example, refer to Figure 3 A voltage sense point is placed on each side of the power connector 2. When a short circuit or overcurrent occurs at the back end, the current flowing through the connector 2 will increase sharply, and the voltage difference between the two sides of the connector 2 will also increase rapidly. The voltage comparator 12 has a set fixed threshold. When it finds that the voltage difference between the two sides of the connector 2 is higher than the threshold, it will send an alarm signal to the controller 13 in the node. The controller 13 will record and shut down this circuit.

[0057] The voltage difference received by voltage comparator 12 also depends on the impedance of power connector 2. When connector 2 is in an overheating scenario, the resistance of the metal terminals will increase, and voltage comparator 12 will also receive a large voltage difference and trigger an alarm.

[0058] This application can also be used for verifying the proper insertion of connector 2 and for inspecting the quality of connector 2. In server assembly, improper insertion of connector 2 will result in significant contact resistance. This will cause a large voltage drop in the power supply path, affecting system performance, increasing system power consumption, and even posing a risk of board burn-out.

[0059] During server maintenance, connectors are repeatedly plugged and unplugged. Repeated plugging and unplugging can cause wear on the terminal contact surfaces, resulting in contact impedance not meeting specifications. In such cases, this application will receive an excessive voltage difference and trigger an alarm.

[0060] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods according to the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method.

[0061] Embodiments of this application also provide an electronic device.

[0062] Reference Figure 4 The electronic device 10 of this application includes the aforementioned power connector monitoring system 1.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will further recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the components and steps of the various examples have been generally described in terms of functionality in the foregoing description. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0064] The power connector monitoring system and electronic device provided in this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to this application without departing from the principles of this application, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A power connector monitoring system, characterized in that, include: A first load, a voltage comparator, and a controller are defined. A first end of a power connector is connected to a power source, and a second end of the power connector is connected to the first load. The first load is communicatively connected to the controller. A first input end of the voltage comparator is connected to the first end of the power connector, and a second input end of the voltage comparator is connected to the second end of the power connector. The voltage comparator is communicatively connected to the controller. The controller is configured to send a first control command to the first load during the power connector calibration phase; The first load is configured to receive the first control command and operate at a preset power based on the first control command; The voltage comparator is configured to, when the first load is running at a preset power, acquire a first voltage difference between a first end of the power connector and a second end of the power connector, and send the first voltage difference to the controller. The controller is configured to receive the first voltage difference and determine a first initial impedance of the power connector based on the ratio between the first voltage difference and the first calibration current.

2. The power connector monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage comparator is configured to, during the operation phase of the power connector, acquire a second voltage difference between the first end and the second end of the power connector based on a first preset time interval, and send the second voltage difference to the controller; The controller is configured to receive the second voltage difference, determine a first operating current of the power connector based on the ratio between the second voltage difference and the first initial impedance, and control the first load based on the first operating current.

3. The power connector monitoring system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller is configured to send a second control command to the first load when the first operating current is greater than a first preset operating current threshold. The first load is configured to receive the second control command and reduce operating power consumption based on the second control command.

4. The power connector monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is configured to, The impedance deviation rate of the power connector is determined based on the difference between the first initial impedance and the reference impedance of the power connector. The corresponding hierarchical control strategy is executed based on the impedance deviation rate range in which the impedance deviation rate is located.

5. The power connector monitoring system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The controller is configured to, The first load is allowed to start operation if the absolute value of the impedance deviation rate is less than or equal to a first preset deviation rate threshold. If the absolute value of the impedance deviation rate is greater than the first preset deviation rate threshold and less than or equal to the second preset deviation rate threshold, the first preset operating current threshold is reduced based on the first initial impedance, and an early warning log is generated. If the absolute value of the impedance deviation rate is greater than the second preset deviation rate threshold, the first load is prohibited from starting operation.

6. A power connector monitoring system, characterized in that, include: The system comprises a second load, a resistor assembly, a switch assembly, a voltage comparator, and a controller. A first end of a power connector is connected to a power source, and a second end of the power connector is connected to the second load. One end of the resistor assembly is connected to the second end of the power connector, and the other end of the resistor assembly is connected to one end of the switch assembly. The other end of the switch assembly is grounded. The controller is communicatively connected to the switch assembly. A first input terminal of the voltage comparator is connected to the first end of the power connector, and a second input terminal of the voltage comparator is connected to the second end of the power connector. The voltage comparator is communicatively connected to the controller. The controller is configured to control the closing of the switching assembly during the power connector calibration phase; The voltage comparator is configured to acquire a third voltage difference between a first end of the power connector and a second end of the power connector when the switching assembly is closed, and send the third voltage difference to the controller. The controller is configured to receive the third voltage difference and determine the second initial impedance of the power connector based on the ratio between the third voltage difference and the second calibration current.

7. The power connector monitoring system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The voltage comparator is configured to, during the power connector operation phase, acquire a fourth voltage difference between the first end and the second end of the power connector based on a second preset time interval, and send the fourth voltage difference to the controller. The controller is configured to receive the fourth voltage difference and determine a second operating current of the power connector based on the ratio between the fourth voltage difference and the second initial impedance.

8. The power connector monitoring system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The controller is configured to, If the second operating current is greater than the second preset operating current threshold, the second operating current of the power connector will be reduced to the second preset operating current threshold, and an alarm will be issued.

9. The power connector monitoring system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The controller is configured to, During the operation of the power connector, the switch assembly is controlled to disconnect.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The power connector monitoring system includes any one of claims 1-9.

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