External power supply module and edge device comprising same
By combining modular external power modules with supercapacitors, the safety and cost issues of traditional UPS equipment in industrial environments are solved, enabling rapid response and data protection for edge devices, making it suitable for edge devices in industrial scenarios.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422643435.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-31
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-24
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-10-31
AI Technical Summary
Traditional UPS equipment is unsafe and costly to use in industrial environments, and cannot meet the needs of edge devices, resulting in frequent power outages, loss of critical data, and hardware damage.
Design a modular external power supply module that uses a rechargeable and dischargeable supercapacitor as an energy storage device, integrates a power fault detection circuit and a processor, and connects to edge devices through the module's power interface to achieve power fault detection and rapid power supply. It also supports edge devices to save data and switch to low-power mode in a timely manner when power is lost.
It provides a safe and reliable backup power supply, protects edge devices from damage caused by sudden power outages, extends equipment life, and ensures flexible adaptability and monitoring of modules and devices through two-way communication, making it suitable for industrial scenarios.
Smart Images
Figure CN223471298U_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to an external power module, and to an edge device comprising the same. BACKGROUND
[0002] In industrial and other scenarios, millions of edge devices suffer from power outage failures every day, which results in loss of many critical data and hardware damages. Conventional UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) devices contain batteries (lead or lithium batteries), however, such devices can not be safe for use in industrial environments and are costly, often not meeting industrial or edge use scenarios. SUMMARY
[0003] It is an object of the present application to provide a modular or unitized external power module for edge devices to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.
[0004] The object is achieved by the external power module of the present application and the edge device comprising the same.
[0005] The external power module of the present application is configured to be electrically connected to an edge device as a backup power source, the external power module is configured for electrical connection to an external power source and comprises: a power housing; a module power interface disposed on the power housing configured for electrical connection to a device power interface of the edge device; and disposed within the power housing: a chargeable and dischargeable power storage device electrically connected to the module power interface; a power failure detection circuit configured for detecting a power on state of the external power source; and a processor electrically connected to the power storage device and power failure detection circuit to manage charging of the power storage device and discharging of the power storage device in response to the power failure detection circuit detecting a power failure event of the external power source.
[0006] In one embodiment, the module power interface of the external power module is further configured for receiving power from the external power source to serve as a charging port for the power storage device; or
[0007] The external power module further comprises an external power interface configured for direct electrical connection to an external power source to serve as a charging port for the power storage device, the module power interface only serves as a discharging port for the power storage device.
[0008] In one embodiment, the external power module further comprises one or more of the following interfaces disposed on the power housing: a network interface; a COM interface; a digital interface, and a USB interface.
[0009] In one embodiment, the external power module further comprises one or more of the following disposed within the power housing: a boost-buck converter electrically connected between the power storage device and the charging port and the discharging port; a voltage regulation controller electrically connected between the boost-buck converter and the processor; a temperature sensor electrically connected to the processor; and an indicator electrically connected to the processor and indicative of whether the external power module is operating normally.
[0010] In one embodiment, the power storage device comprises one or more supercapacitors connected in series.
[0011] The present application also relates to an edge device integrated or connected with the above external power module, comprising: the above external power module, and a device power interface electrically connected with the module power interface of the external power module.
[0012] In one embodiment, the module power interface of the external power module is directly electrically connected with the device power interface via a power line, and the external power module further comprises an external power interface configured for electrical connection with an external power source.
[0013] In one embodiment, the edge device further comprises a power adapter configured with a first power interface, a second power interface and a third power interface in electrical communication with each other, wherein,
[0014] the module power interface of the external power module is electrically connected with the first power interface; the device power interface of the edge device is electrically connected with the second power interface; and the third power interface is configured for electrical connection to an external power source.
[0015] In one embodiment, the edge device further comprises at least one of the following: a network interface capable of communicatively connecting with a corresponding network interface of the external power module; a COM interface capable of communicatively connecting with a corresponding COM interface of the external power module; a digital interface capable of electrically connecting with a corresponding digital interface of the external power module; and a USB interface capable of electrically connecting with a corresponding USB interface of the external power module.
[0016] In one embodiment, the edge device is an IPC.
[0017] The external power module of the present application is used as a backup power supply for edge devices, is configured to be electrically connected with an external power supply and an edge device, and comprises: a module power interface for electrically connecting with a device power interface of the edge device; a chargeable and dischargeable power storage device electrically connected with the module power interface; a power failure detection circuit configured to detect the on state of the external power supply; and a processor electrically connected with the power storage device and the power failure detection circuit to manage the charging and discharging of the power storage device. The power storage device can take the form of one or more supercapacitors, and the rated power storage or power capacity and the length of time for powering the edge device can be flexibly designed as needed. With the external power module, possible power failure events (such as sudden power failure) on the external power supply can be promptly and quickly detected, and the edge device can be immediately powered within a short time, supporting the edge device to save data and allowing it to subsequently power off normally, protecting the CPU and chipset of the edge device from being damaged, and prolonging the product life. Compared with the battery solution, the external power module configured with a power storage device in the form of a supercapacitor (group) as a backup power supply is safer, more reliable, and more suitable for edge devices, especially in industrial scenarios. The modular or unitary external power module design provided independently of the edge device is completely realized through hardware and firmware integration, and is simple in design and flexible and convenient to construct and use. More advantageously, the external power module can also be configured with one or more of a digital interface, a COM interface, a network interface, and a USB interface, together with the corresponding interfaces of the edge device to realize communication and data connection between the external power module and the edge device. This enables the external power module to also timely transmit a signal indicating the occurrence of a power failure event to the edge device when detecting the event, and the edge device can quickly enter a low-voltage mode and store data with low power consumption after timely learning of the event, making the reaction and response more timely. On the other hand, the edge device can also send configuration commands to the external power module to dynamically adjust the settings thereof. This two-way communication ensures that the external power module can be effectively monitored and controlled, and better adapted to the requirements of the edge device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] The above and other features and advantages of the present application can be readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are merely illustrative of principles of the present application and are not all inclusive of all embodiments.
[0019] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a first configuration of an edge device with an external power module constructed in accordance with the principles of the present application.
[0020] Figure 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of a second configuration of an edge device with an external power module constructed in accordance with the principles of the present application.
[0021] Figure 3 is a workflow diagram of an edge device with an external power module constructed in accordance with the principles of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Figure 1 and 2 FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively illustrate schematic diagrams of two configurations of an edge device 200 with an external power module 100 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present application. The edge device in the present application refers to any type of hardware device that performs data collection, processing and transmission at the edge of a network, including but not limited to industrial personal computers (IPCs), multiplexers, routers, routing switches, integrated access devices (IADs), virtual private network (VPN) servers, and various metro area network (MAN) and wide area network (WAN) access devices.
[0023] The edge device 200 with the external power module 100 in the present application is normally powered by an external power source (e.g., a 12-24V DC external power source). In the event of a failure of the external power source, i.e., a power failure event, the edge device 200 is powered by the external power module 100 for a short period of time, preferably during which the edge device 200 transitions to a low voltage operation mode and quickly stores the processes and data executed prior to the power failure event with low power consumption and then powers off and shuts down. As described below, the length of time that the edge device 200 is powered by the external power module 100 is based on the design of the external power module 100.
[0024] The edge device 200 can include a device power interface 210, a COM interface 220, a USB interface 230, a network interface 240, and a digital interface 250. Accordingly, the external power module 100 in the present application can include a power housing 102 and disposed on the power housing 102: a module power interface 110 for electrically connecting with the device power interface 210 of the edge device 200; a COM interface 120 for communicatively connecting with the COM interface 220 of the edge device 200; a USB interface 130 for communicatively connecting with the USB interface 230 of the edge device 200; a network interface 140 for communicatively connecting with the network interface 240 of the edge device 200; and a digital interface 150 for communicatively connecting with the digital interface 250 of the edge device 200.
[0025] As an example, the device power interface 210 of the edge device 200 and the module power interface 110 of the external power module 100 can be commonly known in the art as an external power cord ( Figure 1 ) or a separate intermediate or power adapter ( Figure 2DC-IN and DC-OUT interfaces for connection to transmit direct current. As an example, the COM interfaces 120 and 220 of the external power module 100 and the edge device 200 can have any specific form known in the art, configured to enable data transmission between the edge device 200 and the external power module 100 when connected to each other. For example, the COM interfaces 220 and 120 can be serial communication interfaces such as RS-232 or RS-485. The USB interface 130, the network interface 140 and the digital interface 150 of the external power module 100 and the corresponding interfaces on the edge device 200 can have any possible configuration known in the art, which will not be described in detail here.
[0026] In some embodiments, the interfaces 110, 120, 130, 140 and 150 on the power housing 102 of the external power module 100 can be provided as separately arranged interfaces. Each interface supports standard industrial connectors and cables, and in addition to the module power interface 110 of the external power module 100 and the device power interface 210 of the edge device 200 which must be electrically connected, the user can flexibly select one or more of the other interfaces described above to connect the external power module 100 to the edge device 200 for communication as needed. It is preferred to communicatively connect the COM interface 120 of the external power module 100 and the COM interface 220 of the edge device 200 in order to enable data exchange between the external power module 100 and the edge device 200. Through this interface, the external power module 100 is able to periodically transmit its status information to the edge device 200, ensuring real-time monitoring of the operating status of the external power module 100 by the edge device 200. At the same time, the edge device 200 can send configuration commands to the external power module 100, thereby dynamically adjusting the settings thereof. This bidirectional communication ensures that the external power module 100 can be effectively monitored and controlled, adapting to the requirements of the edge device 200 as needed.
[0027] Alternatively, in other embodiments, at least two, or even all, of the interfaces 110, 120, 130, 140 and 150 on the power housing 102 of the external power module 100 can be presented in the form of a combined interface. For example, all the interfaces 110, 120, 130, 140 and 150 are provided as a single combined interface which can support one or more of power connection (e.g. DC-IN / OUT), digital connection (e.g. GPIO), network connection (e.g. Ethernet, RJ45), COM connection (e.g. RS232 / 485), USB connection (e.g. USB2.0). The external power module 100 can only include one network interface. In addition to the above-mentioned, the power housing 102 of the external power module 100 can also be provided with other functional interfaces.
[0028] As a backup power source for temporarily providing power to the edge device 200 in the event of a power failure, a rechargeable and dischargeable power storage device 104 is provided in the power housing 102 of the external power supply module 100. The rechargeable and dischargeable power storage device 104 is configured to be charged by the external power supply when the external power supply is turned on (or when the edge device 200 is turned on for normal operation) and to be discharged in the event of a power failure of the external power supply.
[0029] exist Figure 1 In the first configuration, the external power module 100 includes an external power interface 160 that electrically connects the power storage device 104 to the external power source, and is used to charge the power storage device 104 with the power of the external power source when the external power source is connected and to enable the edge device 200 to operate normally. Figure 1 In the first configuration, the external power supply module 100 includes a separate external power supply interface 160 arranged on the power supply housing 102, so that the separately arranged external power supply interface 160 is used as a charging port of the power storage device 104 to charge the power storage device 104 using the power of the external power supply, and the module power interface 110 is used as a discharge port of the power storage device 104 to allow the power storage device 104 to discharge to the edge device 200.
[0030] A power failure detection circuit 106 and a processor 108 are also provided within the power housing 102 of the external power module 100. The power failure detection circuit 106 within the power housing 102 is electrically connected to the external power interface 160 on the power housing 102 to detect the (on or off) status of the external power supply. The power failure detection circuit 106 can have any configuration known in the art for implementing this function. As an example, the power failure detection circuit 106 can be configured to monitor the voltage at the external power interface 160 in real time and determine that a power failure event has occurred when the measured voltage is lower than a preset voltage threshold.
[0031] The processor 108 can be configured as a microcontroller unit and is configured to manage the charging and discharging of the power storage device 104, monitor the module health status of the external power module 100 (e.g., voltage V, current I, discharge duration T), and so on. Specifically, the processor 108 is electrically connected to the power failure detection circuit 106 and the power storage device 104, and is configured to instruct the power storage device 104 to discharge when the power failure detection circuit 106 detects a power failure event. As a result, power from the power storage device 104 is supplied to the edge device 200 via the module power interface 110 and the device power interface 210 of the edge device 200. As described above, when at least one of the COM interface, network interface, digital interface, and USB interface of the external power module 100 is communicatively connected to a corresponding interface on the edge device 200, the processor 108 can also send a signal to the edge device 200 (the CPU thereof) indicating that the power failure detection circuit 106 has detected a power failure event. This enables the edge device 200 to respond promptly, such as switching to a low-voltage operating mode and saving data promptly with reduced power consumption. At the same time, the processor 108 can also receive configuration commands from the edge device 200 and dynamically adjust the settings of the external power supply module 100.
[0032] Preferably, the power housing 102 of the external power module 100 may also be provided with one or more of the following to better implement its functions: connected to the charge / discharge port ( Figure 1 A buck-boost converter (DC / DC Buck Boost) 112 for voltage regulation is connected between the module power interface 110 and the external power interface 160 and the power storage device 104; a voltage regulator (or voltage regulation controller) 114 is connected between the buck-boost converter 112 and the processor 108; a level shift circuit 116 is connected between the digital interface 150 and the processor 108 for signal voltage level conversion; a voltage regulation circuit 117 is connected between the processor 108 and the power failure detection circuit 106; and a PHY 118 is connected between the network interface 140 and the processor 108. These are all well known in the art and will not be described in detail in this application.
[0033] In addition, any other functional components may be provided in the power housing 102 of the external power module 100, including but not limited to: a temperature sensor 122 communicating with the processor 108, and an indicator (e.g., a visual indicator such as an LED) 124 that provides a user with a visual indication of the status of the external power module 100.
[0034] According to the principles of the present application, the chargeable and dischargeable power storage device 104 can be provided by any electronic device known in the art that is capable of providing power storage function. In some embodiments, the power storage device 104 can include a super capacitor, for example, can include one super capacitor or a plurality of super capacitors arranged in series. Of course, the chargeable and dischargeable power storage device 104 of the present application is not limited to super capacitors, nor is the arrangement of super capacitors limited.
[0035] As described above, in the first configuration shown in Figure 1 , the external power module 100 includes the external power interface 160 as the charging port of the power storage device 104 for connecting the external power source, and includes the module power interface 110 as the discharging port of the power storage device 104 directly electrically connected with the device power interface 210 of the edge device 200 (the term "directly electrically connected" means that no other functional electronic device is included in the middle except for wires or cables, for example, directly connected via power lines here). In this configuration, when the edge device 200 is normally working, the external power source is connected to the external power interface 160 of the external power module 100. The power from the external power source: on the one hand, charges the power storage device 104 via the voltage regulation controller 114 and the boost-buck converter 112; on the other hand, directly (for example, also via the voltage regulation controller 114 and the boost-buck converter 112) supplies power to the edge device 200 via the module power interface 110 and the device power interface 210 of the edge device 200 to make it normally work. When a power failure event occurs (for example, detected by the power failure detection circuit 106), the processor 108 instructs the power storage device 104 to discharge, and this power is directly supplied to the edge device 200 via the module power interface 110 and the device power interface 210 of the edge device 200, avoiding the edge device 200 from suddenly losing power and the loss caused by the ongoing process and data not being saved in time.
[0036] Figure 2 The second configuration shown in Figure 1 differs from the first configuration of Figure 1the module power interface 110 of the external power module 100 provides the function of both the charging port of the power storage device 104 and the discharging port of the power storage device 104. In this configuration, the edge device 200 further comprises a power adapter 300 comprising a first power interface 310 configured for electrical connection with the module power interface 110 of the external power module 100 and a second power interface 320 configured for electrical connection with the device power interface 210 of the edge device 200. Thereby, the module power interface 110 of the external power module 100 is indirectly electrically connected with the device power interface 210 of the edge device 200 via the power adapter 300. The power adapter 300 further comprises a third power interface (sometimes also referred to as an adapter power interface) 330 configured for connection with an external power source, the third power interface 330, the first power interface 310 and the second power interface 320 being in electrical communication with each other inside the power adapter 300. In normal operation of the edge device 200 of this configuration, the electrical power received from the external power source at the third power interface 330 of the power adapter 300 is supplied to the edge device 200 for its normal operation via the electrical connection of the second power interface 320 and the device power interface 210 and, at the same time, to the module power interface 110 of the external power module 100 via the first power interface 310, thereby charging the power storage device 104. At this time, the module power interface 110 functions as the charging port of the power storage device 104. In case of failure of the external power source, the power storage device 104 of the external power module 100 supplies electrical power to the device power interface 210 of the edge device 200 via the module power interface 110, the first power interface 310 of the power adapter 300, the second power interface 320, so that the edge device 200 is not suddenly powered off.
[0037] The above reference to Figure 1 and 2An edge device 200 including an external power module 100 is described. The external power module 100 employs an external power module 100 that is independently configured from the edge device 200 with an integrated power failure detection circuit 106, a processor 108, and a power storage device 104 with sufficient power storage capacity. The external power module 100 is connected to the edge device 200 through a flexible interface, which improves the flexibility of the edge device 200. In the event of an unexpected power failure event (e.g., sudden power outage), the external power module 100 can quickly detect the power failure event and immediately provide power to the edge device 200 as a backup power source within a short time, support the edge device 200 to save data, and then make the edge device 200 normally "gracefully" power off, which effectively protects the CPU and chipset of the edge device from damage and prolongs the product life. Compared with common lithium batteries, the external power module 100 configured with a super capacitor (group) form of power storage device 104 as a backup power source is safer, more reliable, and more suitable for edge devices, especially in industrial scenarios. The modular backup power source provided independently of the edge device 200 is completely implemented through hardware and firmware integration, with simple design, flexible construction, and convenient use.
[0038] Figure 3 A workflow diagram of an edge device 200 including an external power module 100 is shown.
[0039] The flow generally includes the following steps: step S1, electrically connecting the module power interface 110 of the external power module 100 to the device power interface 210 of the edge device 200; step S2, turning on the external power to start the external power module 100 and the edge device 200; step S3, monitoring the state of the external power using the power failure detection circuit 106 of the external power module 100; and step S4, discharging the power storage device 104 of the external power module 100 to provide power to the edge device 200 when the power failure detection circuit 106 of the external power module 100 detects a power failure event.
[0040] In the external power module 100 including an independently configured external power interface 160 Figure 1), step S1 is implemented by connecting the module power interface 110 of the external power module 100 and the device power interface 210 of the edge device 200 using a power cable. In the case where the external power module 100 does not include a separately configured external power interface but instead enables its module power interface 110 to function as an external power interface, step S1 may include: providing a power adapter 300 including first, second, and third (or external) power interfaces in electrical communication with each other; and electrically connecting the module power interface 110 of the external power module 100 and the device power interface 210 of the edge device 200 to the first power interface 310 and the second power interface 320 of the power adapter 300, respectively.
[0041] The step S2 of turning on the external power supply to start the external power supply module 100 and the edge device 200 to work may include: the external power supply module 100 includes an independently configured external power supply interface 160 ( Figure 1 ), electrically connecting the external power interface 160 of the external power module 100 to an external power source; or, if the external power module 100 does not include a separately configured external power interface, electrically connecting the third power interface 330 of the power adapter 300 to an external power source. Enabling edge device 200 to start operation may include: initializing the external power module 100, charging the power storage device 104 when it is not fully charged, maintaining electrical communication with the power storage device 104 when it is fully charged, and monitoring the module status of the external power module 100 using the processor 108.
[0042] As an example, the step S3 of monitoring the state of the external power supply by using the power failure detection circuit 106 of the external power supply module 100 may include: measuring the external power interface ( Figure 1 External power interface 160 or Figure 2 module power interface 110) at the voltage value; determine whether the measured voltage value reaches or is lower than a preset threshold; and determine that a power failure event has occurred when the measured voltage value reaches or is lower than the preset threshold.
[0043] As a preferred embodiment, the workflow further comprises an optional step S12 between step S1 and step S2: electrically connecting at least one of the COM interface, the digital interface, the network interface, the USB interface of the external power supply module 100 to the corresponding interface in the edge device 200. This optional step can provide a bus and / or signal communication connection between the external power supply module 100 and the edge device 200. For example, the signal communication connection can be implemented through the COM interface and / or the data interface (e.g. through one of GPIO, RS232 Ring, RS232 DSR, RS232 CTS) of the external power supply module 100 and the edge device 200; the bus communication connection can be implemented through one or more of the COM interface, the USB interface and the network interface (e.g. through one of USB, RS232 / RS485 and Ethernet) of the external power supply module 100 and the edge device 200. The signal communication connection can allow the external power supply module 100 to send a notification signal to the edge device 200 to notify that a power failure event is detected. The bus communication connection can allow the external power supply module 100 to send its own state information to the edge device 200 and receive configuration commands from the edge device 200.
[0044] Correspondingly, step S4 further comprises sending a signal to the CPU of the edge device 200 to indicate that a power failure event occurs when the power failure detection circuit 106 of the external power supply module 100 detects a power failure event. Optionally, in this case, the workflow can further comprise an optional step S5 after step S4: the edge device 200 transitions to a low-power consumption working mode and immediately performs data storage with reduced power consumption in response to receiving the signal from the external power supply module 100 that a power failure event occurs.
[0045] The workflow can further comprise an optional step S6: the edge device 200 powers off and shuts down in the case that the external power supply is not restored after the external power supply module 100 stops supplying power to the edge device 200, and an optional step S7: returning to step S2 in the case that the external power supply is restored. Figure 3 Optional steps are represented by dashed lines.
[0046] The application also provides a design method of the rated power / power storage capacity (or rated power) of the external power supply module 100.
[0047] The rated power W of the external power supply module 100 can be calculated by the following formula:
[0048] W = 0.5 x Csc x (U 2 - UL 2 ).
[0049] Wherein, Csc represents the equivalent total capacitance of the power storage device 104; U is the rated voltage of the power storage device 104, and UL is the minimum discharge voltage of the power storage device 104.
[0050] When the power failure event occurs, the time (or duration) T that the external power supply module 100 of the present application can provide power for the edge device 200 can be calculated as follows:
[0051] T = W / P.
[0052] Wherein, P is the power consumption of the edge device 200.
[0053] As an example, assume that the power storage device 104 of the external power supply module 100 includes four super capacitors of a certain model, each with a rated capacitance of 100 F (Farad) and a rated voltage of 2.7 V (Volt), then the equivalent total voltage of the power storage device 104 is 10.8 V, and the equivalent total capacitance is 25 F. Assume that the power consumption of the edge device 200 is 30 W (Watt), and the minimum discharge voltage of the power storage device 104 is 5 V. Based on the above two formulas, the time T that the external power supply module 100 of the present application can provide power for the edge device 200 can be calculated as follows:
[0054] T = (0.5 x 25 x (100-25)) / 30 = 31.25 s.
[0055] That is, after the external power supply fails (for example, power failure), the external power supply module 100 of the present application can provide power for the edge device 200 for 31 s. Within this time, the edge device 200 can preferably operate in a low-voltage working mode and achieve data storage. After 31 s, if the external power supply does not recover, the edge device 200 will shut down for 31 s. If the external power supply recovers, the working process will automatically enter step S2.
[0056] The edge device including the external power supply module, the working process of the edge device, the beneficial effects of the edge device, and the design example of the external power supply module thereof are described in detail above with reference to the schematic diagrams. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the application to any particular form. The terms used are intended to be descriptive, not limiting. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings, and the present application can be practiced in different ways than those specifically described.
Claims
1. An external power supply module (100) configured to be electrically connected with an edge device (200) as a backup power supply, characterized in that, The external power module (100) is configured to be electrically connected with an external power source and comprises: a power housing (102); a module power interface (110) disposed on the power housing (102) and configured to be electrically connected to a device power interface (210) of the edge device (200); and disposed within the power housing (102): a chargeable and dischargeable power storage device (104) electrically connected with the module power interface (110); a power failure detection circuit (106) configured to detect a power-on state of the external power source; and a processor (108) electrically connected with the power storage device (104) and the power failure detection circuit (106) to manage charging of the power storage device (104) and discharging of the power storage device (104) in response to the power failure detection circuit (106) detecting a power failure event of the external power source.
2. The external power module (100) of claim 1, wherein: the module power interface (110) of the external power module (100) is further configured to receive power from the external power source to serve as a charging port for the power storage device (104); or the external power module (100) further comprises an external power interface (160) configured to be directly electrically connected with an external power source to serve as a charging port for the power storage device (104), and the module power interface (110) only serves as a discharging port for the power storage device (104).
3. The external power supply module (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that The external power module (100) further comprises one or more of the following interfaces disposed on the power housing (102): a network interface (140); a COM interface (120); a digital interface (150); and a USB interface (130).
4. The external power supply module (100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The external power module (100) further comprises one or more of the following disposed within the power housing (102): a step-up / down converter (112) electrically connected between the power storage device (104) and the charging and discharging ports; a voltage regulation controller (114) electrically connected between the step-up / down converter (112) and the processor (108); a temperature sensor (122) electrically connected with the processor (108); and an indicator (124) electrically connected with the processor (108) to indicate whether an operating state of the external power module (100) is normal.
5. The external power supply module (100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The power storage device (104) comprises one or more supercapacitors connected in series.
6. An edge device (200), characterized by comprises: the external power module (100) of any one of claims 1-5, and the device power interface (210) electrically connected with the module power interface (110) of the external power module (100).
7. The edge device (200) according to claim 6, characterized by The module power interface (110) of the external power module (100) is directly electrically connected with the device power interface (210) via a power cord, and the external power module (100) further comprises an external power interface (160) configured to be electrically connected with an external power source.
8. The edge device (200) according to claim 6, characterized in that The edge device further comprises a power adapter (300) configured with a first power interface (310), a second power interface (320) and a third power interface (330) in electrical communication with each other, wherein the module power interface (110) of the external power module (100) is electrically connected with the first power interface (310); the device power interface (210) of the edge device (200) is electrically connected with the second power interface (320); and the third power interface (330) is configured for electrical connection to an external power source.
9. The edge device (200) according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized by, The edge device (200) further comprises at least one of: a network interface capable of communicative connection with a corresponding network interface (140) of the external power module (100); a COM interface capable of communicative connection with a corresponding COM interface (120) of the external power module (100); a digital interface capable of electrical connection with a corresponding digital interface (150) of the external power module (100); and a USB interface capable of electrical connection with a corresponding USB interface (130) of the external power module (100).
10. The edge device (200) according to claim 9, characterized in that The edge device (200) is an IPC.