12VHPWR Power Cable With Signal Conversion for PCIe PSU Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply units with PCIE 2×4 connectors are not compatible with next-generation graphics cards that require a 12VHPWR connector, as their pinouts and functions differ, preventing direct power supply.

Innovation Solution

A power cable with a 12VHPWR connector at one end and multiple PCIE 2×4 connectors at the other end, incorporating a converting circuit with AND gates to process sensing signals from the PCIE 2×4 connectors, allowing them to be coupled with the 12VHPWR connector and generate compatible sensing signals for power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing power supply units with PCIE 2×4 connectors are used, then compatibility with older hardware is maintained, but they cannot supply power to next-generation graphics cards requiring 12VHPWR connector

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with next-generation graphics cardsVSAvoidconnector type compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power cable incorporates multiple PCIE 2×4 connectors (supporting 1-4 connectors) that can be selectively connected to provide different power levels (300W, 450W, or 600W), making a single cable universally compatible with various power supply configurations and next-generation graphics cards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The converting circuit acts as an intermediary between the PCIE 2×4 connectors and the 12VHPWR connector, translating and adapting the electrical signals and power delivery protocols to enable compatibility between different connector standards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If multiple PCIE 2×4 connectors are connected to provide higher power, then power capacity increases, but sensing signal compatibility becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply capacityVSAvoidsensing signal processing

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The converting circuit merges the sensing signals from multiple PCIE 2×4 connectors through logic operations (AND gates) to generate a single compatible sensing signal for the 12VHPWR connector, simplifying the interface while supporting multiple power levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The converting circuit processes sensing signals from connected PCIE 2×4 connectors to detect the number of active connectors and dynamically adjusts the power delivery and signal output accordingly, providing automatic adaptation based on system configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12444890B2Power cable with different types of connectors

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are a power cable and a power supply system including the power cable. The power cable includes a 12VHPWR connector disposed at a first end of the power cable; a plurality of PCIE 2×4 connectors disposed at a second end of the power cable; and a converting circuit coupled with the 12VHPWR connector via a first cable and coupled with the plurality of the PCIE 2×4 connectors via a plurality of second cables. The converting circuit includes at least one AND gate configured to couple sensing pins of the plurality of PCIE 2×4 connectors with a sensing pin of the 12VHPWR connector.