Adjustable PSU Feedback Loop for Power Rating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Power Supply Units (PSUs) require costly and time-consuming redesigns and re-certifications to match lower output power ratings, leading to increased development cycles and potential loss of business due to lengthy time-to-market, as they often need hardware and firmware changes to adjust current feedback signals and calibration factors.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable power capacity PSU with a programming capability that allows the output power to be set to a lower rating, featuring a circuit within a feedback loop controlled by an internal processing system, enabling easy adjustment of the output power rating without the need for extensive redesign or re-certification, and including a password-protected backdoor for secure in-system changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hardware and firmware changes are made to adjust current feedback signals and calibration factors, then the output power rating can be matched to lower ratings, but the development cycle increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the feedback loop by introducing a programmable divider that can divide the feedback signal by different integers (N=1,2,3,4). This allows the same hardware to support multiple output power ratings (1100W, 550W, 367W, 275W) simply by changing the divider value through software/firmware, without any hardware modifications or re-certification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the feedback loop dynamically adjustable by introducing a programmable divider controlled by a register value. The divider ratio can be changed at runtime or during manufacturing, allowing the PSU to adapt its output power rating dynamically. This transforms a static hardware design into a dynamic, reconfigurable system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware and firmware changes are made to adjust current feedback signals, then the output power rating can be matched to lower ratings, but manufacturing complexity and re-certification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a programmable parameter (divider value N) that can be set during manufacturing without changing the physical hardware design. This single parameter change allows the same manufacturing line to produce PSUs with different output power ratings, eliminating the need for separate hardware versions and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single hardware design universal by adding a programmable divider that can be configured for multiple output power ratings. One PSU design can serve multiple market segments (1100W, 550W, 367W, 275W) without requiring separate hardware designs, reducing manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the feedback signal is modified to reduce output power rating, then the PSU can operate at lower power levels, but the feedback loop regulation must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the feedback loop's regulatory function by inserting a programmable divider within the feedback path. The divider modifies the feedback signal proportionally, and the loop automatically compensates to maintain proper regulation. The feedback mechanism remains intact, ensuring reliable output voltage regulation across all configured power ratings.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an adjustable power capacity Power Supply Unit (PSU) includes a circuit coupled within a feedback loop of the PSU that is controlled by an internal processing system. The feedback loop configured to carry a feedback signal for regulating an output power of the PSU. The processing system includes executable instructions that may be executed to receive an output power capacity set point that represents a programmed output power rating of the PSU, and control the circuit to modify the feedback signal so that the PSU generates output power at the programmed output power rating. The programmed output power rating set on the PSU being less than an actual output power rating of the PSU.