Auxiliary Power Shutdown via Software Command

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Solution Overview

Problem

Server type information handling systems face challenges in performing alternating current (AC) cycles for updating complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs) and maintaining power states, which is complex and often requires physical intervention, and AC cycle testing is costly and stressful.

Innovation Solution

An auxiliary power control system that enables software commands to shut down auxiliary power, allowing for AC cycles without physical intervention, using a paradigm of main, auxiliary, and sub-auxiliary power states, with power control logic and field effect transistors to manage power states and wake events, enabling coordinated shutdown and restoration of power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical AC cord manipulation is used to perform AC cycles for updating CPLDs, then the system can be reset into a known state, but the process requires physical intervention and is complex to accomplish reliably

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCPLD update reliabilityVSAvoidAC cycle operation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical action of physically plugging and unplugging AC power cords with an electronic/software-based power cycling mechanism. The management controller sends commands to power supply units to simulate AC power loss and recovery, eliminating the need for physical intervention while maintaining the same reset effect on CPLDs and other auxiliary powered devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces power supply units as intermediaries between the management controller and the auxiliary powered devices (CPLDs, BMC, etc.). The power supply units receive software commands from the management controller and translate them into controlled power interruptions, acting as a mediator that enables reliable power cycling without physical AC cord manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If external boxes and clients are used for AC cycle testing, then testing can be performed, but the equipment is expensive and the test is stressful

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAC cycle testing capabilityVSAvoidTesting equipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the information handling system to perform its own AC cycle testing internally through the management controller and power supply units. The system self-manages the power cycling process by sending commands to interrupt and restore power to auxiliary circuits, eliminating the need for external testing equipment and reducing test complexity while maintaining testing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If auxiliary power is maintained at high levels for virtual standby and operation, then system functionality is preserved, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSystem functionalityVSAvoidAuxiliary power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic power cycling of auxiliary circuits based on operational states. Instead of continuously maintaining high auxiliary power levels, the system periodically interrupts auxiliary power during transitions between operational states (e.g., from virtual standby to full operation), restoring power only when needed. This periodic action reduces overall power consumption while preserving system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS9594414B2Auxiliary power shutdown

Publication Date: 2017.03.14 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An auxiliary power control system for enabling a software command that a management controller sends to the power supply to shut down auxiliary power. Such a power control system enables an AC cycle without needing to physically remove an AC power cord and provides additional power savings when a system is not in use. In certain embodiments, the auxiliary power control system includes a paradigm of a main power state, an auxiliary power state and a sub-auxiliary state. In this system many of the power states and wake vents apply to the auxiliary power state in addition to the main power state.