Centralized DC/DC Converter Architecture for Scalable Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scalable electronic devices face challenges in accommodating varying supply voltages and currents for different components, leading to reduced module space and increased heat generation due to the presence of DC/DC converters.
Innovation Solution
A system where a main board provides power to plug-in cards via direct current to direct current (DC/DC) converters, allowing cards to operate with multiple voltages without requiring onboard converters, thereby freeing space for other components and reducing heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DC/DC converters are placed on modules to provide varying supply voltages, then voltage requirements of different components are met, but module space is reduced and heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the DC/DC converter functionality from individual modules and consolidates it into a centralized power supply unit on the main board. This allows each module to receive customized voltage supplies without carrying its own converter, thereby freeing up module space while maintaining voltage adaptability through the centralized power supply's ability to provide multiple voltage levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized power supply unit serves multiple modules simultaneously, providing different voltage levels to different components across multiple modules. This multi-functional approach replaces numerous individual DC/DC converters with a single universal power supply that can adapt to various voltage requirements, reducing overall space consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If DC/DC converters are placed on modules to provide varying supply voltages, then voltage requirements of different components are met, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting DC/DC converters from individual modules and consolidating them into a centralized power supply unit, the patent reduces the total number of converters in the system. This consolidation decreases overall heat generation while the centralized unit can implement more efficient power conversion and thermal management strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple DC/DC converter functions into a single centralized power supply unit. This combination reduces redundant components and heat sources, while the unified design allows for more efficient power distribution and reduced thermal load across the system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple DC/DC converters are placed on modules requiring more than one voltage, then multiple voltage requirements are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity of multiple DC/DC converters from individual modules and centralizes it in a single power supply unit on the main board. This reduces device complexity at the module level while maintaining voltage flexibility through the centralized unit's ability to provide multiple voltage levels as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized power supply unit provides multi-functional capability by serving multiple modules with different voltage requirements through a single device. This universal approach reduces the total number of power supply components needed while maintaining the flexibility to accommodate various voltage configurations across the system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for smaller, more efficient plug-in modules with reduced power consumption and heat generation, enhancing scalability and flexibility in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply to produce the determined voltage based on the instruction
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a plurality of direct current to direct current (DC/DC) converters that may produce voltages, and a first device that may receive a signal from a second device on a removable module when the removable module is coupled to the device. The first device may produce, based on the signal, an instruction related to one or more voltages associated with the removable module. The instruction may cause a first DC/DC converter and a second DC/DC converter, of the plurality of DC/DC converters, to power up at different times based on a particular sequence, and generate the one or more voltages. The particular sequence may be based on the signal. The first device may cause the one or more voltages, generated by the first DC/DC converter and the second DC/DC converter, to be provided to the removable module.