Computer Host Power Supply With Dual Feedback Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power supply control in computer hosts, which relies on motherboard feedback, leads to poor voltage stability of graphics cards due to increased power consumption, affecting overall system stability.

Innovation Solution

A computer host with a power supply system that includes a rectifying element and a feedback control unit with separate feedback input ends for the motherboard and graphics card, allowing selective generation of feedback signals based on the electrical coupling state, using detection voltages specific to each component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional feedback control based on motherboard feedback signal is used, then the power supply can be controlled to supply power to the motherboard, but the voltage stability of the graphics card deteriorates due to increased power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stability of graphics cardVSAvoidfeedback control structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback control structure is segmented into separate feedback paths: one for the motherboard and one for the graphics card. The power supply includes a first feedback input end connected to the motherboard and a second feedback input end connected to the graphics card, allowing independent feedback control for each component. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling the graphics card to have its own dedicated feedback control mechanism, ensuring voltage stability even as its power consumption increases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different feedback control characteristics are applied to different components based on their specific needs. The motherboard receives feedback control optimized for its power consumption characteristics, while the graphics card receives separate feedback control tailored to its higher power consumption and voltage stability requirements. This local quality approach allows each component to receive appropriate control treatment, resolving the contradiction between the graphics card's increasing power consumption and voltage stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If feedback control is based on motherboard power consumption, then the overall system power management is simplified, but the stability of the computer system deteriorates when graphics card power consumption exceeds motherboard power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall system stabilityVSAvoidpower supply control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply control mechanism is segmented into independent feedback channels for the motherboard and graphics card. The power supply unit includes separate feedback input ends that can independently receive feedback signals from either the motherboard or the graphics card, enabling differentiated control strategies for each component based on their respective power consumption characteristics and stability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control for both the motherboard and graphics card independently. The power supply unit continuously monitors the power consumption and voltage stability of both components through separate feedback paths, allowing real-time adjustment of power delivery to maintain system stability even when the graphics card's power consumption exceeds that of the motherboard.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If additional power supply circuit is added for graphics card, then the power supply capability is improved, but the voltage stability control becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capability to graphics cardVSAvoidvoltage stability control
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into separate power delivery channels with independent feedback control. The power supply unit includes a first power line for the motherboard and a second power line for the graphics card, each with its own feedback input end. This segmentation allows the additional power supply circuit for the graphics card to operate independently with dedicated voltage stability control, preventing the complexity of increased power capability from compromising voltage stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4632529A1Computer host and power control method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC
  • EP4632529A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4632529A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4632529A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A computer host is provided, including a motherboard and a power supply. The power supply is adapted to supply power to the motherboard through a first power line and supply power to a graphics card through a second power line, and includes a rectifying element and a feedback control unit. The rectifying element controls the power supply to generate output power according to a feedback signal. The feedback control unit includes a first feedback input end and a second feedback input end, where the first feedback input end is adapted to be electrically coupled to the first power line to receive a first detection voltage, and the second feedback input end is adapted to be electrically coupled to the second power line to receive a second detection voltage. The feedback control unit selectively generates, according to an electrical coupling state between the power supply and the graphics card, the feedback signal according to the first detection voltage or the second detection voltage.