Configurable Under-Voltage Threshold for Power Supply Ride-Through
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional information handling systems face limitations in ride-through and hold-up times due to fixed under-voltage thresholds, which can lead to premature shutdown when the alternating current input is withdrawn, failing to adapt to varying resource demands.
Innovation Solution
A power supply unit with a controller that determines a configurable under-voltage threshold based on the parameters of information handling resources, allowing for a dynamic adjustment of the minimum direct current voltage to extend ride-through and hold-up times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed under-voltage threshold is used to define the minimum direct current voltage during ride-through, then the power supply can be disabled promptly when voltage drops below the threshold, but the ride-through time is limited and the system cannot adapt to varying resource demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed under-voltage threshold to a dynamic, configurable threshold that can be adjusted based on system state and resource requirements. The controller modifies the under-voltage threshold parameter according to which power modes are active, allowing the system to adapt the ride-through behavior to current operational needs rather than using a static threshold for all conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by making the under-voltage threshold a configurable parameter rather than a fixed value. The controller changes the threshold parameter based on the operational mode (e.g., whether PCIe devices are in D3cold state), thereby extending ride-through time when conditions permit and maintaining reliability when conditions require it.
2Reliability
If the direct current output voltage droops below the fixed under-voltage threshold, then the power supply is disabled to prevent damage, but critical components cannot continue operating even if they could function at reduced voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the under-voltage threshold based on which components are actively powered. When PCIe devices are in a low-power state (D3cold), the threshold is lowered, allowing the system to adapt voltage delivery to match actual component needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different voltage thresholds to apply to different operational contexts or components. The configurable threshold enables the system to treat different power modes and components differently, permitting voltage droop to lower levels when certain components are inactive while maintaining higher thresholds when they are active.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a configurable under-voltage threshold is implemented to extend ride-through time, then additional energy can be provided to critical components, but the power supply control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically determines and configures the appropriate under-voltage threshold based on the current operational state of the system. The system self-manages the threshold configuration by monitoring power mode states and adjusting the threshold parameter accordingly, eliminating the need for manual configuration or complex external control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the operational state of information handling resources (such as PCIe device power states) to automatically adjust the under-voltage threshold. The controller continuously monitors system conditions and modifies the threshold parameter in response to detected state changes, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to varying conditions.
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 approach increases available hold time by providing additional energy, enabling continued operation of critical components even when the direct current output voltage droops, thereby ensuring a more graceful system shutdown.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply unit having an input for receiving an alternating current input waveform and converting it into a direct current waveform on a bulk capacitor for storing charge
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an information handling system may include a power supply unit having an input for receiving an alternating current input waveform and converting it into a direct current waveform on a bulk capacitor for storing charge and a controller configured to, based on at least one parameter of one or more information handling resources of the information handling system, determine a configurable under-voltage threshold defining a minimum direct current voltage delivered by the power supply when the alternating current input waveform is withdrawn.