Power Converter Fault Notification With Encoded Phase Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switched mode power supplies provide only a single FAULT signal for multi-phase and multi-output VRD designs, making it difficult to identify specific failed voltage regulators, requiring additional steps and code to manage fault events effectively.
Innovation Solution
A power supply monitor that detects events such as failures in multiple power converters and communicates notifications to management entities, including the identity of the affected converter, using encoded signals like pulse width and feedback signals to determine which converter has failed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single FAULT signal is provided for multi-phase and multi-output VRD designs, then device complexity is reduced, but fault identification precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fault notification system by assigning unique identifiers to each power converter phase. When a fault occurs, the notification includes both the general FAULT condition and the specific phase identifier, allowing the management entity to distinguish between multiple phases without requiring separate physical fault lines for each phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary encoding mechanism that translates multiple fault conditions into a single communicable signal. The power supply manager encodes the fault information including phase identification into a structured notification that can be transmitted through the existing single fault line, acting as an intermediary between the multiple phases and the single notification channel.
2Measurement precision
If additional steps and code are added to query status registers, then fault identification precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-encoding the phase identification information within the fault notification signal itself. Rather than requiring subsequent queries to status registers to identify the failed phase, the notification is prepared in advance with all necessary identification data embedded, eliminating the need for additional code and query steps.
3Ease of operation
If a single FAULT signal is used, then ease of operation is improved, but information completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the information content of the fault notification. The notification includes not only the traditional FAULT indicator but also additional parameters such as phase identification, fault type, and timing information. This enriches the single signal with multiple data dimensions, maintaining ease of operation while preventing information loss.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a power supply monitor operative to monitor a status of multiple power converters. Based on the monitored status, the power supply monitor detects an event associated with a first power converter of the multiple power converters. The power supply monitor communicates a notification of the event to a management entity. The notification is encoded to include an identity of the first power converter experiencing the event as determined by the power supply monitor or other suitable entity.