Dual-Input Power Supply Architecture for AC/DC Source Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply systems for information handling systems are limited to either AC or DC power inputs, requiring separate manufacturing and storage of different types, leading to increased costs and delays when a mismatch occurs between the PSU device and available power sources.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system with an AC input device/DC input device connector that includes an AC input device sub-connector and a DC input device sub-connector, along with AC and DC power supply subsystems, allowing the system to receive and convert power from either AC or DC sources for use in information handling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a PSU device is manufactured with a specific power input type (AC or DC), then it can reliably connect to matching power sources, but it cannot be used with mismatched power sources and requires separate manufacturing and storage of different types
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is designed with dual power input capability, incorporating both AC and DC input connectors and associated power conversion circuits. This allows a single PSU device to accept both AC and DC power sources, eliminating the need for separate AC-only and DC-only PSU devices and enabling universal compatibility with different power source types.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system is divided into separate AC and DC power input subsystems, each with its own connector and power conversion circuitry. The system includes an AC input connector with AC input circuitry, a DC input connector with DC input circuitry, and a common output that distributes power to the information handling system components. This segmentation allows independent operation of each input type while maintaining a unified output interface.
2Reliability
If separate AC and DC PSU devices are manufactured and stocked, then each can be optimized for its specific power source, but manufacturing costs and storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines AC and DC power input capabilities into a single PSU device. The system integrates both AC input circuitry and DC input circuitry within one unit, sharing common components such as the output power distribution network, control logic, and housing. This merging eliminates the need to manufacture and stock separate AC-only and DC-only PSU devices, reducing manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements while maintaining reliable power source matching.
3Ease of operation
If a PSU device has a power input that differs from the available power source, then the device cannot receive power and must be replaced, but replacement delays utilization of the networking device
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system incorporates both AC and DC input connectors, allowing the device to be deployed in environments with either AC or DC power sources without requiring replacement. The system automatically detects and utilizes the available power source type, enabling immediate operation upon connection regardless of whether the facility provides AC wall outlets or DC power distribution, thus eliminating deployment delays.
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
Enables a single power supply system to adapt to either AC or DC power sources, reducing manufacturing and storage costs by eliminating the need for separate PSU devices and allowing immediate utilization in environments with mismatched power sources.
Implementation Method 1
an AC power supply subsystem that is configured to receive first power from the AC input device sub-connector and perform at least one first power operation on the first power
Implementation Method 2
a DC power supply subsystem that is configured to receive second power from the DC input device sub-connector and perform at least one second power operation on the second power
Implementation Method 3
an AC-or-DC power supply subsystem that is configured to: receive, when the AC input device is coupled to the AC input device sub-connector, the first power from the AC power supply subsystem, perform at least one third power operation on the first power, and supply the first power for use in powering the processing system and the memory system
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply system includes an AC input device/DC input device connector having an AC input device sub-connector and a DC input device sub-connector, an AC power supply subsystem configured to perform first power operation(s) on first power received from the AC input device sub-connector, and a DC power supply subsystem configured to perform second power operation(s) on second power received from the DC input device sub-connector. When an AC input device is coupled to the AC input device sub-connector, an AC-or-DC power supply subsystem in the power supply system performs third power operation(s) on the first power received from the AC power supply subsystem, and supplies it to component(s). When the DC input device is coupled to the DC input device sub-connector, the AC-or-DC power supply subsystem performs the third power operation(s) on the second power received from the DC power supply subsystem, and supplies it to component(s).