External Optical Power Supply for Co-Packaged Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing optical power supplies, particularly in terms of flexibility, scalability, and maintenance, as they often require opening server housings for upgrades or repairs, and lack redundancy for continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A distributed data processing system with co-packaged optical modules and an external optical power supply that provides light to the modules through optical links, allowing for modular upgrades, redundancy, and centralized management of power, reducing the need to open server housings and enabling flexible network configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If optical power supplies are integrated inside server housings, then power delivery is direct and compact, but maintenance and upgrades require opening server housings causing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the optical power supply into an external standalone unit, dividing it from the server housing. This segmentation allows the power supply to be independently accessed, maintained, and upgraded without opening server housings, thereby eliminating downtime while maintaining direct power delivery capability through optical fiber connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical power supplies are integrated inside server housings, then power delivery is direct, but flexibility and scalability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical power supply is extracted from the server housing and positioned as an external unit. This extraction provides flexibility and scalability by allowing independent configuration of power supply capacity and optical network topology without being constrained by internal server housing limitations, while reducing integration complexity through standardized external interfaces.
3Reliability
If redundant optical power supplies are implemented, then continuous operation is ensured, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical power supplies are merged into a single external housing, consolidating redundant power delivery units. This approach ensures continuous operation through failover capability while reducing system complexity by providing centralized management and a single point of access for maintenance, compared to distributing redundant supplies within server housings.
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 solution enhances power efficiency, reduces operational and construction costs, and provides high flexibility in reconfiguring optical network connections, enabling continuous data processing without downtime for maintenance or upgrades.
Implementation Method 1
an optical power supply including at least one laser that is configured to provide a first light source to the first co-packaged optical module through a first optical link and to provide a second light source to the second co-packaged optical module through a second optical link
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed data processing system includes a first data processing system and a second data processing system. The first data processing system includes a first housing, a first data processor, and a first optical module that is configured to convert output electrical signals from the first data processor to output optical signals that are provided to a first optical fiber cable. The second data processing system includes a second housing, a second data processor, and a second optical module that is configured to convert output electrical signals from the second data processor to output optical signals that are provided to a second optical fiber cable. An optical power supply includes at least one laser that is configured to provide a first light source to the first optical module through a first optical link and to provide a second light source to the second optical module through a second optical link.