Hot Plug Power Supply Surge Control via Segmented Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hot plugging module power supply systems face security issues due to delayed power cutoff during overcurrent or short circuit faults, leading to potential damage to the module and power supply.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device comprising a control unit, signal processing unit, and switch unit with NMOS transistors, where the control unit sends control signals to gradually switch on or immediately switch off the power supply to prevent surge currents and protect against faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a time delay circuit is arranged in the power supply circuit to extend switch-on time and reduce surge current, then the surge current during hot connection is reduced, but the power supply circuit cannot be cut off timely during overcurrent or short circuit faults, resulting in potential damage to the hot plugging module or power supply circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply control function is segmented into two independent control paths: one for gradual switch-on (using RC circuit and first transistor) and one for immediate switch-off (using second transistor). This segmentation allows each path to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between surge current reduction and fault protection timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RC circuits and transistors as intermediary elements between the control signal and the power supply switch. The RC circuit acts as a mediator that gradually charges to reduce surge current during switch-on, while the transistor intermediaries provide immediate response during fault conditions, enabling both gradual activation and immediate deactivation.
2Reliability
If the power supply circuit is cut off immediately during faults, then the security of the power supply is improved, but surge current cannot be reduced during hot connection
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is divided into separate switch-on and switch-off control paths. The switch-on path includes an RC circuit and first transistor for gradual activation, while the switch-off path uses a second transistor for immediate deactivation. This segmentation enables independent optimization of each control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the power supply circuit with different response characteristics for switch-on and switch-off operations. The switch-on process is made gradual through RC charging, while the switch-off process is made immediate through direct transistor control, creating a dynamic asymmetric response that adapts to different operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A hot plugging module power supply device, method and system are provided. When a hot plugging module is connected to a system in a hot plugging manner, a control unit transmits a first control signal to a signal processing unit. The signal processing unit forms a switch-on signal and transmits the switch-on signal to a switch unit, to gradually switch on the switch unit, to provide power to the hot plugging module. During the hot plugging module is supplied with power, when an overcurrent fault occurs in the hot plugging module, the control unit transmits a second control signal to the signal processing unit, and the signal processing unit forms a switch-off signal and transmits the switch-off signal to the switch unit, to immediately switch off the switch unit, to stop supplying power to the hot plugging module.