Hybrid Server Power Supply for GPU Efficiency and Overshoot Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing power supplying methods for servers, particularly those with GPU configurations, suffer from low efficiency due to the use of a 54 V power supply combined with a 12 V conversion module, leading to increased costs, power consumption, and difficulty in maintenance when the conversion module is damaged.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid power supplying method using both 12 V and 54 V power supplies with controlled power-on sequences and foolproof mechanisms to prevent mixed insertion, ensuring efficient and reliable power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a 54 V power supply combined with a 12 V conversion module is used, then GPU configurations can be powered, but the overall power supplying efficiency is low and power consumption is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveGPU configuration supportVSAvoidpower supplying efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power supply system into separate 12 V and 54 V power supply units, each independently supplying power to different components. The 12 V PSU supplies power to CPU, memory, and storage, while the 54 V PSU supplies power to GPU, eliminating the need for voltage conversion and improving overall efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a power management controller as an intermediary to coordinate between the 12 V and 54 V power supply units. This controller manages the power distribution, ensures proper power-on sequences, and prevents voltage conflicts, enabling efficient hybrid power supply operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a 54 V power supply combined with a 12 V conversion module is used, then GPU configurations can be powered, but the system complexity increases and maintenance difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveGPU configuration supportVSAvoidpower supplying system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the power supply system into independent modular units (12 V PSU and 54 V PSU), each with dedicated conversion modules. This segmentation reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for a single complex conversion system and enables independent maintenance of each module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the voltage conversion function from the motherboard and integrates it into dedicated power supply units. This extraction simplifies the motherboard design and allows the conversion modules to be maintained or replaced independently without affecting the rest of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If simultaneous power-on of 12 V and 54 V power supplies is allowed, then both components can start at the same time, but voltage overshoot occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower-on speedVSAvoidvoltage overshoot
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a controlled power-on sequence where the 54 V power supply is activated first, followed by the 12 V power supply after a predetermined time interval. This preliminary sequencing prevents voltage overshoot by ensuring the higher voltage supply is stable before introducing the lower voltage supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The power management controller monitors the power-on status and voltage levels of both power supply units. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the power-on timing and enables/disables power supply outputs to prevent voltage conflicts and overshoot conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If mechanical foolproof measures are added to prevent mixed insertion, then power supply reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply insertion reliabilityVSAvoidfoolproof mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric mechanical designs where the 12 V and 54 V power supply connectors have different physical geometries (e.g., different pin configurations, connector shapes, or positioning features). This asymmetry ensures that only the correct power supply can be inserted into its designated slot, preventing mixed insertion through purely mechanical means without additional active control components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS20250208678A1Server power supplying method and system, device, and medium
Publication Date: 2025.06.26 INSPUR SUZHOU INTELLIGENT TECH CO LTD
  • US20250208678A1 patent drawing
  • US20250208678A1 patent drawing
  • US20250208678A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A server power supplying method and system, a device, and a medium are provided by the present application, the method includes: connecting a first device in a server system based on a first power supply, and connecting a second device in the server system based on a second power supply, wherein the first power supply and the second power supply are electric power supplies of the server system; after the server system is powered on, acquiring power supply information of the server system and determining the power supply information; in response to the power supply information being first power supply information, configuring a power supply enable signal of the first power supply to enable the first power supply to supply power to the first device in the server system.