Inductive Load Backup Power Circuit for Data Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control circuits for computer systems face data loss issues due to temporary power shutdowns, as the backup power supply for fan controllers is insufficient, leading to delayed system recovery and potential data loss during extended power outages.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit with an inductance driving module that switches switches to alter the load current direction, providing power to the control module using the current inertia of inductive loads, and includes a charge/discharge module for parallel connection between the high potential and ground terminals, allowing extended data retention without an expensive backup power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a backup power supply is introduced to provide backup power for the fan controller, then the operational data can be kept during power shutdown, but the cost increases significantly due to necessary circuiting in the manufacturing stage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the inductive load serve dual functions: as the primary cooling fan during normal operation and as a backup power source during power shutdown. By switching the current direction through the inductive load using four switches, the system extracts stored energy from the inductor to power the control module, eliminating the need for separate backup power circuitry while maintaining data retention capability
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive load serves itself by providing backup power to the control module during power shutdown. The control module uses the stored energy in the inductive load to maintain operation and preserve operational data, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external backup power supplies or additional manufacturing circuitry
2Device complexity
If a smaller backup power supply is used to reduce cost, then the manufacturing cost decreases, but the backup power can only provide limited minutes to survive the recorded reference data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the inductive load by switching the current direction through four switches. During normal operation, the inductor stores energy; during power shutdown, the switches redirect the current to power the control module. This parameter change allows the same inductive load to provide extended backup power duration without increasing its size or requiring additional backup power components
3Reliability
If the main power supply is cut off for a longer period of time, then the system faces extended power loss, but the fan controller loses recorded reference data and cannot maintain operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the inductive load to store energy during normal operation, and the control module is designed to switch to using this stored energy when power is cut off. This preliminary energy storage and pre-configured switching mechanism ensures the control module can maintain operation and preserve reference data during extended power outages without requiring real-time external power
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 extends the time the control module can maintain recorded data during power outages by utilizing the current inertia of inductive loads and a charge/discharge module, preventing immediate power shortages and reducing the need for additional backup power supplies, thus ensuring continuous operation and data integrity.
Implementation Method 1
In the case that a power supply module of the concerned computer system is cut off, in accordance with the current inertial characteristic of the inductors, the direction of the load current can be changed by switching the switches of the driving module
Data Source
AI summary
The control circuit for power supplying includes a driving module and a control module, wherein the driving module includes a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, and a fourth switch. In a first power supply mode, the first switch and the second switch are turned on, and the third switch and the fourth switch are turned off. The load current flows to the ground terminal via the first switch, the inductive load, and the second switch. When the control module sends a switching signal to the driving module, the first switch and the second switch are turned off and the third switch and the fourth switch are turned on, and the load current flows to the high potential terminal via the fourth switch, the inductive load, and the third switch due to the current inertia.