Interposer Power Control for Modular System Fault Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular information handling systems face limitations in granular and scalable power control, fault handling, and field-replaceable unit isolation due to constraints in connector pin count and interface complexity, particularly in managing power and isolating field-replaceable units effectively.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a host processor module with a field programmable gate array and a management controller, coupled with an interposer that includes a general purpose input/output extender and a microcontroller unit, enables granular power management and control of peripheral devices, as well as fault handling and isolation through a hardware-to-hardware interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If modular architecture with minimized connector pin count is used, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases due to limited discrete signals for power management and fault handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodular architecture adaptabilityVSAvoidpower management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments power management control into granular per-device or per-group control signals, allowing independent management of different peripheral devices. The interposer divides the management function into multiple independent control lines that can be selectively activated, reducing the need for complex multiplexing while maintaining high adaptability across different modular configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interposer acts as an intermediary between the host processor and peripheral devices, providing enhanced power management and fault handling capabilities without requiring additional connector pins. It includes control logic that translates high-level management commands into device-specific control signals, effectively mediating between the limited connector interface and the complex power management requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If hardware-to-hardware communication is used for power control, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional hardware components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower control reliabilityVSAvoidhardware control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interposer implements universal power management control logic that can handle multiple peripheral devices through a standardized interface. The same hardware circuitry provides both power control and fault handling functions across different device types, reducing overall hardware complexity while maintaining reliable hardware-to-hardware communication for time-sensitive operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameters by implementing granular power control signals that can be independently configured for different device groups. This allows the hardware to adapt its control behavior dynamically without requiring physical reconfiguration, maintaining reliability while reducing hardware complexity through software-configurable parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If local power controls are implemented for peripheral devices, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management easeVSAvoidcontrol signal precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Power control is segmented into discrete, independently controllable signals for different device groups. Each control line can be independently routed and managed, allowing simple local control operations while using standardized signal levels and timing that do not require ultra-precise manufacturing tolerances. The segmentation allows each control path to be optimized independently within standard parameter ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11983054B2Systems and methods for granular and scalable subsystem power controls, fault handling, and field-replaceable unit isolation in a modular architecture

Publication Date: 2024.05.14 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system may include a host processor module comprising a host processor field programmable gate array, a management controller communicatively coupled to the host processor field programmable gate array and configured to provide out-of-band management facilities for management of the information handling system, and an interposer configured to interface between the host processor field programmable gate array and one or more peripheral devices in order to perform power management and control of the one or more peripheral device. The interposer may include a general purpose input/output extender configured to enable and control power delivery to the one or more peripheral devices and a microcontroller unit communicatively coupled to the host processor field programmable gate array and configured to perform monitoring and discovery of the one or more peripheral devices.