Out-of-Band Management Controller Power Negotiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information handling systems face challenges in managing power outages or loss of alternating current input, as traditional management controllers rely on auxiliary power rails and cannot function without an alternating current power source.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a management controller that can power on using electrical energy from an external device via an external port, negotiate for additional power as needed, and continue operation even when the primary power supply unit fails, using a controller to manage data and power delivery between the external device and the management controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the management controller relies on the auxiliary power rail from the power supply unit, then it can provide out-of-band management when the information handling system is powered off or in standby state, but it cannot function when the information handling system is not plugged into an alternating current power source or loses alternating current input

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanagement controller availabilityVSAvoidpower source flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The management controller is enhanced to accept multiple power sources: it can draw power from the auxiliary power rail when the information handling system is connected to AC power, and switch to drawing power from an externally coupled information handling system when AC power is unavailable. This multi-functionality ensures continuous operation across different power scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

An external information handling system coupled via a communication interface serves as an intermediary power source. When the primary power supply fails, this external system provides electrical power through the communication interface, enabling the management controller to maintain operation without direct AC power connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the management controller is powered from the auxiliary power rail during powered off or standby state, then out-of-band management is enabled, but the management controller is not powered and cannot be used when the information handling system is not plugged into alternating current power source

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanagement capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power sourcing for the management controller is made dynamic rather than static. The controller automatically adapts its power source based on system conditions: using the auxiliary power rail when AC power is available, and switching to external power through the communication interface when AC power is lost. This dynamic adaptation maintains management capability while efficiently managing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If traditional management controllers are used that require auxiliary power from the power supply unit, then they can manage information handling systems, but they fail to provide management facilities when alternating current input is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanagement continuityVSAvoidpower delivery control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power delivery control functionality is merged with the existing communication interface between information handling systems. The controller coupled to the communication interface simultaneously handles data communication and power delivery control, eliminating the need for separate power management hardware and reducing overall device complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9965010B2Systems and methods for management of an information handling system having no alternating current power source

Publication Date: 2018.05.08 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include powering on a management controller for providing out-of-band management to an information handling system using electrical energy provided by an external device via an external port, receiving a management task from the external device via the external port for coupling an external device to the management controller for communication of data between the external device and the management controller, calculating an additional amount of power required to perform the management task, instructing a controller coupled between the management controller and the external port to negotiate for the additional amount of power from the external device, and responsive to the controller successfully negotiating for the additional amount of power, performing the management task.