Multi-Voltage Rail Power Load Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power and thermal management algorithms in information handling systems face challenges in accurately collecting power telemetry measurements across multiple voltage rails in noisy operating conditions while minimizing power losses, as existing voltage regulator power monitoring solutions are limited to input or output rails only.
Innovation Solution
A power control system and method that determine power loads for multi-voltage rail subsystems by calculating output and input power values from multiple voltage regulators, using a board management controller to calculate offset and total input power values, and transmitting these to the processor for system-level power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If voltage regulator power monitoring is implemented at input or output rails, then power telemetry data can be collected, but measurement accuracy deteriorates in noisy operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation approach that computes input power values from output power measurements and regulator efficiency characteristics, rather than directly measuring input power in the noisy environment. This mediator (the calculation based on Pout and efficiency) isolates the measurement from the harmful noisy conditions while still providing accurate input power telemetry data.
2Measurement precision
If direct input power measurement is used, then power telemetry data is obtained, but power losses increase due to measurement acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical/mechanical direct measurement approach with a computational method. Instead of using power measurement circuits that physically interact with and draw power from the input rail, the system uses calculations based on output power measurements and efficiency models to derive input power values, thereby eliminating the power losses associated with direct measurement hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If aggregate power monitoring across multiple voltage rails is implemented, then system-level power management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal power monitoring approach where a single measurement and calculation framework can handle multiple voltage rails and subsystems. By establishing a general method that measures output power and calculates input power using efficiency characteristics, the system can aggregate power telemetry across diverse voltage rails without requiring separate specialized measurement circuits for each rail, thus reducing overall complexity while maintaining system-level management capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method enables determining an input power load for a multi voltage rail subsystem in an electronic device such as an information handing system. The method comprises determining a first output power value from a first voltage regulator and a second output power value from a second voltage regulator. A first input power value to the first voltage regulator is determined based at least partially on the first output power value and a second input power value to the second voltage regulator is determined based at least partially on the second output power value. An offset power value is calculated based on the first input power value and the second input power value. A total input power value is calculated based on the offset power value and a third input power value. The total input power value is transmitted to a processor.