MXM Power Circuit Switching for 600W Autonomous Vehicle Accelerators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motion planning and control systems in autonomous vehicles do not accurately consider vehicle-specific features, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracy, while high-performance computing systems demand more power than the standard MXM module can provide, necessitating a solution for higher power delivery without expanding the vehicle's profile.
Innovation Solution
A flexible power scheme for autonomous driving vehicles that includes a power circuit with multiple power sources and a switch to operate in primary, secondary, or dual modes, allowing up to 600 watts of power for MXM modules, such as GPUs, via existing connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-performance computing systems are used in autonomous vehicles, then computing performance is improved, but power consumption increases beyond the standard MXM module capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery system is segmented into multiple independent power sources (first power source and second power source) that can be selectively activated. The switch circuit divides the power delivery path into separate channels, allowing the system to segment power allocation based on computing performance requirements without requiring a complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The power delivery system implements dynamic power allocation through a controllable switch that can transition between different power sources based on real-time computing demands. The system dynamically adjusts power delivery from 200 watts to 600 watts by activating different power sources, making the power supply adaptable to varying computing performance requirements.
2Power
If power delivery is increased to 600 watts, then computing performance is improved, but the vehicle profile may be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The existing MXM connector interface is made multi-functional by enabling it to deliver both standard 200 watts and expanded 600 watts of power through the addition of controllable power sources and switch circuits. The same physical interface serves dual purposes: maintaining compatibility with standard MXM modules while supporting high-power accelerator devices when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A switch circuit acts as an intermediary component that mediates between multiple power sources and the MXM connector. This intermediary element enables high-power delivery without requiring changes to the connector interface itself, allowing the system to achieve 600 watts through existing connectors while maintaining a compact vehicle profile.
3Power
If multiple power sources and switch circuits are added, then power delivery capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power circuit implementation focuses on localized quality enhancement by adding power sources and switch circuits only in specific areas where high-power delivery is needed. The switch circuit is integrated into the power delivery path at the MXM connector interface, allowing high-power capability without complicating the entire vehicle's power distribution system.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a power circuit for an autonomous driving vehicle (ADV) includes a first power source having a first power rating. The circuit includes a second power source having a second power rating. The circuit includes a switch coupled to the first and second power sources, the switch being configured to determining a power operating mode of an accelerator device, where the power operating mode is one of a primary mode, a secondary mode, and a dual mode. The circuit includes a first power transistor coupled between the first power source and the accelerator device and a second power transistor coupled between the second power source and the accelerator device, where the first and second power transistors are operable according to the power operating mode.