OCP Computer Power Supply Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply units in computer systems are inadequate for newly-designed systems compliant with the Open Compute Project (OCP) specifications, as they require more electric current in standby mode than traditional configurations can provide.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented where a programmable logic unit (PLU) sets a card-activating signal to transition the system from a first mode with insufficient standby power to a second mode, where the power supply unit provides main power greater than standby power, ensuring sufficient power to components like the OCP card, BMC, and PLU.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional power supply unit configuration is used, then the system can operate in traditional standby mode, but it cannot provide sufficient power for OCP-compliant systems requiring higher standby current
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system dynamically switches between two operational modes based on system requirements. In the first mode, the system operates with conventional standby power (1.5-2A). When OCP-compliant components are detected, the system transitions to the second mode, providing main power (greater than standby power) to satisfy the higher current requirements (3A+) while maintaining OCP specification compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the power delivery parameters by switching between standby power and main power based on detected system requirements. The BMC determines whether to activate the PLU and switch power modes by analyzing card data from OCP cards, thereby adjusting the electrical parameters (current, power level) to match the required specification.
2Power
If main power is always provided to meet OCP requirements, then sufficient power is available, but power consumption increases during standby operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power delivery based on actual needs. The BMC continuously monitors system state and only activates the PLU and switches to main power mode when OCP-compliant cards are detected. During normal standby operations without OCP cards, the system continues to use conventional standby power, thereby minimizing power consumption while ensuring power sufficiency when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The BMC performs preliminary detection of OCP card presence and requirements before committing to main power mode. By obtaining card data and determining power needs in advance, the system avoids unnecessary switching to main power mode, thereby reducing standby power consumption while ensuring that power is available when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom power supply design is implemented to meet OCP specifications, then power requirements are satisfied, but development and certification costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the existing power supply unit multi-functional by adding a controllable switch (PLU) that enables it to operate in two modes: conventional standby mode and OCP-compliant main power mode. This universal design allows a single power supply unit to serve both traditional and OCP-compliant systems without requiring custom designs, thereby reducing development and certification costs while maintaining OCP specification compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The PLU acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the existing power supply unit and the OCP-compliant system requirements. By introducing this switching mechanism, the patent enables compatibility with OCP specifications without redesigning the entire power supply system, thereby avoiding the high costs associated with custom power supply design and certification.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of supplying electric power to a computer system compliant with specification provided by the OCP is provided. The method includes: a PLU setting an OCP_V3_EN signal to a high level so as to make the computer system operate in a first mode; a BMC obtaining card data from an OCP card when the computer system operates in the first mode; the BMC determining whether standby power provided by a PSU in the first mode is sufficient according to the card data; and when it is determined that the standby power is not sufficient, the BMC controlling the PLU to make the computer system operate in a second mode requiring more electric power, and to then control the PSU to provide main power that is greater than the standby power to the OCP card.