ORing FET Control for Battery Backup System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern server farms face challenges in improving the efficiency and reliability of backup power systems, particularly in preventing sudden shutdowns during AC power interruptions, which can lead to data losses and security breaches.
Innovation Solution
A high-efficient battery backup system managed by a microcontroller unit (MCU) and an ORing FET system, controlled by a baseboard management controller (BMC), allowing the system to operate in multiple modes such as constant-current-charging, constant-voltage-charging, discharging, and capacity calibration without a separate battery charger, enabling automated and accurate capacity calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate battery charger is used in the backup power system, then the system can provide reliable battery charging functionality, but the device complexity and board space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery charging function with the existing power supply unit (PSU) by integrating a battery charger circuit into the PSU. This merging approach allows the system to provide reliable battery charging without adding a completely separate charging device, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining charging reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the primary AC-to-DC power converter for the server and simultaneously as a battery charger when AC power is available. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate charging hardware, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable battery maintenance
2Reliability
If a separate battery charger is used, then battery charging can be performed independently, but the board space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery charging circuit is integrated into the existing power supply unit circuit board, merging two functions (PSU and battery charger) into a single physical platform. This integration eliminates the need for separate charging circuitry and reduces the total board space required while maintaining independent battery charging capability
3Measurement precision
If manual battery capacity calibration is performed, then the calibration process can be controlled, but the time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated battery capacity calibration that can be initiated and executed without manual intervention. The BMC automatically controls the calibration process, including discharging the battery to a predetermined level and monitoring the process, thereby achieving precise calibration measurements while significantly reducing the time and operational complexity associated with manual calibration methods
4Ease of operation
If the battery backup system operates without automated calibration, then the system is simpler to operate, but the measurement precision of battery capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automated calibration system operates autonomously under BMC control, requiring minimal user intervention. The system automatically discharges the battery to predetermined levels, monitors voltage and current, and calculates capacity, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while preserving ease of operation through automation rather than manual procedures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the reliability and efficiency of battery backup systems by eliminating the need for a separate battery charger, reducing costs and board space, and enabling automated capacity calibration, thus ensuring continuous operation during power failures and improving data security.
Implementation Method 1
The BBU system includes an ORing FET system... The ORing FET system has two ORing FETs with a back-to-back ORing FET topology. Gates of two ORing FETs are connected together and further coupled to an output of an error amplifier.
Implementation Method 2
Gates of two ORing FETs are connected together and further coupled to an output of an error amplifier. The MCU is connected to a reference voltage input of the error amplifier. By managing the reference voltage of the error amplifier, the MCU can adjust an output voltage of the error amplifier and hence control operation characteristics of the ORing FET system
Implementation Method 3
The BBU system includes a battery pack... Datacenters typically have back-up power (e.g., energy stored in batteries) to support power consumption during AC power interruptions.
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples of the present disclosure provide a high efficient battery backup (BBU) system and systems and methods for managing the BBU system through a microcontroller unit (MCU) and an ORing FET system of the BBU system. In some examples, a baseboard management controller (BMC) of a server system is used to control the MCU and the ORing FET system of the BBU system such that the BBU system can operate in multiple operating modes without a battery discharger. The operating modes of the BBU system includes, but are not limited to, a battery constant-current-charging mode, a battery constant-voltage-charging mode, a battery discharging mode, or a battery capacity calibration mode.