PCIe Backup Power Module for NVDIMM Data Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backup power supply units in computing systems have limited power capacity due to space constraints, which compromises data storage capacity and reliability during power outages.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus with a backup power module in a PCI/PCIe form factor, featuring a circuit board with power storage devices, is integrated into expansion slots on a main board, allowing for higher power capacity without occupying hard disk drive space, and automatically discharges power to memory modules during failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional backup power supply units use hard disk drive space to house batteries or supercapacitors, then backup power capacity is provided, but data storage capacity is reduced and power supply capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The backup power module is extracted from the hard disk drive bay and relocated to a dedicated PCI/PCIe expansion slot. This separation allows the hard disk drive bay to be used exclusively for data storage while the expansion slot provides backup power functionality, thereby resolving the contradiction between backup power capacity and data storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCI/PCIe expansion slot, which can accommodate various types of expansion cards, is utilized for the backup power module. This multi-functional interface allows the system to maintain data storage capacity in hard disk drives while simultaneously providing backup power capability through the same expansion bus architecture.
2Power
If conventional backup power supply units occupy hard disk drive space, then backup power is provided, but the space constraint limits power supply capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The backup power module is extracted from the constrained hard disk drive bay environment and placed in a PCI/PCIe expansion slot, which offers greater spatial availability. This extraction enables the use of larger power storage devices (batteries or supercapacitors) without compromising data storage space, thereby increasing backup power supply capacity.
3Power
If backup power modules are placed in PCI/PCIe slots, then power capacity is increased and storage capacity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PCI/PCIe expansion slot serves multiple functions: it can accommodate graphics cards, network cards, and now the backup power module. By utilizing an existing multi-functional interface, the system avoids adding dedicated specialized connectors or interfaces, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while still achieving increased power capacity and maintained storage capacity.
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
Enhances power capacity and maintains data storage integrity by providing continuous power to NVDIMM cards during outages, ensuring data transfer from volatile to non-volatile memory without reducing storage capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a backup power module receivable in the second device slot... During normal operation, the main power source supplies electrical power to the first device slot and charges the backup power module. In the event of power loss or main power source failure, the backup power module discharges electrical power to the first device slot
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a memory slot mounted to a main board, an expansion slot mounted to the main board and electrically coupled to the memory slot, a backup power module receivable in the expansion slot, and a main power source electrically coupled to the expansion slot and the memory slot. During normal operation, the main power source supplies electrical power to the memory slot and charge the backup power module. In the event of power loss or main power source failure, the backup power module discharges electrical power to the memory slot.