Power Distribution Unit Data Transmission Over Power Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power distribution units in server racks face challenges with cable management and data transmission efficiency, particularly when server racks are moved or connections are swapped in environments like labs or data centers, due to limitations in power line communications.

Innovation Solution

A power distribution unit (PDU) that includes multiple power inputs and communications ports, with adapters capable of switching between power inputs and transmitting data over power lines using PLC standards, allowing for simultaneous power and data delivery while managing different networks and collision domains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If Ethernet cables or fiber optic cables are used to connect each server to a hub, switch, or router, then data transmission is established, but cable length and cable management become problematic when server racks are moved or connections are swapped

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of moving server racks and swapping connectionsVSAvoidcable management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines power delivery and data communication into a single power line infrastructure. The power distribution unit (PDU) integrates both power output sockets and communication ports, allowing electrical power and data signals to share the same physical medium (power lines), thereby eliminating the need for separate Ethernet cables and reducing cable management complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power lines are made multi-functional by enabling them to carry both electrical power and data communication signals simultaneously. The PDU design allows the same power distribution infrastructure to serve dual purposes: delivering power to servers and providing network connectivity, thus simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate Ethernet cables are used for data transmission, then data connectivity is maintained, but cable length limitations and management issues arise in dynamic environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in moving and reconfiguring server racksVSAvoidcable length limitations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based data transmission system with an electromagnetic signal transmission system over power lines. By using PLC (Power Line Communication) technology, data signals are transmitted through the existing electrical infrastructure, eliminating the physical constraints of cable length and the need for mechanical cable routing and management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If conventional power distribution units are used without data transmission capability, then power distribution is simple, but data transmission requires separate infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of simultaneous power and data deliveryVSAvoidinfrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PDU design merges power distribution and data communication functions into a single integrated device. The communication ports are directly coupled to the power outputs, allowing both power and data to be delivered through the same infrastructure, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing the need for separate cable runs and network equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables efficient data transmission and power distribution over power lines, allowing server racks to be moved without disconnecting data connections, reducing cable management issues and improving network flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting data over power lines using PLC standards

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower Line Communication (PLC):

Data Source

PatentUS10454226B2Power distribution unit for transmitting data over a power line

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 CENTURYLINK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LLC

AI summary

Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing a power distribution unit, and, more particularly, for implementing a power distribution unit to transmit data over a powerline. In various embodiments, a power distribution unit, might electrically and communicatively couple one or more external devices to a power source. The power distribution unit might include at least one power input, a plurality of power outputs, a plurality of communications ports, and at least one adapter. The at least one adapter might be configured to transmit data received from at least one communications port to the at least one power input and transmit data received from the at least one power input to at least one Ethernet port.