Raspberry Pi HAT UPS With Supercapacitor Backup and Safe Shutdown

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Solution Overview

Problem

Raspberry Pi processors face data loss and operational failures due to unexpected power losses, as they often lack a reliable backup power supply to ensure proper shutdown or continued operation during temporary or permanent power interruptions.

Innovation Solution

A Raspberry Pi HAT with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system utilizing a super-capacitor (SC) power bank and compatibility circuitry, which charges the SC to provide backup power and delays the boot-up sequence until the SC is fully charged, and initiates a safe shutdown when power is lost, using a delay circuit and feedback signals to manage power distribution effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If no backup power supply is used, then the system remains simple and cost-effective, but data loss and operational failures occur during unexpected power losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliability during power lossVSAvoidpower supply system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The super-capacitor backup power system is integrated within the Raspberry Pi HAT form factor, nesting the backup power functionality inside the existing Pi ecosystem. The SC power bank and control circuitry are contained within a compact HAT that interfaces with the Pi's existing power pins, providing backup capability without requiring external standalone systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The delay circuit acts as an intermediary between the power source and the Raspberry Pi, controlling the timing of power delivery. It monitors the charge level of the super-capacitor and delays the boot-up sequence until the SC is sufficiently charged, preventing premature power transitions and ensuring reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the boot-up sequence starts immediately without waiting for SC charge, then the system boots faster, but the SC cannot provide effective backup power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup power readinessVSAvoidboot-up time delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary charging of the super-capacitor before initiating the boot-up sequence. The delay circuit monitors the SC charge level and only releases the boot signal after the capacitor reaches sufficient charge, ensuring backup power is ready before the Pi becomes operational.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The delay circuit continuously monitors the charge level of the super-capacitor and uses this feedback to control the boot-up timing. A CAPF signal indicates when the SC charge reaches the threshold, automatically triggering the power source to enable boot-up without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system shuts down immediately during power loss, then data loss is minimized, but the system cannot bridge temporary power interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse to different power loss scenariosVSAvoiddata loss during shutdown

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The shutdown behavior dynamically adapts based on the duration and nature of the power loss. The delay circuit and override signal mechanism allow the system to extend operation during temporary interruptions when the SC can bridge the gap, while initiating shutdown only when power loss persists and the SC cannot sustain operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes its operational parameters based on power availability. During temporary power loss, the SC discharge extends the operational window, effectively changing the shutdown timing parameter from immediate to delayed, allowing graceful completion of operations before power depletion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ensures that the Raspberry Pi processor can continue operation during intermittent power losses and safely shut down during permanent losses, preventing data loss and maintaining system stability by using the SC power bank as a reliable backup power source.

Implementation Method 1

The RPI HAT comprises a super-capacitor (SC) back-up system comprising an SC power bank and compatibility circuitry configured to charge the SC power bank to a sufficient level such that the SC power bank is usable as a back-up power supply

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12135595B2Systems and methods for providing back-up power to a processor using an un-interruptible power supply

Publication Date: 2024.11.05 FLORENCE CORP

AI summary

A system comprising a power source, a RASPBERRY PI Hardware Attached on Top (RPI HAT) with an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS), and a RASPBERRY PI (RPI) is provided. The power source provides power to the RPI via the RPI HAT. The RPI HAT comprises a super-capacitor (SC) back-up system comprising an SC power bank and compatibility circuitry configured to charge the SC power bank to a sufficient level such that the SC power bank is usable as a back-up power supply in response to the loss of power from the power source. The SC back-up system is electrically coupled to the power source such that the power source is capable of charging the SC power bank and the SC power bank discharges and provides power to the RPI in response to a loss of power from the power source to the RPI.