PoE Backup Power for Volatile Memory During Mains Failure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer systems lack an automatic means to prevent data loss during power failures without requiring uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) or large battery backup systems, as they cannot reduce power consumption or maintain power for volatile memory during mains power failures.
Innovation Solution
A system that senses mains power failure, generates an interrupt to store system context and memory information on volatile memory, and provides backup power to maintain volatile memory during the failure, using a combination of power management interfaces and power over Ethernet (PoE) to reduce power demand and supply standby power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UPS is provided for each computer to supply power during mains power failure, then reliable power supply during power failure is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply function with the network communication function by using Power over Ethernet (PoE). The Ethernet cable serves dual purposes: data transmission and power delivery. The PoE switch integrates power sourcing capabilities into the network infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate UPS devices at each computer while maintaining reliable power supply during mains failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet cable and PoE infrastructure perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide network communication, power delivery, and backup power capability. This multi-functional approach replaces the traditional separate UPS device, reducing overall system complexity while achieving the same reliability goal.
2Reliability
If a centralized UPS with dedicated AC wiring is provided to supply power to each computer, then reliable power supply during power failure is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power distribution function with the existing Ethernet network infrastructure. Instead of installing separate dedicated AC wiring for each computer, the system uses the PoE switch to deliver power through the existing network cables, significantly reducing installation costs and complexity while maintaining centralized power management and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet infrastructure is utilized for both data communication and power delivery, eliminating the need for separate dedicated power wiring. This multi-functional use of existing infrastructure reduces installation costs and simplifies the overall system architecture while achieving reliable centralized power supply.
3Loss of information
If power is maintained for volatile memory during mains power failure, then data loss is prevented, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining full power consumption during mains failure, the system provides only the minimal necessary power to keep volatile memory operational. The PoE connection supplies a limited amount of power (typically 12.95 watts maximum per IEEE 802.3af standard) that is sufficient to maintain memory but not to support full system operation, thus preventing data loss while minimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power consumption parameter by switching from full power mode to a reduced power mode during mains failure. The PoE backup power provides a limited, controlled power level that maintains memory functionality while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to maintaining full system operation.
4Device complexity
If Power over Ethernet is used to supply backup power, then device complexity is reduced, but available power is limited to 12.95 watts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of power backup from the complex UPS system and implements it through PoE's limited power capability. By taking out only the necessary power delivery function and using PoE's constrained power output (12.95 watts maximum), the system achieves simplified architecture while accepting that this limited power is sufficient for the specific purpose of maintaining volatile memory during failures.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for placing and maintaining a computer in a standby mode during power failure, utilizing one of: a powered device controller exhibiting a maintain power signature functionality and arranged to receive power over communication cabling; and a MEMS flywheel energy system to provide a standby power. The standby power is less than the power required for full operation. In one embodiment the system additionally exhibits: a mains power failure sensor; a volatile memory arranged to be powered from the source of standby power in the event of a failure of mains power; and a processor operative responsive to the mains power failure sensor to store status information on the volatile memory and reduce power demand of the processor and associated devices to no more than that available from the source of standby power.