Point-to-Point Power Supply for Computer Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In rack-mounted computing systems, existing power distribution methods using a shared bus bar architecture are inefficient, as they fail to monitor and control power consumption of individual systems effectively, leading to potential overloads and wiring faults that can affect multiple systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a point-to-point power supply-to-computer system connection using high voltage DC power and pulse-width modulation circuits, which allow for independent monitoring and control of power consumption, isolating faults to individual systems and reducing the number of conductors needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a shared bus bar architecture is used to distribute power, then the number of conductors is reduced, but fault isolation capability deteriorates and power monitoring precision worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power distribution system into separate point-to-point connections for each computer system, isolating faults to individual systems rather than affecting the entire rack through a shared bus bar architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sense wires as intermediary elements that enable precise monitoring of power consumption at each individual connection point, allowing for granular power management and fault detection without requiring a complex wiring architecture
2Device complexity
If a shared bus bar architecture is used to distribute power, then wiring complexity is reduced, but power consumption monitoring precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sense wires as intermediary elements that enable precise monitoring of power consumption at each individual connection point, allowing for granular power management and fault detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sense wires continuously monitor power consumption and provide real-time data to the power supply controller, enabling dynamic adjustment and precise measurement of power distribution to each computer system
3Reliability
If separate power connections are implemented for each computer system, then fault isolation capability is improved, but the number of conductors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into single conductors - power conductors carry both power and sense signals bidirectionally, eliminating the need for separate sense wires for each connection and reducing overall wiring complexity while maintaining fault isolation
Data Source
AI summary
Power distribution to computer systems. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems including a power supply configured to convert an alternating current (AC) power signal to a direct current (DC) power signal (and the power supply comprising a first power port and a second power port, the second power port different than the first power port), a first computer system coupled to the first power port (the power supply configured to provide DC operational power to the first computer system through the first power port, and the first computer system the only computer system receiving operational power through the first power port), and a second computer system different than the first computer system (the power supply configured to provide DC operational power to the second computer system through the second power port, and the second computer system the only computer system receiving power from the second power port).