Power Backplane Multi-Voltage Conversion via Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CRPS power supply modules can only output a single voltage of 12V, which is insufficient to meet the diverse voltage requirements of external devices in IoT and data center applications.

Innovation Solution

A power backplane assembly comprising a backplane body, a conversion circuit board, and an output circuit board, where the conversion circuit board converts the input voltage into multiple output voltages, including 12V, 3.3V, and 5V, using conductive members like copper rails and pillars for electrical connections and heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a CRPS power supply outputs only 12V to maintain a unified standard, then the power supply design is simplified and standardized, but it cannot meet the diverse voltage requirements of various external devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage output versatilityVSAvoidpower supply structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is divided into two independent parts: a standardized CRPS power supply module that outputs only 12V, and a separate backplane assembly that performs voltage conversion. This segmentation allows the power supply to maintain its unified standard while the backplane provides multi-voltage output capability through DC-DC conversion circuits, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The backplane acts as an intermediary between the 12V CRPS power supply and the external devices requiring various voltages. The backplane includes DC-DC conversion circuits that convert the 12V input into multiple output voltages (such as 5V, 3.3V, etc.), thereby mediating the voltage mismatch and enabling the power supply to serve diverse devices without modifying the original CRPS standard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If traditional wiring methods are used to connect power supply to multiple devices, then the connection is simple, but the wiring is complex and heat dissipation is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring convenienceVSAvoidheat dissipation performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional flexible wire connections are replaced with rigid copper rail structures for power transmission. The copper rails provide superior electrical conductivity, lower resistance, and better heat dissipation performance compared to traditional wiring methods, while maintaining ease of connection through the backplane's integrated connector design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If conventional connection methods are used between backplane and circuit boards, then the assembly is simple, but the structural strength and connection reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The backplane employs a composite structure combining copper rails for electrical connection with a rigid support board for mechanical strength. The copper rails are firmly fixed to the support board, creating a composite assembly that provides both excellent electrical conductivity and high mechanical strength, ensuring reliable connections while maintaining ease of assembly through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 the output of multiple voltages, simplifies wiring, enhances structural strength and heat dissipation, and improves assembly and maintenance convenience by using copper rails and pillars for connections.

Implementation Method 1

The conversion circuit board converts the first voltage into a second voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage conversion:

Implementation Method 2

The first conductive members are disposed between the second surface of the backplane body and the conversion circuit board to electrically connect the backplane body to the conversion circuit board

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

using conductive members like copper rails and pillars for electrical connections and heat dissipation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11456549B2Power backplane assembly and power supply module

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 SPI ELECTRONICS

AI summary

A power backplane assembly is adapted to be connected to a power supply. The power supply outputs a first voltage. The power backplane assembly includes a backplane body, a conversion circuit board, and an output circuit board. The backplane body is for plugging in the power supply. The conversion circuit board is electrically connected to the backplane body. The backplane body is adapted to deliver the first voltage to the conversion circuit board. The conversion circuit board converts the first voltage into a second voltage. The output circuit board is electrically connected to the conversion circuit board and includes a first output connector and a second output connector. The first output connector is configured to output the first voltage, and the second output connector is at least configured to output the second voltage. A power supply module which has the power backplane assembly is also provided.