Power Consumption Detector for Server Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current server systems face challenges in accurately detecting power consumption of individual modules, such as motherboards and fan boards, with existing methods resulting in detection errors exceeding 15% under high loading conditions.
Innovation Solution
A power consumption detector comprising a first resistor, an amplification unit, a voltage divider, and a processing unit is used to calculate power consumption by receiving the working voltage and current generated by the object to be detected, with the amplification unit generating an amplification signal that is then voltage-divided and processed to improve precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the server system reads the I2C bus of the Power Supply Unit to calculate power consumption, then the power consumption of each module can be detected, but the detection precision deteriorates under high loading conditions with errors reaching 15%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an amplification unit as an intermediary between the current sensing resistor and the processing unit. This amplification unit amplifies the voltage signal generated by the current through the resistor, enabling precise measurement even under high loading conditions where the original I2C bus reading method failed to achieve adequate precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the software-based I2C bus reading method with a hardware-based electrical measurement system. By using a dedicated current sensing resistor, amplification unit, and voltage divider circuit, the system achieves more reliable and precise power consumption detection compared to the previous digital communication approach.
2Measurement precision
If additional power consumption detection components are added to each module, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage and current) to suitable ranges through the amplification unit and voltage divider. By transforming the small voltage signal from the sensing resistor into an amplified signal, and then scaling it down to a measurable range, the system achieves precise measurement without requiring overly complex instrumentation.
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 reduces power consumption detection errors to 3%, enhancing the accuracy of power consumption measurement and enabling more precise resource allocation in server systems.
Implementation Method 1
The first resistor has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first resistor is coupled to the object to be detected and the first resistor receives a current generated by the object to be detected during working.
Implementation Method 2
An amplification unit has a first input end, a second input end and an output end. The first end of the amplification is coupled to a second end of the first resistor and the second input end is configured to receive the working voltage. The output end of the amplification is configured to generate an amplification signal.
Implementation Method 3
A voltage divider, coupled to the output end of the amplification unit, is configured to receive the amplification signal and perform voltage division on the amplification signal to generate a voltage division signal.
Implementation Method 4
A processing unit, coupled to the voltage divider, is configured to receive the voltage division signal and calculate a current that flows through the first resistor according to a level of the voltage division signal. Moreover, the processing unit is configured to calculate power consumption of the object to be detected according to the current and the working voltage.
Data Source
AI summary
A power consumption detector includes a first resistor, an amplification unit, a voltage divider and a processing unit. A first end of the first resistor, coupled to the object, receives a current from the object during working. An amplification unit has a first input end coupled to a second end of the first resistor and a second input end receiving the working voltage. The amplification has an output end generating an amplification signal. A voltage divider, coupled to the output end of the amplification unit, is used for receiving the amplification signal and generating a voltage division signal. A processing unit, coupled to the voltage divider, is used for receiving the voltage division signal, calculating the current flowing through the first resistor and power consumption of the object upon the current and the working voltage. The power consumption detector is applied to a motherboard or a fan board.