Sequential Power Fault Detection for Expansion Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power faults in computing device expansion modules, such as DIMMs and PCIe components, are difficult to diagnose due to issues like incorrect installation, damage, or manufacturing defects, requiring time-consuming processes involving sequential removal of hardware or software booting, which cannot detect faults preventing OS booting.
Innovation Solution
A computing device with a controller that enables and disables power to expansion modules sequentially, using sensors to detect responses and determine power fault conditions, presenting indications through user interfaces like LEDs to quickly identify faulty modules without relying on the motherboard or OS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential removal of all board hardware is used to identify power fault issues, then the root cause can be identified, but the diagnostic process becomes extremely time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary power fault detection by sequentially enabling power to each expansion module before full system operation. The controller activates power to individual expansion modules one at a time and monitors for faults, identifying problematic modules before they cause system-wide issues. This preliminary detection eliminates the need for time-consuming sequential hardware removal during diagnostics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism between the power source and expansion modules. The system uses a controller that sequentially enables power to each expansion module through controlled switching, allowing indirect observation of power fault conditions without direct physical intervention or system shutdown. This intermediary approach enables automated fault identification.
2Ease of operation
If software diagnosis is used to detect failing components, then detection can occur without hardware removal, but it cannot detect power faults that prevent OS booting
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary power fault detection by sequentially enabling power to each expansion module before full system operation. The controller activates power to individual expansion modules one at a time and monitors for faults, identifying problematic modules before they cause system-wide issues. This preliminary detection eliminates the need for time-consuming sequential hardware removal during diagnostics.
Solution Approach 2:
The power delivery system is segmented into individually controllable portions, with each expansion module receiving power through separate可控 switches or transistors. This segmentation allows the controller to enable power to one expansion module at a time while keeping others disabled, enabling isolated detection of power faults in each module without affecting the entire system or requiring OS boot.
3Measurement precision
If an FPGA detects which voltage rail is causing a power fault, then the voltage rail can be identified, but the particular expansion module causing the fault cannot be identified without time-consuming processes
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery system is segmented into individually controllable portions, with each expansion module receiving power through separate可控 switches or transistors. This segmentation allows the controller to enable power to one expansion module at a time while keeping others disabled, enabling isolated detection of power faults in each module without affecting the entire system or requiring OS boot.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the controller sequentially enables power to each expansion module and monitors the power rail status in response. When a power fault is detected on a specific rail, the feedback loop identifies which module is currently enabled on that rail, directly correlating the fault to the specific expansion module. This automated feedback eliminates manual identification processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for use of magnets to retain and eject computing device expansion modules are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system includes a computing device that defines a slot for receipt of an expansion module for operable positioning of the expansion module with respect to the computing device. The expansion module comprises a first magnet attached thereto. Further, the system includes an electromagnet attached to the slot of the computing device. The system also includes a controller configured to apply an electrical output to the electromagnet such that the electromagnet generates a magnetic field for repelling the first magnet such the expansion module is urged in a direction for ejection from the slot.