Power Measurement Standardization for Accurate AC/DC Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power verification in AC and DC systems often results in inaccurate or inconsistent measurements due to varying methods and lack of normalization, leading to unreliable power readings and difficulties in calculating carbon footprints and optimizing equipment operation.

Innovation Solution

A standardized method involving establishing a predetermined temperature and generating a traffic pattern for electrical measurement processes, normalizing electrical units, and repeating measurements to generate accurate power usage data, which can be used for network management decisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different measurement methods are used in engineering labs and customer labs, then measurement flexibility is improved, but measurement consistency and accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement flexibilityVSAvoidmeasurement consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by establishing specific normalization parameters including predetermined temperature conditions, standardized traffic patterns, and defined measurement durations. These parameter standardizations resolve the contradiction by providing consistent measurement conditions across different labs while maintaining the ability to adapt to various apparatus types through the flexible framework of standardized procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement process is segmented into distinct standardized phases: environment setup with specific temperature controls, traffic pattern generation with predetermined compositions, measurement execution, and data normalization. This segmentation allows different labs to follow the same structured approach, improving consistency while maintaining flexibility in implementing each segment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If software readings are taken instantaneously without normalization, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidreading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing normalization parameters and conducting preliminary measurements before final data collection. The system pre-defines traffic patterns, sets temperature conditions, and performs initial calibration measurements, which enables accurate instantaneous readings to be taken without sacrificing accuracy for speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system incorporates feedback through iterative measurement processes where preliminary readings inform subsequent measurements. The system uses feedback loops to adjust and normalize readings based on predetermined standards, maintaining both speed and accuracy by quickly converging on accurate values through structured feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If measurements are conducted without standardized environmental conditions, then measurement simplicity is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement simplicityVSAvoidmeasurement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent standardizes environmental parameters such as temperature to predetermined values while maintaining simplicity through automated control. The measurement system automatically maintains these standardized conditions, making the process simple to operate while ensuring reliable results through consistent environmental controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If power measurements are taken without normalization reference, then measurement process simplicity is improved, but data accuracy and comparability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement process simplicityVSAvoiddata accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces normalization parameters as intermediaries between raw measurements and final results. These intermediaries (standardization factors, reference values, and normalization constants) simplify the measurement process by providing automatic adjustment mechanisms while significantly improving data accuracy and comparability across different testing scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12526191B2Standardized power measurements with increased accuracy

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Devices, networks, systems, methods, and processes for standardizing power usage measurement in various devices, components, etc. Measurement methods for power verification in AC or DC input power are often over simplified or done with a method that achieves inaccurate or highly suspect results. Different testing methods for the same device to be verified are often used, resulting in lack of consistency and any sense of accuracy and/or relevance. Part of this problem is the lack of unified electrical measuring and changes in operation based on network usage and ambient temperature. Thus, various embodiments described herein are directed to generating standardized power usage data and charts that can indicate a more accurate power usage level of an apparatus. This can allow for more effective network managing decisions and increase overall network sustainability.