Component-Level Power Profiling via Digital POL Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power measurement techniques for networking devices are inflexible, require external hardware, and cannot accurately measure power consumption at a component level, making it difficult to deploy in live networks or design environments and leading to coarse-grained and inaccurate results.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a power distribution network with digital Point-of-load (POL) devices and software modules to gather telemetry data, allowing for component-level power measurement and profiling, eliminating the need for external hardware and enabling deployment in live networks, with APIs for power management schemes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external hardware such as power meters or multi meters are used to measure power consumption, then power measurement can be performed, but the system becomes inflexible and requires unplugging devices from power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power measurement functionality from external hardware devices and integrates it directly into the power distribution network infrastructure. By incorporating measurement capabilities into existing POL devices and power switches, the system eliminates the need for separate external meters while maintaining measurement accuracy and enabling continuous monitoring in live networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing power distribution infrastructure multi-functional by enabling POL devices and power switches to perform both their original power distribution function and new power measurement function. This allows the same hardware to serve multiple purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated external measurement equipment and enabling deployment in live networks.
2Measurement precision
If aggregate power consumption of entire networking devices is measured, then overall power usage can be determined, but component-level power consumption cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power measurement capability to operate at multiple hierarchical levels. The system can measure and report power consumption at the component level (individual network devices), device level (racks or groups), and facility level (entire data center), allowing simultaneous visibility of both aggregate and detailed power consumption data through the same infrastructure.
3Ease of manufacture
If estimation methods are used to determine power consumption, then maximum rated power can be provided, but actual power consumption and fine-grained measurements are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service power measurement where the power distribution network infrastructure automatically monitors and reports its own power consumption data. The POL devices and power switches inherently track power delivery to connected devices and can provide real-time measurement data without requiring external estimation tools or manual calculations, thereby delivering accurate actual power consumption data while maintaining implementation simplicity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If models or simulations are built to predict power consumption, then power usage can be estimated, but accuracy is compromised and deployment in live networks is not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer of intelligent power distribution infrastructure (POL devices and power switches with measurement capabilities) that acts as a mediator between the power source and network devices. This intermediary continuously monitors actual power consumption and provides real-time data, replacing the need for predictive models and simulations while enabling accurate measurement in live network environments.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention include telemetry measurement in a networking device. In embodiments of the present invention, fine granularity power measurement can be achieved at a component level within a networking device without additional hardware like a multi meter. Coarse level granularity of power management can also be achieved in embodiments of the present invention.