Power Supply Communication for Redundancy Loss Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Equipment designed to connect to redundant power sources can be mis-wired, leading to a lack of expected power redundancy, such as when both power cables of a rack-mounted computer system are connected to the same power source instead of different sources.
Innovation Solution
A power consuming device performs power supply-based communication by generating and receiving unique identification data via power connections to detect a lack of redundancy, using methods like demodulation of system load or broadband over power line-based communication, and sends corrective signals if redundancy is absent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If power cables are connected to the same power source, then installation is simplified, but power redundancy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where power supplies exchange identification data through the power connection to verify whether they are connected to different power sources. Each power supply transmits its unique identifier and receives identifiers from other power supplies, then compares the received identifiers with its own to determine if redundancy exists. This feedback loop enables automatic detection and notification of misconfiguration, allowing the system to maintain reliability by identifying installation errors without complicating the physical connection process.
2Reliability
If power redundancy detection is implemented, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power connection serve multiple functions: it simultaneously provides electrical power and enables communication between power supplies for redundancy detection. By utilizing the existing power cables and connections for dual purposes (power delivery and data exchange), the system avoids adding separate communication hardware or protocols. The identification data is transmitted through the same power interface already present in the system, thereby improving reliability through redundancy detection without significantly increasing device complexity.
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
Effectively identifies and corrects the lack of power redundancy by ensuring each power supply receives power from a different source, enhancing system reliability and redundancy.
Implementation Method 1
A power consuming device performs power supply-based communication by generating and receiving unique identification data via power connections
Implementation Method 2
using methods like demodulation of system load or broadband over power line-based communication
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for power supply-based communication for detection of a lack of redundancy in power that has been supplied to a system are presented herein. A system generates first identification data to be transmitted from the system via a power connection between the system and a power source, in which the first identification data references a first unique identification corresponding to a first power supply of the system. Further, in response to a data transmission comprising second identification data referencing a second unique identification corresponding to a second power supply of the system being determined to be received via the power connection, the system determines a lack of redundancy in power that has been supplied to the system.