Power Topology Mapping via Current Perturbation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mapping power topology in data centers are manual, time-consuming, costly, and prone to errors, lacking efficiency in determining power needs and avoiding unscheduled downtime.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that involves communicating a message to an information handling system to cause a perturbation in the electrical current of a power supply unit, allowing a power distribution unit to measure and respond, thereby facilitating accurate mapping between power supply units and outlets through measured electrical parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual entry of mapping data is used, then power topology mapping can be performed, but the process becomes costly, time-consuming, and prone to error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemapping accuracyVSAvoiddata entry time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-mapping by automatically detecting and recording power topology relationships without requiring manual data entry. The information handling systems and power distribution units autonomously communicate to establish mappings, eliminating the need for human operators to manually enter data while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of data entry with an automated electronic communication system. Information handling systems and power distribution units use electronic messages to automatically exchange and record mapping information, substituting human labor with automated electronic processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual mapping methods are used, then power topology can be documented, but the process is costly and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower topology accuracyVSAvoidmapping efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where information handling systems send perturbation signals to power supply units, and power distribution units monitor the responses. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic verification and recording of power topology mappings, ensuring high reliability while eliminating manual intervention and improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces inefficient manual mapping processes with automated electronic communication and measurement systems. The system uses electronic messages and automated monitoring to document power topology, dramatically improving both reliability and productivity compared to manual methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated perturbation methods are used, then mapping efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemapping speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universal communication protocols and standardized perturbation methods that can be applied across different information handling systems and power distribution units. This multi-functionality allows the automated mapping system to work with various equipment types without requiring custom solutions, managing complexity while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach reduces errors and increases efficiency in mapping power topology, enabling better data center management, optimized power sourcing, and minimizing downtime by automating the process.

Implementation Method 1

causes the second information handling system to cause a power supply unit integral to the second information handling system to experience a perturbation in an electrical current associated with the power supply unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical current perturbation:

Implementation Method 2

receive a second message from a power distribution unit via an outlet integral to the power distribution unit, the second message indicative of a response to the perturbation of a measured electrical parameter of the outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical parameter measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS9852485B2Systems and methods for power topology mapping

Publication Date: 2017.12.26 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include communicating a first message to an information handling system such that receipt of the first message by the information handling system causes the information handling system to cause a power supply unit integral to the information handling system to experience a perturbation in an electrical current associated with the power supply unit and receiving a second message from a power distribution unit via an outlet integral to the power distribution unit, the second message indicative of a response to the perturbation of a measured electrical parameter of the outlet.