Processor Power-On Control Circuitry for Startup Surge Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Datacenter systems face power surges during processor startup due to simultaneous power-up, exceeding the capacity of power sources, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

Implementing power-on control circuitry at the individual processor level to stagger power-up times, reducing the total power draw below the maximum capacity of the power source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If processors are initiated simultaneously for power-up, then system startup time is reduced, but cumulative power load exceeds the capacity of power sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem startup timeVSAvoidcumulative power load

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the simultaneous power-up process into staggered intervals by introducing a random delay mechanism. Each processor receives a randomized power-up delay instruction, dividing the concentrated power demand into distributed temporal segments, thereby resolving the contradiction between fast startup and power load management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by establishing rhythmic power-up sequences with randomized intervals.processors are powered up in periodic waves rather than all at once, with each wave separated by controlled delay periods, achieving both time efficiency and power load balancing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If processors power-up at the same time, then operational readiness is achieved quickly, but power source capacity is exceeded causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational readinessVSAvoidpower source safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-assigning randomized delay values to each processor before power-up initiation. This preliminary randomization ensures that power demands are distributed in advance, preventing power source overload while maintaining operational readiness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by introducing buffer delay periods between processor power-up events. These cushioning intervals absorb the peak power demand, protecting the power source from exceeding its capacity while still enabling rapid system-wide operational readiness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Power

If power-on control circuitry is added to individual processors, then power-up timing can be staggered, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower draw controlVSAvoidcircuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing autonomous random delay generation at each processor's power-on control circuitry. Each processor independently generates its own randomized power-up delay without requiring external coordination or complex centralized control, achieving effective power load management while minimizing added circuitry complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250370526A1Multi-component system with power-up surge mitigation

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 NVIDIA CORP

AI summary

An electronic component that modulates when one or more associated processors power on for power surge mitigation. The electronic component may include one or more processors and power-on control circuitry to modulate a time when at least a portion of the electronic component including the one or more processors powers on responsive to an input indicating the electronic component to power-up.