PSU Voltage Boost Control for Short-Duration Peak Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face limitations in peak power capacity, requiring oversized power supply units to accommodate temporary high-power demands, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically adjusts the voltage supplied by the power supply unit (PSU) from a first voltage to a higher second voltage upon request, using an embedded controller, housekeeping integrated circuit, and pulse width modulation IC, allowing the system to operate at a higher voltage for short periods without damaging components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the power supply unit is oversized to accommodate temporary high-power demands, then the peak power capacity is improved, but the cost and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit dynamically adjusts its output voltage based on real-time power demands. The embedded controller monitors system power requirements and communicates with the PSU to adjust voltage from a first level (e.g., 12V) to a second higher level (e.g., 19V) when peak power is needed, then returns to the first level when demand decreases. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to achieve high peak power capacity without requiring an oversized PSU, as the voltage is only increased temporarily when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameter (voltage) of the power supply to match varying power demands. By switching between two voltage levels, the system can deliver high power during peak demand periods while operating at lower, more efficient voltage levels during normal operation. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by allowing the PSU to provide high peak power capacity without continuously operating at high power levels that would reduce efficiency.
2Power
If the power supply unit is oversized to accommodate temporary high-power demands, then the peak power capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a large, static power supply unit that can continuously provide high power, the invention uses a smaller PSU that dynamically adjusts its output. The embedded controller and communication interface enable the PSU to switch between voltage levels based on actual demand, achieving the same peak power capacity as a larger PSU but with reduced size and complexity.
3Power
If the voltage is increased to meet peak power requirements, then the power capacity is improved, but the risk of component damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded controller continuously monitors the information handling system's power requirements and provides feedback to the power supply unit. When peak power demand is detected, the controller communicates with the PSU to increase voltage to the second level. When the demand decreases, the controller signals the PSU to return to the first voltage level. This feedback mechanism ensures that high voltage is only applied when necessary and for controlled durations, preventing component damage from excessive or prolonged high-voltage exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded controller predicts or detects upcoming peak power demands before they occur and proactively adjusts the voltage in preparation. The controller monitors system state and anticipates when high power will be needed, adjusting the voltage beforehand to ensure smooth transitions and avoid sudden power surges that could damage components.
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
Enables information handling systems to handle peak power requirements without throttling or oversizing the PSU, allowing for higher performance modes without damaging components, thereby optimizing power usage and system performance.
Implementation Method 1
The PWM IC may convert the power from the first voltage to the second voltage and initiate a timer defining a time period
Data Source
AI summary
A method for increasing power supply voltage in an information handling system in a normal mode with a first peak voltage comprises, in response to receiving a request for a higher peak voltage, an embedded controller (EC) receiving information associated with the application including a request for power at a higher peak voltage, a housekeeping IC communicating a signal to a PWM IC to increase voltage supplied to the information handling system to the higher peak voltage, the PWM IC converting from the PSU to the higher peak voltage and starting a timer with a defined time period. If no additional requests for operating at the higher peak voltage are received before the time period expires, the PWM IC communicates a signal that power will stop being supplied at the higher peak voltage, and the information handling system returns to operating in the normal mode at the first peak voltage.