Series-Connected Computing Devices Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing systems face complexity and cost issues due to individual power supplies for each storage device, leading to inefficiencies and potential failures from voltage imbalances across connected computing nodes.
Innovation Solution
A configuration where computing devices are connected in series to a power source, utilizing onboard power converters to reduce voltage and a host controller for workload distribution, along with separate floating grounds and optical isolation for communication, to ensure balanced voltage and current distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual power supplies are used for each storage device, then each device can be independently powered, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual power supplies into a single centralized power supply unit that distributes power to multiple storage devices. This consolidation reduces the overall number of power supply components, simplifies the system architecture, and lowers cost while maintaining reliable power delivery to each device through controlled distribution channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized power supply unit performs multiple functions: it powers multiple storage devices simultaneously, regulates voltage for different devices, and provides a common reference ground. This multi-functional approach replaces what would otherwise require multiple dedicated power supplies, reducing complexity while maintaining the ability to independently power each device.
2Reliability
If individual power supplies are used for each storage device, then each device has dedicated power control, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power supply functions into a single centralized unit, reducing the total component count and manufacturing cost. The centralized design allows for economies of scale in production and reduces assembly complexity, directly addressing the cost issue while maintaining the ability to provide dedicated power control to each storage device through the distribution network.
3Reliability
If computing devices are connected in series to a power source, then voltage and current are balanced across nodes, but the configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an equipotential grounding scheme where all storage devices share a common reference ground potential. This approach simplifies the connection configuration by eliminating the need for complex differential voltage management, while still achieving balanced voltage distribution across all devices in the series connection through the unified reference plane.
4Device complexity
If a centralized power supply is used, then system complexity and cost are reduced, but voltage drops may occur across connected devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs voltage regulation circuitry within the centralized power supply that dynamically adjusts output voltage parameters based on the specific requirements of each connected storage device. This allows the system to compensate for voltage drops in the distribution network, maintaining adequate voltage delivery to all devices while preserving the simplicity of the centralized configuration.
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 configuration reduces the likelihood of failures by balancing voltage and current across computing nodes, minimizing voltage drops, and eliminating the need for a 12V DC power supply, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The first computing device may include a first power converter that converts a first amount of DC voltage to a first lower DC voltage
Implementation Method 2
The second computing device may include a second power converter that converts a second amount of DC voltage to a second lower DC voltage
Implementation Method 3
The server may include optical isolation devices that enable data signals to be communicated between the host and the computing devices
Data Source
AI summary
Technology is described for a system that includes a power source, a first computing device, a second computing device and a host controller. The power source may provide a direct current (DC) voltage. The first computing device may perform a computing function in a computing environment. The second computing devices may be connected in series to the power source via the first computing device. The first computing device may be directly coupled to the power source and may receive the DC voltage from the power source, and the second computing device may receive a remaining amount of the DC voltage. The host controller may manage computing operations of the first computing device and the second computing device to control load impedance between first computing device and the second computing device.