Server Power Supply Addressing Circuit for Smaller Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power supply management systems for servers require multiple address output terminals, leading to large connector sizes and increased overall panel size, which is not conducive to size reduction.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device with a single address input terminal, incorporating a voltage comparator, counter, and resistance regulation circuit, which uses a pull-up and pull-down resistance circuit with switches to stabilize voltage signals and determine the address of the power supply control chip, reducing the need for multiple address output terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple address output terminals are arranged for each connector to drive multiple power supply devices, then the address assignment capability is improved, but the connector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the address assignment from a spatial dimension (multiple physical terminals) to a temporal dimension (sequential signaling). Instead of requiring multiple simultaneous address terminals, the system uses a single terminal that transmits address information sequentially through multiple signaling cycles, allowing one terminal to perform the function of multiple terminals over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses signal copying and repetition where a single address input terminal receives address information that is then distributed and replicated to multiple address pins of the power supply control chip through internal circuitry. This allows one physical terminal to effectively serve multiple logical address assignment functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple address output terminals are arranged for each connector, then the address assignment capability is improved, but the overall power supply distribution panel size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple address output terminals into a single address input terminal. By combining the functions of multiple terminals into one, the physical space required for connectors and the overall panel size are reduced, while the address assignment capability is maintained through sophisticated internal signal processing and switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single address input terminal is designed to perform multiple functions: it can assign addresses to multiple different power supply devices, support different addressing modes, and interface with various connector configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated terminals for each device, reducing overall panel size.
3Area of moving object
If a single address input terminal is used instead of multiple address output terminals, then the connector size is reduced, but the complexity of address determination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of multiple address terminals with an electronic signal processing system. Instead of using physical terminal arrangements to encode address information, the system uses electrical signals, voltage comparisons, and digital logic to determine addresses, reducing physical complexity while managing electronic complexity through standardized protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as voltage comparators, counters, and pull-up/pull-down resistance circuits that mediate between the single address input terminal and the multiple address pins. These intermediaries simplify the overall system by providing standardized interfaces and systematic address determination procedures, making the complexity manageable and systematic rather than ad hoc.
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
The solution allows for stable voltage at the address pins of the power supply control chip, enabling efficient address determination without increasing connector size, thus addressing the issue of large connectors in power supply management systems.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage comparator, configured to compare a voltage signal at a first input terminal of the voltage comparator with a voltage signal at a second input terminal of the voltage comparator
Implementation Method 2
a pull-up resistance circuit and a pull-down resistance circuit connected in series... An input terminal of the voltage comparator is connected to the address input terminal, and the other input terminal of the voltage comparator is connected to a connection point of the resistance regulation circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply device for supplying power to a server and a power supply management system are provided. The device includes: a power supply control chip, a first connector, a voltage comparator, a counter and a resistance regulation circuit. The resistance regulation circuit includes a pull-up resistance circuit and a pull-down resistance circuit including multiple resistor branches and switches. An input terminal of the voltage comparator is connected to an address input terminal, the other input terminal of the voltage comparator is connected to a connection point of the resistance regulation circuit. An input terminal of the counter is connected to an output terminal of the voltage comparator, each output terminal of the counter is connected to one switch and controls a state of the switch. Each output terminal of the counter is connected to one address pin of the power supply control chip.