Shielded HFAC Power Bus for Low-Loss Redundant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DC power distribution in electronic devices, such as servers, results in significant energy losses due to low voltage and inefficient power conversion, leading to increased costs and environmental impact, while existing HFAC power distribution systems face challenges with electromagnetic compatibility and redundancy issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a high frequency alternating current (HFAC) power distribution bus with constant voltage and frequency, utilizing N+1 redundancy and dynamic arbitration, and incorporating master-slave synchronization to enhance efficiency and reliability, with shielded ground planes to reduce electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional DC power distribution is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to I2R losses and inefficient power conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of power distribution by using HFAC (high frequency alternating current) instead of conventional DC, operating at frequencies between 1 MHz and 10 MHz with voltages of 25V to 60V. This parameter change enables higher efficiency power transmission while reducing I2R losses through the use of resonant inductive coupling, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electrical connection mechanisms (physical wire connections and contactors) with wireless inductive coupling fields. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear, contact resistance, and connection complexity while maintaining power transfer efficiency, thus reducing both energy loss and system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If AC to DC conversion is implemented, then power distribution flexibility is improved, but system complexity and energy loss increase due to dual stage power conversion circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex dual-stage power conversion circuits from the system by implementing HFAC power distribution that delivers power in its native HFAC form. The power is converted to DC only at the point of use by simple rectifier circuits, removing the need for complex intermediate conversion stages and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of converting AC to DC centrally and distributing DC power, the patent inverts the approach by distributing HFAC power and converting to DC at the load end. This inversion simplifies the power distribution architecture by eliminating multiple conversion stages and reducing the complexity of power conversion circuits while maintaining adaptability.
3Reliability
If N+1 redundancy is implemented, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional power supplies and current share buses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple HFAC power supplies by coupling them through the common HFAC power distribution bus using inductive coupling. This allows N+1 redundant power supplies to share the load dynamically without requiring complex current share buses or synchronization circuits, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The HFAC power distribution system provides self-service load sharing among redundant power supplies through the natural properties of inductive coupling and resonant frequency matching. Each power supply automatically contributes to the total load based on its capacity and the system's needs, eliminating the need for complex active control and current sharing circuitry while maintaining high reliability.
4Productivity
If high current slew rates are required, then system performance is improved, but DC distribution architecture effectiveness deteriorates due to static voltage output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics to the power distribution system by using HFAC instead of static DC voltage. The high frequency alternating current naturally provides rapid current slew rates and dynamic response capability, enabling the system to meet high current demand changes while maintaining effective power distribution and improving overall system reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the disclosure provides an electronic device comprising: a first substrate comprising a first ground plane and a second ground plane, wherein the first ground plane and the second ground plane are arranged to provide a shielded volume there between. The electronic device also comprises a first high frequency alternating current (HFAC) power distribution bus disposed in the shielded volume, wherein the first HFAC power distribution bus is configured for connecting to a first HFAC power supply. A first power supply connection for connecting the first HFAC power supply to the first HFAC power distribution bus and a component connection for connecting the first HFAC power distribution bus to electronic components carried by the first substrate are also provided.