Stand-by Power System for Information Handling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Information handling systems (IHSs) face increasing pressure to reduce standby power consumption due to rising energy costs and environmental concerns, with existing systems consuming significant power even in the off state.

Innovation Solution

A stand-by power supply system that includes a power supply coupled to a load via a main power rail and a switch on an auxiliary power rail, controlled by a controller to couple and uncouple the power supply based on startup and shutdown commands, enabling a low power mode to minimize standby power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If auxiliary power is continuously supplied to the IHS even when powered down, then the system maintains readiness for quick startup, but standby power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestartup response timeVSAvoidstandby power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the auxiliary power rail by using a switch (such as a MOSFET) that can transition between conductive and non-conductive states. The controller dynamically opens the switch during shutdown to disconnect the auxiliary power rail from the load, and closes the switch during startup to reconnect it, thereby adapting the power supply state to system requirements and minimizing standby consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic control of the auxiliary power rail based on system state transitions. The controller periodically connects and disconnects the auxiliary power rail according to startup and shutdown commands, creating a rhythm of power connection that aligns with operational requirements rather than continuous connection, thus reducing energy waste during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If a switch is added to control the auxiliary power rail, then standby power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandby power consumptionVSAvoidpower supply circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller that already exists in the IHS for managing power states is leveraged to also control the auxiliary power rail switch. This existing controller monitors system state and can autonomously determine when to connect or disconnect the auxiliary rail, eliminating the need for separate control circuitry and reducing overall system complexity while achieving power reduction goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The switch on the auxiliary power rail is designed to serve multiple functions: it controls power to various subsystems including memory, I/O controllers, and other components that require auxiliary power. This single switch provides universal control over multiple power-dependent functions, avoiding the need for separate switches for each subsystem and thereby minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8429432B2Stand-by power system for information handling systems

Publication Date: 2013.04.23 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A power supply system includes a power supply coupled to a load via a main power rail, and a switch coupled between the power supply and the load on an auxiliary power rail. A controller controls the switch to couple the auxiliary power rail to the load in response to a startup command, and the controller controls the switch to uncouple the load from the auxiliary power rail in response to a shut down command and a low power mode being enabled.