Universal Power Supply System with Automatic Specification Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The modular power supply systems for industrial computers or servers face errors due to the inability to identify and differentiate the power wattage or DC power specifications of AC/DC power supply devices and board-mounted DC power modules, leading to potential over-current and over-power conditions, and require customized backboard modules for different power outputs, which hampers production efficiency and increases the risk of incorrect module connections.
Innovation Solution
A universal power supply system with a housing, backboard module, AC/DC power supply devices, and board-mounted DC power modules, equipped with a monitoring circuit and specification mapping table that identifies model numbers and sets corresponding critical current or power values through specification identification signals, allowing automatic over-current and over-power protection without redesigning the backboard module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular power supply system is designed to support different power wattages, then the system's adaptability is improved, but the complexity of identifying and managing different power specifications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies the power supply device model through detection circuits that read model identification information, and autonomously configures the critical power value without requiring manual intervention. The control circuit self-adjusts based on the detected model, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-stores multiple critical power values corresponding to different power supply device models in advance. When a device is connected, the system retrieves the appropriate pre-configured value based on the detected model, avoiding the need for real-time calculation or complex configuration procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of power supply specifications is required, then the system's flexibility is improved, but the risk of incorrect configuration and over-current conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual power supply device model through detection circuits and automatically adjusts the critical power value setting based on the detected model information. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the system always uses the correct protection threshold corresponding to the connected device, eliminating manual configuration errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical configuration (physical switching or jumper settings) with automated electronic detection and configuration. The control circuit electronically identifies the device model and programmatically sets the appropriate critical power value, eliminating human error in configuration.
3Manufacturing precision
If customized backboard modules are designed for different power outputs, then the precision of power management is improved, but the productivity and production efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single universal backboard module design that can work with multiple different power supply device models. The backboard includes detection circuits and a control circuit that automatically adapt to different device types, eliminating the need for multiple customized backboard variants while maintaining precise power management for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains a universal hardware platform but dynamically changes the electrical parameters (critical power values) based on the detected device model. This allows one physical backboard design to serve multiple functions with different power specifications by electronically adjusting the protection thresholds rather than requiring physical customization.
4Measurement precision
If specification identification circuits are added to each power supply device, then the accuracy of automatic detection is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a simple model identification information storage element (such as a register or memory cell) within the power supply device that contains detectable identification data. This intermediary element provides the necessary identification functionality without requiring complex circuits, as the detection circuit simply reads the stored identification value to determine the device model.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal power supply system allows each board mounted DC power module or each AC/DC power supply device therein having identical dimensions and appearance to further have a specification setting circuit. When the board mounted DC power module or the AC/DC power supply device is plugged in a backboard module, the specification setting terminal outputs a specification identification signal to a monitoring circuit of the backboard module. As built in with a specification mapping table, the monitoring circuit can compare the specification identification signal to find a model number corresponding to the signal, and automatically sets a critical current value or critical power value of each board mounted DC power module for over-current protection or over-power protection. Accordingly, the universal power supply system can be adapted to different board mounted DC power modules or AC/DC power supply devices without redesigning the backboard module.