Virtual Power Supply Unit Redirects Trapped Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Future generations of modular compute nodes face increasing power demands due to higher CPU thermal design power and peak power levels, which exceed the power delivery capabilities of existing chassis infrastructure, leading to trapped power that cannot be redirected to power-hungry subsystems.
Innovation Solution
A virtual power supply unit (VPSU) is introduced to redirect otherwise-trapped power from physical power supply units (PSUs) to load subsystems, enabling supplemental power delivery beyond the limits of main power connectors by creating a parallel power path, allowing existing firmware to manage and control the VPSU as a native PSU.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the power delivery capability of existing chassis infrastructure is increased to meet higher CPU thermal design power and peak power levels, then the power supply capacity is improved, but the chassis infrastructure complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual power supply unit (VPSU) as an intermediary software layer between the physical power supply units and the load subsystems. The VPSU manages and redistributes trapped power through virtualization, enabling higher power delivery to CPU sleds without modifying the physical chassis infrastructure. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by achieving increased power capability through software management rather than hardware modification.
2Power
If main power connectors are upgraded to support higher power levels, then the power limit is improved, but the compatibility with existing chassis infrastructure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the power supply functionality through the VPSU software layer. Instead of physically upgrading connectors, the system creates virtual power delivery paths that mimic the behavior of upgraded hardware. This copying approach allows the system to achieve higher power limits while maintaining compatibility with existing physical connectors and infrastructure.
3Loss of energy
If trapped power is redirected to power-hungry subsystems, then the power utilization efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter representation of power management from physical hardware parameters to virtualized software parameters. The VPSU manages power allocation, monitoring, and redistribution through software parameters and virtual interfaces, enabling efficient trapped power redirection without increasing physical system complexity. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction by managing complexity at the software level rather than the hardware level.
Data Source
AI summary
A physical power supply unit (PSU) may be connected to several load subsystems. A first load subsystem may receive a first portion of a first load power directly from the physical PSU via a main power connector, the main power connector having a power limit less than the first load power. A second load subsystem may receive a second load power directly from the physical PSU to provide a second portion of the first load power to the first load subsystem via a power connection between the second load subsystem and the first load subsystem. A sum of the first portion of the first load power and the second portion of the first load power may be greater than the power limit of the main power connector.