Server Voltage Chip Feedback Control for Adjustable Supply Voltage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing voltage chip systems in servers are inflexible, requiring replacement of division resistors to adjust supply voltage and suffer from resistance changes due to aging, impacting the effective powering and normal operation of target electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A controlling system comprising a controlling circuit and a conversion circuit, which adjusts the supply voltage by generating and converting target level signals to regulate the voltage output, using field programmable logic gates or additional components like voltage sampling circuits to ensure stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a division resistor is soldered on the PCB to regulate supply voltage, then the voltage chip can convert power voltage into a fixed supply voltage, but the supply voltage becomes unadjustable and is affected by resistor aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed soldered division resistor with a controllable switching circuit that can dynamically adjust the feedback voltage level. The switching circuit uses control signals to change the feedback voltage, enabling the supply voltage to be adjusted after the voltage chip is soldered on the PCB, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of feedback voltage from a fixed value (determined by a soldered resistor) to a variable value that can be controlled by switching circuits. By controlling the switching elements to connect different feedback voltage levels, the system can adjust the supply voltage output without replacing physical components, eliminating the impact of resistor aging.
2Device complexity
If a division resistor is used to provide a fixed level signal to the feedback pin, then the voltage regulation is simple, but the system lacks flexibility for voltage adjustment and is impacted by resistor aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic switching control mechanism that replaces the static division resistor approach. The switching circuit can be controlled by software or control signals to adjust the feedback voltage level, providing flexibility for voltage adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple circuit structure based on the existing voltage chip framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switching circuit as an intermediary between the feedback pin and the voltage divider network. This intermediary component enables flexible voltage adjustment by selectively connecting different feedback voltage levels without requiring direct replacement of the division resistor, thus balancing simplicity and flexibility.
3Reliability
If the division resistor resistance changes due to aging, then the supply voltage changes accordingly, but replacing the resistor requires additional hardware work and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switching circuit as an intermediary that provides a software-controlled alternative to the physical division resistor. This intermediary enables voltage adjustment without physically replacing the resistor, eliminating the need for hardware replacement work and reducing maintenance costs while maintaining reliable voltage regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical adjustment method (replacing soldered resistors) with an electronic/software-based control method. The switching circuit is controlled by control signals or software to adjust the feedback voltage, substituting the need for physical hardware replacement with a non-intrusive electronic control mechanism that simplifies maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A controlling system in a voltage chip includes a controlling circuit and a conversion circuit. The controlling circuit is electrically connected with the voltage chip. The controlling circuit receive a voltage regulating instruction and generates a target level signal based on the voltage regulating instruction and the current supply voltage outputted by the voltage chip. The conversion circuit is electrically connected with the controlling circuit and the voltage chip. The conversion circuit receives the target level signal, converts the target level signal into a corresponding voltage level signal, and outputs the voltage level signal to the voltage chip. The voltage level signal controls the supply voltage outputted by the voltage chip. A server is also provided.