Apparatus and associated method and computer program products involve a highly efficient uninterruptible power distribution architecture to support modular processing units. As an illustrative example, a modular processing unit includes an integrated uninterruptible power system in which only one AC-to-DC rectification occurs between the utility AC grid and the processing circuit (e.g., microprocessor) loads. In an illustrative data center facility, a power distribution architecture includes a modular array of rack-mountable processing units, each of which has processing circuitry to handle network-related processing tasks. Associated with each modular processing unit is an integrated uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to supply operating power to the network processing circuitry. Each UPS includes a battery selectively connectable across a DC bus, and a AC-to-DC rectifier that converts an AC input voltage to a single output voltage on the DC bus. The regulated DC bus voltage may be close to the battery's fully charged voltage.

Data center uninterruptible power distribution architecture

A power conditioner interfaces a load to a fuel cell 10 that produces a low voltage that varies with the load. A dc-to-ac inverter 16 operates with a low voltage input provided by a dc bus 14 . When a positive step load change occurs, a low voltage battery 22 provides power equal to the step change until the fuel cell 10 is able to provide enough power to support the entire load. The power from the battery 22 is supplied to the varying dc bus 14 through a boost converter 12 . When very large positive load step changes occur, the battery can feed power to the dc bus through diode D 1 , rather than through the boost converter. Diode D 1 does not need to be used, but its use allows the boost converter to be sized for common load changes rather than for the maximum possible load change (such as might be seen during a faulted output). A buck converter converts the variable voltage on the dc bus 14 to the appropriate float charging voltage of the battery. The buck converter also supplies power for auxiliary equipment when available from the fuel cell. If the fuel cell is unable to provide the auxiliary power (such as during startup or load transients), then the auxiliary power can come directly from the battery.

High efficiency power conditioner employing low voltage DC bus and buck and boost converters

A selector circuit configured to select among a DC power source and a plurality of batteries for an electronic device. The selector circuit is responsive to an output signal from an associated power management unit. The selector circuit is further configured to permit parallel operation of two or more of the batteries. The selector circuit may further act to independently verify power conditions and override instructions from the PMU in certain instances to enhance power supply safety and battery life such as by preventing inter battery current flow from a higher potential battery to a lower potential battery coupled in parallel. A power supply block including the selector circuit and an electronic device including the power supply block is also provided. The selector circuit may be integrated with a charging circuit on one integrated circuit.

Selector circuit for power management in multiple battery systems

A constant voltage/constant power AC adapter converts AC voltage to DC voltage to provide power to a plurality of loads. The adapter's output characteristic is approximately a constant voltage as long as the output current draw by the loads is less than a threshold (e.g., a safety threshold for the adapter). If, however, the power draw on the adapter is such that the output current exceeds the threshold, the adapter then decreases its output voltage to maintain the power draw at a safe level. One or more loads that draw power from the adapter may be adapted to detect a drop in the AC adapter's output voltage. When such a voltage drop is detected, that information tells the load that too much current is being drawn from the adapter and that the load should throttle back (e.g., reducing battery charge current, CPU clock frequency, display brightness, etc.).

Technique for conveying overload conditions from an AC adapter to a load powered by the adapter

A dual input AC/DC power converter ( 10 ) having dual inputs ( 12,14 ) adapted to receive both an AC and DC input and provide a selectable DC voltage output ( 16 ) and a second DC output ( 18 ). The dual input AC/DC power converter ( 10 ) comprises a power converter circuit ( 20 ) having an AC-to-DC converter ( 22 ), a DC-to-DC booster converter ( 24 ), a feedback circuit ( 26 ), a filter circuit ( 25 ) and a DC-to-DC buck converter ( 28 ). Advantageously, the power converter ( 10 ) resolves many of the system management problems associated with carrying all of the different interface components necessary to power a wide variety of mobile products from either an AC or DC power supply. In addition, the feedback circuit ( 26 ) comprises single feedback loop having stacked photocouplers, one (PH 1 ) controlling the AC-to-DC converter ( 22 ) and the other (PH 3 ) controlling the DC-to-DC booster converter ( 24 ), to select the overall DC output voltage.

Dual input AC and DC power supply having a programmable DC output utilizing single-loop optical feedback

Disclosed is an integrated uninterruptable power supply (UPS) for a computer powered by a commercial power supply. The uninterruptable power supply is operative to feed power from a normal power supply to a first load to be operated at a first DC voltage and a second DC voltage that is lower than the first DC voltage. If a characteristic of the normal power supply is deviated from a defined value, the UPS of the present invention will continue feeding power from a battery power supply to the first load. The uninterruptable power supply includes a power supply unit, having an output connected to the first load, for converting a voltage of the normal power supply to the first DC voltage and for outputting the same. The UPS also includes a first voltage converter having an input connected to the battery and an output connected to the first load, for converting an output voltage of the battery to the second DC voltage and for outputting the same. If the normal power supply is within the defined value, the first voltage converter waits in a no-load state.

Uninterruptable power supply

A power supply circuit prevents, without the use of a series diode, the flow of reverse current from a battery to an AC power adaptor when the power adaptor is disconnected from its external power source. The circuit includes both voltage and current detectors to determine if the output voltage and current of the power adaptor are above or below predetermined reference levels. A summing circuit sums the outputs of the voltage and current detectors, and when both the detected voltage and current are below the reference levels, a switch disconnects the battery from the output terminal of the power adaptor, thereby preventing reverse current flow.

Power supply circuit for use with a battery and an AC power adaptor

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a built-in type uninterruptive power supply for a computer operated by commercial power supply SOLUTION: This power supply 30 is an uninterruptive power supply which supplies electric power from a working power source to a first load 202 operated by a first DC voltage 12V+ and a second DC voltage 12V- lower than the first DC voltage, and continues power supply to the first load 202 from a battery power source 36 in the case when characteristic of the working power source deviates from a specified value A power supply unit 32 which has an output capable of being connected with the first load 202, converts a voltage of the working power source to the first DC voltage and outputs it is installed A first voltage converter 44 which has an input capable of being connected with the battery and an output capable of being connected with the first load 202, converts the battery output voltage to the second DC voltage and outputs it is installed The first voltage converter 44 is set standby in the state of no-load when the working power source is in a specified value COPYRIGHT: (C)2000,JPO

Uninterruptive power supply

A function extending apparatus for receiving a portable computer is disclosed. The function extending apparatus includes an AC/DC adapter, a second charging system and a controller. The AC/DC adapter is capable of supplying power to the portable computer equipped with a system load and a first charging system having a first charger and a first battery. The second charging system of the function extending apparatus includes a second charger and a second battery. The controller reduces power consumption of the second charging system when the output power of the AC/DC adapter reaches a first threshold value. The controller reduces power consumption of the first charging system when the output power of the AC/DC adapter reaches a second threshold value, wherein the second threshold value is higher than the first threshold value.

Method for prioritizing load consumption within a notebook computer

Disclosed is a power supply unit that can properly prevent a reverse current from a battery to an external power source and that is employed for an electronic system, such as a notebook computer, which is activated by both an external power source and an incorporated battery, and a method for controlling such a power supply unit. A power supply unit for an electronic system, to which power is supplied by both an external power source and a battery, comprises: voltage detection means for detecting an output voltage of the external power source; current detection means for detecting an output current of the external power source; logical sum means for outputting a logical sum of the detection results of the voltage detection means and the current detection means; and connection/disconnection means for connecting and disconnecting the external power source in response to the output of the logical sum means. Since the external power source is disconnected when only the battery is active, a reverse current from the battery is properly prevented. The connection/disconnection means of the external power source includes only an FET switch, does not require a Schottky barrier diode, so that heat generation will not occur.

Keiji Suzuki

Papers

Uninterruptable power supply

Power supply circuit for use with a battery and an AC power adaptor

Uninterruptive power supply

Method for prioritizing load consumption within a notebook computer

Power supply unit for an electronic system and a method for controlling the unit