Patent ID: 12222793

While the present disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the present disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to implementing a system, medium, and method for detecting if one or more processing devices have separately sourced power feeds. While the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to such applications, various aspects of the disclosure may be appreciated through a discussion of various examples using this context.

It will be readily understood that the components of the present embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the apparatus, system, method, and computer readable storage medium of the present embodiments, as presented in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments, as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments.

Reference throughout this specification to “a select embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “another embodiment,” “other embodiments,” or “an embodiment” and similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “a select embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “in one embodiment,” “another embodiment,” “other embodiments,” or “an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.

The illustrated embodiments will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the embodiments as claimed herein.

As used herein, “facilitating” an action includes performing the action, making the action easier, helping to carry the action out, or causing the action to be performed. Thus, by way of example and not limitation, instructions executing on one processor might facilitate an action carried out by semiconductor processing equipment, by sending appropriate data or commands to cause or aid the action to be performed. Where an actor facilitates an action by other than performing the action, the action is nevertheless performed by some entity or combination of entities.

Many known computer systems are positioned within data centers. These data centers receive electrical power from a variety of distribution branches within an electric power supply system that include multiple power lines, transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, and power conditioners. The power conditioners are generally configured to receive the electric power from the respective electric power utility and convert it to electric power that meets the design specifications of the computer systems' processing devices, etc. Some of the data centers include one or more frames, where each frame defines a particular collection of servers. Some data centers include individual server cabinets that each include one or more racks that include the respective computing devices therein. In general, each frame and/or rack is typically scheduled to be electrically coupled to a plurality of redundant power conditioners, where each power conditioner receives its electrical power from a separate, redundant electric source. In the event of a loss of one power source, and associated de-energization of the associated power conditioner, the one or more redundant power conditioners powered from the remaining energized source remain in service.

In some of these known data centers, at least some of the frames' and racks' power supply units receive their respective electric power feeds from the same power conditioner unit. In at least some other data centers, at least a portion of the redundant power conditioning units receive their power from a unitary electric power source, thereby effectively powering the respective processing devices from a non-redundant power source. In such conditions, the loss of either the single power conditioning unit or the loss of the unitary electric power supply, may result in an unexpected outage for the affected portions of the data center. In some instances, the root cause of the non-redundancies associated with the power feeds to the frames include relying on human oversight to verify that the respective alternating current (AC) cables are extending between redundant power supply components at commissioning of electric power supply system for the data center. In some instances, such unreliable human oversight may also result in not fully restoring the electric power supply system from previous maintenance activities that required de-energizing of any of the redundant electric power supply components. Not every data center has installed an expensive emergency power system to maintain all of the respective processing devices in a frame/rack in a fully operable condition.

Accordingly, an improvement to the known electric power supply systems for frames and racks to automatically verify, with little to no human interaction, that the respective frames and racks are in fact electrically coupled to redundant power supplies is needed.

Some known mechanisms to remediate the effects of an external network or an internal network fault incident that occurs in a regional electric power grid includes a rapid reconstruction method and system (see CN110233478B). The information for the post-fault configuration, i.e., present network state of the is collected and compared to a state table of potential fault mechanisms and their respective recovery actions. Once the fault is cleared, one or more network connection recovery circuit breakers (that are typically open for normal operation) are closed while the remainder of the system removed from service is automatically restored to its pre-fault status. Once the system is restored, the network connection recovery circuit breakers are opened.

Some known mechanisms for providing reliable electric power to devices in data centers with multiple power supplies includes identifications of electrical cable connections endpoints is the data centers (U.S. Pat. No. 7,986,058B2), includes, in the event of a failure of the power supply in service, an automatic switchover to the redundant power supply is executed. Similar switching mechanisms for switching between redundant power supplies are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,509,114B2.

Some known mechanisms for providing reliable electric power to devices in data centers with multiple power supplies includes identifications of electrical cable connections endpoints is the data centers (see GB2568826B). As disclosed, the mechanism for determining the state of an electric power distribution system for a rack of electronic devices includes detecting thermal signatures of the connections through analysis of infrared (IR) images manually taken of the rear of a rack. The IR images are ingested into a database through a computer program configured to process the images. The detected signatures are used for identifying electrical cable connections. The signatures may be altered through changing the configuration of the electrical cable connections through modulating the current flowing therethrough.

Some known mechanism for determining topological properties of an electrical distribution grid are disclosed (see U.S. Pat. No. 10,554,257B2). A low-power pilot signal is sent at a sufficiently low amplitude and high frequency through the respective power line such that the pilot signal will not be detectable on the electric power devices in the system. Various devices throughout the electrical distribution grid are used to receive the pilot signal and either return an acknowledgement message or a negative acknowledgement message such that the topology of the electrical distribution grid may be inferred through an inventory of electrical couplings within the electrical distribution grid.

In addition, those skilled in the art of electric power transmission and distribution telemetry are at least familiar with power line communications and carrier systems that have been in service for electric utilities in North America for the better part of the 20thCentury, and is still in use in the 21stCentury.

Referring toFIG.1, a block diagram is presented illustrating a computer system, i.e., power supply management system100(herein referred to as “the system100”) that is configured to execute detecting if one or more processing devices have separately sourced power feeds, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The system100includes one or more processing devices104(only one shown) communicatively and operably coupled to one or more memory devices106(only one shown) through a communications bus102, and in some embodiments, through a memory bus (not shown). In some embodiments, the processing device104is a multicore processing device. The system100also includes a data storage system108that is communicatively coupled to the processing device104and memory device106through the communications bus102. In at least some embodiments, the data storage system108provides storage to, and without limitation, a knowledge base190that includes at least a portion of the data to enable operation of the system100as described further herein.

The system100further includes one or more input devices110and one or more output devices112communicatively coupled to the communications bus102. In addition, the system100includes one or more Internet connections114(only one shown) communicatively coupled to the cloud116through the communications bus102, and one or more network connections118(only one shown) communicatively coupled to one or more other computing devices120through the communications bus102. In some embodiments, the Internet connections114facilitate communication between the system100and one or more cloud-based centralized systems and/or services (not shown inFIG.1). In at least some embodiments, the system100is a portion of a cloud computing environment (seeFIG.8), e.g., and without limitation, the system100is a computer system/server that may be used as a portion of a cloud-based systems and communications environment through the cloud116and the Internet connections114.

In one or more embodiments, a power management tool130(herein referred to as “the tool130”) is at least partially resident within the memory device106. In some embodiments, the power management tool130is fully resident within the memory device106. The tool130is discussed in detail further in this disclosure. The tool130is configured to execute the actions necessary for detecting if one or more processing devices have separately sourced power feeds, more specifically, to automatically execute one or more of a plurality of operations for determining if the redundancy of power supply continuity is sufficiently present. In some embodiments, the aforementioned processing devices include the one or more processing devices104. In at least some embodiments, the tool130resident in the memory device106is configured to run continuously in the background to automatically execute the self-testing processes. In some embodiments, the tool130is directly engaged for specific tasking by the users thereof, e.g., and without limitation, manual execution commands.

In at least some embodiments, as shown inFIG.1, the tool130includes the modules for the processes described herein. The tool130includes a messaging over AC line control module132that controls the injection of messaging pulse into the respective power lines. In addition, the tool130incudes a waveform sampling control module134that manages waveform analyses of power supply AC.

Further, in some embodiments, the data storage system108is configured to maintain a knowledge base190that includes any data192the tool130needs for proper redundancy verification execution. The data storage system108is also configured to store the data collected during the messaging and waveform analyses as executed by the modules132and134, respectively.

Referring toFIG.2, a block schematic diagram is presented illustrating a system200for detecting if one or more processing devices204within a frame220(or rack) have separately sourced electric power feeds240and250in an electric power distribution system225, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the electric power distribution system225for a data center210includes a plurality of separately sourced electric power feeds240and250, where two feeds are non-limiting, and in some embodiments, there are three or more separately sourced power feeds (not shown). The term “separately sourced power feeds” refers to those distinct portions of those electric power distribution systems described herein that are sufficiently redundant such that a failure of any one component in one power feed will not disrupt electric power supply through the other power feed to the intended devices. For example, and without limitation, while it is understood that most electric power is supplied from a single electric utility and that a grid-wide outage will most likely affect the data center210through the electric power distribution system225, for other more localized faults, an electric power source to the frame220will include either connections to a single, robust electric utility substation with multiple connections to a transmission and distribution system with one or more “throw-over” or “switching” features in the event of a fault on a portion of the substation. This disclosure is directed to those features and equipment downstream of the electric utility connections.

Therefore, in at least some embodiments, the data center210includes the electric power distribution system225, that in turn includes two separately sourced electric power feeds240and250to provide redundant electric power to one or more frames220. In some embodiments, rather than frames, the power is directed to individual racks within a server cabinet. The remainder of the present disclosure is directed toward powering frames, where the features described herein are adaptable to individual racks as well. The first electric power feed240includes a first electric power source242that includes those connections and equipment to provide electric power from an electric utility. In some embodiments, the origin of the electric power supplied to the first electric power source includes the owner of the data center210providing self-generated primary power, where the utility power is a secondary power provider. The first electric power source242includes the necessary transformers, cables, switchgear, circuit breakers, and instrumentation to effectively and reliably provide electric power from a generating entity (not shown) to meet the general requirements for the data center210, such as, and without limitation, lighting, office outlets, etc.

In one or more embodiments, a first power conditioning unit244receives electric power243from the first electric power source242, where the electric power243is of sufficient quality to provide the aforementioned general requirements. The first power conditioning unit244converts the general electric power243to a conditioned electric power245. More specifically, the first power conditioning unit244(sometimes referred to as a line conditioner or power line conditioner) improves the quality of the received electric power243, i.e., the voltage of the conditioned electric power245is within those design tolerances of the downstream equipment to function properly. In addition, in some embodiments, the first power conditioning unit244is further configured to execute additional functions such as, and without limitation, power factor correction, noise suppression/filtering, transient voltage impulse protection, and sinusoidal alternating current (AC) waveform voltage consistency within a narrow tolerance band over varying downstream (and, in some instances, upstream) current loads.

In at least some embodiments, the conditioned AC electric power245is transmitted into one or more of the frame220(only one shown) to a first power supply unit246. In some embodiments, the first separately sourced electric power feed240includes the first power supply unit246. In some embodiments, the first power supply unit246is a portion of the frame220that is electrically coupled to the first separately sourced electric power feed240.

The first power supply unit246converts the conditioned AC electric power245to a low voltage (e.g., without limitation, 5 to 10 millivolts (mv)) regulated direct current (DC) electric power247within those design tolerances of the downstream equipment to function properly. The regulated DC electric power247is transmitted to a processing devices power bus248that provides regulated DC electric power249(only one labeled) to a plurality of processing devices204(referred to as processing devices104inFIG.1), where the value of 9 processing devices204as shown is a non-limiting value.

The first electric power source242, the first power conditioning unit244, and the first power supply unit246are electrically coupled through any electrically conducting devices that enable conduction of the respective general electric power243, conditioned AC electric power245, and regulated DC electric power247as described herein, including, without limitation, cabling, wiring, conduits, and busses.

In some embodiments, the second separately sourced electric power feed250includes a second electric power source252that transmits electric power253to a second power conditioning unit254that transmits conditioned AC electric power255to a second power supply unit256that transmits regulated DC electric power257to the processing devices power bus248, where the numbered items associated with the second separately sourced electric power feed250are substantially similar to those similarly numbered items as described for the first separately sourced electric power feed240. The regulated DC electric power257is transmitted to the processing devices power bus248that provides regulated DC electric power259(only one labeled) to the plurality of processing devices204.

In some embodiments, the first separately sourced electric power feed240or the second separately sourced electric power feed250is individually energized, while the opposite source is de-energized, where energization of the opposite source is executed when the presently energized source is undergoing a fault. In some embodiments, the first separately sourced electric power feed240and the second separately sourced electric power feed250are both energized and an auctioneering feature determines which of the two sources242and252are providing the respective regulated DC electric power247and257.

In one or more embodiments, the data center210includes the system200for detecting if the processing devices204within the frame220have separately sourced electric power feeds240and250in the electric power distribution system225. In some embodiments, the system200is an Ethernet-based system for messaging-over-power transceiver configuration, i.e., Ethernet-over-power. The system200includes one or more square wave message generators201(only one shown) and one or more square wave message receivers203(only one shown). In some embodiments, the system includes AC generation devices (not shown) that are configured to transmit low-power AC signals with a frequency between approximately 5 kilohertz (kHz) and approximately 500 kHz. In some embodiments, the system200includes the features to generate any signals that enable operation of the embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the system200as described herein includes the messaging over AC line control module132embedded in the power management tool130(seeFIG.1).

In some embodiments, the square wave message generator201generates, under the direction of the messaging over AC line control module132, square waves205with an amplitude between approximately 2.5 volts DC (VDC) and approximately 5 VDC, where any voltage that enables operation of the system200as described herein is used. In some embodiments, attenuation of the square waves205as they traverse the prescribed path is factored into the determination of the generation voltage amplitude thereof. In some embodiments, the square waves205are tagged with an identifier that will remain constant as the square wave205traverses its specified path, including upon receipt at the square wave message receivers203. In some embodiments, the system200is communicatively and operably coupled to the first power supply unit246. In some embodiments, the system200is communicatively and operably coupled to the second power supply unit256. In some embodiments, the system200is directly, communicatively, and operably coupled to the first power conditioning unit244or the first electric power source242(or the similar devices in the second separately sourced electric power feed250).

The square wave205is injected into the first separately sourced electric power feed240, and, in some embodiments, the square ware205is injected into the second separately sourced electric power feed250. Specifically, the square wave205is injected into the first power supply unit246as shown by the arrow207, transmitted to the first power conditioning unit244as indicated by the arrow209, and transmitted into the first electric power source242as indicated by the arrow211. In some embodiments, one or more of the first power supply unit246, the first power conditioning unit244, and the first electric power source242include instrumentation (not shown) embedded therein that monitors the respective equipment for receipt of the square ware205and transmits a receipt acknowledgement to one or more of the messaging over AC line control module132and any monitoring device available to a user including, without limitation, a LED lamp on a panel and a pop-up block on a monitor. However, only the targeted recipient, i.e., the square wave message receiver203, is configured to respond to the message upon receipt thereof.

In some embodiments, the square wave205is not detected on the second separately sourced electric power feed250by the square wave message receiver203or any of the instrumentation installed in the individual pieces of equipment, or the respective inter-device couplings therebetween. This result is indicated by the bold “Xs” inFIG.2, where a near infinite resistance is indicated to define an open circuit between the first separately sourced electric power feed240and the second separately sourced electric power feed250. Accordingly, there is no electrical interconnection between the first separately sourced electric power feed240and the second separately sourced electric power feed250, and indications of such a result are transmitted to a user as previously described. In contrast, if an interconnection is discovered (as described forFIG.3herein), the appropriate communications are transmitted.

Referring toFIG.3, a block schematic diagram is presented illustrating a system300for detecting if one or more processing devices within the frame320(or rack) have separately sourced power feeds in an electric power distribution system325, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the system300is an Ethernet-based system for messaging-over-power transceiver configuration, i.e., Ethernet-over-power. In some embodiments, the electric power distribution system325for a data center310includes a single sourced electric power feed340. In some embodiments, rather than frames, the power is directed to individual racks within a server cabinet. The remainder of the present disclosure is directed toward powering frames, where the features described herein are adaptable to individual racks as well.

Also referring toFIG.2, the electric power feed340includes an electric power source342that is substantially similar to the electric power source242. The electric power feed340also includes a power conditioning unit344(that is substantially similar to the first power conditioning unit244) that is electrically coupled to, and receives electric power343from, the electric power source342, where the electric power343is substantially similar to the electric power243. The power conditioning unit344transmits a conditioned AC electric power345that is substantially similar to the conditioned AC electric power245. In at least some embodiments, the power conditioning unit344is electrically coupled to a first power supply unit346and a second power supply unit356that reside in one or more frames320(only one shown). Therefore, in some embodiments, the conditioned AC electric power345is transmitted into the first power supply unit346and the second power supply unit356. In some embodiments, the electric power feed340includes the first power supply unit346and the second power supply unit356. In some embodiments, the first power supply unit346and the second power supply unit356are a portion of the frame320that is electrically coupled to the electric power feed340.

The first power supply unit346and the second power supply unit356convert the conditioned AC electric power345to a low voltage (e.g., without limitation, 5 to 10 millivolts (mv)) regulated direct current (DC) electric power347and357, respectively, within those design tolerances of the downstream equipment to function properly. The regulated DC electric power347and357are transmitted to a processing devices power bus348that provides regulated DC electric power349and359, respectively, (only one of each labeled) to the plurality of processing devices204(referred to as processing devices104inFIG.1), where the value of 9 processing devices204as shown is a non-limiting value.

The electric power source342, the power conditioning unit344, and first power supply unit346and the second power supply unit356are electrically coupled as shown and described through any electrically conducting devices that enable conduction of the respective general electric power343, conditioned AC electric power345, regulated DC electric power347. and regulated DC electric power357, as described herein, including, without limitation, cabling, wiring, conduits, and busses.

In some embodiments, the first power supply unit346or the second power supply unit356is individually energized, while the opposite unit is de-energized, where energization of the opposite unit is executed when the presently energized unit is undergoing a fault. In some embodiments, the first power supply unit346and the second power supply unit356are both energized and an auctioneering feature determines which of the two units346and356are providing the respective regulated DC electric power347and357.

In one or more embodiments, the data center310includes the system300for detecting if the processing devices204within the frame320have separately sourced electric power feeds in the electric power distribution system325. The system300includes one or more square wave message generators301(only one shown) and one or more square wave message receivers303(only one shown). In some embodiments, the system includes AC generation devices (not shown) that are configured to transmit low-power AC signals with a frequency between approximately 5 kilohertz (kHz) and approximately 500 kHz. In some embodiments, the system300includes the features to generate any signals that enable operation of the embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the system300as described herein includes the messaging over AC line control module132embedded in the power management tool130(seeFIG.1).

In some embodiments, the square wave message generator301generates, under the direction of the messaging over AC line control module132, square waves205with an amplitude between approximately 2.5 volts DC (VDC) and approximately 5 VDC, where any voltage that enables operation of the system300as described herein is used. In some embodiments, attenuation of the square waves205as they traverse the prescribed path is factored into the determination of the generation voltage amplitude thereof. In some embodiments, the square wave message generator301is communicatively and operably coupled to the first power supply unit346. In some embodiments, the square wave message generator301is communicatively and operably coupled to the second power supply unit356. In some embodiments, the system300is directly, communicatively, and operably coupled to the power conditioning unit344or the electric power source342.

The square wave205is injected into the electric power feed340. Specifically, the square wave205is injected into the first power supply unit346as shown by the arrow307, transmitted to the power conditioning unit344as indicated by the arrow309, transmitted into the first power supply unit346, as indicated by the arrow311, and is then captured by the square wave message receiver303, as indicated by the arrow313. In some embodiments, one or more of the first power supply unit346, the power conditioning unit344, and the second power supply unit356include instrumentation (not shown) embedded therein that monitors the respective equipment for receipt of the square ware205and transmits a receipt acknowledgement to one or more of the messaging over AC line control module132and any monitoring device available to a user including, without limitation, a LED lamp on a panel and a pop-up block on a monitor. In some embodiments, the square waves205are tagged with an identifier that will remain constant as the square wave205traverses its specified path, including upon receipt at the square wave message receivers303.

In some embodiments, the square wave205is detected by the square wave message receiver303or any of the instrumentation installed in the individual pieces of equipment, or the respective inter-device couplings therebetween. Accordingly, there is an electrical interconnection between the first power supply unit346and the second power supply unit356, and indications of such a result are transmitted to a user as previously described.

The embodiments described with respect toFIG.3are presented as a simplistic configuration where the first power supply unit346and the second power supply unit356are clearly coupled through the power conditioning unit344and the respective electrical interconnection therebetween. However, the simplistic configuration presents the concepts of implementing the system300.

Referring again toFIG.2, in some instances, the root cause of the non-redundancies associated with the first electric power feed240and the second electric power feed250to the frame220include relying on human oversight to verify that the respective AC cables are extending between redundant power supply components at commissioning of the electric power supply system225for the data center210. In some instances, such unreliable human oversight may also result in not fully restoring the electric power supply system225from previous maintenance activities that required de-energizing of any of the redundant electric power supply components. Accordingly, the closed circuit effect as shown inFIG.3through the arrows307,309,311, and313may also be found inFIG.2.

Referring toFIG.4, a flow chart is presented illustrating a process400for detecting if one or more processing devices have separately sourced power feeds in an electric power distribution system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The process includes determining402transmission of a first signal in a first electric path, where the determining step402includes capturing the first signal through the respective sensing devices (not shown). The process400is executed substantially through the messaging over AC line control module132(seeFIG.1). Referring toFIG.2, the first signal is the square wave205that is generated and injected404into a first component, e.g., the first power supply unit246(the first power supply unit346inFIG.3) in the first electric power feed240(the electric power feed340inFIG.3). In addition, the first signal (the square wave205) is detected406at a second component, i.e., one or more of the first power supply unit246, the first power conditioning unit244, and the first electric power source242include the aforementioned sensors, i.e., instrumentation (not shown) embedded therein that monitors the respective equipment for receipt of the square ware205and transmits a receipt acknowledgement to one or more of the messaging over AC line control module132and any monitoring device available to a user including, without limitation, a LED lamp on a panel and a pop-up block on a monitor. Similarly, inFIG.3, the square wave205is detected by the square wave message receiver303or any of the instrumentation installed in the individual pieces of equipment (i.e., the first power supply unit346and the power conditioning unit344), or the respective electric couplings therebetween.

The process400also includes the step of monitoring408for, i.e., attempting to capture, a second signal in a second electric path that is different from the first electric path, through monitoring410at least one portion of the second electric path for the first signal, where the second signal is the first signal. Referring toFIG.2, one or more of the second electric power source252, the second power conditioning unit254, the second power supply unit256, and the square wave message receiver203, and the respective electric couplings therebetween, are monitored for the second signal, which is substantially the square wave205with some known attenuation. With reference toFIG.3, the second power supply unit356and the square wave message receiver203, and the respective electric couplings therebetween, are monitored for the second signal, through the respective installed instrumentation, which is substantially the square wave205with some known attenuation.

In one or more embodiments, the process400proceeds to a determination411with respect to determining411if there is electrical isolation between the first electric path and the second electric path.

Referring toFIG.4B, a continuation of the flow chart fromFIG.4Ais presented, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Continuing to also refer toFIGS.2,3, and4A, in some embodiments, as a consequence of a “YES” result for the determination step411, the respective systems200and300determine412electrical isolation between the first electric path (forFIG.2, the separately sourced electric power feed240) (forFIG.3, the first power supply unit346) and the second electric path (forFIG.2, the separately sourced electric power feed250) (forFIG.3, the second power supply unit356) due to determining414that the square wave205is not detected therein. Alternatively, as a consequence of a “NO” result for the determination step411, a lack of sufficient electrical isolation is determined416through determining418that the square wave is detected in the respective second electric paths by the respective systems200and300.

Referring toFIG.5A, a block schematic diagram is presented illustrating a system500for detecting if one or more processing devices within a frame (or rack) have separately sourced power feeds in an electric power distribution system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. A data center510includes an electric power system525that includes a first separately sourced electric power feed540and a second separately sourced electric power feed550that are substantially similar to their similarly numbered counterparts inFIG.2. As such, the first power supply unit546receives conditioned electric power545from the first power conditioning unit244and the second power supply unit556receives conditioned electric power555from the second power conditioning unit254.

In one or more embodiments, a waveform sampling system500is communicatively and operably coupled to the AC side of the first power supply unit546and the AC side of the second power supply unit556. The waveform sampling system500is substantially controlled through the waveform sampling control module134(seeFIG.1) and samples the conditioned electric power545through transmission of one or more first waveform samples561. In addition, the waveform sampling system500samples the conditioned electric power555through transmission of one or more second waveform samples563.

Referring toFIG.5B, a block schematic diagram is presented illustrating an expanded view of the system500shown inFIG.5A, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The system500includes a first sine-to-square waveform circuit562that receives the first waveform samples561and converts them into first square waves565. Similarly, the system500includes a second sine-to-square waveform circuit564that receives the second waveform samples563and converts them into second square waves567. The first square waves565are transmitted to a A-terminal of an XOR gate568and the second square waves567are transmitted to a B-terminal of the XOR gate568. The XOR gate568converts the incoming square waves565and567into binary values, where a non-zero value for the square waves565and567, e.g., and without limitation, an amplitude value between approximately 2.5 VDC and approximately 5 VDC results in a binary value of “1,” where any voltage that enables operation of the system500as described herein is used.

Therefore, in at least some embodiments, the system500is a zero-crossing circuit with comparator features that outputs a square wave, where each of the two inputs into the XOR gate568use the assigned circuit of the two zero-crossing circuits.

A zero value for the square waves565and567, i.e., an amplitude value of approximately “0” VDC, results in a binary value of “0.” The XOR gate568generates an output of either “0” or “1” according to following rules: A=0, B=0, output569=0; A=1, B=0, output569=1; A=0, B=1, output569=1; and, A=1, B=1, output569=1. Various collections of outputs569are discussed with respect toFIGS.6A through6C.

Referring toFIG.6A, a schematic diagram is presented illustrating waveforms600captured by the system500shown inFIGS.5A and5Baccording to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The waveforms600include the input A610to the XOR gate568and the input B620to the XOR gate568. Each full cycle of the sinusoidal waveforms561and563is equivalent to the cycle period612, therefore there are 60 cycle periods612for a 60 Hz sinusoidal waveform, and 50.0 ms is merely used as a reference.

In some embodiments, sampling the output569is executed by the waveform sampling control module134(seeFIG.1), where the sampling frequency is configurable by the user. In some embodiments, the sampling frequency is set to 12 samples per 60 cycles, i.e., a sample is obtained every 83.3 ms. In some embodiments, the sampling frequency is set to 16 samples per 60 cycles, i.e., a sample is obtained every 62.5 ms. In some embodiments, the sampling frequency is set to any value that enables operation of the system500as described herein.

The waveforms600demonstrate the outputs569of the XOR gate568will always be approximately 0 when the two AC waveforms561and563are substantially in phase with each other. Therefore, regardless of the sampling frequency, the outputs569will always be 0. The two waveforms561and563being substantially in phase with each other is an indicator that they may be transmitted from the same source, i.e., the electric power is not from separately sourced power feeds. In general, separately sourced AC power feeds will typically have a slight phase difference on the order of magnitude of fractions of a millisecond to microseconds.

Referring toFIG.6B, a schematic diagram is presented illustrating waveforms630captured by the system500shown inFIGS.5A and5Baccording to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The waveforms630include the input A640to the XOR gate568and the input B650to the XOR gate568. Each full cycle of the sinusoidal waveforms561and563is equivalent to the cycle period642, therefore there are 60 cycle periods642for a 60 Hz sinusoidal waveform, and 50.0 ms is merely used as a reference.

In some embodiments, where the sampling frequency is configurable by the user, in some embodiments, the sampling frequency is set to 12 samples per 60 cycles, i.e., a sample is obtained every 83.3 ms. In some embodiments, the sampling frequency is set to 16 samples per 60 cycles, i.e., a sample is obtained every 62.5 ms. In some embodiments, the sampling frequency is set to any value that enables operation of the system500as described herein.

The waveforms630demonstrate the outputs569of the XOR gate568will always be approximately 1 when the two AC waveforms561and563are approximately 180 degrees out of phase with each other. Therefore, regardless of the sampling frequency, the outputs569will always be 1. The two waveforms561and563being 180 degrees out of phase with each other is an indicator that one of the two is anomalous, possibly resulting from the use of a common transformer with two sets of windings that are 180 degrees out of phase with each other, i.e., they may be transmitted from the same source, i.e., the electric power is not from separately sourced power feeds. In general, separately sourced AC power feeds will typically have a slight phase difference on the order of magnitude of fractions of a millisecond to microseconds.

Referring toFIG.6C, a schematic diagram is presented illustrating waveforms660captured by the system500shown inFIGS.5A and5Baccording to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The waveforms660include the input A670to the XOR gate568and the input B680to the XOR gate568. Each full cycle of the sinusoidal waveforms561and563is equivalent to the cycle period642, therefore there are 60 cycle periods672for a 60 Hz sinusoidal waveform, and 50.0 ms is merely used as a reference. A phase difference674of 120 degrees is indicated between the sinusoidal waveforms561and563.

In some embodiments, where the sampling frequency is configurable by the user, in some embodiments, the sampling frequency is set to 12 samples per 60 cycles, i.e., a sample is obtained every 83.3 ms. In some embodiments, the sampling frequency is set to 16 samples per 60 cycles, i.e., a sample is obtained every 62.5 ms. In some embodiments, the sampling frequency is set to any value that enables operation of the system500as described herein.

For those embodiments with a determined sampling frequency of 12 samples per 60 cycles, the sampling of the outputs569includes at 83.3 ms, a value of 1; at 166.8 ms, a value of 1; at 250 ms, a value of 1; at 333.3 ms, a value of 1, at 416.7 ms, a value of 0; and at 500 ms, a value of 0; etc. Therefore, for 60 cycles in 1000 ms, the resultant output is 111100 111100, and that particular sequence will not change for a sampling frequency of 12 samples per 60 cycles (1000 ms).

For those embodiments with a determined sampling frequency of 16 samples per 60 cycles, the sampling of the outputs569includes at 62.5 ms, a value of 1; at 125.0 ms, a value of 1; at 187.5 ms, a value of 1; at 250.0 ms, a value of 0, at 312.5 ms, a value of 1; at 375 ma, a value of 1, at 437.5 ms, a value of 1, and at 500 ms, a value of 0; etc. Therefore, for 60 cycles in 1000 ms, the resultant output is 11101110 11101110, and that particular sequence will not change for a sampling frequency of 16 samples per 60 cycles (1000 ms).

The waveforms670demonstrate the outputs569of the XOR gate568will have a consistent known pattern that is easily recognizable from the particular pattern exhibited. Therefore, the waveform sampling control module134will recognize these patterns and will transmit the notification that the 120 degree phase difference is indicative of two different phases from the same transformer being the source of the sinusoidal waveforms561and563, i.e., they may be transmitted from the same source, i.e., the electric power is not from separately sourced power feeds.

In one or more embodiments, and regardless of the sampling frequency, those sampling outputs that indicate one of an approximately zero degree phase difference, an approximately 120 degree phase difference, and a 180 degree phase difference indicate non-redundant power sources. In contrast, those sampling outputs that do not indicate one of the three instances are indicative of sufficient phase difference associated with separate, isolated, and redundant power sources. For example, and without limitation, using 16 samples per 60 cycles, a repeating sequence of 00001111 00001111 is indicative of separate, isolated, and redundant power sources.

Referring toFIG.7, a flow chart is presented illustrating a process700for detecting if one or more processing devices have separately sourced power feeds in an electric power distribution system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The process includes determining702transmission of a first signal in a first electric path, where the determining step702includes capturing the first signal through the respective sensing devices, i.e., instrumentation (not shown). The process700is executed substantially through the waveform sampling control module134(seeFIG.1). Referring toFIGS.5A and5B, the first signal is the first AC waveform561transmitted from the first power supply unit546, where the AC waveform561is captured704from one or more portions of the electric path, i.e., the first power supply unit546. The first AC waveform561is converted706into a first square wave565(see input A610,640, and670inFIGS.6A through6C, respectively) by the first sine-to-square waveform circuit562.

The process700also includes the step of monitoring708for, i.e., capturing a second signal in a second electric path that is different from the first electric path, where the second signal is the second AC waveform563transmitted from the second power supply unit556, where the AC waveform563is captured710from one or more portions of the second electric path, i.e., the second power supply unit556. The second AC waveform563is converted712into a second square wave567(see input B620,670, and680inFIGS.6A through6C, respectively) by the second sine-to-square waveform circuit564. The sampling of each of the waveforms is executed at a predetermined sampling rate to generate a known pattern that is recognized as representative of the relationship between the two waveforms, including a phase difference between the first AC waveform561and the second AC waveform563. The process700includes comparing714the second square wave567with the first square wave565.

Referring toFIG.7B, a continuation of the flow chart fromFIG.7Ais presented, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Continuing to also refer toFIGS.5A-B.6A-C, and7A, in some embodiments, the process700includes a determination716being made with respect to if there is a temporal difference between the first square wave565and the second square wave567as a consequence of the comparing step714. A “NO” result of the determination step716results in a determination718that there is not electrical isolation between the first power supply unit546and the second power supply unit556(as described with respect toFIG.6A). A “YES” result of the determination step716results in a determination720with respect to if the determined temporal difference between the first square wave565and the second square wave567is equivalent to a predetermined value that indicates electrical isolation between the first power supply unit546and the second power supply unit556. A “NO” response to the determination step720results in the determination718that there is not electrical isolation between the first power supply unit546and the second power supply unit556(as described with respect toFIGS.6B and6C). A “YES” response to the determination step720results in the determination722that there is electrical isolation between the first power supply unit546and the second power supply unit556(as described with respect toFIG.6C).

The embodiments as disclosed and described herein are configured to provide an improvement to the technological field associated with providing electric power to computer systems, and, more specifically, toward detecting if one or more processing devices have separately sourced power feeds. As such, the embodiments described herein integrate detecting electrical isolation between a first electric path and a second electric path to facilitate improved redundancy between the various sources of electric power to a data center.

The embodiments described herein facilitate the aforementioned integration into a practical application of a computer system, computer readable storage medium, and computer-implemented method for dynamically, and automatically, determine the power sources are separate, isolated, and redundant. Specifically, the embodiments described herein present an improvement to the known electric power supply systems for frames and racks to automatically verify, with little to no human interaction, that the respective frames and racks are in fact electrically coupled to redundant power supplies.

Various aspects of the present disclosure are described by narrative text, flowcharts, block diagrams of computer systems and/or block diagrams of the machine logic included in computer program product (CPP) embodiments. With respect to any flowcharts, depending upon the technology involved, the operations can be performed in a different order than what is shown in a given flowchart. For example, again depending upon the technology involved, two operations shown in successive flowchart blocks may be performed in reverse order, as a single integrated step, concurrently, or in a manner at least partially overlapping in time.

A computer program product embodiment (“CPP embodiment” or “CPP”) is a term used in the present disclosure to describe any set of one, or more, computer readable storage media (also called “mediums”) collectively included in a set of one, or more, storage devices that collectively include machine readable code corresponding to instructions and/or data for performing computer operations specified in a given CPP claim. A “storage device” is any tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by a computer processor. Without limitation, the computer readable storage medium may be an electronic storage medium, a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, an electromagnetic storage medium, a semiconductor storage medium, a mechanical storage medium, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Some known types of storage devices that include these mediums include: diskette, hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), crasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD), memory stick, floppy disk, mechanically encoded device (such as punch cards or pits/lands formed in a major surface of a disc) or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as that term is used in the present disclosure, is not to be construed as storage in the form of one or more transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide, light pulses passing through a fiber optic cable, electrical signals communicated through a wire, and/or other transmission media. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, data is typically moved at some occasional points in time during normal operations of a storage device, such as during access, de-fragmentation or garbage collection, but this does not render the storage device as transitory because the data is not transitory while it is stored.

Referring toFIG.8, a block schematic diagram is presented illustrating an example of a computing environment for the execution of at least some of the computer code involved in performing the disclosed methods described herein, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Computing environment800contains an example of an environment for the execution of at least some of the computer code involved in performing the disclosed methods, such as power management tool900. In addition to block900, computing environment800includes, for example, computer801, wide area network (WAN)802, end user device (EUD)803, remote server804, public cloud805, and private cloud806. In this embodiment, computer801includes processor set810(including processing circuitry820and cache821), communication fabric811, volatile memory812, persistent storage813(including operating system822and block900, as identified above), peripheral device set814(including user interface (UI) device set823, storage824, and Internet of Things (IoT) sensor set825), and network module815. Remote server804includes remote database830. Public cloud805includes gateway840, cloud orchestration module841, host physical machine set842, virtual machine set843, and container set844.

Computer801may take the form of a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, smart phone, smart watch or other wearable computer, mainframe computer, quantum computer or any other form of computer or mobile device now known or to be developed in the future that is capable of running a program, accessing a network or querying a database, such as remote database830. As is well understood in the art of computer technology, and depending upon the technology, performance of a computer-implemented method may be distributed among multiple computers and/or between multiple locations. On the other hand, in this presentation of computing environment800, detailed discussion is focused on a single computer, specifically computer801, to keep the presentation as simple as possible. Computer801may be located in a cloud, even though it is not shown in a cloud inFIG.8. On the other hand, computer801is not required to be in a cloud except to any extent as may be affirmatively indicated.

Processor set810includes one, or more, computer processors of any type now known or to be developed in the future. Processing circuitry820may be distributed over multiple packages, for example, multiple, coordinated integrated circuit chips. Processing circuitry820may implement multiple processor threads and/or multiple processor cores. Cache821is memory that is located in the processor chip package(s) and is typically used for data or code that should be available for rapid access by the threads or cores running on processor set810. Cache memories are typically organized into multiple levels depending upon relative proximity to the processing circuitry. Alternatively, some, or all, of the cache for the processor set may be located “off chip.” In some computing environments, processor set810may be designed for working with qubits and performing quantum computing.

Computer readable program instructions are typically loaded onto computer801to cause a series of operational steps to be performed by processor set810of computer801and thereby effect a computer-implemented method, such that the instructions thus executed will instantiate the methods specified in flowcharts and/or narrative descriptions of computer-implemented methods included in this document (collectively referred to as “the disclosed methods”). These computer readable program instructions are stored in various types of computer readable storage media, such as cache821and the other storage media discussed below. The program instructions, and associated data, are accessed by processor set810to control and direct performance of the disclosed methods. In computing environment800, at least some of the instructions for performing the disclosed methods may be stored in block900in persistent storage813.

Communication fabric811is the signal conduction path that allows the various components of computer801to communicate with each other. Typically, this fabric is made of switches and electrically conductive paths, such as the switches and electrically conductive paths that make up busses, bridges, physical input/output ports and the like. Other types of signal communication paths may be used, such as fiber optic communication paths and/or wireless communication paths.

Volatile memory812is any type of volatile memory now known or to be developed in the future. Examples include dynamic type random access memory (RAM) or static type RAM. Typically, volatile memory812is characterized by random access, but this is not required unless affirmatively indicated. In computer801, the volatile memory812is located in a single package and is internal to computer801, but, alternatively or additionally, the volatile memory may be distributed over multiple packages and/or located externally with respect to computer801.

Persistent storage813is any form of non-volatile storage for computers that is now known or to be developed in the future. The non-volatility of this storage means that the stored data is maintained regardless of whether power is being supplied to computer801and/or directly to persistent storage813. Persistent storage813may be a read only memory (ROM), but typically at least a portion of the persistent storage allows writing of data, deletion of data and re-writing of data. Some familiar forms of persistent storage include magnetic disks and solid state storage devices. Operating system822may take several forms, such as various known proprietary operating systems or open source Portable Operating System Interface-type operating systems that employ a kernel. The code included in block900typically includes at least some of the computer code involved in performing the disclosed methods.

Peripheral device set814includes the set of peripheral devices of computer801. Data communication connections between the peripheral devices and the other components of computer801may be implemented in various ways, such as Bluetooth connections, Near-Field Communication (NFC) connections, connections made by cables (such as universal serial bus (USB) type cables), insertion-type connections (for example, secure digital (SD) card), connections made through local area communication networks and even connections made through wide area networks such as the internet. In various embodiments, UI device set823may include components such as a display screen, speaker, microphone, wearable devices (such as goggles and smart watches), keyboard, mouse, printer, touchpad, game controllers, and haptic devices. Storage824is external storage, such as an external hard drive, or insertable storage, such as an SD card. Storage824may be persistent and/or volatile. In some embodiments, storage824may take the form of a quantum computing storage device for storing data in the form of qubits. In embodiments where computer801is required to have a large amount of storage (for example, where computer801locally stores and manages a large database) then this storage may be provided by peripheral storage devices designed for storing very large amounts of data, such as a storage area network (SAN) that is shared by multiple, geographically distributed computers. IoT sensor set825is made up of sensors that can be used in Internet of Things applications. For example, one sensor may be a thermometer and another sensor may be a motion detector.

Network module815is the collection of computer software, hardware, and firmware that allows computer801to communicate with other computers through WAN802. Network module815may include hardware, such as modems or Wi-Fi signal transceivers, software for packetizing and/or de-packetizing data for communication network transmission, and/or web browser software for communicating data over the internet. In some embodiments, network control functions and network forwarding functions of network module815are performed on the same physical hardware device. In other embodiments (for example, embodiments that utilize software-defined networking (SDN)), the control functions and the forwarding functions of network module815are performed on physically separate devices, such that the control functions manage several different network hardware devices. Computer readable program instructions for performing the disclosed methods can typically be downloaded to computer801from an external computer or external storage device through a network adapter card or network interface included in network module815.

WAN802is any wide area network (for example, the internet) capable of communicating computer data over non-local distances by any technology for communicating computer data, now known or to be developed in the future. In some embodiments, the WAN802may be replaced and/or supplemented by local area networks (LANs) designed to communicate data between devices located in a local area, such as a Wi-Fi network. The WAN and/or LANs typically include computer hardware such as copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and edge servers.

End user device (EUD)803is any computer system that is used and controlled by an end user (for example, a customer of an enterprise that operates computer801), and may take any of the forms discussed above in connection with computer801. EUD803typically receives helpful and useful data from the operations of computer801. For example, in a hypothetical case where computer801is designed to provide a recommendation to an end user, this recommendation would typically be communicated from network module815of computer801through WAN802to EUD803. In this way, EUD803can display, or otherwise present, the recommendation to an end user. In some embodiments, EUD803may be a client device, such as thin client, heavy client, mainframe computer, desktop computer and so on.

Remote server804is any computer system that serves at least some data and/or functionality to computer801. Remote server804may be controlled and used by the same entity that operates computer801. Remote server804represents the machine(s) that collect and store helpful and useful data for use by other computers, such as computer801. For example, in a hypothetical case where computer801is designed and programmed to provide a recommendation based on historical data, then this historical data may be provided to computer801from remote database830of remote server804.

Public cloud805is any computer system available for use by multiple entities that provides on-demand availability of computer system resources and/or other computer capabilities, especially data storage (cloud storage) and computing power, without direct active management by the user. Cloud computing typically leverages sharing of resources to achieve coherence and economics of scale. The direct and active management of the computing resources of public cloud805is performed by the computer hardware and/or software of cloud orchestration module841. The computing resources provided by public cloud805are typically implemented by virtual computing environments that run on various computers making up the computers of host physical machine set842, which is the universe of physical computers in and/or available to public cloud805. The virtual computing environments (VCEs) typically take the form of virtual machines from virtual machine set843and/or containers from container set844. It is understood that these VCEs may be stored as images and may be transferred among and between the various physical machine hosts, either as images or after instantiation of the VCE. Cloud orchestration module841manages the transfer and storage of images, deploys new instantiations of VCEs and manages active instantiations of VCE deployments. Gateway840is the collection of computer software, hardware, and firmware that allows public cloud805to communicate through WAN802.

Some further explanation of virtualized computing environments (VCEs) will now be provided. VCEs can be stored as “images.” A new active instance of the VCE can be instantiated from the image. Two familiar types of VCEs are virtual machines and containers. A container is a VCE that uses operating-system-level virtualization. This refers to an operating system feature in which the kernel allows the existence of multiple isolated user-space instances, called containers. These isolated user-space instances typically behave as real computers from the point of view of programs running in them. A computer program running on an ordinary operating system can utilize all resources of that computer, such as connected devices, files and folders, network shares, CPU power, and quantifiable hardware capabilities. However, programs running inside a container can only use the contents of the container and devices assigned to the container, a feature which is known as containerization.

Private cloud806is similar to public cloud805, except that the computing resources are only available for use by a single enterprise. While private cloud806is depicted as being in communication with WAN802, in other embodiments a private cloud may be disconnected from the internet entirely and only accessible through a local/private network. A hybrid cloud is a composition of multiple clouds of different types (for example, private, community or public cloud types), often respectively implemented by different vendors. Each of the multiple clouds remains a separate and discrete entity, but the larger hybrid cloud architecture is bound together by standardized or proprietary technology that enables orchestration, management, and/or data/application portability between the multiple constituent clouds. In this embodiment, public cloud805and private cloud806are both part of a larger hybrid cloud.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.