DE102019120703B3 - Mainboard - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a mainboard (1) which is set up to accommodate an exchangeable input-output module (2) for providing an input-output interface for an external device, to provide an interface voltage at the input-output module (2), and to accommodate an exchangeable supply module (3) to provide a supply voltage for the external device. The mainboard (1) has an integrated switching device (4) for switching between the interface voltage provided by the mainboard (1) and the supply voltage provided by the supply module (3). The mainboard (1) is set up to provide the supply voltage provided by the supply module (3) via an integrated line (5a) by means of the switching device (4) as an alternative to the interface voltage at the input-output module (2).

Description

The invention relates to a mainboard for receiving an input-output module for providing one or more input-output interfaces for connection to an external device.

Mainboards (or system boards) should always be more flexible to configure so that they can be used in as many applications as possible. For this purpose, so-called input-output modules are often included on the mainboard, which provide one or more (possibly variable) input-output interfaces for connection to an external device. An external device can thus be connected to the mainboard at an input-output module. Common interfaces that can be configured using such an input-output module include, for example, Display Port (DP), DVI, HDMI, VGA, LAN or USB.

For example, USB now provides a so-called power delivery functionality. This means that a supply voltage or a corresponding supply power can be made available at the USB interface, which is via the common interface voltage (usually from 5 Volts) or exceed a common supply power (usually a maximum of 15 watts) and serve to supply an external device with a higher power via the USB interface. In this way, external devices can be operated with higher operating power without needing a separate power supply. The external devices are then supplied with power directly via the USB interface.

Setting up a USB interface with Power Delivery via an input-output module of the type mentioned above usually requires a large design of the module due to the space required by the Power Delivery implementation. Alternatively, a separate Power Delivery unit is used, which is connected via an additional connection cable. Instead of the connecting cable, a larger connector can be used on the input-output module.

The previous approaches have the disadvantage that the form factor of the input-output modules for providing the power delivery functionality has to be increased considerably, which is problematic in small systems with little space. Furthermore, the solutions either require additional cable connections between the components or a special configuration with cost-intensive components on the mainboard, which causes additional costs.

The patent specification US 6 865 682 B1 describes an arrangement with a mainboard and a microprocessor module with integrated voltage regulators. The voltage regulators receive a fixed input voltage from the mainboard. The mainboard remains unchanged in its interface configuration and cannot be flexibly configured.

The publication of the patent application US 2012/0 131 361 A1 describes a controller comprising a redundant power supply and a remote control module for controlling a server. Using the remote control module, a system administrator can remotely control a server when the server's power supply does not have AC power. The mainboard remains unchanged in its interface configuration and cannot be flexibly configured.

It is therefore an object of the invention to describe a mainboard of the type mentioned above, which can be configured flexibly in its interface configuration and overcomes the disadvantages mentioned above.

According to a first aspect, this object is achieved by a mainboard according to patent claim 1. Further embodiments are disclosed in the associated subclaims.

The mainboard is set up to accommodate an exchangeable input-output module for providing one or more input-output interfaces for connection to an external device. Furthermore, the mainboard is set up to provide an interface voltage at the input-output module. Furthermore, the mainboard is set up to accommodate an exchangeable supply module for providing a defined supply voltage for supplying an external device.

The mainboard has an integrated switching device for switching between the interface voltage provided by the mainboard and the supply voltage provided by the supply module.

The mainboard is set up to provide the supply voltage provided by the supply module via an integrated line (or several integrated lines) by means of the switchover device as an alternative to the interface voltage at the input-output module.

Such a mainboard has the advantage that provision of a defined supply voltage via a supply module (as an alternative to the interface voltage provided by the mainboard) for supplying an external device can be implemented in a simple manner at low additional costs. The mainboard is set up, for example, to provide the interface voltage as a standard voltage (e.g. 5 volts) for a standard supply of an external device with a standard power (e.g. maximum 15 watts). In contrast, provision is made for a supply module to provide a defined supply voltage or a defined supply power that is higher than the standard voltage or the standard power (e.g. 9 volts, 15 volts or 20 volts or 27 watts, 45 watts or 60 watts). Alternatively, the supply voltage or a corresponding supply power provided by the supply module can also correspond to the interface voltage or standard power.

An input-output module for providing a corresponding interface for an external device can be added (e.g. plugged in) to the mainboard as an exchangeable module. Furthermore, a supply module can also be accommodated (e.g. plugged in) as an exchangeable module on the mainboard, the supply module providing the defined supply voltage for supplying the external device. The supply module is, for example, a module for providing a voltage for a power delivery functionality in accordance with the USB standard or other voltages of alternative interfaces. In this way, the mainboard can be easily and flexibly upgraded with a corresponding functionality.

An integrated switchover device on the mainboard is used to switch between the interface voltage (standard voltage) provided by the mainboard and the supply voltage provided by the supply module. Additional components, especially expensive multiplexers, are not required on the mainboard.

Because the mainboard is configured to provide the supply voltage provided by the supply module via an integrated line, that is, a line that is already prepared on the mainboard, by means of the switching device on the input-output module, no additional connecting cable is required between a corresponding supply module and a corresponding input-output module, let alone on the mainboard. Likewise, no additional plug connections or other adaptations to the input-output module are required for separate connection with a corresponding supply module. Rather, the mainboard is prepared to pass the corresponding supply voltage from the supply module to the input-output module, whereby an external device connected to the input-output module can be supplied with this supply voltage (and a corresponding supply power).

In this way, the mainboard offers a very flexible and modular provision of a corresponding functionality, for example a power delivery functionality according to the USB standard. A form factor of an input-output module can nevertheless remain unchanged and be kept as small as possible. This has the effect that only little space is required, especially in small or compact systems. In the event that the mainboard is upgraded with a corresponding supply module, this functionality can nevertheless be provided without additional connectors or expensive components being required on the mainboard and / or on the input-output module. In addition, conventional input-output modules can still be used on the mainboard.

In at least one embodiment, the mainboard has an expansion slot for expansion cards and is set up to accommodate the supply module in the expansion slot. This has the advantage that no additional connectors or special implementations are required on the mainboard to accommodate the supply module. Rather, the supply module can be accommodated in an expansion slot conventionally set up on the mainboard. For example, the expansion slot of the mainboard is configured as a PCI slot, in particular as a PCI Express slot. A corresponding supply module set up in accordance with the PCI or PCI Express standard can then be accommodated in the expansion slot, the supply module being ready for operation without any further measures and being easily integrated into signal communication on the mainboard. In this way, configurations of the mainboard that have already been prepared can be used for the purposes mentioned, thereby avoiding additional costs for additional components on the mainboard. Nevertheless, the explained functionality can be easily and flexibly upgraded to the mainboard.

In at least one embodiment, the integrated switchover device is configured to be controlled via the input-output module. This has the advantage that no further components are required on the mainboard in order to switch between the interface voltage provided by the mainboard and the supply voltage provided by the supply module. In particular, fast and therefore expensive multiplexer modules for corresponding signals are not required on the mainboard.

In at least one alternative or supplementary embodiment, the integrated switchover device is configured in such a way that a switchover between the interface voltage provided by the mainboard and the supply voltage provided by the supply module takes place automatically at the switchover device without the switchover device via the input -Output module must be controlled. This is achieved, for example, in that switching means are provided in the switchover device, which switch through the respectively greater one of the interface voltage or the supply voltage to the input-output module. This has the advantage that no special control line or special control signals are required between the input-output module and the switching device.

According to a second aspect, the above object is achieved by an arrangement with a mainboard, an input-output module accommodated on the mainboard and a supply module accommodated on the mainboard according to patent claim 4. Further embodiments are disclosed in the associated subclaims.

In the arrangement, the mainboard is set up according to the first aspect, an interface voltage being provided via the mainboard. The input-output module accommodated in the arrangement on the mainboard provides one or more input-output interfaces for connection to an external device. The supply module still included in the arrangement on the mainboard provides a defined supply voltage. In the arrangement, the supply voltage can be provided via the integrated line and the integrated switching device of the mainboard as an alternative to the interface voltage on the input-output module.

Such an arrangement also has the effects and advantages already explained in connection with the mainboard according to the first aspect. In particular, such an arrangement provides a supply of an external device connected to the input-output module in a simple and inexpensive, but nevertheless flexible manner.

In at least one embodiment of the arrangement, the input-output module is set up to cause a switchover between the supply voltage and the interface voltage by means of the switchover device. This means that switching can be controlled by the input-output module without the need for additional cost-intensive control components or switching components, in particular multiplexer modules, integrated on the mainboard. This contributes to the fact that the arrangement can provide the explained functionality inexpensively.

In at least one alternative or supplementary embodiment of the arrangement, the switchover device integrated on the mainboard is configured in such a way that a switchover between the interface voltage provided by the mainboard and the supply voltage provided by the supply module takes place automatically on the switchover device without the switchover -The device must be controlled via the input-output module. As already explained above in connection with the mainboard according to the first aspect, this is achieved, for example, in that switching means are provided in the switching device, which switch through the greater of the interface voltage or the supply voltage to the input-output module. Corresponding advantages apply analogously to the explanations above.

In at least one embodiment of the arrangement, signal communication takes place between the mainboard, the input-output module and the supply module in accordance with the I2C standard. In this way, signal communication between the components involved can be implemented in a simple or standardized manner, without having to provide special protocols or configurations, in particular on the mainboard. Rather, the arrangement uses the communication technologies already configured on the mainboard.

In at least one embodiment, the supply module is accommodated in an expansion slot on the mainboard and is set up to provide the supply voltage to one or more connection pins of the supply module. As already explained above in connection with the mainboard according to the first aspect, this has the advantage that the supply module can be accommodated on the mainboard in a standard manner without any additional changes or modifications that are required. For example, the supply module is a PCI expansion card, in particular a PCI Express expansion card, which is accommodated in the expansion slot of the mainboard. The supply module advantageously provides the supply voltage at one or more connection pins of the supply module. The connection pin or pins are advantageously one or more connection pins that are not required, e.g. B. unused PRSNT pins according to the PCI Express configuration, which means that further (signal) communication between the supply module and the mainboard is not impaired. In this way, the desired functionality can be easily implemented in the expansion slot on the mainboard. A special one Signal communication or control components are not required on the mainboard.

In at least one embodiment of the arrangement, the switching device is electrically connected between the one or more connection pins of the supply module and a supply connection of the input-output module for providing the supply voltage. In this way, a switchover to the supply voltage that is provided at the one or more connection pins of the supply module takes place directly in a corresponding signal communication between the supply module and the input-output module, without any further processing the mainboard. This enables a simple implementation of the arrangement.

In at least one embodiment of the arrangement, the mainboard, the input-output module and the supply module are set up to exchange control signals for recognizing the input-output module or the supply module by the mainboard. In this way, the mainboard is able to recognize the input-output module or the supply module by exchanging certain control signals between the components. Furthermore, the functionality can be set up easily. In this way, the mainboard can be easily upgraded with the corresponding functionality, with the corresponding modules and components being recognized and put into operation. The control signals for recognizing the input-output module or the supply module are processed, for example, via a chipset or a BIOS that are installed or configured on the mainboard.

In at least one embodiment of the arrangement, the input-output module and the supply module are set up to exchange control signals with one another for adapting the supply voltage. Such control signals make it possible for the input-output module to signal the need to provide a specific supply voltage and / or its level to the supply module, so that the supply module provides the supply voltage accordingly. Conversely, the input-output module signals to the supply module when a corresponding need for a supply voltage is not present or is changed, for example because an external device is connected to the input-output module that does not enable or request such a supply or a changed supply . The arrangement thus allows simple control, activation or deactivation or changing of a corresponding functionality. This is done via the input-output module and the supply module, without the need for additional control components on the mainboard.

A potential application of the mainboard according to the first aspect or the arrangement according to the second aspect is found in an operating method of the mainboard or the arrangement within a computer system or electrical device with such a mainboard or such an arrangement. For example, an arrangement explained above is used in a computer system with certain operating states or power-saving states. For example, according to the method, activation and operation of providing a supply voltage via the supply module take place in a normal operating state. This normal operating state is, for example, a so-called S0 state according to the so-called Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI). In contrast, in an energy-saving state, according to the method, a shutdown or deactivation of a provision of a corresponding supply voltage at the input-output module takes place. This energy saving state is one of the states, for example S3 to S5 according to the ACPI standard.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of an exemplary embodiment with the aid of several drawings.

• 1 eine schematisierte Darstellung einer Draufsicht auf eine Ausführungsform einer Anordnung mit einem Mainboard, einem Input-Output-Modul und einem Versorgungs-Modul,
• 2 eine schematisierte Ansicht eines Versorgungs-Moduls in der Ausführung gemäß 1 mit angedeutetem Signalfluss, sowie
• 3 eine schematisierte Darstellung der Anordnung gemäß 1 mit veranschaulichter Kommunikation zwischen den beteiligten Komponenten.

Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of a top view of an embodiment of an arrangement with a mainboard, an input-output module and a supply module,
• 2 a schematic view of a supply module in the embodiment according to 1 with signal flow indicated, as well as
• 3 a schematic representation of the arrangement according to 1 with illustrated communication between the components involved.

1 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement with a mainboard 1 (or part of a mainboard 1 ), an interchangeable input-output module incorporated therein 2 as well as with one still on the motherboard 1 recorded supply module 3 . The input-output module 2 is in the embodiment according to 1 a flexibly exchangeable module for providing one or more input-output interfaces for connecting an external device (not shown). In the embodiment according to 1 represents the input-output module 2 for example a Display Port interface and a USB interface are available. As an alternative or in addition, one or more other interfaces such as DVI, HDMI, VGA or LAN are provided. An external device can be connected to the input-output module via a corresponding connector 2 get connected.

The supply module 3 is in the embodiment according to 1 for example implemented as a PCI-Express expansion card, which is in an expansion slot 6th of the mainboard 1 is recorded. The expansion slot 6th is configured as a PCI Express slot. This is how the motherboard is 1 simple and inexpensive with a separate supply functionality for supplying voltage to one on the input-output module 2 connected external device can be upgraded. A corresponding supply voltage is provided via the supply module 3 provided. A communication or power supply between the supply module 3 and the input-output module 2 take place via integrated lines 5a and 5b , which are used as supply or signal or control lines on the mainboard 1 are integrated. In particular, the line represents 5a a supply line between the supply module 3 and the input-output module 2 represents, with a supply voltage of the supply module 3 at a supply connection 9 of the input-output module 2 can be provided to supply an external device connected to it. The administration 5b on the other hand, is used for signal communication between the input-output module 2 and the supply module 3 . Signal communication between the components involved is explained in more detail below. An interface communication and corresponding control signals between the input-output module 2 and other components of the mainboard 1 , in particular a chipset or a BIOS of the mainboard 1 , take place via integrated lines 5c , 5d and 5e that act as signal lines or bus on the mainboard 1 are integrated. For example, the line is 5c a control line, the line 5d an interface line of a display port interface and the line 5e an interface line of a USB interface.

2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a supply module 3 , as for example in the arrangement according to 1 Applies. As explained above, the supply module is 3 in the execution according to 2 designed as a PCI-Express expansion card. The supply module 3 has connections for this on its lower side 7th for electrical and mechanical connection with the expansion slot 6th (please refer 1 ) of the mainboard 1 on. The connections 7th serve for signal communication according to the PCI-Express standard between the supply module 3 and the mainboard 1 or the input-output module 2 (please refer 1 ).

The supply module 3 comprises a voltage converter for providing one or more supply voltages from one or more board voltages that the supply module 3 On the mainboard side via one or more voltage lines 10 to be provided. On the voltage line or lines 10 represents the mainboard 1 the supply module 3 in the execution according to 2 for example voltages of 12 volts and / or 3.3 volts ready. These board voltages are generated by the supply module 3 converted into special supply voltages via which a certain supply power is used to supply an external device by means of the input-output module 2 according to 1 can be generated. For example is the supply module 3 set up a supply voltage of 5 volts for a supply capacity of 15 watts, a supply voltage of 9 volts for a supply capacity of 27 watts, a supply voltage of 15 volts for a supply capacity of 45 watts or a supply voltage of 20 volts for a supply capacity of 60 watts the board voltage of 12 volts from the voltage line 10 coming to produce. The supply module provides such a supply voltage or supply power 3 at one or more unused connection pins 8th (e.g. unused PRSNT pins) via an integrated supply line 5a towards the input-output module 2 (please refer 1 ) ready. Via another integrated communication line 5b is a signal communication between the supply module 3 and the input-output module 2 set up.

By installing the supply module 3 on the mainboard 1 according to 1 can the mainboard 1 in a simple way with a supply functionality of the supply module 3 can be upgraded to supply a connected external device. In this way, for example, a so-called power delivery functionality is available at the USB interface of the input-output module 2 (see above explanations for 1 ) set up. A corresponding supply with a supply voltage according to another or further interface standard is of course also possible. For example, the supply module represents 3 on the line 5a a supply power between 15 watts and 60 watts for supplying a connected external device with electrical energy. The external device is like above too 1 explained on the input-output module 2 connected and receives one via the supply module 3 provided supply voltage or draws a supply power provided via it.

3 shows a schematic representation of the arrangement according to FIG 1 with more detailed signal communication between the components involved. As explained above, the motherboard includes 1 the input-output module 2 as well as the supply module 3 . Furthermore is on the mainboard 1 a chipset or a BIOS 15th set up. The latter are used for the basic control of a functionality of the mainboard 1 or an electrical device or computer system controlled by it that is connected to the mainboard 1 is equipped.

The input-output module 2 has in the embodiment according to 3 For example, a so-called USB Type-C connector for connecting an external device with a corresponding USB Type-C mating connector. According to this standard, the external device can be supplied with electrical energy with a supply power of up to 60 watts, for example. An external device of this type is, for example, a computer monitor, an electrical accessory for a tablet computer system such as a camera, a printer and so on.

The input-output module 2 has a very small form factor of, for example, 26 mm x 40 mm. The input-output module 2 has a relatively small connector for connecting to the mainboard 1 (please refer 1 ) on.

The arrangement according to 3 is basically set up for two different application scenarios. According to a first scenario, a standard operation is provided in which a standardized interface voltage is provided via a voltage line 12 from the mainboard 1 is specified. The interface voltage on the power line 12 is, for example, 5 volts and is used as a standard supply for the input-output module 2 connected external device of, for example, 5 volts and a maximum of 15 watts. A separate power supply, for example a separate power pack, is required to operate an external device with more power.

In a second application scenario (utility) this should be done on the input-output module 2 connected external device can be supplied with a higher electrical operating power of, for example, up to 60 watts. This is done using the supply module 3 that is on the motherboard 1 is installed, a predetermined supply voltage or supply power is provided. This is done via the input-output module 2 made available to the connected external device, whereby the external device can be operated electrically. This has the advantage that the external device does not require any additional separate energy supply, for example via a separate power supply unit, despite the high operating power. The operating power required to operate the external device is, for example, entirely based on the arrangement according to FIG 3 provided.

The mainboard 1 according to the constellation 3 has a switching device 4th to switch between the two scenarios explained above. According to the first application scenario (standard operation), the switchover device is 4th set so that the on the voltage line 12 applied interface voltage via the switching device 4th and the supply line 5a to the supply connection 9 of the input-output module 2 is created. In this way, the interface voltage is applied to the input-output module 2 provided for interface operation with the external device.

The switchover device is in the second application scenario (utility operation) 4th set so that instead of the interface voltage on the voltage line 12 the corresponding supply voltage of the supply module 3 via the one or more connection pins 8th of the supply module 3 and the supply line 5a by means of the switching device 4th to the supply connection 9 of the input-output module 2 is created. In this way, the supply voltage or the supply power of the supply module 3 via the supply line 5a and the switching device 4th to the input-output module 2 switched through. The input-output module 2 in this way makes the supply voltage or supply power available to an external device. Such a constellation is in 3 illustrated, see in particular the setting of the switching device 4th .

The supply module converts in this constellation 3 corresponding board voltages, for example 12 volts and 3.3 volts, for the supply module 3 on the power line 10 from the mainboard 1 are provided in one or more corresponding supply voltages (for example 5 volts, 9 volts, 15 volts and / or 20 volts). See also the explanations for 2 above.

For signal communication between the various components and modules, various control lines are arranged in accordance with FIG 3 set up. In particular is a control line 13 between the supply module 3 and the chipset or BIOS 15th of the mainboard 1 set up. When installing the supply module 3 can do this from the mainboard in this way 1 can be recognized and a corresponding configuration requested. The mainboard 1 sets up signal communication with the supply module 3 and can do this using the Chipset or BIOS 15th Taxes. For example, between the supply module 3 and the mainboard 1 corresponding mainboard voltages on the voltage lines 10 negotiated or determined.

Between the input-output module 2 and the chipset or BIOS 15th of the mainboard 1 is still a control line 14th set up. Via the control line 14th can when installing the input-output module 2 this through the chipset or the BIOS 15th of the mainboard 1 can be recognized and configured accordingly. For example, between the mainboard 1 and the input-output module 2 the configuration and type of the interfaces provided for the external device, including transmission speeds, transmission rates, power supply, bus configuration and so on. The control line corresponds, for example, to the control line 5c in 1 or another integrated line.

In the constellation according to 3 is also a control line 5b between the input-output module 2 and the supply module 3 set up. Via the control line 5b these two modules can communicate with one another, for example, to determine the need for and / or the level of a voltage supply by the supply module 3 negotiate, define and configure. For example, it is on the input-output module 2 If an external device is connected that supports or requests a corresponding supply functionality, this is done via the input-output module 2 and the control line 5b to the supply module 3 communicates. The supply module 3 then performs a corresponding voltage conversion on the voltage lines 10 supplied board voltages to a corresponding supply voltage at the input-output module 2 to provide. This is done with the corresponding switching of the switching device 4th as explained above.

The switching device 4th has, for example, two field effect transistors, which are used to switch between the voltage line 12 and the supply line 5a on the part of the supply module 3 can be switched. The switching device 4th is in the constellation according to 3 through the input-output module 2 via a separate control line 11 controlled. For example, a supply operation is first negotiated between the input-output module 2 and the supply module 3 via the control line 5b , whereupon via the control line 11 a switch from the voltage line 12 on the supply line 5a on the part of the supply module 3 by means of the switching device 4th is switched. In this way, no further switching or control components are placed on the mainboard 1 required to switch between the two operating scenarios.

In an alternative or additional implementation of the switching device 4th has two so-called "ideal diodes". These are implemented, for example, in that, in addition to the two field effect transistors, one or more operational amplifiers, e.g. B. a 2-way LM358 operational amplifier is set up. If only the greater of the interface voltage (on the line 12 ) or the supply voltage (on the line 5a ) should be forwarded to the input-output module, the switching device can 4th be designed accordingly as these two ideal diodes. This automatically switches the higher voltage through to the input-output module. This is the separate control line 11 not mandatory.

Signal communication on the corresponding signal lines takes place, for example, via the I2C communication bus.

The input-output module 2 includes, for example, a control component for controlling or monitoring a supply functionality by the supply module 3 by means of the control line 5b . The control component is, for example, a microcontroller. A supply voltage generated by the supply module 3 is provided is, for example, at least one voltage of 5 volts, 9 volts, 15 volts and / or 20 volts.

According to an operating method of the arrangement in 3 there is a switchover by means of the switchover device 4th from a standard voltage on the power line 12 on a supply voltage of the supply module 3 on the supply line 5a as soon as the installed supply module 3 via the chipset or the BIOS 15th and / or the control component on the input-output module 2 has been recognized. In this case the switching device is 4th , as in 3 shown, switched. Provision of the supply voltage by the supply module 3 takes place, for example, in normal operation of the electrical device, for example in SO operation according to ACPI. In the event that the electrical device is transferred to an energy-saving state, for example one of the states S3 to S5 according to ACPI, there is, for example, another switchover by means of the switchover device 4th on the interface voltage on the voltage line 12 .

By setting up the supply module 3 in the constellation according to 3 and, as explained above, as an expansion component, which is in an expansion slot 6th of the mainboard 1 (please refer 1 ) can be installed, one or more unused connection pins can be used for the corresponding voltage and signal communication. In this way the arrangement is in accordance with 3 easy and inexpensive to implement. Except for the switching device 4th there are no other control or switching components on the mainboard 1 required for the explained functionality. This also enables an inexpensive implementation.

The arrangement according to 3 is advantageously set up in such a way that in a standard mode (default) by means of the switchover device 4th the interface voltage on the voltage line 12 On the mainboard side on the input-output module 2 is switched through. This is how the motherboard is 1 Compatible and set up for the operation of conventional input-output modules without special supply functionality. Only when a corresponding functionality is recognized, as explained above, does a switchover advantageously take place by means of the switchover device 4th to operation via the supply module 3 .

The mainboard explained herein or the arrangement explained herein with such a mainboard, an input-output module and a supply module have the advantage that a supply functionality, in particular a USB power delivery functionality or a power supply via other interface standards , with only minor structural changes to the mainboard, in particular without expensive and special switching or control components on the mainboard. A form factor of the input-output module can be kept very small, the supply functionality being provided via the separate supply module. Conventional communication standards can be used by simply integrating the supply module on the mainboard. A separate connection cable between the input-output module and the supply module is not required. The signal communication takes place via integrated lines on the mainboard. Special plug connections or configurations of a plug on the input-output module are also not necessary. Furthermore, conventional input-output modules can be used without negatively affecting their functionality.

The illustrated embodiments and implementations are selected merely as examples.

List of reference symbols

1

Mainboard

2

Input-output module

3

Supply module

4th

Switching device

5a to 5e

integrated lines

6th

Expansion slot

7th

connections

8th

Connection pin (s)

9

Supply connection

10

Voltage line

11

Control line

12

Voltage line

13

Control line

14th

Control line

15th

Chipset / BIOS

Claims (10)

Mainboard (1) that is set up: - to accommodate an exchangeable input-output module (2) to provide one or more input-output interfaces for connection to an external device, - to provide an interface voltage at the input-output module (2), - To accommodate an exchangeable supply module (3) for providing a defined supply voltage for supplying an external device, the mainboard (1) having an integrated switching device (4) for switching between the interface voltage provided by the mainboard (1) and that provided by Supply module (3) provided supply voltage and wherein the mainboard (1) is set up to provide the supply voltage provided by the supply module (3) via an integrated line (5a) by means of the switching device (4) as an alternative to the interface voltage at the input-output module (2). Mainboard (1) Claim 1 wherein the mainboard (1) has an expansion slot (6) for expansion cards and is set up to accommodate the supply module (3) in the expansion slot (6). Mainboard (1) Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the integrated switching device (4) is configured to be controlled via the input-output module (2). Arrangement with: - a mainboard (1) after one of the Claims 1 to 3 that provides an interface voltage, - an input-output module (2) accommodated on the mainboard (1), which provides one or more input-output interfaces for connection to an external device, and - one on the mainboard (1) accommodated supply module (3), which provides a defined supply voltage, the supply voltage via the integrated line (5a) and the integrated switching device (4) of the mainboard (1) as an alternative to the interface voltage on the input-output module (2) can be provided. Arrangement according to Claim 4 , wherein the input-output module (2) is set up to cause a switchover between the supply voltage and the interface voltage by means of the switchover device (4). Arrangement according to Claim 4 or 5 , with signal communication between the mainboard (1), the input-output module (2) and the supply module (3) according to the I2C standard. Arrangement according to one of the Claims 4 to 6th , wherein the supply module (3) is received in an expansion slot (6) of the mainboard (1) and is set up to provide the supply voltage to one or more connection pins (8) of the supply module (3). Arrangement according to Claim 7 , wherein the switching device (4) is electrically connected between the one or more connection pins (8) of the supply module (3) and a supply connection (9) of the input-output module (2) for providing the supply voltage. Arrangement according to one of the Claims 4 to 8th , wherein the mainboard (1), the input-output module (2) and the supply module (3) are set up, control signals for detecting the input-output module (2) or the supply module (3) replace the mainboard (1). Arrangement according to one of the Claims 4 to 9 , wherein the input-output module (2) and the supply module (3) are set up to exchange control signals with one another for adapting the supply voltage.

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