FR3132366A1 - Address assignment for modular power distribution unit - Google Patents

Abstract

Secondary module (10) for PDU, comprising a set of electrical sockets (141, 142, 143), connected to an internal connection socket (15) allowing a power supply at least one interface (12, 13) for transmitting data with another module in the PDU, management means (11) for individually managing the electrical outlets, by means of messages exchanged, with a base module of said PDU, identifying an electrical outlet determined by a unique address, in which said means management systems are suitable for, in response to an invitation signal received from a first interface (12), transmitting, on this first interface, an address request message indicating the number of electrical sockets, and, for storing said or said addresses, in response to one or more address assignment messages. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Address assignment for modular power distribution unit FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to power distribution units (or PDUs for “Power Distribution Unit” in English). It concerns more particularly modular PDUs as well as the modules constituting these modular PDUs.

It applies in particular to intelligent power distribution units, PDUs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A power distribution unit or power distribution unit - also known as a "power distribution unit" (PDU) or "main distribution unit" (MDU) - is a device equipped with several outlets allowing distribution electricity to multiple devices from a single main power supply. Schematically, therefore, such equipment includes an input power socket and a set of electrical sockets to which different equipment can be connected to be powered.

These energy distribution units have numerous applications, both in the industrial field and in that of personal use, in home automation in particular.

More recently, intelligent distribution units have been marketed in order to meet the needs of remote management of the operation of the units and, in particular, of each of the sockets that compose it.

This management generates communication between an external device and the energy distribution unit. In order to be able to individually manage each socket of this unit, the external device must be able to identify them by means of an identifier or an address.

At the same time, a need for modular power distribution units has emerged in order to quickly and easily produce units corresponding to specific needs. Depending on the desired specifications, particularly in terms of the number of electrical outlets, it is then possible to aggregate modules into appropriate numbers and types.

A difficulty then arises in reconciling the design flexibility of modular energy distribution units with the need to be able to manage, remotely, each of the sockets, or other elements. It is in fact then necessary to assign addresses to each socket, knowing that this number is not predetermined for a given energy distribution unit.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a solution making it possible to obtain a power distribution unit which is both intelligent and modular. In particular, one objective is that this solution is simple to use and deploy.

Also the invention allows the evolution of the number of sockets of a power distribution unit without requiring complex reconfiguration operations to assign or delete socket addresses.

• un ensemble de prises électriques, connecté à une prise de raccordement interne permettant une alimentation en énergie par un module d’entrée de ladite unité de distribution d’énergie,
• au moins une interface pour transmettre des données avec un autre module dans ladite unité de distribution d’énergie,
• des moyens de gestion pour gérer individuellement les prises électriques dudit ensemble, au moyen de messages échangés, via ladite au moins une interface, avec un module de base de ladite unité de distribution d’énergie, identifiants une prise électrique dudit ensemble déterminée par une adresse unique,
• dans lequel lesdits moyens de gestion sont adaptés pour, en réponse à un signal d’invitation reçu d’une première interface parmi ladite au moins une interface, transmettre, sur ladite première interface, un message de requête en adresses indiquant le nombre de prises électriques dudit ensemble, et, pour mémoriser ladite ou lesdites adresses, en réponse à un ou plusieurs messages d’attribution d’adresse.

To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention can be implemented by a secondary module for an energy distribution unit, comprising

• a set of electrical sockets, connected to an internal connection socket allowing energy to be supplied by an input module of said energy distribution unit,
• at least one interface for transmitting data with another module in said power distribution unit,
• management means for individually managing the electrical outlets of said set, by means of messages exchanged, via said at least one interface, with a base module of said energy distribution unit, identifying an electrical outlet of said set determined by an address unique,
• in which said management means are adapted to, in response to an invitation signal received from a first interface among said at least one interface, transmit, on said first interface, an address request message indicating the number of electrical outlets of said set, and, to store said address(es), in response to one or more address assignment messages.

• lesdits moyens de gestion sont adaptés pour, après avoir reçu ledit un ou plusieurs messages d’attribution, transmettre un second signal d’invitation sur une seconde interface parmi ladite au moins une interface, ladite seconde interface étant distincte de ladite première interface ;
• les moyens de gestion sont composés d’un circuit imprimé comportant un microcontrôleur programmable, une mémoire et des circuits permettant la connexion entre ledit microcontrôleur, ladite mémoire et ladite au moins une interface ;
• ladite au moins une interface comporte un connecteur pour fil unidirectionnel pour la transmission dudit signal d’invitation, et un connecteur pour un ensemble de fils bidirectionnels pour la transmission desdits messages ;
• ledit signal d’invitation correspond à un niveau prédéterminé de tension sur ledit fil unidirectionnel ;
• lesdites adresses uniques sont attribuées par un compteur dudit module de base, lesdits messages d’attribution d’adresses contiennent une valeur dudit compteur, et ledit module secondaire détermine les adresses uniques attribués aux prises dudit ensemble en fonction de ladite valeur et dudit nombre de prises, dans un ordre prédéterminé.

According to preferred embodiments, the secondary module according to the invention comprises one or more of the following characteristics which can be used separately or in partial combination with each other or in total combination with each other:

• said management means are adapted to, after having received said one or more allocation messages, transmit a second invitation signal on a second interface among said at least one interface, said second interface being distinct from said first interface;
• the management means are composed of a printed circuit comprising a programmable microcontroller, a memory and circuits allowing the connection between said microcontroller, said memory and said at least one interface;
• said at least one interface comprises a connector for a unidirectional wire for the transmission of said invitation signal, and a connector for a set of bidirectional wires for the transmission of said messages;
• said invitation signal corresponds to a predetermined level of tension on said unidirectional wire;
• said unique addresses are assigned by a counter of said base module, said address allocation messages contain a value of said counter, and said secondary module determines the unique addresses assigned to the sockets of said set as a function of said value and of said number of sockets , in a predetermined order.

• au moins une interface pour transmettre des données avec un module secondaire dans ladite unité de distribution d’énergie,
• des moyens de gestion adaptés pour émettre un signal d’invitation sur une première interface parmi ladite au moins une interface, puis pour, en réponse à un message de requête en adresses reçu sur ladite première interface, attribuer une ou plusieurs adresses uniques et la ou les transmettre sur ladite première interface, en un ou plusieurs messages d’attribution d’adresses.

According to another aspect, the present invention can also be implemented by a basic module for an energy distribution unit, comprising

• at least one interface for transmitting data with a secondary module in said power distribution unit,
• management means adapted to transmit an invitation signal on a first interface among said at least one interface, then to, in response to an address request message received on said first interface, assign one or more unique addresses and the or transmit them on said first interface, in one or more address allocation messages.

• lesdits moyens de gestion sont adaptés pour émettre un nouveau signal d’invitation sur une deuxième interface parmi ladite au moins une interface, lorsqu’une durée prédéterminée s’est écoulée après la réception d’un dernier message via ladite première interface ;
• le module de base comporte une interface de gestion permettant des échanges de messages de gestion avec des dispositifs extérieurs, comportant au moins une adresse de prise ;
• les moyens de gestion sont composés d’un circuit imprimé comportant un microcontrôleur programmable, une mémoire et des circuits permettant la connexion entre ledit microcontrôleur, ladite mémoire et ladite au moins une interface ;
• ladite au moins une interface comporte un connecteur pour fil unidirectionnel pour la transmission dudit signal d’invitation, et un connecteur pour un ensemble de fils bidirectionnels pour la transmission desdits messages ;
• ledit signal d’invitation correspond à un niveau prédéterminé de tension sur ledit fil unidirectionnel ;
• lesdites adresses uniques sont attribuées par un compteur dudit module de base, lesdits messages d’attribution d’adresses contiennent une valeur dudit compteur, et ledit module secondaire détermine les adresses uniques attribués aux prises dudit ensemble en fonction de ladite valeur et dudit nombre de prises, dans un ordre prédéterminé.

According to preferred embodiments, this basic module comprises one or more of the following characteristics which can be used separately or in partial combination with each other or in total combination with each other.

• said management means are adapted to transmit a new invitation signal on a second interface among said at least one interface, when a predetermined duration has elapsed after reception of a last message via said first interface;
• the base module includes a management interface allowing exchanges of management messages with external devices, comprising at least one socket address;
• the management means are composed of a printed circuit comprising a programmable microcontroller, a memory and circuits allowing the connection between said microcontroller, said memory and said at least one interface;
• said at least one interface comprises a connector for a unidirectional wire for the transmission of said invitation signal, and a connector for a set of bidirectional wires for the transmission of said messages;
• said invitation signal corresponds to a predetermined level of tension on said unidirectional wire;
• said unique addresses are assigned by a counter of said base module, said address allocation messages contain a value of said counter, and said secondary module determines the unique addresses assigned to the sockets of said set as a function of said value and said number of sockets , in a predetermined order.

According to another aspect, the present invention can also be implemented by an energy distribution unit comprising a base module and at least one secondary module as previously defined, said modules being connected via their at least one respective interface, so as to form a chain.

• lesdites adresses uniques sont attribuées par un compteur dudit module de base, lesdits messages d’attribution d’adresses contiennent une valeur dudit compteur, et ledit module secondaire détermine les adresses uniques attribués aux prises dudit ensemble en fonction de ladite valeur et dudit nombre de prises, dans un ordre prédéterminé ;
• l’unité de distribution d’énergie comporte en outre un module d’entrée comportant une prise électrique d’alimentation ;
• ladite au moins une interface comporte en outre deux paires de connecteurs pour l’alimentation desdits moyens de gestion, les deux paires étant agencées de sorte que ladite interface soit réversible, et l’alimentation étant fournie par un convertisseur de courant disposé dans ledit module de base.

According to preferred embodiments, this energy distribution unit comprises one or more of the following characteristics which can be used separately or in partial combination with each other or in total combination with each other:

• said unique addresses are assigned by a counter of said base module, said address allocation messages contain a value of said counter, and said secondary module determines the unique addresses assigned to the sockets of said set as a function of said value and of said number of sockets , in a predetermined order;
• the energy distribution unit further comprises an input module comprising an electrical power supply socket;
• said at least one interface further comprises two pairs of connectors for powering said management means, the two pairs being arranged so that said interface is reversible, and the power supply being supplied by a current converter arranged in said module. base.

• ledit au moins un module secondaire transmet, à réception dudit signal d’invitation, un message de requête en adresses vers ledit module de base, indiquant le nombre de prises électriques dudit ensemble;
• ledit module de base attribue une adresse unique pour chaque prise, et la ou les transmet en un ou plusieurs message d’attribution d’adresses;
• ledit au moins un module secondaire mémorise la ou les adresses uniques, puis transmet un second signal d’invitation vers un autre module secondaire parmi ledit au moins un module secondaire, s’il existe.

According to another aspect, the present invention can also be implemented by a method for assigning addresses to electrical outlets of an energy distribution unit, comprising a base module comprising at least one interface through of which at least one secondary module is accessible comprising a set of electrical sockets connected to an internal connection socket allowing energy to be supplied by an input module of said energy distribution unit,
in which, for each of said at least one interface, said base module transmits an invitation signal,
then, iteratively:

• said at least one secondary module transmits, upon receipt of said invitation signal, an address request message to said base module, indicating the number of electrical outlets in said set;
• said base module assigns a unique address for each socket, and transmits it or them in one or more address assignment messages;
• said at least one secondary module memorizes the unique address(es), then transmits a second invitation signal to another secondary module among said at least one secondary module, if it exists.

The invention can also be implemented by a data processing center comprising at least one energy distribution unit as previously defined.

According to preferred embodiments, this data processing center further comprises an external management device adapted to exchange with said energy distribution unit by means of management messages comprising at least one socket address.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention:
There schematizes an energy distribution unit according to one embodiment of the invention.
There schematically represents an example of a secondary module and a base module, within an energy distribution unit, according to one embodiment of the invention.
There illustrates an example of a bus making it possible to connect two secondary and/or base module interfaces, according to one embodiment of the invention.
There illustrates an example of interface and connector, according to one embodiment of the invention.
There schematizes the data exchanges between a base module and several secondary modules, within an energy distribution unit, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A power distribution unit may comprise different modules, one or more of these modules comprising one or more electrical outlets. It is thus possible to build, on demand, an energy distribution unit with a desired total number of sockets by incorporating the right number of modules within the energy distribution unit.

There schematically shows a PDU power distribution unit according to one embodiment of the invention. This is composed of a base module (or master) 20 and several secondary modules (or “slaves”) 10 ₁ , 10 ₂ , 10 ₃ … 10 ₈ . The number of secondary modules is arbitrary and can, in an extreme case, be reduced to one.

The energy distribution unit also includes an electrical power supply socket 16. According to one embodiment, this power socket 16 belongs to a particular secondary module 10 ₈ , called “input module”.

Some or all secondary modules have electrical output sockets. The PDU power distribution unit also includes means for distributing electrical current from the power socket 16 of the input module to each of the electrical sockets of the secondary modules.

Thus, from a power outlet, energy (or electricity, the two words can be used interchangeably in the following) can be routed to different equipment that can be connected to the different outlets of the power modules. the power distribution unit.

Such a power distribution unit can find an application, for example, in data centers, or data processing centers (or even “ data center ” in English). A power distribution unit can power each of the servers, or other network equipment, in a bay, for example.

Other applications are obviously possible. In an industrial or professional environment, such a device can be used to power a large number of co-located equipment. But a similar need may also appear in personal residences, particularly due to the strong growth in digital equipment and home automation.

As illustrated on the , secondary modules can be of different types.

The type of secondary module can in particular be characterized by a number of electrical sockets (output), illustrated in the figure by simple circles. We can thus provide secondary modules with 2, 3, 5, 8… electrical outlets. In the example illustrated, the input module 10 ₈ does not have an output electrical socket.

Also, the type of secondary module can be characterized by the type of sockets it contains. For example, it may have C13, C19 sockets…

A C13 socket is suitable for desktop computers, simple industrial equipment, as well as relatively low-power equipment in computer data centers (such as switches or small servers). It supports currents of up to 10 to 15 amps, for voltages between 90 and 250 V.

A C19 socket is suitable for high-power equipment in computer data centers, such as computer server chassis (for example the Poweredge M1000e box from Dell11 or the C7000 boxes from HP) replacing a C13 socket when the power required is too important for this type of socket. It supports currents of up to 15 to 20 amps for voltages between 100 and 240 V.

Other types of sockets are obviously possible, particularly depending on usage and countries, without loss of generality.

According to one embodiment, certain secondary modules may be of a type adapted to perform functions other than energy distribution. For example, a type of secondary module can embed environmental sensors (temperature, humidity level, etc.).

Typically, the PDU forms a unidirectional chain of modules, i.e. apart from the two end modules, each module has exactly two neighbors.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the base module 20 is located substantially in the middle of the power distribution unit and, in general, has a secondary module on each side.

We can call each of the two subsets of modules located on either side of the base module a “branch”. On the , there is therefore a “left” branch composed of secondary modules 10 ₁ , 10 ₂ , 10 ₃ , 10 ₄ , and a “right” branch composed of secondary modules 10 ₅ , 10 ₆ , 10 ₇ , 10 ₈ .

According to the invention, the energy distribution unit is “intelligent”, that is to say it offers communication interfaces to allow its remote management.

• Le contrôle, ou surveillance, qui comprend le recueil de mesures ou autres paramètres associés à chaque prise ;
• La commande, ou pilotage, qui comprend l’action à distance sur certains paramètres associés à chaque prise afin d’en modifier le comportement.

According to embodiments of the invention, the management comprises one or the other or both of two components:

• Control, or monitoring, which includes the collection of measurements or other parameters associated with each take;
• Control, or piloting, which includes remote action on certain parameters associated with each outlet in order to modify its behavior.

Thus, data messages can be exchanged between an external management device and the different modules of the energy distribution unit. Some messages aim to transmit data from the modules (measurements, etc.) to this external device, while other messages aim to transmit data (commands, requests, etc.) to the secondary modules.

According to one embodiment, the base module plays an interface role between the external management device and the different secondary modules.

To allow the external device to operate, an address, or identifier, must be assigned to each manageable object of the power distribution unit. These manageable objects include electrical outlets 10 ₁ , 10 ₂ …10 ₈ , to the extent that we wish to be able to supervise and control the behavior of each outlet individually.

Thanks to such an address, the external device can identify the socket from which a data message arriving to it comes, and, conversely, can transmit a data message to act on a given socket.

According to the invention, the role of the base module is to dynamically assign addresses to the managed objects (in particular to electrical outlets) of the secondary modules making up the energy distribution unit.

According to different aspects, the invention relates to a base module and a secondary module adapted to collaborate within an energy distribution unit, as well as this energy distribution unit comprising a set of such modules.

There schematically represents an example of a secondary module 10 and a base (or main, or “master”) module 20, within a PDU energy distribution unit, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Only one secondary module 10 is shown on the for the clarity of the figure, but, in practice, the power distribution unit PDU can include a plurality of such secondary modules.

According to embodiments, the modules can include a housing allowing the different elements composing it to be housed. This box can be a rigid structure, typically made of plastic and/or metal, and have holes to allow connection with sockets and interfaces.

The secondary module 10 includes a set of electrical sockets 14 ₁ , 14 ₂ , 14 _3. The number of these sockets can vary depending on the secondary modules as previously described. In some cases, the set of electrical outlets can be reduced to a single outlet. Likewise, sockets can be of different types.

The electrical sockets are connected to an internal connection socket 15 allowing a supply of energy by an input module contained in the energy distribution unit. Thus, the energy introduced by the electrical supply socket 16 of the input module can be distributed both among all the secondary modules, then, within each of these secondary modules, among all the sockets electrical “output”, 14 ₁ , 14 ₂ , 14 ₃ .

Each electrical outlet can be powered through a relay. This relay can be controlled, or controlled, by management means 11, in order to let or not pass the energy coming from the internal connection to the associated electrical outlet.

Furthermore, the secondary module 10 comprises at least one interface, 12, 13, for transmitting data with another module (possibly through a neighboring module), and management means 11 for individually managing the electrical outlets, by means of messages exchanged, via these interfaces, with the base module 20 of the power distribution unit PDU. These messages identify an electrical outlet determined by a unique address.

As will be seen later, the modules being connected to form a chain, the interfaces make it possible to transmit data with remote modules via neighboring modules.

According to one embodiment, the management means 11 are composed of a printed circuit comprising at least one programmable microcontroller, a memory and circuits allowing the connection between the microcontroller, the memory and the interface(s) 12, 13.

Advantageously, the same software program can be implemented on all of the secondary modules and be adapted to discover its environment (number of sockets on the module, any other manageable objects, etc.). Such an embodiment makes it possible to facilitate the deployment of the invention, in particular by maintaining a single version of the software program.

The management means 11 are therefore connected with the interfaces 12, 13, in order to allow the transmission of messages, or more generally data, between the management means and these interfaces and thus allow them to communicate with neighboring modules and, through them, with the remote modules.

On the , the interface 12 is connected to an interface 22 of the base module 20. The management means 11 can therefore transmit data with management means 21 of the base module 20.

The secondary module 10 can also include a second interface 13, making it possible to transmit data with a module, different from the module connected to the first interface 12.

According to a typical embodiment, each module has exactly two interfaces 12, 13, allowing it to connect directly to two distinct neighboring modules. The modules are arranged longitudinally within the PDU power distribution unit, so that apart from the two modules located at the ends, each module is connected, interface to interface, to two neighboring modules thus forming a chain .

The messages exchanged between a given secondary module and the base module can therefore be conveyed from neighboring modules to neighboring modules. Thus, taking the example of the , a message transmitted between the secondary module 10 ₁ and the base module 20 is conveyed through the secondary modules 10 ₂ , 10 ₃ , 10 ₄ .

Thus, the messages received on a first interface of a secondary module can either be processed by the management means 11 of this module (if they concern an electrical outlet, or another manageable object, of this module), or retransmitted on the other interface of this same secondary module.

The connections between interfaces of successive modules in a chain thus form a data bus, in which, at each transmission (or “jump” or “ hop ” in English), the modules determine whether a message concerns a manageable object that they contain. In this way, all of the secondary modules are accessible, for the base module, directly (for neighbors) or indirectly (for remote modules, via a chain of secondary modules).

The base module can also have two interfaces, 22, 23, so that it can transmit data with secondary modules located on either side. As mentioned previously, the base module can preferably be located substantially in the middle of the PDU power distribution unit. Each interface of the base module 20 forms one end of a data bus associated with a “branch” of secondary modules. In other words, each interface of the base module provides access to a set of secondary modules corresponding to the associated branch.

Just like the secondary modules, the basic module 20 includes management means 21.

According to one embodiment, the management means 21 are composed of a printed circuit comprising at least one programmable microcontroller, a memory and circuits allowing the connection between the microcontroller, the memory and the interface(s) 22, 23.

The software program implemented by these management means includes functionalities different from those of the software program implemented on the management means 11 of the secondary modules. However, the same software program can be implemented, adapted to adapt its mode of operation to the type of module on which it is implemented.

The operations of the management modules 11, 21 of the secondary modules s10, respectively basic, 20, will be explained later, in particular for the allocation of addresses to the electrical outlets of the secondary modules.

The connection (or connection) between two interfaces of neighboring modules can be done by a layer of wires 30.

An embodiment of this tablecloth is illustrated in .

The tablecloth is made up of two connectors 32, 33, adapted to connect physically and electrically with two interfaces, respectively 12, 22, of modules neighboring each other.

This cable is suitable for transmitting invitation signals and messages between the modules of a PDU power distribution unit.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the layer 30 is also adapted to supply energy to the module management means. A particular module can provide a source of energy, and thus distribute it to the different means of managing the modules of the PDU. Typically, the base module has a current converter adapted to transform the current received from the power supply of the input module into a low voltage current, for example 12V making it possible to power the management means of the different modules through tablecloths 30.

According to one embodiment, the tablecloth 30 has a wire allowing the transmission of an invitation signal. This wire can be unidirectional.

According to one embodiment, the voltage levels on this wire make it possible to convey invitation information. For example, passing the voltage to a predetermined level (for example, a low level of 0 volts) forms such an invitation signal. The voltage can be maintained at this low level for a predetermined duration.

The tablecloth may also include a set of wires to transmit messages.

According to one embodiment, a single wire is provided for transmitting messages.

In particular, it can be planned that the transmission of messages is carried out in serial mode on this single bidirectional wire.

This transmission can follow a UART type protocol. The term UART corresponds to “ Universal A synchronous Receiver / T ransmitter ”, in English, and defines a protocol, or a set of rules, dedicated to the exchange of serial data between two devices. A UART component can therefore be provided to carry out the series/parallel transformation between the microcontrollers of the management means and the interfaces.

A protocol can be provided in particular to allow transmission of messages in a bidirectional manner and regulate its access. In particular, the base module always initiates communication, so the secondary module can only use the bidirectional wire in response to a request message. Thus, there can be no access collision.

The interfaces of the secondary and base modules are adapted to collaborate with such a tablecloth 30. In particular, according to one embodiment, an interface comprises a first connector for unidirectional wire for the transmission of the invitation signal, and a second connector for a set of bidirectional wires for transmitting messages. According to one embodiment, the set of bidirectional wires contains only one, and the second connector is adapted for this single wire (wire 4 on the ). These first and second connectors can be the subject of the same physical component.

According to one embodiment, the interfaces are designed to be reversible with respect to the connectors of the tablecloth, that is to say that the tablecloth can be connected in the various physically possible positions without causing damage. In particular, the power wires are adapted so that, whatever the connection position, they do not cause a short circuit.

1. +12V
2. Masse
3. Signal d’invitation
4. Messages de données en mode série
5. Masse
6. +12 V

According to a particular embodiment, the sheet 30 can comprise 6 wires, as illustrated in . For example :

1. +12V
2. Mass
3. Invitation signal
4. Serial Mode Data Messages
5. Mass
6. +12V

The redundancy of wires 1, 2 and 5, 6 makes it possible to meet the constraint of reversibility of the sheet in relation to the interfaces.

Thus, if we reverse the direction of connector 32 relative to interface 12, we notice that wire 1 will take the position of wire 6, but these two wires correspond to the +12V voltage. Likewise, wire 2 will take the place of wire 5, but these two wires correspond to ground. Consequently, this inversion, by the human user, will not cause damage to the modules and the energy distribution unit.

There illustrates other arrangements for an interface 12 of a module and for a connector 32 of the tablecloth 30.

The interface 12 includes 6 connection elements, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126. The connector 32 of the cable also includes 6 connection elements 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, corresponding, respectively, to wires 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 of the tablecloth. Connection elements 121 and 126 correspond to the +12V supply voltage, and elements 122 and 125 to ground.

By connecting the connector to the interface, wires 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 are connected to the connection elements 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126 respectively.

By reversing the connector 32 (or interface 12), the connection elements 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126 become respectively connected to the wires 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Consequently, the elements connection elements 121 and 126 remain connected to the +12V voltage while connection elements 122 and 125 remain connected to ground.

According to the invention, addresses are assigned to at least each socket of all the secondary modules of the PDU energy distribution unit. According to embodiments of the invention, addresses can also be assigned to other manageable objects, and to the input module. Manageable objects can be environmental sensors for example (thermometers, hydrometry sensors, etc.).

The invention therefore provides a method for assigning addresses to electrical outlets of an energy distribution unit.

This process can for example be implemented when powering up the energy distribution unit. It can also be planned to trigger it again by sending a specific command to the base unit (in order to reset the PDU following a problem for example, or new attachments).

There illustrates the progress of a method according to the invention on an example of a power distribution unit, PDU, composed of a base module and three secondary modules (secondary module 1, secondary module 2 and secondary module 3) . The order of modules shown corresponds to their physical arrangement in the PDU. Thus, the secondary module 1 is located on a first branch, connected to a first interface of the base module, and the secondary modules 2 and 3 are located on a second branch connected to a second interface of the base module.

In a first step, the base module transmits an invitation signal m ₁ on a first interface, chosen from all of its interfaces. The choice can be any.

When processing a first interface (through which secondary modules of a first branch are accessible), the base module will be able to process a second interface (through which secondary modules of a second branch are accessible), and so on in the case where more than two interfaces are available.

As mentioned previously, the invitation signal m ₁ can be a simple electrical signal on a wire of the sheet 30, for example a low voltage upgrade.

The management means of the secondary modules are adapted to continually monitor the occurrence of this invitation signal, for example by continuously monitoring the level of this wire of the tablecloth 30.

The detection of an invitation signal by a secondary module triggers the transmission of a request message for m ₂ addresses for each of the electrical outlets it contains.

The management means of a secondary module can determine the number of electrical outlets it has in different ways. For example, resistors placed on the printed circuit which can constitute the management means can make it possible to indicate the type of secondary module and, in particular, the number of sockets it has.

Also, as noted previously, other manageable objects in the secondary module may require an address.

Generally speaking, in response to the invitation signal, a secondary module requests an address for each manageable object it has, including electrical outlets. Thus, each manageable object will be individually addressable as long as its address is known.

The address request message m ₂ therefore includes an indication of the number of addresses required, in order to request one address per manageable object.

This message m ₂ is a data message transmitted by the data wire(s) of the layer 30. Different embodiments are possible for formatting this message. According to a particular embodiment, this message can be of the form:

FC Dest. PL1 PL2 CRC

The FC field (for “ Function Code ” in English) indicates a code of the function conveyed by the message. Its value can be a prefixed value to indicate that it is a query for addresses.

The “Dest” field can indicate the address of a recipient manageable object. This is the basic module. This field may not play a role in address assignment but may be important for managing manageable objects once addresses have been assigned.

These first two fields form the header of the message.

The “PL1” field (for “ Pay Load ” in English) constitutes a first part of the payload of the message and may contain an indicator of a type of secondary module, in particular if it is a socket module , an input module or other types that may still need to be defined.

The “PL 2” field constitutes a second part of the message payload and may contain an indicator of the number of addresses required. This number can be coded as 8 bis for example, allowing up to 256 manageable objects to be indicated. Typically, however, the number of sockets of a secondary module can be 2, 3, 8…

The “CRC” field (for “ Cyclic Redundancy Code ” in English) is an error correcting code, allowing you to check the correct transmission of the message.

In response to such an address request message m ₂ , the base module allocates as many unique addresses as indicated in the received request message.

These addresses can be determined by the base module according to the interface on which the address request message was received, and a rank of reception of the message, when several messages are received.

Once assigned, an address can be stored within a data structure of the base module.

So the base module can have a set of addresses and assign them in order.

According to one embodiment, these available addresses can be a simple counter, which makes it possible to assign addresses in order and continuously, that is to say that a continuum of addresses is assigned, in end of the allocation process, from address 1 to address N, where N is the total number of manageable objects within the power distribution unit, PDU.

For example, when it receives a first address request message, the base module assigns the first addresses of the available addresses (for example addresses 1, 2, 3, if 3 addresses are required). Then, when another address request message is received, from another secondary module, other available addresses are assigned (e.g. addresses 4, 5, if two addresses are required), and so on.

Thus, for a given branch (corresponding to an interface of the base module), the addresses are assigned in the order of the chain constituted by the secondary modules, the first addresses being assigned to the manageable objects of the secondary module neighboring the base module .

Once an address request message has been processed and the corresponding addresses assigned, these are transmitted by one or more address assignment messages m ₃ . According to one embodiment, a single address allocation message contains all the addresses.

Depending on the embodiment where the addresses are counters assigned in a continuous and ordered manner, it may be sufficient to transmit a limit of all the assigned addresses.

For example, if we assume that secondary module 1 requires 8 addresses, the address assignment message may contain the value 8. This value may mean that addresses 1 to 8 are assigned to it. Generally speaking, a secondary module requesting x addresses and receiving a value V can interpret this value as indicating that the addresses from V-x+1 to V are assigned to it as addresses.

A convention can be established to determine which socket of a secondary module corresponds to an assigned address.

According to one embodiment, the addresses are assigned to the sockets of a secondary module according to an order in the physical arrangement of these sockets. In particular, an order corresponding to a rank of physical distance from the base module can be used.

For example, the first assigned address is assigned to the socket closest to the base module (i.e. the interface on which the address assignment message was received), the second address is assigned to the immediately neighboring socket, and so on until the last assigned address which is assigned to the socket farthest from the base module.

The format of the m ₃ address allocation message must be of the same type as that of the m ₂ address request message.

In particular, this message m ₃ is a data message transmitted by the data wire(s) of the layer 30. Different embodiments are possible for formatting this message. According to a particular embodiment, this message can be of the form:

FC Dest. PL1 PL2 CRC

The FC field (for “ Function Code ” in English) indicates a code of the function conveyed by the message. Its value can be a prefixed value to indicate that it is a query for addresses. Indeed, the same value can be used to indicate that this address allocation message is a response (depending on the protocol) to the address request message.

The “Dest” field can indicate the address of a recipient manageable object. This is the basic module. This field may not play a role in address assignment but may be important for managing manageable objects once addresses have been assigned.

These first two fields form the header of the message.

The “PL1” field (for “ Pay Load ” in English) constitutes a first part of the payload of the message and can contain, for example, an identifier of the energy distribution unit. This field is optional.

The “PL 2” field constitutes a second part of the message payload and can contain a terminal value of the address counter. This number can be coded as 8 bis for example, allowing up to 256 manageable objects to be indicated.

The “CRC” field (for “ Cyclic Redundancy Code ” in English) is an error correcting code, allowing you to check the correct transmission of the message.

In response to this (or these) address allocation message, the secondary module stores the addresses in an internal data structure within the management means.

He can transmit a confirmation message (or “ acknowledgment message ” in English), m ₄ in order to indicate that he has received the addresses corresponding to his request.

The secondary module (that is to say its management means) can also trigger the transmission of an invitation signal on another interface, that is to say towards a neighboring module different from that of which it himself received the invitation signal.

In the example of the , the secondary module 1 does not have any neighbors other than the basic module and therefore cannot transmit this invitation signal.

Receipt of a confirmation message m ₄ by the base module can trigger a time counter. When a predetermined duration has elapsed after the reception of a last message on a given interface (therefore a confirmation message), it can be assumed that the entire branch corresponding to this interface has been processed.

The base module can then consider another interface and another branch. It then transmits an invitation signal m ₅ on this other interface. The secondary modules all have the same behavior, the same address allocation process will therefore be implemented for this other branch. When all interfaces have been processed in this way (there are usually only two), the address assignment process may break because all sockets and other manageable objects have been assigned a unique address.

In the example of the , the secondary module 1 being at the end of the branch, the basic module only receives a single confirmation message m ₄ on this interface. After the predetermined delay has expired, it therefore transmits an invitation signal m ₅ on its second interface.

This invitation signal is detected by secondary module 2, which is its neighbor on the branch corresponding to this second interface.

In response, the secondary module 2 transmits an address request message m ₆ containing a required number of addresses. We assume, in the example, that secondary module 2 has 3 electrical outlets. It therefore requires 3 unique addresses.

In response to this message m ₆ , the base module determines new addresses, stores them and transmits them in an address allocation message m ₇ .

For example, this message m ₇ can contain the value 11, meaning that addresses 9 to 11 are assigned to it (that is to say from V-x+1=9 to V=11, with x=3).

The secondary module memorizes these addresses, transmits a confirmation message m ₈ on the interface through which it received the allocation message, then transmits an invitation signal m ₉ on another interface (different from that on which it itself received an invitation signal)

This invitation signal m ₉ is detected by the next secondary module on the chain (ie secondary module 3).

In response, it transmits a request message in addresses m ₁₀ containing the number of addresses it requires (corresponding to the number of manageable objects it has). In this example, we assume that it has two electrical outlets and therefore requires two unique addresses. This message is transmitted on the same interface as that on which the invitation message was received.

The address request message m ₁₀ is received by the secondary module 2. The latter determines that it does not concern it. Indeed, the secondary module 2 having already received an address allocation message previously, it no longer expects to receive one and therefore considers that any new message of this type concerns another secondary module.

It then retransmits this message m ₁₀ on its other interface.

Once received by the base module, it then determines unique addresses in number corresponding to the value indicated by the address request message, i.e., in example 2.

These addresses can be the following addresses in the ordered set of available addresses. It stores them and transmits them in an address allocation message m ₁₁ .

For example, this message m ₁₁ can contain the value 13, meaning that addresses 12 to 13 are assigned to it (that is to say from V-x+1=11 to V=13, with x=2).

This message m ₁₁ passes from secondary module to secondary module like the previous message m ₁₀ . It finally reaches the recipient secondary module 3.

Indeed, the secondary modules having already received a secondary allocation message are in a state where they are only transmitting new messages of this type, as seen previously.

The secondary module 3 memorizes these addresses, transmits a confirmation message m ₁₂ on the interface through which it received the allocation message, then checks if it has a neighboring module on another interface (different from that on which it himself received an invitation signal). As this is not the case, it cannot transmit invitation signals.

After receiving the confirmation message m ₁₂ , the base module no longer receives any other messages. After a predetermined period, it can consider that the corresponding branch has been completely addressed. It can then consider a new interface, in the case where another exists, or (as is the case in the example illustrated by the ) interrupt the address assignment process.

At this point, the base module has memorized the entire address space:
addresses 1 to 8: secondary module 1 on the first interface
addresses 9 to 11: secondary module 2 on the second interface
addresses 12 and 13: secondary module 3 on the second interface.

If we take the example of the energy distribution unit of the , in which the circles represent manageable electrical outlets, and assuming that the base module 20 begins the addressing process on its left interface, we obtain the following address space:
Addresses 1, 2: module 10 ₄ on left interface
Addresses 3, 4: modules 10 ₃ on left interface
Address 5: module 10 ₂ on left interface
Address 6: module 10 ₁ on left interface
Addresses 7, 8: module 10 ₅ on right interface,
Addresses 9, 10: module 10 ₆ on right interface
Addresses 11, 12: module 10 ₇ on right interface
Address 13: input module 10 ₈ on right interface

The method therefore makes it possible to automate the assignment of unique addresses to all of the electrical outlets (or other manageable elements) of an energy distribution unit, without requiring prior configuration.

It is enough to connect a module to another module by means of a management layer, so that the invitation signals and address request, address allocation and confirmation messages can automatically be transmitted. to assign the correct number of addresses to this module.

Whatever the number of sockets and modules, it is thus possible to address them correctly

According to one embodiment, the mechanism for assigning an address based on a counter also ensures the uniqueness of the addresses and is simple to implement. Other embodiments are however possible.

The use of the invitation signal makes it possible to sequence address assignments module by module, in a structured and known order. Thus, all addresses assigned to the same module are necessarily contiguous. Likewise, two neighboring modules necessarily have neighboring addresses. This mechanism therefore makes it possible to greatly facilitate the management of the module addressing tables and the message routing mechanisms for the management of the PDU unit.

According to one embodiment, the base module includes a management interface allowing exchanges with external devices, by means of management messages. These management messages may include at least one socket address (or other manageable object), as previously assigned.

Thus, the addresses assigned by the invention can allow management devices to individually manage each of the sockets of the energy distribution unit.

In particular, it may be possible to receive messages containing measurements or other information from the sockets, and whose address allows them to be identified. In the other direction, an external device can control the sockets remotely, using their unique addresses, to turn them on, off, etc.

The management messages can comply with the different standards for remote management of network or electronic equipment. An example of such a standard is the SNMP (“ Simple Network Management Protocol”) protocol. Other mechanisms are possible such as a CLI (“ Command Line Interface ”) type interface, or the implementation of a server Web within the base module which can be accessed by external devices via the http protocol.

According to one embodiment, several energy distribution units can be connected to each other. A first unit is connected to a second, itself connected to a third and so on, in a “cascade”. Only the unit at the start of the chain can have a management interface which can thus allow the interfacing of all the interconnected units with external devices.

In such a situation, it may be desirable for the electrical outlets of all power distribution units to constitute a single address space for external devices.

Thus, an address can be determined by combining a locally unique address to a power distribution unit (e.g. a meter), and an identifier of the power distribution unit. This way of constructing the addresses makes it possible to address all sockets of a set of several PDUs, in a unique way.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the examples and the embodiment described and represented, but is defined by the claims. It is particularly susceptible to numerous variations accessible to those skilled in the art.

Claims (15)

Secondary module (10) for a power distribution unit (PDU), comprising

• a set of electrical sockets (14 ₁ , 14 ₂ , 14 ₃ ), connected to an internal connection socket (15) allowing energy to be supplied by an input module of said energy distribution unit
• at least one interface (12, 13) for transmitting data with another module in said power distribution unit,
• management means (11) for individually managing the electrical outlets of said set, by means of messages exchanged, via said at least one interface, with a base module of said energy distribution unit, identifying a specific electrical outlet of said set by a unique address,
• in which said management means are adapted to, in response to an invitation signal received on a first interface (12) among said at least one interface, transmit, on said first interface, an address request message indicating the number of electrical outlets of said assembly, and, to memorize said address(es), in response to one or more address assignment messages.

Secondary module according to the preceding claim, in which said management means are adapted to, after having received said one or more allocation messages, transmit a second invitation signal on a second interface (13) among said at least one interface, said second interface (13) being distinct from said first interface (12). Basic module (20) for a power distribution unit, comprising

• at least one interface (22, 23) for transmitting data with a secondary module in said power distribution unit,
• management means (21) adapted to transmit an invitation signal on a first interface (22) among said at least one interface, then to, in response to an address request message received on said first interface, allocate one or several unique addresses and transmit them on said first interface, in one or more address allocation messages.

Basic module according to the preceding claim, in which said management means are adapted to transmit a new invitation signal on a second interface (23) among said at least one interface, when a predetermined duration has elapsed after reception of a last message via said first interface (22). Basic module according to one of claims 3 or 4 comprising a management interface allowing exchanges of management messages with external devices, comprising at least one socket address. Secondary module according to one of claims 1 to 2 or basic module according to one of claims 3 to 5, in which the management means are composed of a printed circuit comprising a programmable microcontroller, a memory and circuits allowing the connection between said microcontroller, said memory and said at least one interface. Secondary module according to one of claims 1 to 2 or base module according to one of claims 3 to 5, in which said at least one interface comprises a connector for unidirectional wire for the transmission of said invitation signal, and a connector for a set of bidirectional wires for transmitting said messages. Secondary module according to one of claims 1 to 2 or base module according to one of claims 3 to 5, in which said invitation signal corresponds to a predetermined level of voltage on said unidirectional wire. Secondary module according to one of claims 1 to 2 or base module according to one of claims 3 to 6, in which said unique addresses are allocated by a counter of said base module, said address allocation messages contain a value of said counter, and said secondary module determines the unique addresses assigned to the sockets of said set as a function of said value and said number of sockets, in a predetermined order. Energy distribution unit comprising a base module according to one of claims 3 to 6 and at least one secondary module according to one of claims 1 or 2, said modules being connected via their at least one respective interface, so as to form a chain. Energy distribution unit according to the preceding claim further comprising an input module comprising an electrical power supply socket (16). Energy distribution unit according to one of claims 10 or 11, in which said at least one interface further comprises two pairs of connectors for powering said management means, the two pairs being arranged so that said interface is reversible, and the power supply being supplied by a current converter arranged in said base module. Method for assigning addresses to electrical outlets of an energy distribution unit, comprising a base module (20) comprising at least one interface through which at least one secondary module comprising a set of electrical sockets connected to an internal connection socket allowing a supply of energy by an input module of said energy distribution unit,
in which, for each of said at least one interface (22, 23), said base module transmits an invitation signal (m₁,m₅),
then, iteratively:

• said at least one secondary module transmits, upon receipt of said invitation signal, a request message for addresses (m ₂ , m ₆ , m ₁₀ ) to said base module, indicating the number of electrical outlets in said set;
• said base module assigns a unique address for each socket, and transmits it or them in one or more address allocation messages (m ₃ , m ₇ , m ₁₁ );
• said at least one secondary module memorizes the unique address(es), then transmits a second invitation signal (m ₉ ) to another secondary module among said at least one secondary module, if it exists.

Data processing center comprising at least one energy distribution unit according to one of claims 10 to 12. Data processing center according to the preceding claim, further comprising an external management device adapted to exchange with said energy distribution unit by means of management messages comprising at least one socket address.