JP2014160326A - Device with supply power source switching function, supply power source switching method, and supply power source switching program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device with a supply power source switching function capable of switching a supply power source before a power source unit goes down.SOLUTION: The device comprises: a management unit 20 which outputs a control command and collects failure information; a switching unit 40 which switches a supply power source of the management unit 20 by a command of the management unit 20; a supply power unit 60 which supplies power input from an external power source through the switching unit 40, to the management unit 20; a communication unit 50 which connects with a communication network capable of transmitting power and supplies power input from the communication network through the switching unit 40, to the management unit 20; and a monitoring unit 30 which monitors the supply power unit 60. When a sign of failure is monitored on the supply power unit 60 by the monitoring unit 30, the management unit 20 outputs a command for switching a power source to be used from the supply power unit 60 to the communication unit 50, to the switching unit 40 and collects failure information on the supply power unit 60 from the monitoring unit 30.

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus with a power supply switching function, a power supply switching method, and a power supply switching program.

  A management controller provided in a server device serving as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) has a function of managing the server device body. The management controller is generally supplied with power from the power supply unit of the server apparatus body.

  If an abnormality occurs in the power supply unit of the server apparatus body, the power supply to the management controller is also cut off. At this time, the administrator of the server apparatus cannot monitor the power supply because the management controller is stopped, and cannot obtain any information related to the failure of the power supply.

  As one of countermeasures, there is a method of preparing an AC (Alternating Current) adapter and providing a power supply source to a management controller different from the power supply unit.

  However, in the case of the above measures, it is required to prepare a power outlet for the AC adapter separately from the server device. In addition, since it is required to consider the temperature rise of the AC adapter when used for a long time, extra management work is generated for the administrator of the server apparatus.

  Patent Document 1 describes a method of automatically switching the power input destination to a PoE (Power over Ethernet (registered trademark)) power source when the input of power from the AC power source is cut off.

  PoE is a technology for supplying power through a category 5 or higher UTP (Untwisted Twist Pair) cable (twisted pair) used in Ethernet (registered trademark) wiring.

  In the method described in Patent Document 1, since the management controller can report power failure and provide failure information even when the power supply unit fails without using the AC adapter, the above-described extra management work related to the AC adapter does not occur.

JP 2011-182016 A

  However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, since the power supply method is switched after a power failure, the server device administrator cannot use a management controller that is not powered while the power supply method is switched.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a device with a power supply switching function, a power supply switching method, and a power supply switching program capable of switching the power supply source before a power supply unit fails.

  An apparatus with a power supply switching function according to the present invention includes a management unit that outputs a control command and collects failure information, a switching unit that switches a power supply source of the management unit according to a command of the management unit, and an input from an external power source via the switching unit A power supply unit that supplies the power to the management unit, a communication unit that connects to a communication network capable of transmitting power and supplies power input from the communication network via the switching unit, and a monitoring unit that monitors the power supply unit The management unit outputs a command for switching the power source to be used from the power supply unit to the communication unit to the switching unit when the monitoring unit monitors the power supply unit for signs of failure. It is characterized by collecting.

  The power supply switching method according to the present invention includes a management unit that outputs a control command and collects failure information, a power supply unit that supplies power input from an external power source to the management unit, and a communication network that can transmit power. A power supply switching method executed in a device including a communication unit that supplies input power to a management unit, which is used by the management unit when the power supply unit is monitored and a sign of failure is monitored by the power supply unit The power source to be switched is switched from the power supply unit to the communication unit, and failure information of the power supply unit is collected.

  A power supply switching program according to the present invention includes a management unit that outputs a control command and collects failure information, a power supply unit that supplies power input from an external power source to the management unit, and a communication network that can transmit power. A power supply switching program executed in a computer including a communication unit that supplies input power to the management unit, when the computer monitors the power supply unit, and when the power supply unit is monitored for signs of failure A switching process for switching the power source used by the management unit from the power supply unit to the communication unit and a collection process for collecting failure information of the power supply unit are executed.

  According to the present invention, the power supply source can be switched before the power supply unit fails.

It is a system configuration figure showing an example of composition of an embodiment of a device with a supply power supply switching function by the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a server device 100. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a server device 100. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of switching processing of the server device 100. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of an apparatus with a power supply switching function.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of an apparatus with a power supply switching function according to the present invention.

  FIG. 1 shows an example in which a server apparatus 100 having a power supply switching function is connected to a network device 200 and an external power supply 300, respectively.

  The server apparatus 100 has a function of switching between the external power supply 300 and the network device 200 that can supply power as a power supply source of the server apparatus 100 itself.

  Further, when the server apparatus 100 detects a failure sign in the power supply unit of the server apparatus 100 that inputs power from the external power supply 300, the server apparatus 100 switches the power supply source from the external power supply 300 to the network device 200. As described above, the server apparatus 100 can switch to the power supply method via the communication network before the power cut due to the power supply unit failure occurs.

  The network device 200 has a function of inputting power via a communication network. The network device 200 supplies the input power to the server device 100. The network device 200 inputs power using, for example, PoE.

  The external power supply 300 has a function of supplying power to the server device 100. The external power source 300 is a commercial power source, a UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply), or the like.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the server apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the server device 100. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of the server apparatus 100.

  2 and 3, the solid line in the server apparatus 100 indicates a power line that is a power path, and the dotted line in the server apparatus 100 indicates a path for control signals other than power. Further, a double line connecting the remote management port 130 and the management controller 110 means a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The server apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 2 includes a management controller 110, a management controller peripheral circuit regulator 120, a remote management port 130, a power monitoring sensor 140, a switch 150, a server apparatus power supply unit 160, a motherboard voltage. And a regulator module 170.

  The management controller 110 has a function of controlling the power monitoring sensor 140 and the switch 150. In addition, the management controller 110 acquires information on each unit related to a failure or the like.

  The server device power supply unit 160 has a function of supplying power input from the external power supply 300 to each unit of the server device 100. When the external power supply 300 is an AC power supply, the server device power supply unit 160 may convert the power into a direct current and supply power to each unit.

  When the power supply can be normally performed, the server power supply unit 160 has a function of supplying power to the management controller 110 and the power monitoring sensor 140. The server device power supply unit 160 supplies power via the switch 150 and the management controller peripheral circuit regulator 120.

  The motherboard voltage regulator module 170 is a device embedded on the motherboard, and has a function of regulating the voltage to the processor. The motherboard voltage regulator module 170 may be a device installed on the motherboard.

  The power line extending upward from the motherboard voltage regulator module 170 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 has a function of providing power with regulated voltage. The voltage value of the power to be provided is 3.3V (volt), 5V, or 12V.

  The management controller 110 is normally supplied with power from the server device power supply unit 160 via the management controller peripheral circuit regulator 120. That is, since the power is not supplied if the server device power supply unit 160 fails, the management controller 110 cannot operate.

  In addition, when the motherboard voltage regulator module 170 fails, the management controller 110 cannot operate normally because normal power with regulated voltage is not provided.

  As a result, the administrator of the server apparatus 100 cannot obtain failure information regarding the server apparatus power supply unit 160 and the motherboard voltage regulator module 170 obtained from the management controller 110.

  In preparation for such a situation, the management controller 110 has a function of monitoring the states of the server device power supply unit 160 and the motherboard voltage regulator module 170 via the power supply monitoring sensor 140.

  The management controller 110 also has a function of controlling the switch 150 based on the state of the server device power supply unit 160 and the motherboard voltage regulator module 170.

  When a failure sign of the server device power supply unit 160 or the motherboard voltage regulator module 170 is detected, the management controller 110 switches the power supply method to the power supply method via the communication network before the power failure due to the failure occurs. Command to.

  As a result, even when the server device power supply unit 160 or the motherboard voltage regulator module 170 fails, the management controller 110 can continuously notify the server device administrator of power failure and provide failure information.

  The management controller peripheral circuit regulator 120 has a function of controlling the voltage and current output to the peripheral circuit of the management controller 110 so as to always maintain predetermined values. The power supplied from the switch 150 to the management controller 110 and the power supply monitoring sensor 140 passes through the management controller peripheral circuit regulator 120.

  The remote management port 130 is an interface for inputting / outputting data to / from the network device 200. The remote management port 130 outputs the power input from the network device 200 to the management controller peripheral circuit regulator 120 via the switch 150. The management controller 110 is connected to the remote management port 130 and the network device 200 via the LAN shown in FIGS.

  The power monitoring sensor 140 has a function of acquiring a signal indicating a sign of failure of the server device power supply unit 160 and the motherboard voltage regulator module 170 and outputting the signal to the management controller 110. For example, the power monitoring sensor 140 monitors a temperature abnormality of the power supply.

  The switch 150 has a function of switching the power supply source to the management controller 110 and the power monitoring sensor 140 based on an instruction from the management controller 110.

  For example, when the server device power supply unit 160 is in a state where power can be normally supplied, the management controller 110 instructs the switch 150 to connect the terminal 1 and the terminal 3 of the switch 150 as shown in FIG.

  As a result, the server device power supply unit 160 can supply power to the management controller 110 and the power supply monitoring sensor 140 via the switch 150 and the management controller peripheral circuit regulator 120.

  Further, for example, when a failure sign is detected from the server unit power supply unit 160 or the motherboard voltage regulator module 170, the management controller 110 connects the terminals 2 and 3 of the switch 150 as shown in FIG. The switch 150 is instructed.

  As a result, the remote management port 130 can supply power to the management controller 110 and the power monitoring sensor 140 via the switch 150 and the management controller peripheral circuit regulator 120.

  The management controller 110, the management controller peripheral circuit regulator 120, the power supply monitoring sensor 140, the switch 150, and the server device power supply unit 160 in the present embodiment are realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that operates according to a program. The

  The remote management port 130 is realized by, for example, a CPU that operates according to a program and a communication control device such as a network card.

  The operation of the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the switching process of the server device 100.

  The management controller 110 periodically monitors the server unit power supply unit 160 and the motherboard voltage regulator module 170 via the power monitoring sensor 140 (step S101).

  As a result of the monitoring, the management controller 110 checks whether or not there is a sign of failure in the server device power supply unit 160 and the motherboard voltage regulator module 170 (step S102).

  When a sign of failure is detected in the server unit power supply unit 160 or the motherboard voltage regulator module 170 (Yes in step S102), the management controller 110 outputs a command for switching the power supply method to the power supply method via the communication network to the switch 150. (Step S103).

  The switch 150 having input the command connects the terminal 2 and the terminal 3 (step S105). By connecting the terminal 2 and the terminal 3, the remote management port 130 allows the power input from the network device 200 that can supply power to the management controller 110 via the switch 150 and the regulator 120 for peripheral circuits of the management controller. And can be supplied to the power monitoring sensor 140.

  By outputting a switching command to the switch 150, the management controller 110 prepares for a failure of the server device power supply unit 160 or the motherboard voltage regulator module 170. As a result, even if the server device power supply unit 160 or the motherboard voltage regulator module 170 breaks down, the management controller 110 can continuously report power failure and provide failure information.

  When no sign of failure is detected from server device power supply unit 160 and motherboard voltage regulator module 170 (No in step S102), management controller 110 switches the power supply method to switch 150 to the power supply method by server device power supply unit 160. A command to switch is output (step S104).

  The switch 150 having input the command connects the terminal 1 and the terminal 3 (step S106). By connecting the terminal 1 and the terminal 3, the power supply unit 160 for server apparatus transmits the power input from the external power supply 300 to the management controller 110 and the power supply via the switch 150 and the management controller peripheral circuit regulator 120. Supplied to the monitoring sensor 140.

  When the apparatus with the power supply switching function according to the present embodiment is used, it is possible to continuously report power failure and provide failure information even when the power supply unit fails. The reason is that the management controller monitors the power supply unit failure sign, so that the power supply method to the management controller can be switched before the power supply unit fails and power is not supplied to the management controller.

  When the apparatus with the supply power switching function according to this embodiment is used, a power outlet for the AC adapter is not necessary. This is because a power feeding method via a communication network is used in addition to a power feeding method using a power supply unit. Further, since the AC adapter is not used, there is no need to consider the temperature rise of the AC adapter that occurs due to long-term use.

  Next, the outline of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an outline of the apparatus with a power supply switching function. The apparatus 10 with a power supply switching function according to the present invention includes a management unit 20 (for example, a management controller 110) that outputs a control command and collects failure information, and a switching unit that switches a power supply source of the management unit 20 according to a command from the management unit 20 40 (for example, the switch 150), a power supply unit 60 (for example, the server unit power supply unit 160) that supplies the power input from the external power source via the switching unit 40 to the management unit 20, and a communication network capable of transmitting power The communication unit 50 (for example, the remote management port 130) that supplies power input from the communication network via the switching unit 40 to the management unit 20, and the monitoring unit 30 (for example, the power monitoring sensor 140) that monitors the power supply unit 60. The management unit 20 supplies power to the power supply unit 6 when the monitoring unit 30 monitors the power supply unit 60 for signs of failure. And outputs to the switching portion 40 an instruction to switch to the communication unit 50 from, characterized in that collecting the failure information of the power supply unit 60 from the monitoring unit 30.

  With such a configuration, when using a device with a power supply switching function, a user who uses the device can switch the power supply source before the power supply unit fails.

  The apparatus 10 with a power supply switching function includes a voltage control unit that controls the voltage of the power supplied to the management unit 20, the monitoring unit 30 monitors the voltage control unit, and the management unit 20 detects the voltage by the monitoring unit 30. Even when the controller is monitored for signs of failure, a command to switch the power supply to be used from the power supply unit 60 to the communication unit 50 is output to the switching unit 40 and the failure information of the voltage control unit is collected from the monitoring unit 30 Good.

  With such a configuration, when using a device with a power supply switching function, a user who uses the device can avoid supplying power whose voltage value is not controlled to the management unit 20.

  The management unit 20 instructs the switching unit 40 to switch the power source to be used from the communication unit 50 to the power supply unit 60 when the monitoring unit 30 monitors the warning of failure and when the warning of failure is not monitored. It may be output.

  With such a configuration, when using the apparatus with the supply power switching function, the user who uses the power supply unit can use the power supply unit as a power supply source as usual after the failed power supply unit is repaired.

  The monitoring unit 30 may have the same power supply source as that of the management unit 20.

  With such a configuration, when using a device with a power supply switching function, a user who uses the device can avoid a situation in which only the monitoring unit 30 is not operated due to power failure.

  Further, the solid line shown in FIG. 5 indicates a power supply line that is a power path, and the dotted line indicates a path for control signals other than power.

1 to 3 Terminal 10 Device with power supply switching function 20 Management unit 30 Monitoring unit 40 Switching unit 50 Communication unit 60 Power feeding unit 100 Server device 110 Management controller 120 Management controller peripheral circuit regulator 130 Remote management port 140 Power monitoring sensor 150 Switch 160 Power supply unit for server device 170 Motherboard voltage regulator module 200 Network device 300 External power supply

Claims (10)

A management unit that outputs control instructions and collects failure information;
A switching unit that switches a power supply source of the management unit according to an instruction of the management unit;
A power feeding unit that supplies power input from an external power source to the management unit via the switching unit;
A communication unit that connects to a communication network capable of transmitting power and supplies power input from the communication network via the switching unit to the management unit;
A monitoring unit for monitoring the power feeding unit,
The management unit
When the monitoring unit monitors the power supply unit for signs of failure, it outputs a command for switching the power supply to be used from the power supply unit to the communication unit to the switching unit. A device with a power supply switching function, characterized by collecting data. The apparatus with a power supply switching function includes a voltage control unit that controls the voltage of power supplied to the management unit,
The monitoring unit monitors the voltage control unit,
The management unit outputs a command to switch the power supply to be used from the power feeding unit to the communication unit when the monitoring unit monitors the voltage control unit for a sign of a failure. The apparatus with a power supply switching function according to claim 1, wherein failure information of the voltage control unit is collected. The management unit outputs, to the switching unit, a command for switching the power source to be used from the communication unit to the power feeding unit when the failure sign is no longer monitored while the monitoring unit is monitoring the failure sign. The apparatus with a power supply switching function according to claim 1 or 2. The monitoring unit has the same power source as the management unit
The apparatus with a power supply switching function according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A management unit that outputs a control command and collects failure information; a power supply unit that supplies power input from an external power source to the management unit; and a power that is connected to a communication network capable of transmitting power and input from the communication network A power supply switching method executed in an apparatus including a communication unit that supplies power to
Monitoring the power supply,
When a sign of failure is monitored by the power supply unit, the power used by the management unit is switched from the power supply unit to the communication unit,
Collecting failure information of the power feeding unit. A method for switching a power supply. The apparatus includes a voltage control unit that controls the voltage of power supplied to the management unit,
Monitoring the voltage controller;
When a sign of failure is monitored by the voltage control unit, the power used by the management unit is switched from the power supply unit to the communication unit,
The power supply switching method according to claim 5, wherein failure information of the voltage control unit is collected. 7. The power supply switching method according to claim 5, wherein the power used by the management unit is switched from the communication unit to the power supply unit when the failure sign is no longer monitored while the failure sign is being monitored. . A management unit that outputs a control command and collects failure information; a power supply unit that supplies power input from an external power source to the management unit; and a power that is connected to the communication network capable of transmitting power and input from the communication network A power supply switching program executed in a computer comprising a communication unit for supplying to
In the computer,
A monitoring process for monitoring the power supply unit;
When a sign of failure is monitored by the power supply unit, a switching process for switching the power supply used by the management unit from the power supply unit to the communication unit and a collection process for collecting failure information of the power supply unit are executed. A power supply switching program characterized by this. The computer includes a voltage control unit that controls a voltage of power supplied to the management unit,
In the computer,
A monitoring process for monitoring the voltage control unit;
When a sign of failure is monitored by the voltage control unit, a switching process for switching the power supply used by the management unit from the power supply unit to the communication unit, and a collection process for collecting failure information of the voltage control unit are executed. The supply power switching program according to claim 8. On the computer,
The switching process for switching the power source used by the management unit from the communication unit to the power feeding unit when the failure sign is no longer monitored in a state where the failure sign is being monitored. Supply power switching program.

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