WO2023144479A1

WO2023144479A1 - Address assignment for a modular power distribution unit

Info

Publication number: WO2023144479A1
Application number: PCT/FR2023/050027
Authority: WO
Inventors: Franck Delpino
Original assignee: Legrand France; Legrand Snc
Priority date: 2022-01-31
Filing date: 2023-01-10
Publication date: 2023-08-03
Also published as: CN117461236A; FR3132366A1; FR3132366B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a secondary module (10) for a PDU, comprising: - a set of electrical sockets (141, 142, 143) connected to an internal connection socket (15) for the supply of electrical power; - at least one interface (12, 13) for transmitting data with another module in the PDU; - management means (11) for individually managing the electrical sockets by means of messages exchanged with a base module of the PDU that identify a given electrical socket by a unique address; - wherein, in response to an invitation signal received from a first interface (12), the management means are adapted to transmit an address request message over the first interface specifying the number of electrical sockets, and to store the one or more addresses in response to a plurality of address assignment messages.

Description

Address assignment for modular power distribution unit

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

[0003] It applies in particular to smart power distribution units, PDUs.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A power distribution unit or power distribution unit - also known by the English name of "power distribution unit" (PDU) or "main distribution unit" (MDU) - is a device equipped with several outputs allowing the distribution of electricity to several equipment from a single main power supply. Schematically, therefore, such equipment has an input power socket and a set of electrical outlets to which different equipment can be connected to be powered.

[0006] These power distribution units have many applications, both in the industrial field and in that of personal use, in particular in home automation.

[0007] 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 which compose it.

This management generates communication between an external device and the power distribution unit. In order to be able to individually manage each outlet of this unit, the external device must be able to identify them by means of an identifier or an address. [0009] At the same time, a need for modular energy distribution units has appeared in order to be able to quickly and easily produce units corresponding to specific needs. Depending on the desired specifications, in particular in terms of the number of electrical outlets, it is then possible to aggregate modules into appropriate numbers and types.

[0010] A difficulty then arises in reconciling the design flexibility of modular power distribution units with the need to be able to manage, remotely, each of the sockets, or other elements. It is indeed then necessary to assign addresses to each socket, knowing that this number is not predetermined for a given power distribution unit.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An object 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 for this solution to be simple to use and deploy.

[0013] Also, the invention allows the number of sockets of a power distribution unit to be changed without requiring complex reconfiguration operations to assign or delete socket addresses.

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

- a set of electrical sockets, connected to an internal connection socket allowing power to be supplied by an input module of said power 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 power distribution unit, identifying an electrical outlet of said set determined by a single address, - in which said management means are suitable for, in response to an invitation signal received from a first interface among said at least one interface, transmitting, on said first interface, an address request message indicating the number of sockets electrical said assembly, and, to store said address or addresses, in response to one or more address allocation messages.

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 separate 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 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 voltage level on said unidirectional wire;

- said unique addresses are assigned by a counter of said base module, said address assignment messages contain a value of said counter, and said secondary module determines the unique addresses assigned to the sockets of said set according to said value and said number of taken, in a predetermined order.

According to another aspect, the present invention can also be implemented by a base module for a power distribution unit, comprising - at least one interface for transmitting data with a secondary module in said power distribution unit,

- management means suitable for transmitting an invitation signal on a first interface among said at least one interface, then for, in response to an address request message received on said first interface, assigning one or more unique addresses and or transmit them on said first interface, in one or more address assignment messages.

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 suitable for transmitting a new invitation signal on a second interface among said at least one interface, when a predetermined period has elapsed after the reception of a last message via said first interface;

- the basic module comprises a management interface allowing exchanges of management messages with external devices, comprising at least one socket address;

- 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 addresses assigned to the sockets of said set according to said value and said number of sockets, in a predetermined order.

According to another aspect, the present invention can also be implemented by a power 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.

According to preferred embodiments, this power 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 assignment messages contain a value of said counter, and said secondary module determines the unique addresses assigned to the sockets of said set according to said value and said number of taken, in a predetermined order;

- the power distribution unit further comprises an input module comprising an electrical supply socket;

- said at least one interface further comprises two pairs of connectors for supplying said management means, the two pairs being arranged so that said interface is reversible, and the supply being supplied by a current converter arranged in said module basic.

According to another aspect, the present invention can also be implemented by a method for assigning addresses to electrical outlets of a power distribution unit, comprising a base module comprising at least one interface through which at least one secondary module is accessible comprising a set of electrical sockets connected to an internal connection socket allowing power to be supplied by an input module of said power distribution unit, wherein, for each of said at least one interface, said base module transmits an invite 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 of 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 or addresses, then transmits a second invitation signal to another secondary module from among said at least one secondary module, if there is one.

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

According to preferred embodiments, this data processing center further comprises an external management device suitable for exchanging with said power 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 accompanying drawings.

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention:

FIG. 1 schematizes a power distribution unit according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 schematically represents an example of a secondary module and a base module, within a power distribution unit, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 illustrates an example of a bus for connecting two interfaces of secondary and/or base modules, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 illustrates an example of interface and connector, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 schematizes the data exchanges between a base module and several secondary modules, within a power distribution unit, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0027] 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, a power distribution unit comprising a desired total number of sockets by incorporating the right number of modules within the power distribution unit.

FIG. 1 diagrams a PDU power distribution unit according to one embodiment of the invention. This is made up of a basic module (or master) 20 and several secondary modules (or “slaves”) 10i, IO2, IO3... 1Û8. The number of secondary modules is arbitrary and can, in an extreme case, be reduced to one.

The power distribution unit also includes an electrical power outlet 16. According to one embodiment, this power outlet 16 belongs to a particular secondary module 10s, called "input module".

[0030] Some or all of the secondary modules have electrical output sockets. The power distribution unit PDU also comprises means for distributing the electric current from the power socket 16 of the input module to each of the electrical sockets of the secondary modules.

[0031] 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. power distribution unit modules. 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 make it possible to supply each of the servers, or other network equipment, of a rack, for example.

[0033] Other applications are of course possible. In an industrial or professional environment, such a device can be used to supply a large number of collocated equipment. But a similar need may also appear in personal residences, in particular due to the strong growth of digital equipment and home automation.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the secondary modules can be of different types.

The type of secondary module can in particular be characterized by a number of electrical outlets (output), illustrated in the figure by simple circles. It is thus possible to provide secondary modules with 2, 3, 5, 8, etc. electrical outlets.

In the example shown, the 10s input module does not have an output electrical socket.

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

[0037] 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.

[0038] A C19 socket is suitable for high-power equipment in computer data centers, such as computer server chassis (for example the Poweredge M 1000e enclosure from Dell11 or the C7000 enclosures from HP) in replacement of a C13 socket when the power required is too high for this type of socket. It supports currents of up to 15 to 20 amps for voltages between 100 and 240 V. [0039]Other types of sockets are of course possible, in particular depending on the uses and countries, without loss of generality.

[0040] According to one embodiment, certain secondary modules may be of a type suitable for performing functions other than power distribution. For example, a type of secondary module can embed environmental sensors (temperature, humidity level, etc.).

[0041] Typically, the PDU power distribution unit forms a unidirectional chain of modules, that is to say that 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 "branch", each of the two subsets of modules located on either side of the base module. In Figure 1, there is therefore a "left" branch composed of secondary modules 10i, IO2, 103, 4, and a "right" branch composed of secondary modules IO5, 10e, 107, 10s.

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

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 catch;

- 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 various modules of the power distribution unit. Some messages are intended to transmit data from the modules (measurements, etc.) to this external device, while other messages are intended to transmit data (commands, requests, etc.) to the secondary modules.

According to one embodiment, the base module acts as an interface between the external management device and the various 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 10i, IO2...8, as long as you want to be able to monitor 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 that arrives to it originates, and, conversely, can transmit a data message to act on a given socket.

According to the invention, the basic module has the role of dynamically allocating addresses to the managed objects (in particular to the electrical outlets) of the secondary modules making up the power distribution unit.

According to various aspects, the invention relates to a base module and a secondary module suitable for collaborating within a power distribution unit, as well as this power distribution unit comprising a set of such modules.

FIG. 2 schematically represents an example of a secondary module 10 and a base (or main, or "master") module 20, within a power distribution unit PDU, according to a mode of realization of the invention.

[0053] Only one secondary module 10 is shown in Figure 2 for the clarity of the figure, but, in practice, the PDU power distribution unit may include a plurality of such secondary modules.

[0054] According to embodiments, the modules can comprise a box making it possible to house the various elements that make it up. This box can be a rigid structure, typically made of plastic and/or metal, and include orifices in order to allow connection with the sockets and interfaces. The secondary module 10 includes a set of electrical outlets 14i, 142, 14s. The number of these sockets can vary according to the secondary modules as described above. In some cases, the set of electrical outlets can be reduced to a single outlet. Likewise, the sockets can be of different types.

The electrical outlets are connected to an internal connection socket 15 allowing power to be supplied by an input module contained in the power 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 “output” electrics, 14i, 142, 14s-

[0057] Each electrical outlet can be powered through a relay. This relay can be controlled, or piloted, 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 PDU power distribution unit. These messages identify a determined electrical outlet 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 .

[0061] Advantageously, the same software program can be implemented on all 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 of data, between the management means and these interfaces and thus enable them to communicate with the modules neighbors and, through them, with the remote modules.

In Figure 2, the interface 12 is connected to an interface 22 of the base module 20. The management means 11 can therefore transmit data with the management means 21 of the base module 20.

The secondary module 10 may also include a second interface 13, allowing data to be transmitted 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 separate 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, from 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 Figure 1, a message transmitted between the secondary module 10i and the base module 20 is conveyed through the secondary modules IO2, 103, 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 of 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, the set of secondary modules is 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 as to be able to transmit data with secondary modules located on either side. As mentioned above, 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.

[0070] Like the secondary modules, the base 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 base, 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 made by a layer of wires 30.

[0075] An embodiment of this sheet is illustrated in Figure 3.

The sheet consists of two connectors 32, 33, adapted to connect physically and electrically with two interfaces, respectively 12, 22, of neighboring modules between them.

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 sheet 30 is also suitable for supplying energy to the module management means. A particular module can supply a source of energy, and thus distribute it to the various means of managing the modules of the PDU. Typically, the base module has a current converter suitable for transforming the current received from the power supply of the input module into a low voltage current, for example 12V, making it possible to supply the management means of the various modules through tablecloths 30.

According to one embodiment, the sheet 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, the passage of the voltage to a predetermined level (for example, a low level at 0 volts) forms such an invitation signal. The voltage can be maintained at this low level for a predetermined period.

[0081] The web can also comprise a set of threads for transmitting messages.

According to one embodiment, a single wire is provided for the transmission of messages.

[0083] In particular, provision may be made for the transmission of messages to be carried out in serial mode on this single bidirectional wire. This transmission can follow a UART type protocol. The term UART stands for “Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter”, 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 perform the serial/parallel transformations between the microcontrollers of the management means and the interfaces.

[0085] A protocol may be provided in particular to allow transmission of messages in a bidirectional manner and to regulate its access. In particular, the base module always initiates communication, so the secondary module can only use the two-way wire in response to a request message. Thus, there can be no access collision.

[0086] The interfaces of the secondary and base modules are adapted to collaborate with such a sheet 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 two-way wires for the transmission of 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 in FIG. 3). These first and second connectors can be the subject of the same physical component.

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

[0088] According to a particular embodiment, the sheet 30 may comprise 6 threads, as illustrated in FIG. 3. For example:

1 +12V

2 Mass

3 Invitation signal

4 Data messages in serial mode 5 Mass

6 +12V

[0089] The redundancy of the wires 1, 2 and 5, 6 makes it possible to respond to the constraint of reversibility of the sheet with respect to the interfaces.

Thus, if the direction of connector 32 is reversed with respect to interface 12, it is noted that wire 1 will take the position of wire 6, but these two wires correspond to the voltage +12V. Similarly, wire 2 will take the place of wire 5, but these two wires correspond to ground. Therefore, this inversion, by the human user, will not cause damage to the modules and the power distribution unit.

[0091] Figure 4 illustrates other arrangements for an interface 12 of a module and for a connector 32 of the sheet 30.

[0092] The interface 12 comprises 6 connection elements, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126. The connector 32 of the sheet also comprises 6 connection elements 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, corresponding , respectively, to the son 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 of the sheet. Connection elements 121 and 126 correspond to the +12V supply voltage, and elements 122 and 125 to ground.

[0093] By connecting the connector to the interface, the wires 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 are connected to the connection elements 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126 respectively.

[0094] By reversing the connector 32 (or the interface 12), the connection elements 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126 become respectively connected to the wires 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Consequently , connection elements 121 and 126 remain connected to the voltage +12V while connection elements 122 and 125 remain connected to ground.

According to the invention, addresses are assigned to at least each outlet of all the secondary modules of the PDU power distribution unit. According to embodiments of the invention, addresses can also be assigned to other manageable objects, and to the input module. The 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 a power distribution unit.

[0097] This method can for example be implemented when the power distribution unit is powered up. It can also be planned to trigger it again by sending a specific command to the base unit (in order to reset the PDU unit following a problem for example, or new attachments).

FIG. 5 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 the 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 r on a first interface, chosen from among all of its interfaces. The choice can be any.

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

As mentioned above, the invitation signal r can be a simple electrical signal on a wire of the sheet 30, for example a low voltage leveling.

[0102] The means for managing the secondary modules are adapted to continuously monitor the occurrence of this invitation signal, for example by continuously monitoring the level of this thread of the web 30. The detection of an invitation signal by a secondary module triggers the transmission of a request message in m2 addresses for each of the electrical outlets that it comprises.

[0104] 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 that 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.

[0105] Also, as indicated above, other manageable objects of the secondary module may require an address.

[0106] In general, in response to the invitation signal, a secondary module requires an address per manageable object that it has, including electrical outlets. Thus, each manageable object will be addressable individually as soon as we know its address.

The address request message m2 therefore includes an indication of the number of addresses required, in order to request one address per manageable object.

This message m2 is a data message transmitted by the data wire(s) of the sheet 30. Different embodiments are possible for formatting this message. According to a particular embodiment, this message can be of the form:

[0109] [Tables 1]

0110] The field FC (for "Function Code" in English) indicates a code of the function conveyed by the message. Its value can be a value prefixed to indicate that it is a request for addresses.

The "Dest" field can indicate the address of a recipient manageable object. Here, it is the basic module. This field may not play a role in address assignment but may be important for managing manageable objects, once addresses are 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 an indicator of a type of secondary module, in particular if it is a socket module, an input module or even other types that may still need to be defined.

The "PL 2" field constitutes a second part of the payload of the message and can contain an indicator of the number of addresses required. This number can be coded on 8 bis for example, allowing to indicate up to 256 manageable objects. Typically, however, the number of outlets of a secondary module can be 2, 3, 8...

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

In response to such an address request message m2, the base module assigns as many unique addresses as indicated in the request message received.

These addresses can be determined by the basic 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 base module data structure.

Thus, 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 allocate addresses in order and continuously, that is to say that a continuum of addresses is assigned, at the end of the assignment 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 allocates 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 (eg 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 formed by the secondary modules, the first addresses being assigned to the manageable objects of the neighboring secondary module of the basic module.

Once an address request message has been processed and the corresponding addresses assigned, these are transmitted by one or more address assignment messages m3. According to one embodiment, a single address allocation message contains all of the addresses.

According to the embodiment where the addresses are counters allocated in a continuous and orderly fashion, it may suffice to transmit a limit of the set of allocated addresses.

For example, if it is assumed 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. In general, 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 in order to determine to which socket of a secondary module an assigned address corresponds.

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 (that is to say 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 furthest from the base module. The format of the address allocation message m3 must be of the same type as that of the address request message m2.

In particular, this message m3 is a data message transmitted by the data wire(s) of the sheet 30. Different embodiments are possible for formatting this message. According to a particular embodiment, this message can be of the form:

[0131] [Tables 2]

0132] The field FC (for "Function Code" in English) indicates a code of the function conveyed by the message. Its value can be a value prefixed to indicate that it is a request for addresses. Indeed, the same value can be used to indicate that this address allocation message is a response (according to the protocol) to the address request message.

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 payload of the message and can contain a limit value of the address counter. This number can be coded on 8 bis for example, allowing to indicate up to 256 manageable objects.

The “CRC” field (for “Cyclic Redundancy Code” in English) is an error correcting code, making it possible 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 send a confirmation message (or “acknowledgment message”), rru, in order to indicate that he has indeed 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 to a neighboring module different from the one from which he himself received the signal of invitation.

In the example of Figure 5, the secondary module 1 has no neighbors other than the base module and therefore cannot transmit this invitation signal.

[0142] The reception of a confirmation message rr by the base module can trigger a time counter. When a predetermined time 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 basic module can then consider another interface and another branch. It then transmits an ms invite signal on that other interface. The secondary modules all have the same behavior, so the same address allocation process will be implemented for this other branch. When all interfaces have been so processed (there are usually only two), the addressing process may stop, because all sockets and other manageable objects have been assigned a unique address.

In the example of Figure 5, the secondary module 1 being at the end of the branch, the base module only receives a single rru confirmation message on this interface. After the predetermined time has elapsed, it therefore transmits an invitation signal ms on its second interface.

This invitation signal is detected by the 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 to me containing a required number of addresses. We assume, in example, that secondary module 2 has 3 electrical outlets. It therefore requires 3 unique addresses.

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

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

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

[0150] This mg invitation signal is detected by the next secondary module on the chain (i.e. secondary module 3).

In response, the latter transmits an address request message mw containing the number of addresses it requires (corresponding to the number of manageable objects it has). This example assumes that it has two electrical outlets and therefore requires two unique addresses. This message is transmitted on the same interface on which the invitation message was received.

The address request message m 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 mw on its other interface.

Once received by the base module, the latter 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 mu.

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

This message mu transits from secondary module to secondary module like the previous message m. It finally reaches the destination secondary module 3.

In fact, the secondary modules that have already received a secondary allocation message are in a state where they only transmit new messages of this type, as seen above.

The secondary module 3 memorizes these addresses, transmits a confirmation message mi2 on the interface through which it received the assignment message, then checks whether it has a neighboring module on another interface (different from that on which he himself received an invitation signal). Since this is not the case, it cannot transmit invitation signals.

[0160] After receiving the mi2 confirmation message, the base module no longer receives any other messages. After a predetermined time, it can consider that the corresponding branch has been completely addressed. It can then consider a new interface, in the event that there is another, or (as is the case in the example illustrated in Figure 5) interrupt the process of assigning addresses.

[0161] At this stage, 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.

[0162] If we take the example of the power distribution unit of Figure 1, in which the circles represent manageable electrical outlets, and assuming that the base module 20 begins the addressing process on its left interface, the following address space is obtained:

Addresses 1, 2: module 104 on left interface

Addresses 3, 4: IO3 modules on left interface

Address 5: module 1Û2 On left interface

Address 6: 10i module on left interface

Addresses 7, 8: IO5 module on right interface,

Addresses 9, 10: 10th module on right interface

Addresses 11, 12: IO7 module on right interface

Address 13: 10s input module on right interface

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

[0164] It suffices to connect a module to another module by means of a management cable, so that the transmission of invitation signals and address request messages, address allocation and confirmation allow the right number of addresses to be assigned to this module.

[0165] Whatever the number of sockets and modules, it is thus possible to address them correctly

According to one embodiment, the mechanism for allocating an address based on a counter also makes it possible to ensure 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 the allocations of addresses module by module, in a structured and known order. Thus, all the addresses assigned to the same module are necessarily contiguous. Similarly, two neighboring modules necessarily have neighboring addresses. This mechanism therefore greatly facilitates the management of tables module addressing and message routing mechanisms for PDU management.

According to one embodiment, the base module comprises 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 outlets of the power distribution unit.

It may in particular be possible to receive messages containing measurements or other information coming from the outlets, and whose address makes it possible to identify them. In the other direction, an external device can control the sockets remotely, by means of their unique addresses, to turn them on, off, etc.

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

According to one embodiment, several power 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 "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 the power distribution units to constitute only a single address space for the external devices. Thus, an address can be determined by combining an address locally unique to a power distribution unit (for example a meter), and an identifier of the power distribution unit. This way of constructing the addresses makes it possible to address all the outlets of a set of several PDUs, in a unique way.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the examples and to the embodiment described and represented, but is defined by the claims. It is in particular capable of many variants accessible to those skilled in the art.

Claims

[Claim 1] Secondary module (10) for a power distribution unit (PDU), comprising

- a set of electrical sockets (14i, 142, 14s), connected to an internal connection socket (15) allowing power to be supplied by an input module of said power 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 power distribution unit, identifying an electrical outlet of said set determined by a unique address,

- in which said management means are suitable for, in response to an invitation signal received on a first interface (12) among said at least one interface, transmitting, on said first interface, an address request message indicating the number electrical outlets of said set, and, to store said address or addresses, in response to one or more address assignment messages.

[Claim 2] Secondary module according to the preceding claim, in which said management means are suitable for, after having received said one or more allocation messages, transmitting a second invitation signal on a second interface (13) among said at at least one interface, said second interface (13) being separate from said first interface (12).

[Claim 3] 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) suitable for transmitting an invitation signal on a first interface (22) among said at least one interface, then for, in response to an address request message received on said first interface, assigning a or more unique addresses and transmitting it or them on said first interface, in one or more address assignment messages.

[Claim 4] Base module according to the preceding claim, in which said management means are suitable for transmitting a new invitation signal on a second interface (23) among said at least one interface, when a predetermined duration has elapsed. elapsed after the reception of a last message via said first interface (22).

[Claim 5] 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.

[Claim 6] Secondary module according to one of Claims 1 to 2 or base 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.

[Claim 7] Secondary module according to one of Claims 1 to 2 or base module according to one of Claims 3 to 5, in which the said at least one interface comprises a connector for a unidirectional wire for the transmission of the said invitation signal , and a connector for a set of two-way wires for the transmission of said messages.

[Claim 8] Secondary module according to one of claims 1 to 2 or base module according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein said prompt signal corresponds to a predetermined level of voltage on said unidirectional wire.

[Claim 9] Secondary module according to one of Claims 1 to 2 or base module according to one of Claims 3 to 6, in which the said unique addresses are allocated by a counter of the said base module, the said allocation messages d addresses 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.

[Claim 10] Power 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.

[Claim 11] Power distribution unit according to the preceding claim further comprising an input module comprising an electrical supply socket (16).

[Claim 12] Power distribution unit according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein said at least one interface further comprises two pairs of connectors for supplying 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.

[Claim 13] Method for assigning addresses to electrical outlets of a power distribution unit, comprising a module for base (20) comprising at least one interface through which is accessible at least one secondary module comprising a set of electrical outlets connected to an internal connection outlet allowing power to be supplied by an input module of said power distribution unit energy, in which, for each of said at least one interface (22, 23), said base module transmits an invitation signal (r, ms), then, iteratively:

- said at least one secondary module transmits, upon receipt of said invitation signal, an address request message (m2, me, m) to said base module, indicating the number of electrical outlets of said set;

- Said base module assigns a unique address for each socket, and transmits it or them in one or more address assignment messages (m3, m ₇ , mu);

- Said at least one secondary module memorizes the unique address or addresses, then transmits a second invitation signal (mg) to another secondary module from among said at least one secondary module, if there is one.

[Claim 14] Data processing center comprising at least one power distribution unit according to one of Claims 10 to 12.

[Claim 15] Data processing center according to the preceding claim, further comprising an external management device suitable for exchanging with said power distribution unit by means of management messages comprising at least one socket address.