Whitepaper explores power module redundancy

A single power module is unlikely to meet the power requirements of a fully loaded μTCA system; hence load sharing mode is used in these systems, where the power requirements are met by having multiple modules. Power modules can also be configured to improve reliability by redundancy, but this will increase the number of power modules required in a system. Often load sharing is required, and power module redundancy is very desirable to improve the reliability of the system.

However power module redundancy is sometimes disregarded due to increased costs, and in some cases it is not possible to achieve redundancy due to system constraints – for example, a chassis which has two power module slots and require them to be in load-sharing mode. For these systems, we discuss the additional costs of having power module redundancy - the number of additional power modules required, and how a cost effective solution can be achieved. In many cases power module redundancy can be achieved at no additional cost.

The power module is an integral part of the μTCA system. The power module’s primary function is to provide management and payload power, but like any other FRU, it must be IPMI compliant. Although the power module has the intelligence to autonomously bring up the MCH and the cooling unit, the MCH is required to provide sophisticated features such as power module redundancy.

Download and read the full whitepaper below.