Background

[0001] Modern electronic devices depend on a reliable supply of power. Power can be supplied via alternating current and/or direct current, sometimes involves a backup power supply.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0002] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically representing a power supply device, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0003] Figure 2A is a block diagram schematically representing an electronic device including a power supply device, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0004] Figure 2B is a block diagram schematically representing a system including a power supply device connected to a separate electronic device, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0005] Figure 3 is a block diagram schematically representing a converter, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 4 is a block diagram schematically representing a charge portion, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 5A is a block diagram schematically representing a discharge portion, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 5B is a block diagram schematically representing a discharge portion, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 6 is a block diagram schematically representing a power supply device in a normal mode of operation, according to one example of the present disclosure. [0010] Figure 7 is a block diagram schematically representing a power supply device in a backup mode of operation, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 8 is a block diagram schematically representing a power supply device in a peak demand mode of operation, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 9 is a block diagram schematically representing a power supply device, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 10 is a diagram schematically representing an auxiliary unit of a power supply device, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram schematically representing a manager, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 12 is a block diagram schematically representing a control portion, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 13 is a block diagram schematically representing a user interface, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 14 is a flow diagram schematically representing a method of manufacturing a power supply device, according to one example of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

[0018] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific examples in which the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other examples may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense. It is to be understood that features of the various examples described herein may be combined, in part or whole, with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise. [0019] In at least some examples of the present disclosure, a power supply device provides for different modes of operation, such a normal mode, a backup mode, and a peak power mode. In the normal mode, power is converted from a power source to produce a first power level at a DC output for use by a load, such an electronic device.

[0020] In some examples, the power supply device comprises an auxiliary unit in addition to the converter. The auxiliary unit includes an input/output connected the DC output, a battery, a charge portion and a discharge portion. The charge portion is connected between the input/output and the battery to selectively charge the battery, such as during the normal mode of operation. For instance, upon monitoring the output current of the converter and upon the power supply device determining at a point in time that the demand from the load (e.g. an electronic device) is less than a rated load of the converter of the power supply device, the surplus capacity is used to charge the battery. This action maintains the battery at a high state of charge (SOC).

[0021] The discharge portion of the auxiliary unit extends parallel to the charge portion and is connected between the battery and the input/output to operate in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, power flow (e.g. current discharge) from the battery is blocked to the input/output during charging of the battery, such as during the normal mode of operation. In other words, the battery is isolated from the input/output, except to permit charging of the battery. However, in the second mode, direct power flow (i.e. current discharge) is allowed from the battery to the input/output, such as may occur during the backup mode or peak power mode.

[0022] In this regard, in the backup mode, power is not available via the normal mode of operation of the power supply device, either because a power source is not available or inoperable. The backup mode also may occur when the converter of the power supply device is inoperable or otherwise not providing power to the DC output of the power supply device. Accordingly, in the backup mode, the auxiliary unit provides the sole source of power to the DC output for consumption by an electronic device. [0023] In some instances, for a brief period of time the electronic device demands a power level exceeding a maximum power level (i.e. a first power level) producible by the converter at the DC output. Accordingly, in order to meet this peak demand, power (i.e. current) is directly discharged from the battery to the input/output to become an additive power supply relative to the power supplied by the converter at the DC output. This additional power results in a second power level at the DC output that is greater than the first power level producible by the converter alone.

[0024] In this way, the auxiliary unit functions as a backup power supply or alternatively as a supplemental power supply to temporarily increase the power level available at the DC output. In doing so, the auxiliary unit enables the converter to be constructed according to operating parameters for producing a power level (at the DC output) less than the second power level or peak demand power level. Accordingly, the converter can be built on a smaller scale than a larger power capacity converter, thereby saving space and/or cost. Meanwhile, the auxiliary unit works cooperatively with the converter, on an as- desired basis, to boost the peak power producible at the DC output.

[0025] These examples, and additional examples, are described further in association with at least Figures 1 -14.

[0026] Figure 1 is a block diagram 21 schematically representing a power supply device 30, according to one example of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1 , in some examples a power supply device 30 receives power from power source 32 and delivers power to load 34. In some examples, device 20 comprises a converter 50 and an auxiliary unit 60. During normal operation, upon receiving power from a power source 32, converter 50 produces a first power level at a DC output 52. The auxiliary unit 60 includes an input/output 68 connected the DC output 52. In some examples, auxiliary unit 60 includes a battery 62, a charge portion 64, and a discharge portion 66. The charge portion 64 is connected between the input/output 68 and the battery 62 to selectively charge the battery 62. The discharge portion 66 extends parallel to the charge portion 64 and is connected between the battery 62 and the input/output 68. In some examples, the discharge portion 66 operates convertibly between at least a first mode and a second mode. The first mode blocks power flow to the input/output 52 during charging of the battery 62 via the charge portion 64, while the second mode allows direct power flow from the battery 62 to the input/output 68 during non-charging to implement at least one of a first state and a second state. In the first state, the converter is inactive and in second state, the converter is active.

[0027] In some examples, the first state corresponds to the auxiliary unit 60 being the sole source of power to the DC output 52, and the second state corresponds to the auxiliary unit 60 being an additive source of power to the converter 50 to produce a second power level greater than the first power level at the DC output 52.

[0028] In some examples, the first power level is the maximum level of power producible by the converter 50, such that the second power level at the DC output 52 in a peak power mode is beyond the capacity of the converter 50. Accordingly, the converter is under-equipped to meet the peak demand of load 34. However, via the auxiliary unit 60 the first power level can be boosted to a higher second power level to meet the peak demand at load 34. Moreover, in the absence of a peak demand, the auxiliary unit 60 can operate as backup power if the converter 50 fails or if the power source 32 fails.

[0029] Figure 2A is a block diagram schematically representing an electronic device 80, according to one example of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, electronic device 80 incorporates and is electrically coupled relative to power supply device 30 of Figure 1 . In some examples, power supply device 30 is removable insertable into a housing of electronic device 30 or otherwise removably securable relative to a portion of electronic device 80. In some examples, electronic device 80 comprises a server, server blade, or other component having server functionality. In some examples electronic device 80 comprises a server rack. In some examples, electronic device 80 comprises a device other than a server and which has at least one electronic component to which the power supply device 30 supplies power.

[0030] Figure 2B is a block diagram schematically representing an arrangement including an electronic device 90 and a power supply device 30, according to one example of the present disclosure. In some examples, electronic device 90 comprises at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as electronic device 80 of Figure 2A, except with power supply device 30 being physically separate and independent of electronic device 90 while power supply device 30 is electrical coupled relative to electronic device 90.

[0031] Figure 3 is a block diagram schematically representing a converter 100, according to one example of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, in some examples converter 100 comprises an AC-DC converter 102 and a DC- DC converter 104. Accordingly, when the power source 32 comprises AC power, the AC-DC converter 102 converts the AC power to DC and at a voltage and current level suitable for DC output 52. When the power source 32 comprises DC power, the DC-DC converter 104 converts the DC power to a voltage and current suitable for DC output 52.

[0032] In some examples, converter 100 is sometimes referred to as a power supply element because it supplies power for a load, such as at DC output 52. In some examples, in addition to its conversion functionality, converter 100 further comprises a rechargeable energy storage unit.

[0033] Figure 3 is a block diagram schematically representing a charge portion 150, according to one example of the present disclosure. In some examples, the charge portion 150 comprises at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as charge portion 64. In some examples, charge portion 150 comprises one implementation of charge portion 64. As shown in Figure 3, in some examples the charge portion 150 comprises a charger 151 and a first switch 12. The charger 151 is equipped to charge battery 62. Meanwhile, first switch 152 enables selective disabling of the path between the charger 151 and the battery 62, as further described later in association with at least Figures 7-8.

[0034] In some examples, charger 151 is separate from, and independent of, a DC-DC converter. In other words, charger 151 comprises a DC-DC converter- less charging device or a charger 151 without a DC-DC converter.

[0035] Figure 5A is a block diagram schematically representing a discharge portion 170, according to one example of the present disclosure. In some examples, the discharge portion 170 comprises at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as discharge portion 66 in Figure 1. In some examples, discharge portion 170 comprises one example implementation of discharge portion 66. As shown in Figure 5A, discharge portion 170 comprises a second switch 172 to enable switching between operation in the first mode and the second mode, as described above and consistent with the further description below in association with at least Figures 6-8.

[0036] Figure 5B is a block diagram schematically representing a discharge portion 180, according to one example of the present disclosure. In some examples, the discharge portion 180 comprises at least some of substantially the same features and benefits as discharge portion 66 in Figure 1 . In some examples, discharge portion 180 comprises one implementation of discharge portion 66. As shown in Figure 5B, discharge portion 180 comprises a linear voltage regulator element 182 and an ORing element 184, which function together to enable switching between operation in the first mode and the second mode, as described above. In some examples, each element comprises a field- effect-transistor (FET), such as but not limited to, a metal oxide field-effect- transistor (MOSFET). In some examples, the linear voltage regulator element 182 comprises a MOSFET while the ORing element 184 comprises a diode.

[0037] As further described later in association with at least Figure 10, in some examples elements 182, 184 correspond to elements 434 and 436 in the example implementation of Figure 10. Accordingly, the role and function of elements 182, 184 are further described in association with at least Figure 10.

[0038] Figures 6-8 are a series of block diagrams schematically representing a power supply device in different modes of operation such as a normal mode, a backup mode, and a peak demand mode, respectively, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0039] As shown in the diagram 250 of Figure 6, when device 30 is operating in a normal mode, the power source 32 is supplying power to converter 50 to produce a first power level at DC output 52, as represented via dashed lines/arrow 252. At the same time, because input/output 68 of auxiliary unit 60 is in common with DC output 52, power flows into and through charge portion 65, as represented via dashed lines 254 to be received at battery 62. Meanwhile, discharge portion 66 blocks power supplied at input/output 68 from reaching battery 62, as represented via X 69. Accordingly, during normal operation, a first power level is produced at DC output 52 while charge portion 64 simultaneously charges battery 62. In addition, discharge portion 66 includes protective functionality to prevent any power or current flow from input/output 68 through discharge portion 66 to battery 62.

[0040] In the event of a failure or unavailability of power source 32, then power supply device 30 transitions into a backup mode of operation. In particular, as shown in Figure 7, reference X (280) represents the failure or unavailability of power source 32, which leads to the inactive state of converter 50, as represented via second reference X (282). Therefore, converter 52 is not capable of producing a first power level at DC output 52 and no power is provided to charge portion 64 and battery 62. Via a control signal, discharge portion 66 permits direct discharge of power from battery 62 to input/output 68, and therefore to DC output 52, as represented via dashed arrow 290. Accordingly, the battery 62 in the auxiliary unit 60 provides the first power level at DC output 52 during a backup mode of operation.

[0041] In some instances, the electronic device 80, 90 (Figs. 2A-2B) supported by power supply device 30 performs functions for which a higher power level is demanded. Accordingly, via a control signal the power supply device 30 transitions into a peak power mode of operation in which the converter 50 supplies a first power level and additional power is supplied from battery 62. In particular, discharge portion 66 operates in generally the same manner as in the backup mode to allow a direct discharge of power from battery 62 to input/output 68 and therefore to DC output 52 to be added to the power provided by converter 50. This behavior produces a second power level at DC output 52, which is greater than the first power level producible by converter 50 alone or producible by battery 62 alone. In some examples, the first power level output by the converter 50 can range between 500 to 800 Watts with up to 500 Watts available from the battery 60, which can result in a second power level that ranges from 1000 to 1300 Watts. Accordingly, in some instances, the auxiliary unit can enable a second power level is about twice the first power level. In this way, the power supply device 30 is able to meet the peak demands of the electronic device 80, 90. However, power supply device 30 can do so while utilizing a converter 50 having a normal load rating, thereby saving space and/or cost.

[0042] Figure 9 is a block diagram 331 schematically representing a power supply device 330, according to one example of the present disclosure. In some examples, power supply device 330 comprises at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as power supply device 30 as previously described in association with at least Figures 1 -8. As shown in Figure 9, device 30 comprises a power supply element 350. In some examples, power supply element 350 comprises at least some of substantially the same features and attributes of converter 50 as described in association with at least Figures 1A, 3. Accordingly, power supply element 350 produces a first power level at DC output 52. In some examples, power supply element 350 can be substituted into device 30 for converter 50 in the example of Figure 1 .

[0043] In some examples, power supply element 350 comprises the features and attributes of converter 50 and in addition comprises energy storage functionality, such as but not limited to an energy storage device, such as a battery.

[0044] With further reference to Figure 9, device 330 comprises auxiliary unit 360. In some examples, auxiliary unit 360 comprises at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as auxiliary unit 60 as previously described in association with at least Figure 1 . As shown in Figure 9, in some examples auxiliary unit 360 comprises rechargeable energy storage unit 362, which comprises at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as battery 62 as previously described in association with at least Figure 1 . In some examples, energy storage unit 362 can be substituted for the battery 62 in auxiliary unit 60 in Figure 1 .

[0045] With further reference to Figure 9, in some examples auxiliary unit 360 comprises control element 370 and charger 365, which together comprise at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as the combination of charge portion 64 and discharge portion 66, as previously described in association with at least Figure 1.

[0046] In some examples, control element 370 includes a first portion 372 to selectively control charging energy storage unit 362 and a second portion 374 to selectively control discharge of energy storage unit 362. In some examples, the combination of first portion 372 and charger 365 operates in substantially the same manner as the combination of first switch 152 and charger 151 , as previously described in association with at least Figure 3. Accordingly, first portion 372 permits charging of energy storage unit 362 when power supply device 330 is operating in a normal mode of operation, but prevents charging of energy storage unit 362 when power supply device 330 is in a backup mode or a peak power mode.

[0047] Meanwhile, the second portion 372 permits direct discharge of power from energy storage unit 362 to input/output 368 when the power supply device 330 is in the backup mode or peak power mode, but prevents discharge of energy storage unit 362 when device 330 is in the normal mode, in which energy storage unit 362 is charged. In addition, in the normal mode, the second portion 374 of control element 370 prevents power flow (i.e. current flow) from input/output 368 to energy storage unit 362.

[0048] In the example of power supply device 330, the control over selective charging and/or selective discharging is incorporated within control element 370 instead of being implemented via separate and independent elements, such as charge portion 64 and discharge portion 66 as in the example device 30 of Figure 1. Nevertheless, even with first portion 372 and second portion 374 both being incorporated within control element 370, it will be understood that in at least some examples, first portion 372 can function separately and independently from second portion 374 with regard to selective control over charging and discharging, respectively.

[0049] In some examples, the functionality of first portion 372 and the second portion 374 can be consolidated into a single element with a control portion (e.g. control portion 415 in Figure 10) directing a manner in which the single element implements the distinct charging and discharging functions of auxiliary unit 360. [0050] In some examples, together the control element 370 and charger 365 can be substituted for the combination of the charge portion 64 and the discharge portion 66 in auxiliary unit 60 in Figure 1 .

[0051] Figure 10 is a diagram 401 schematically representing an auxiliary unit 400 of a power supply device, according to one example of the present disclosure. In some examples, auxiliary unit 400 comprises at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as auxiliary unit 60 and auxiliary unit 360 as previously described in association with at least Figures 1 and 9, respectively. Accordingly, in some examples, auxiliary unit 400 also comprises at least some of the same functionality as previously described for auxiliary unit 60 in association with at least Figures 6-8. In some examples, the auxiliary unit 400 can be substituted for the auxiliary unit 60 in Figure 1 or the auxiliary unit 360 in Figure 9.

[0052] As shown in Figure 10, auxiliary unit 400 comprises a battery 402, charger 405, a charge/discharge control element 410, a control portion 415, and a DC-DC converter 420.

[0053] In some examples, battery 402 comprises an array 440 of battery units 442, a manager 450, and a discharge protection element (DSG) 468. The manager 450 manages operation of the battery units 442, such as tracking their charge, health, etc., while also communicating with control portion 415 to enable coordinating general operation of auxiliary unit 400 relative to the operation of battery 402.

[0054] As shown in Figure 10, the discharge protection element 469 is located at a first end of array 440 of battery units 442 relative to a ground (GND) 446, with the protection element 468 being connected to an input/output 41 1 of control element 410. Accordingly, discharge protection element 469 is positioned and equipped to prevent battery discharge, at least during shipping and/or assembly. In some examples, protection element 469 comprises an integrated circuit or other electrical component, such as MOSFET element.

[0055] In some examples, auxiliary unit 400 comprises an array of n batteries 402, as represented via the shadow box 403. [0056] In some examples, battery 402 can be substituted for the battery 62 in the example device 30 of Figure 1 ) or for the energy storage unit 362 in the example device 330 of Figure 9.

[0057] With further reference to Figure 10, the control element 410 at least partially controls inflow of power (e.g. charging) to battery 402 and/or outflow of power (e.g. discharging) from battery 402. In some examples, control element 410 includes first switch 430 and second switch 432, as well as a linear voltage regulator 434 and an ORing element 436.

[0058] In one aspect, linear voltage regulator 434 enables selecting a voltage level to be produced at Vbus (i.e. input/output 468). For instance, when operating in the backup power mode, linear voltage regulator 434 causes power to be transmitted at a first voltage at Vbus and when operating in a peak power mode, linear voltage regulator 434 causes power to be transmitted at a level to produce a second voltage at Vbus.

[0059] Meanwhile, the ORing element 436 acts as a protection mechanism. In one aspect, the ORing element 436 permits unidirectional power flow along path 437 from the battery 402 toward the input/output 468 but prevents power flow along the path 437 in the opposite direction from the input/output 468 toward the battery 402. In this respect, linear voltage regulator 434 also acts as protection for battery 402.

[0060] In some examples, the combination of the linear voltage regulator 434 and ORing element 436 can function as a semi-regulator, e.g. voltage switching regulator.

[0061] As further shown in Figure 10, switches 430, 432 are controlled via control portion 415 separately and independently from control of linear regulator 434 and ORing element 436. Meanwhile, control portion 415 controls linear regulator 424 separately and independently of ORing element 436. In one aspect, control portion 415 coordinates the operation of switches 430, 432, linear regulator 434, and ORing element 436 to achieve at least the functionality as previously described in association with at least Figures 1 -9, and as later described in association with Figures 1 1 -14. [0062] In some examples, switches 430, 432 provide one example implementation of first switch 152 of charge portion 150 in Figure 3 and one example implementation of first portion 372 of control element 370 in the example auxiliary unit 360 of Figure 9.

[0063] In some examples, linear regulator 434 and ORing element 436 provide one example implementation of second portion 374 of control element 370. In some examples, linear regulator 434 and ORing element 436 provide one example implementation of discharge portion 66 of auxiliary unit 60 in Figure 1 , one example implementation of second switch 172 in Figure 4, or one example implementation of linear voltage regulator 182 and ORing element 184 in discharge portion 180 of Figure 5.

[0064] As further shown in Figure 10, control portion 415 includes an input/output signal 417 to communicate with a control portion of a host electronic device (e.g. server or server component), enabling receipt of instructions or information from the host electronic device and enabling transmission of information or instructions from the auxiliary unit 400 of a power supply device.

[0065] It will be understood that in some examples, a control portion like control portion 415 is incorporated within the respective units 60, 360 previously described in association with at least Figures 1 and 9, respectively.

[0066] With further reference to Figure 10, in some examples a DC-DC converter 420 is interposed between control portion 415 and input/output 468 (Vbus) to enable supplying control portion 415 with a suitable operating power level. In one aspect, DC-DC converter 420 is separate from, and independent of, the control element 410 and charger 405. In one aspect, DC-DC converter 420 is isolated electrically from control element 410 and/or charger 405.

[0067] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram schematically representing a manager 500, according to one example of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1 1 , manager 500 manages operation of a power supply device to supply power to an electronic device. In some examples, manager 500 is in communication with and/or forms part of control portion 415 in Figure 10. In some examples, manager 500 provides at least a partial example implementation of manager 605 which operates in cooperation with controller 602 as part of a control portion 600, as further described later in association with at least Figure 12.

[0068] In some examples, manager 500 comprises a demand function 510, a general mode selector function 520, and a discharge mode selector function 530. In some examples, the demand function 510 tracks or receives information about a power level demand by the electronic device hosting or connected to the power supply device (e.g. 30 in Figure 1 ). In some examples, the general mode selector function 520 automatically selects a mode of operation for a power supply device 30 according to the demand information provided via demand function 510. As shown in Figure 1 1 , the general mode selector module 520 comprises a normal function 522, a backup function 524, and a peak function 526.

[0069] The normal function 522 tracks and/or enables operation of power supply device 30 in a normal mode of operation in which a first power level is supplied to a load (e.g. an electronic device) and charging of the battery of the auxiliary unit (e.g. 60 in Fig. 1 ) occurs, as previously described in association with at least Figure 6. The backup function 524 tracks and/or enables operation of power supply device 30 in a backup mode of operation, as previously described in association with at least Figure 7. The peak function 526 tracks and/or enables operation of power supply device 30 in a peak mode of operation, as previously described in association with at least Figure 8.

[0070] Accordingly, the general mode selector module 520 enables automatic conversion between the normal function, backup function, and peak function to enable normal mode, backup mode, or peak mode of operation of power supply device 30.

[0071] In some examples, the discharge mode selector module 530 tracks and/or enables automatic selection of a mode of operation for a discharge portion (e.g. 66 in Fig. 1 ) of a power supply device (e.g. 30 in Fig. 1 ). The discharge mode selector module 530 includes a first mode function 532 and a second mode function 534, which in turn includes a first state parameter 536 and a second state parameter 538. The first mode function 532 implements instructions and/or actions to cause a discharge portion (e.g. 66 in Fig. 1 ) to block power flow from a battery 60 to an input/output 68 of the auxiliary unit 60, as previously described in association with at least Figure 6. In one aspect, implementation of the first mode function 532 for discharge portion corresponds to a normal mode of operation for power supply device 30 per normal function 522 of general mode selector module 520.

[0072] Meanwhile, in some examples the second mode function 532 implements instructions and/or actions to cause a discharge portion (e.g. 66 in Fig. 1 ) to enable power flow from the battery 60 to an input/output 68 of the auxiliary unit 60, as previously described in association with at least Figures 7-8. In one aspect, implementation of the second mode function 534 for discharge portion corresponds to either a backup mode of operation or a peak mode of operation for power supply device 30 per backup function 524 or peak function 526 of general mode selector module 520. The first state parameter 536 tracks the operational state of the converter 50 during the backup mode in which the converter 50 is inactive, such as through its own failure or the failure of power supply 32. The second state parameter 538 tracks the operational state of the converter 50 associated with the peak mode in which the converter 50 is active and additional power from the auxiliary unit 60 contributes to producing a higher, second power level to meet a peak demand by the electronic device (e.g. 80 or 90 in Figs. 2A, 2B).

[0073] Figure 12 is a block diagram schematically representing a control portion, according to one example of the present disclosure. In some examples, control portion 600 includes a controller 602 and a memory 604, which stored manager 605. In some examples, manager 605 comprises at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as manager 500 in Figure 1 1. In some examples, control portion 600 provides one example implementation of control portion 415 in Figure 10 and/or of manager 500 in Figure 1 1 .

[0074] Controller 602 of control portion 600 can comprise at least one processor 603 and associated memories that are in communication with memory 604 to generate control signals, and/or provide storage, to direct operation of at least some components of the devices, units, systems, components, modules, functions, parameters, etc. described throughout the present disclosure. In some examples, these generated control signals include, but are not limited to, managing different modes of operation of a power supply device and the associated functions and activities described in at least some examples of the present disclosure.

[0075] In response to or based upon commands received via a user interface (e.g. user interface 610 in Figure 13) and/or via machine readable instructions, controller 602 generates control signals to implement at least timing and sequence of the operation of the various aspects of power supply management in accordance with at least some examples of the present disclosure. In some examples, controller 602 is embodied in a general purpose computer while in other examples, controller 602 is embodied in a power supply device described herein generally, or incorporated into or associated with at least some of the components described throughout the present disclosure, such as but not limited to an auxiliary unit, which forms part of a power supply device. In some examples, controller 602 is embodied in an electronic device (e.g. 80, 90 in Figs. 2A-2B) which hosts and/or is connectable to a power supply device 30. In some examples, electronic device 80, 90 comprises a server computer.

[0076] For purposes of this application, in reference to the controller 602, the term "processor" shall mean a presently developed or future developed processor (or processing resource) that executes sequences of machine readable instructions contained in a memory. In some examples, execution of the sequences of machine readable instructions, such as those provided via memory 604 associable with control portion 600 to cause the processor to perform actions, such as operating controller 602 to implement at least power supply management and/or other related functions, as generally described in (or consistent with) at least some examples of the present disclosure. The machine readable instructions may be loaded in a random access memory (RAM) for execution by the processor from their stored location in a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage device, or some other persistent storage, as represented by memory 604. In some examples, memory 604 comprises a volatile memory. In some examples, memory 604 comprises a non-volatile memory. In some examples, memory 604 comprises a computer readable tangible medium providing non-transitory storage of the machine readable instructions executable by a process of controller 602. In other examples, hard wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with machine readable instructions to implement the functions described. For example, controller 602 may be embodied as part of at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In at least some examples, the controller 602 is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and machine readable instructions, nor limited to any particular source for the machine readable instructions executed by the controller 602.

[0077] Figure 13 is a block diagram schematically representing a user interface 610, according to one example of the present disclosure. In some examples, user interface 610 provides for the simultaneous display, activation, and/or operation of at least some of the various devices, units, components, modules, functions, parameters, features, and attributes of manager 500, 605, and/or control portion 600 and/or of at least the various aspects and/or related functions, as described throughout the present disclosure. In some examples, at least some portions or aspects of the user interface 610 are provided via a graphical user interface (GUI). As shown in Figure 13, in some examples user interface 610 includes an input 612 and a display 614, which may or may not be combined in a single element, such as a touch screen display. In some examples, user interface 610 is provided via a desktop computer, a terminal associated with a server, a laptop computer, a tablet, phablet, mobile phone, smart watch, and the like.

[0078] Figure 14 is a flow diagram 701 schematically representing a method 700 of manufacturing a power supply device, according to one example of the present disclosure. In some examples, method 700 is performed via at least some of the devices, units, elements, modules, functions, parameters, etc. as previously described in association with at least Figures 1 -13. In some examples, method 700 is performed via at least some devices, units, elements, other than those previously described in association with at least Figures 1 -13.

[0079] As shown in Figure 14, at 702 method 700 comprises arranging a converter to receive power from a power source and to produce a first power level at a DC output. At 704 method 700 comprises assembling a unit via arranging an input/output connectable to the DC output, as at 706. At 708, method 700 comprises arranging a charge portion connected between the input/output and a battery to selectively charge the battery. At 710, method 700 comprises arranging a discharge portion in parallel to the charge portion and between the battery and the input/output.

[0080] At 712, method 700 comprises arranging the discharge portion to operate in a first mode to block power flow from the battery to the input/output during charging and in a second mode to allow power flow from the battery to the input/output during non-charging when the converter is in at least one of a first inactive state and a second active state.

[0081] At least some examples of the present disclosure provide for managing different power modes of operation of a power supply device in a manner by which a power supply element .

[0082] Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific examples shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific examples discussed herein.