WO2024205794A1

WO2024205794A1 - System and method for disconnecting loads provided direct current power from a voltage converter system

Info

Publication number: WO2024205794A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/017127
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jose Antonio Torres RABELLO; Rajiv KOSHY
Original assignee: Outdoor Wireless Networks LLC
Current assignee: Outdoor Wireless Networks LLC
Priority date: 2023-03-28
Filing date: 2024-02-23
Publication date: 2024-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 2025-09-28

Abstract

Techniques are provided for reducing a DC output voltage level of each non-critical DC-DC voltage converter of a DC-DC voltage converter system when such system is powered by one or more batteries. As a result, the battery lifetime is extended by reducing current drawn from the one or more batteries by the system.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISCONNECTING LOADS PROVIDED DIRECT CURRENT POWER FROM A VOLTAGE CONVERTER SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63/492,670 filed March 28, 2023; the entire contents of the aforementioned patent application are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A direct current (DC)-DC voltage converter may be used to boost its output voltage to diminish power dissipation in electrical conductors coupling an output of the DC-DC voltage converter to a DC power input of a radio of a cellular base station. The DC-DC voltage converter provides DC electrical power to the radio through the electrical conductors. U.S. Patent No. 9,448,576 (hereinafter the ‘576 Patent) describes different embodiments of voltage converter systems configured to accomplish this. The ‘576 Patent is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0003] First ends of the electrical conductors are configured to be electrically coupled to the DC-DC voltage converter. Radio ends of the electrical conductors are configured to be electrically coupled to the radio.

[0004] A typical cellular base station includes multiple radios, and thus may utilize multiple DC-DC voltage converters. Each DC-DC voltage converter provides power to a unique set of one or more radios.

[0005] DC power is provided to the DC-DC voltage converter from a DC power source. Typically, the DC power source includes an alternating current (AC)-DC power supply and at least one battery (batter(ies)). If the AC -DC power supply fails to deliver necessary DC power, the DC power source draws DC power from the batter(ies). Such failure may arise due to failure of the AC -DC power supply, or a brownout or blackout in the AC power grid from which the AC -DC power supply draws AC power. [0006] When the DC power source draws DC power from the batter(ies), then for some cellular base stations open one or more contactor(s) to stop supplying power to non-critical load(s). Disabling non-critical load(s) extends lifetime of the batter(ies). This is important, for example, due to a blackout arising from a severe weather conditions which may render AC power unavailable for an extended period of time. The non-critical loads may be radio(s) configured to operate using older air interfaces or other system(s), e.g., cooling system(s) used to cool equipment such as a baseband unit and/or DC-DC voltage converted s).

[0007] Each contactor is an electromagnetic switch configured to quickly make or break an electrical power circuit. Because it is an electromechanical device, a contactor is both costly and has a finite life span. As a result, cost and reliability of a system, configured to deliver DC power to radios and implemented with contactors, is undesirably respectively increased and decreased.

SUMMARY

[0008] A method for disabling non-critical direct current (DC)-DC voltage converters of a DC- DC voltage converter system including DC-DC voltage converters, the method comprising: receiving information about, or from which is derived, which of the DC-DC voltage converters of the DC-DC voltage converter system are critical and non-critical; determining whether DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by one or more batteries; determining that the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by the one or more batteries, then reducing a magnitude of a DC output voltage level provided by each non-critical DC-DC voltage converter to be (a) equal to or less than a magnitude of an DC input voltage level provided to a DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) less than a magnitude of a minimum DC voltage rating of a load powered by a corresponding non-critical DC-DC voltage converter; determining whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries; and determining that the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries, then increasing the magnitude of the DC output voltage level provided by each non-critical DC-DC voltage converter to be respectively (a) greater than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) not less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by the corresponding non- critical DC-DC voltage converter.

[0009] A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program causing at least one processor to execute a process to disable non-critical direct current (DC)-DC voltage converters of a DC-DC voltage converter system including DC-DC voltage converters, the process comprising: receiving information about, or from which is derived, which of the DC-DC voltage converters of the DC-DC voltage converter system are critical and non-critical; determining whether DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by one or more batteries; determining that the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by the one or more batteries, then causing a reduction of a magnitude of a DC output voltage level provided by each non-critical DC-DC voltage converter to be (a) equal to or less than a magnitude of a DC input voltage level provided to a DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) less than a magnitude of a minimum DC voltage rating of a load powered by a corresponding non-critical DC-DC voltage converter; determining whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC- DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries; and determining that the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries, then causing an increase of the magnitude of the DC output voltage level provided by each non-critical DC-DC voltage converter to be respectively (a) greater than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) not less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by the corresponding non-critical DC-DC voltage converter.

[0010] A direct current (DC)-DC voltage converter system configured to disabling non-critical direct current (DC)-DC voltage converters of a DC-DC voltage converter system including DC- DC voltage converters, the DC-DC voltage converter system comprising: data interface circuitry configured to receive information from which can be derived which of the DC-DC voltage converters of the DC-DC voltage converter system are critical and non-critical; at least two DC-DC voltage converters; and converter processing circuitry communicatively coupled to the data interface circuitry and each DC-DC voltage converter; wherein the converter processing circuitry is configured to: determine that DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by one or more batteries, then cause a reduction of a DC output voltage level provided by each non-critical DC-DC voltage converter to be (a) equal to or less than a magnitude of a DC input voltage level provided to a DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) less than a magnitude of a minimum DC voltage rating of a load powered by a corresponding non-critical DC-DC voltage converter; determine whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries; and determine that the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries, then cause an increase of the magnitude of the DC output voltage level provided by each non-critical DC-DC voltage converter to be respectively (a) greater than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) not less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by the corresponding non-critical DC-DC voltage converter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Understanding that the drawings depict only exemplary embodiments and are not therefore to be considered limiting in scope, the exemplary embodiments will be described with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: [0012] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a DC power delivery system; [0013] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a DC-DC voltage converter system configured to be part of the DC power delivery system;

[0014] Figure 3 illustrates a diagram of a magnitude of an input DC voltage of a DC-DC voltage converter system, utilizing hysteresis, with respect to time; and

[0015] Figure 4 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of disabling non- critical DC-DC voltage converter(s) of a DC-DC voltage converter system.

In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to the exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of specific illustrative embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that logical, mechanical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0017] Techniques are provided for correctly diminishing a number of contactors utilized when providing DC power, from a DC to DC voltage converter system, to both critical and non- critical loads, e.g., radios. As a result, communication system cost and reliability are respectively decreased and increased.

[0018] A critical load means a load that is selected, e.g., by a network operator, to operate using DC power from batter(ies). A non-critical load means a load that is selected, e.g., by a network operator, to not be powered by DC power from batter(ies) in order to extend an amount of time during which battery power can be utilized. By so extending battery life, critical loads can be powered longer.

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a DC power delivery system 100. The DC power delivery system 100 is configured to control when DC power is provided to critical and non-critical load(s). The critical and non-critical loads may be loads of a DC-DC voltage converter system 108 and/or directly of the DC power source 102. When the DC-DC voltage converter system 108 is powered by at least one battery (batter(ies)) 102B of the DC power source 102, then the DC-DC voltage converter system 108 is configured to cease powering, e.g., by reducing a magnitude (or absolute value) of a DC voltage level (for example to zero volts) provided to, non-critical load(s) by non-critical DC-DC voltage converter(s) of the DC-DC voltage converter system 108. For pedagogical purposes, an exemplary description is provided herein of how to control supply of DC power to optional other load(s), e.g., optional non-critical load(s), 103 of the DC power delivery system 100 which are not powered through the DC-DC voltage converter system.

[0020] The DC power delivery system 100 includes the DC power source 102, an optional battery contactor 107, the DC-DC voltage converter system 108, two or more sets of at least one radio (e.g., a first set of radio(s) 104 A and an Nth set of radio(s) 104N), an optional at least one other load contactor (other load contactor(s)) 109, and optional other load(s) 103. Optionally, the DC power source 102 includes an AC/DC power supply 102 A, the batter(ies) 102B, energy transfer circuitry 102C, a first processing system (or first processing circuitry) 102D, a first DC voltage sensor 102E, and a second DC voltage sensor 102F. For pedagogical purposes, Figure 1 illustrates one way of implementing a DC power source 102; the DC power source 102 may be implemented in other ways. [0021] For pedagogical purposes, the first processing system 102D is illustrated as being part of the DC power source 102. However, in other embodiments the first processing system 102D may be located elsewhere in the DC power delivery system 100 or external thereto. In one embodiment, the first processing system 102D may be a processing system in the DC-DC voltage converter system 108. For pedagogical purposes, the first processing system 102D will be subsequently illustrated as being part of the DC power source 102.

[0022] The DC power source 102 is configured to deliver DC electrical power to the DC-DC voltage converter system 108, and optionally to optional other load(s) 103. If the AC/DC power supply 102A is unable to provide a sufficiently high DC voltage level, the DC power source 102 provides DC power from the batte(ies) 102B. Optionally, when providing DC power from the batter(ies) 102B, if the batter(ies) 102B are unable to provide a sufficiently high DC voltage level, DC power is no longer provided to all load(s) whether critical or non-critical; optionally,

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment of the DC power source 102, the first DC voltage sensor 102E is configured to be electrically coupled to a DC power output of the AC/DC power supply 102 A and further configured to measure a DC voltage level at the DC power output of the AC/DC power supply. In the illustrated embodiment of the DC power source 102, the second DC voltage sensor 102F is configured to be electrically coupled to a DC power output of the batter(ies) 102B and further configured to measure a DC voltage level at the DC power output of the batter(ies) 102B.

[0024] Each of the first and the second DC voltage sensors 102E, 102F is communicatively coupled to the first processing system 102D. Each of the first and the second DC voltage sensors 102E, 102F is configured to provide the first processing system 102D with DC voltage level(s) measured by a respective DC voltage sensor. Thus, the first processing system 102D is configured to receive DC voltage measurement(s) from each of the first and the second DC voltage sensors 102E, 102F. Optionally, the first and the second DC voltage sensors 102E, 102F may be located in the energy transfer circuitry 102C and configured to measure a DC voltage level received by the energy transfer circuitry 102C from each of the AC/DC power supply 102 A and the batter(ies) 102B. Optionally, the first processing system 102D includes at least one processor circuit communicatively coupled to at least one memory circuit.

[0025] Optionally, the energy transfer circuitry 102C is configured to: (a) supply DC electrical power from the AC/DC power supply 102 A when the AC/DC power supply 102 A has a DC output voltage that is equal to or greater than an AC/DC power supply threshold DC voltage level; or

(b) supply DC electrical power from the batter(ies) 102B when the AC/DC power supply 102A has the DC output voltage that is less than the AC/DC power supply threshold DC voltage level.

Optionally, two different threshold DC voltage levels may be used to implement hysteresis (illustrated elsewhere herein). Hysteresis avoids oscillation between the two electrical DC power sources when a DC voltage level moves above and below a single threshold DC voltage level. For pedagogical purposes, techniques for transitioning between power sources will generally be illustrated herein without the use of hysteresis.

[0026] The analysis described above (whether the AC/DC power supply 102A has a DC output voltage less than or not less than the AC/DC power supply threshold DC voltage level) may be implemented with the first processing system 102D. The first processing system 102D is configured to be communicatively coupled 102D to the energy transfer circuitry 102C. The DC power source 102, e.g., the first processing system 102D, is optionally configured to be communicatively coupled to the DC-DC voltage converter system 108 and further optionally configured to provide to the DC-DC voltage converter system 108 a first signal 102G indicating whether the DC power source 102 is providing DC power from the AC/DC power supply 102A or the batter(ies) 102B. The first processing system 102D is configured to be communicatively coupled to the energy transfer circuitry 102C and to provide the first signal 102G to the energy transfer circuitry. Such first signal 102G may indicate a source of DC power (e.g., the AC/DC power supply 102 A or the batter(ies) 102B), a DC voltage level provided by the DC power source 102 (e.g., a higher DC voltage level provided by the AC/DC power supply 102 A or a lower DC voltage level provided by the batter(ies) 102B¹), or another indicium of the source of DC power.

[0027] Based upon its analysis, the first processing system 102D is configured to cause, e.g, using the first signal 102G, the energy transfer circuitry 102C to provide DC electrical power from either the AC/DC power supply 102 A or the batter(ies) 102B. Optionally, the energy transfer circuitry 102C may be implemented as a single pole double throw (SPDT) switch, e.g,

¹ Optionally, the DC power source 102, e.g., the first processing system 102D, are configured to provide a DC voltage level that is a greater of one of: the DC voltage level provided by the AC/DC power supply 102A and the DC voltage level provided by the batter(ies) 102B. an electromechanical or an electronic switch. Optionally, the energy transfer circuitry 102C is configured to facilitate charging of the batte(ies) 102B when the DC power source 102 is configured to supply DC power from the AC/DC power supply 102 A.

[0028] The DC power source 102, e.g., the energy transfer circuitry 102C, is electrically coupled to the DC-DC voltage converter system 108 and is optionally electrically coupled to the optional other load contactor(s) 109. The DC power source 102, e.g., the first processing system 102D is further configured to be communicatively coupled to the DC-DC voltage converter system 108. Optionally, the energy transfer circuitry 102C is electrically coupled to the DC-DC voltage converter system 108 and optionally to the optional other load contactor(s) 109 through an optional battery contactor 107. Optionally, the first processing system 102D is further configured to be communicatively coupled to the optional battery contactor 107 and optionally to the optional other load contactor(s) 109. Optionally, the DC-DC voltage converter system 108 is communicatively coupled to the optional battery contactor 107 and/or the optional other load contactor(s) 109; alternatively, the DC-DC voltage converter system 108 may be electrically coupled to the DC power source 102 without being electrically coupled through the optional battery contactor 107. For purposes of clarity, the energy transfer circuitry 102C is either coupled to the optional load contactor(s) 109 through the optional battery contactor 107 or not through the optional battery contactor 107 when the optional battery contactor 107 is not utilized.

[0029] When the DC power source 102 is providing DC power using batter(ies) 102B, the second DC voltage sensor 102F is optionally configured to provide measurements of the DC voltage level at the DC power output of the batter(ies) 102B to the first processing system. The DC power source 102, e.g., the first processing system 102D, is further optionally configured to determine whether an absolute value (or magnitude) of the DC voltage level at the DC power output of the batter(ies) 102B is less than a battery DC voltage threshold level, e.g., 45 V. Upon determining that the DC voltage level at the DC power output of the batter(ies) 102B is less than a battery DC voltage threshold level, the DC power source 102, e.g., the first processing system 102D, optionally communicates an optional second signal 102H indicative that the absolute value of the DC voltage level at the DC power output of the batter(ies) 102B is less than a battery DC voltage threshold level. Such optional second signal 102H may indicate a DC voltage level at the DC power output of the batter(ies) 102B, a signal indicating binary switch position and/or that all DC power output ports of the DC-DC voltage converter system 108 are to be disabled (e.g., provide a DC voltage, e.g., zero Volts, below a minimum DC input voltage rating of load(s) (for example radio(s)) (powered by such DC power output ports of the DC-DC voltage converter system 108) so as to provide reduced or no DC power to the load), or another indicium of the indicating that the DC voltage level at the DC power output of the batter(ies) 102B is less than a battery DC voltage threshold level.

[0030] If a magnitude (or absolute value) of the DC voltage level at the DC power output of the batter(ies) 102B subsequently increases above the battery DC voltage threshold level, the DC power source 102, e.g., the first processing system 102D, optionally communicates the optional second signal 102H indicative that the DC voltage level at the DC power output of the batter(ies) 102B is greater than or equal to the battery DC voltage threshold level. This may occur, for example, if depleted batteries are replaced or recharged by external means.

[0031] The DC-DC voltage converter system 108 is configured to provide a fixed or variable output voltage to each set of radio(s) 104 A, 104N. The fixed or variable output voltage provided to each such set may be the same for each set or different amongst two or more sets. Optionally, the DC-DC voltage converter system 108 is configured to boost (z.e., increase) an absolute value (or a magnitude) of a voltage received by the DC-DC voltage converter system. Optionally, the batter(ies) 102B are configured to have an output DC voltage level of -48V (or an absolute value of the output DC voltage level of 48 V), the AC/DC power supply 102A is configured to have an output DC voltage level of -56V, and/or each output of the DC-DC voltage converter system 108 is configured to have a DC voltage level of at least -56V to -58V (or an absolute value of the DC voltage level of at least 56V to 58V).

[0032] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a DC-DC voltage converter system 208 configured to be part of the DC power delivery system 100. The illustrated DC-DC voltage converter system 208 includes at least two DC-DC voltage converter(s) (e.g., a first DC-DC voltage converter and an Nth DC-DC voltage converter 208A-N), data interface (or data interface circuitry) 208C, a converter processing system (or converter processing circuitry) 208B, and a converter DC power input 208E. Each DC-DC voltage converter 208A-1, 208 A-N includes a DC power output 208A-la, 208A-Na. Optionally, each DC-DC voltage converter 208A-1, 208 A-N is a boost converter which may be disabled, e.g., turned off, or a buck-boost converter.

[0033] For pedagogical purposes, the converter processing system 208B is illustrated as being part of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208. However, in other embodiments the converter processing system 208B may be located elsewhere in the DC power delivery system 100 or external thereto. In one embodiment, the converter processing system 208B may be the first processing system 102D. For pedagogical purposes, the converter processing system 208B will be subsequently illustrated as being part of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208. Optionally, the converter processing system 208B includes at least one processor circuit communicatively coupled to at least one memory circuit. The converter processing system 208B is communicatively coupled to each DC-DC voltage converter 208A-1, 208A-N.

[0034] The data interface 208C is configured to receive the first signal 102G, the second signal 102H, and/or a battery DC voltage threshold level. Such data interface 208C may include a touch screen, switch(es) and display(s), data interface(s) (e.g., serial and/or parallel data interface(s)), and/or other circuitry. Such data may be entered by a user, through the data interface 208C, or communicatively coupled from another component, e.g., the first processing system 102D or another component, e.g., of another system. Optionally, the data interface 208C is further configured to receive the first signal 102G from the DC power source 102, e.g., the first processing system 102D, indicating the source (e.g., the AC/DC power supply 102 A or the batter(ies) 102B) of the DC power being supplied by the DC power source 102.

[0035] Optionally, the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 includes an optional converter voltage sensor 208D. The optional converter voltage sensor 208D is configured to measure a DC voltage level at the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208, e.g, at a DC power input 208A-lb, 208A-Nb of each DC-DC voltage converter 208A-1, 208A-N. The optional converter voltage sensor 208D is further configured to be communicatively coupled to the converter processing system 208B and to provide an optional third signal 208F indicating a source of the DC power being supplied to the DC-DC voltage converter system 108 by the DC power source 102. Such optional third signal 208F may indicate the source of DC power (e.g, the AC/DC power supply 102 A or the batter(ies) 102B), a DC voltage level provided by the DC power source 102 (e.g., by the AC/DC power supply 102 A or the batter(ies) 102B), or another indicium of the source of DC power.

[0036] Based on the first signal 102G received from the DC power source 102 or whether a DC voltage measurement received from the optional converter voltage sensor 208D is equal to or greater than AC/DC power supply threshold DC voltage level, the converter processing system 208B is configured to enable or disable non-critical DC-DC voltage converter(s).²

² As described elsewhere herein and with respect to using a DC voltage measurement from the optional converter voltage sensor 208D, all critical and non-critical DC-DC voltage converter(s) of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 are enabled when the DC voltage measurement is equal to or greater than the AC/DC power supply Based on a second signal 102H received from the DC power source 102 or when a measurement received from the optional converter voltage sensor is 208D is less than the a battery DC voltage threshold level, the converter processing system 208B is configured to disable all DC-DC voltage converters 208A-1, 208 A-N.³

[0037] The use of hysteresis will now be illustrated with respect to the DC-DC voltage converter system. Figure 3 illustrates a diagram of an absolute value (or magnitude)of input DC voltage 332A of a DC-DC voltage converter system, utilizing hysteresis, with respect to time 332B. Hysteresis uses two voltage threshold levels (a higher DC voltage threshold level and a lower DC voltage threshold level). Hysteresis avoids a rapid and continuous transitions between enabling and disabling a device, e.g., critical and/or non-critical DC-DC voltage converted s). Note, absolute value as used throughout herein is not needed if voltages are used are positive rather than negative.

[0038] Hysteresis may be used with respect to one or both of the AC/DC power supply threshold DC voltage level and the battery threshold DC voltage level. If hysteresis is used instead of the single AC/DC power supply threshold DC voltage level, then:

(a) when an absolute value of a DC voltage (e.g., measured by the optional converter voltage sensor 208D or another voltage sensor) equals or exceeds a higher AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level 334D, then the all (critical and non- critical) DC-DC voltage converters of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 are enabled; and

(b) when such absolute value of the measured DC voltage is less than a lower AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level 334A, then the only critical DC-DC threshold DC voltage level and only critical DC-DC voltage converter(s) of the DC-DC voltage converter system

208 are enabled when the DC voltage measurement is less than the AC/DC power supply threshold DC voltage level. Non-critical DC-DC voltage converters) of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 are disabled when the DC voltage measurement is less than the AC/DC power supply threshold DC voltage level. An enabled DC-DC voltage converter, as used herein, means that a DC-DC voltage converter configured to supply an output DC power having a DC voltage level higher than a DC voltage level provided to a DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter (or higher than a minimum operating DC input voltage rating of the load(s) powered by the DC-DC voltage converter). A disabled DC-DC voltage converter is configured to supply the output DC power having a DC voltage level that is not higher than the DC voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter (or respectively not higher than a minimum operating DC input voltage rating of the load(s) powered by the DC-DC voltage converter); optionally, the DC voltage level of the output DC power of the DC-DC voltage converter is zero Volts.

³ As described elsewhere herein and with respect to using the DC voltage measurement from the optional converter voltage sensor 208D, all critical DC-DC voltage converter(s) of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 are enabled when the DC voltage measurement is equal to or greater than the battery threshold DC voltage level and are disabled when the DC voltage measurement is less than the battery threshold DC voltage level. voltage converter(s) of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 are enabled; non- critical DC-DC voltage converter(s) of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 are disabled.

If hysteresis is used instead of the single battery threshold DC voltage level, then:

(a) when an absolute value of the DC voltage (e.g., measured by the optional converter voltage sensor 208D or another voltage sensor) is less than a lower battery DC voltage threshold level 334B, then the all (critical and non-critical) DC-DC voltage converters of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 are disabled; and

(b) when such absolute value of the measured voltage equals or exceeds a higher battery DC voltage threshold level 334C, then all critical DC-DC voltage converter(s) of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 are enabled.

[0039] At time tl, an absolute value of the input DC voltage of the DC-DC voltage converter system is less than the lower AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level 334A. This indicates that the DC power source is providing DC power from the batter(ies). As a result, the converter processing circuitry is configured to disable non-critical DC-DC voltage converter(s) of the voltage converter system because DC input power to the DC-DC voltage converter system is being provided by batter(ies); only critical DC-DC voltage converter(s) of the voltage converter system remain enabled.

[0040] As the load(s), e.g., radio(s) consume DC power from the batter(ies), the DC output voltage of the batter(ies) (and thus the input DC voltage of the DC-DC voltage converter system) declines. At time t2, when the input DC voltage of the DC-DC voltage converter system, and thus the DC output voltage of the batter(ies), is less than the lower battery DC voltage threshold level 334B, the converter processing circuitry is configured to disable all (z.e., critical and non-critical) DC-DC voltage converters of the voltage converter system. At time t2, the output voltage of the batter(ies) has declined to a level where further charge depletion of the batter(ies), for example, may damage the batter(ies).

[0041] At time t3, when the input DC voltage level of the DC-DC voltage converter system, and thus the DC output voltage of the batter(ies), is greater than or equal to the higher battery DC voltage threshold level 334C, then the converter processing circuitry is configured to enable all critical DC-DC voltage converter(s) of the DC-DC voltage converter system; however the non-critical DC-DC voltage converter(s) of the DC-DC voltage converter system remain disabled. Optionally, this may occur if depleted batteries are replaced or recharged by external means.

[0042] At time t4, when the input DC voltage level of the DC-DC voltage converter system, and thus the DC output voltage of the AC/DC power supply, is greater than or equal to the higher AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level 334D, then the converter processing circuitry is configured to enable all (critical and non-critical) DC-DC voltage converters. Optionally, this may occur when the brownout or blackout conditions no longer occur or when a defective AC/DC power supply has been replaced with a working AC/DC power supply.

[0043] Figure 4 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 400 of disabling non-critical DC-DC voltage converter(s) of a DC-DC voltage converter system. The methods illustrated herein may be implemented with, e.g., the converter processing system 208B of, the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 illustrated and described with respect to Figures 1 and 2, but may be also implemented with other components and/or other systems as well. For pedagogical purposes, implementation of the methods is described with respect to Figures 1 and 2. The blocks of the flow diagrams have been arranged in a generally sequential manner for ease of explanation; however, it is to be understood that this arrangement is merely exemplary, and it should be recognized that the processing associated with the methods described herein (and the blocks shown in the Figures) may occur in a different order (for example, where at least some of the processing associated with the blocks is performed in parallel and/or in an event-driven manner).

[0044] In optional block 440A, receive at least one threshold voltage level, e.g., at the DC-DC voltage converter system 208, for example at the converter processing system 208B, or another component or system. Optionally, such threshold voltage level(s) are received, e.g., through the data interface 208C, from user input or from the DC power source 102, e.g., the first processing system 102D. Optionally, the threshold voltage level(s) are stored in DC-DC voltage converter system 208, e.g., in the converter processing system 208B. Alternatively, to receiving the threshold voltage level(s), such threshold voltage level(s) may be programmed into the DC-DC voltage converter system 208, e.g., at a time of manufacture of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208.

[0045] The at least one threshold voltage may include the AC/DC power supply threshold DC voltage level and optionally the battery threshold DC voltage level. Hysteresis may be used for one or both of the AC/DC power supply threshold DC voltage level and the optional battery threshold DC voltage level. Thus, the at least one threshold voltage may include (a) a higher AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level 334D and the lower AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level 334A, and optionally (b) the battery threshold DC voltage level or the higher battery DC voltage threshold level 334C and the lower battery DC voltage threshold level 334B.

[0046] In block 440B, information, identifying (or from which can be derived (e.g., by the DC- DC voltage converter system 208, for example the converter processing system 208B) an identity of) critical and non-critical DC-DC voltage converters of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 is received, e.g., by the DC-DC voltage converter system 208, e.g., through the data interface 208C and by the converter processing system 208B. Such information may alternatively be received by another component or system (and optionally which may perform such derivation). For example, if only information about critical or non-critical DC-DC voltage converter(s) is received, then the DC-DC voltage converter(s) not identified as (or determined to be) critical or non-critical shall be deemed (e.g., by the DC-DC voltage converter system 208, for example the converter processing system 208B) to be respectively non-critical or critical. Optionally, the identity of the critical and/or the non-critical DC-DC voltage converters must be derived, block 440B further includes performing such derivation.

[0047] In block 440C, whether DC power delivered to, e.g., the DC power input 208E of, the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 is delivered by batter(ies) 102B is determined.

Optionally, such determination may be made by the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 (e.g., the converter processing system 208B) by comparing a magnitude (or absolute value) of voltage measurements from the converter voltage sensor 208D with the battery threshold DC voltage level(s)); such determination may alternatively be made by another component or system. Optionally, such determination may be made based on a first signal 102G received by the DC- DC voltage converter system 208, e.g., the converter processing system 208B through the data interface 208C from the DC power source 102. The first signal 102G is configured to indicate whether the DC power source 102 is providing DC power from another source of DC power (e.g., the AC/DC power supply 102 A) or the batter(ies) 102B. Such first signal 102G may indicate a source of DC power (e.g., the AC/DC power supply 102A or the batter(ies) 102B), a DC voltage level provided by the DC power source 102 (e.g., a higher DC voltage level provided by the AC/DC power supply 102 A or a lower DC voltage level provided by the batter(ies) 102B⁴), or another indicium of the source of DC power.

[0048] If the delivered DC power is determined to not be provided by the batter(ies) 102B, but, e.g., rather delivered by the AC/DC power supply 102A, then repeat block 440C. If the delivered DC power is determined to not be provided by the batter(ies) 102B, then proceed to block 440D.

[0049] In block 440D, a magnitude (or absolute value) of a DC voltage level provided at a DC power output by each DC-DC voltage converter identified as (or determined to be) non-critical is reduced to be (e.g., zero volts) less than the DC voltage provided to the converter DC power input 208E of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 (or alternatively is reduced to be less than a minimum DC power input rating of the load (e.g., at least one radio) powered from the DC power output). Optionally, such reduction may be performed by the converter processing system 208B (or alternatively other component(s)) and the non-critical DC-DC voltage converters.

[0050] For pedagogical purposes, blocks 440E and 440F are illustrated using hysteresis (z.e., lower and higher battery threshold voltage levels). Alternatively, blocks 440E and 440F may be implemented using a single (or same) battery threshold level.

[0051] In optional block 440E, whether a magnitude (or absolute value) of DC voltage level provided to the converter DC power input 208E of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 is less than or equal to the lower battery (LB) DC voltage threshold level 334B is determined. Optionally, such determination may be performed by the converter processing system 208B, or alternatively by another system and/or component. If the magnitude (or absolute value) of DC voltage level provided to the converter DC power input 208E of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 is not less than or equal to the lower battery DC voltage threshold level 334B, then proceed to block 440H.

[0052] If the magnitude (or absolute value) of DC voltage level provided to the converter DC power input 208E of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 is less than or equal to the lower battery DC voltage threshold level 334B, then a magnitude (or absolute value) of a DC voltage level provided at a DC power output by each DC-DC voltage converter identified as (or

⁴ Optionally, the DC power source 102, e.g., the first processing system 102D, are configured to provide a DC voltage level that is a greater of one of: the DC voltage level provided by the AC/DC power supply 102A and the DC voltage level provided by the batter(ies) 102B. determined to be) critical is reduced to be (e.g., zero volts) less than the DC voltage provided to the converter DC power input 208E of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208⁵ (or alternatively is reduced to be less than a magnitude (or absolute value) of a minimum DC power input rating of the load (e.g., at least one radio) powered from the DC power output).

Optionally, such reduction may be performed by the converter processing system 208B (or optionally other component(s)) and the critical DC-DC voltage converters.

[0053] In optional block 440G, whether a magnitude (or absolute value) of the DC voltage level provided to the converter DC power input 208E of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 is greater than the higher battery (HB) DC voltage threshold level 334C is determined. Optionally, such determination may be performed by the converter processing system 208B, or alternatively by another system and/or another component. Optionally, the higher battery DC voltage threshold level 334C equals the lower battery DC voltage threshold level 334B, thus eliminating hysteresis with respect to battery DC voltage level analysis.

[0054] When the magnitude (or absolute value) of DC voltage level provided to the converter DC power input 208E of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 is not greater than the higher battery DC voltage threshold level 334C, then proceed to block 440H. When the magnitude (or absolute value) of DC voltage level provided to the converter DC power input 208E of the DC- DC voltage converter system 208 is greater than the higher battery DC voltage threshold level 334C, then, in optional block 440H, a magnitude (or absolute value) of a DC voltage level provided at a DC power output by each DC-DC voltage converter identified (or determined to be) as critical is increased to be greater than the DC voltage provided to the converter DC power input 208E of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 (or alternatively is increased to be not less than a magnitude of the minimum DC power input rating of the load (e.g., at least one radio) powered from the DC power output). Optionally, such increase may be performed by the converter processing system 208B (or optionally other component(s)) and the critical DC-DC voltage converters.

[0055] In block 4401, whether the converter DC power input power is no longer delivered by the batter(ies) 102B is determined. Optionally, such determination may be made by the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 (e.g., the converter processing system 208B) or another

⁵ Thus, a magnitude (or absolute value) of a DC voltage level at a DC power output of each of all DC-DC voltage converters of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 is reduced to be (e.g., zero volts) less than the DC voltage provided to the converter DC power input 208E of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208. component or system. Optionally, such determination may be made based on the first signal 102G received by the DC-DC voltage converter system 208, e.g., the converter processing system 208B through the data interface 208C from the DC power source 102. The first signal 102G is configured to indicate whether the DC power source 102 is providing DC power from the other source of DC power (e.g., the AC/DC power supply 102 A) or the batter(ies) 102B. Such first signal 102G may indicate the source of DC power (e.g., the AC/DC power supply 102 A or the batter(ies) 102B), the DC voltage level provided by the DC power source 102 (e.g., a higher DC voltage level provided by the AC/DC power supply 102 A or the lower DC voltage level provided by the batter(ies) 102B), or another indicium of the source of DC power.

[0056] If the delivered DC power is determined to not be provided by the batter(ies) 102B, but, e.g., rather delivered by the AC/DC power supply 102 A, then in block 440 J a magnitude (or absolute value) of an output DC voltage provided at a DC power output by each non-critical DC-DC voltage converter(s) and optionally by each critical DC-DC voltage converter(s) are increased to exceed the DC voltage at the converter DC power input 208E of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208 (or alternatively is increased to be not less than a magnitude (or absolute value) of the minimum DC power input rating of the load (e.g., at least one radio) powered from the DC power output). Optionally, such increase may be performed by the converter processing system 208B (or alternatively another component or system) and the non- critical (and optionally critical) DC-DC voltage converters. Optionally, each DC-DC voltage converter whose magnitude (or absolute value) of output DC voltage is increased is further configured to provide a magnitude (or absolute value) of a DC voltage level, at a DC power input of a load (e.g., a set of radio(s)) powered by the DC-DC voltage converter, that exceeds a magnitude of a nominal DC voltage rating of the load⁶; this has the benefit of reducing DC power dissipation in electrical conductors electrically coupling the DC power output to the load. The magnitude (or absolute value) of output voltage of the critical DC-DC voltage converter(s) is increased only if the magnitude (or absolute value) of output voltage of the critical DC-DC voltage converter(s) had been reduced but not subsequently increased. If the delivered DC

⁶ A load, for example a radio, typically has minimum, nominal, and maximum DC input voltage ratings. The load may not function with a DC input voltage at the load’s DC power input that is less than the minimum DC input voltage rating. The load should not be provided with a DC input voltage at the load’s DC power input that exceeds the maximum DC input voltage rating because the load may become disabled or damaged. The nominal DC input voltage rating is a voltage class at which the load is configured to receive at the load’s DC power input. The load may operate normally with a DC input voltage (at the load’s DC power input) that is at, above, or below the nominal DC input voltage rating, for example, as long as the DC input voltage is between the minimum and the maximum DC input voltage ratings. power is determined to not be provided by the batter(ies) 102B, then proceed to block 440D. Optionally, after block 440J, proceed to block 440C.

[0057] If in block 4401 the delivered DC power is determined to be no longer provided by the batter(ies) 102B, but, e.g., rather by the AC/DC power supply 102A, then, repeat block 4401 (if the optional block 440E is not used) or proceed to optional block 440K (if the optional block 440E is used). In optional block 440K, whether an output DC voltage level of the critical DC- DC voltage converter(s) is larger than the DC voltage level, at the converter DC power input 208E of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208, is determined. Optionally, such determination may be performed by the converter processing system 208B, or alternatively by another system and/or other component(s). If the output DC voltage level of the critical DC-DC voltage converter(s) is larger than the DC voltage level at the converter DC power input 208E of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208, then proceed to optional block 440G. If the output DC voltage level of the critical DC-DC voltage converter(s) is not larger than the DC voltage level at the converter DC power input 208E of the DC-DC voltage converter system 208, then proceed to optional block 440F.

[0058] The processing system (or processing circuitry) disclosed herein may comprise state machines, neural network, and/or other types of computing systems. Such processing system may comprise processing circuitry coupled to memory circuitry. The processing circuitry may include one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processing (DSP) elements, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and/or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The processor system may include or function with software programs, firmware, or other computer readable instructions, e.g., stored in the memory circuitry, for carrying out various process tasks, calculations, and control functions, used in the methods described herein. These instructions are typically tangibly embodied on any storage media (or computer readable medium) used for storage of computer readable instructions or data structures.

[0059] The memory circuitry can be implemented with any available storage media (or computer readable medium) that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or processor, or any programmable logic device. Suitable computer readable medium may include storage or memory media such as semiconductor, magnetic, and/or optical media. For example, computer readable media may include conventional hard disks, volatile or nonvolatile media such as Random Access Memory (RAM) (including, but not limited to, Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)), Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), and/or flash memory.

[0060] Methods of the invention can be implemented in computer readable instructions, such as program modules or applications, which may be stored in the computer readable medium and executed by the processing circuitry. Generally, program modules or applications include routines, programs, objects, data components, data structures, algorithms, and the like, which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0061] Example 1 includes a method for disabling non-critical direct current (DC)-DC voltage converters of a DC-DC voltage converter system including DC-DC voltage converters, the method comprising: receiving information about, or from which is derived, which of the DC- DC voltage converters of the DC-DC voltage converter system are critical and non-critical; determining whether DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by one or more batteries; determining that the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by the one or more batteries, then reducing a magnitude of a DC output voltage level provided by each non-critical DC-DC voltage converter to be (a) equal to or less than a magnitude of an DC input voltage level provided to a DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) less than a magnitude of a minimum DC voltage rating of a load powered by a corresponding non-critical DC-DC voltage converter; determining whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries; and determining that the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries, then increasing the magnitude of the DC output voltage level provided by each non-critical DC-DC voltage converter to be respectively (a) greater than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) not less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by the corresponding non-critical DC-DC voltage converter.

[0062] Example 2 includes the method of Example 1, further comprising: determining whether the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is less than or equal to a lower battery DC voltage threshold level; determining that the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is less than or equal to the lower battery DC voltage threshold level, then reducing a magnitude of a DC output voltage level provided by each critical DC-DC voltage converter to be (a) less than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by a corresponding critical DC-DC voltage converter; determining whether the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is greater than a higher battery DC voltage threshold level; and determining that the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is greater than the higher battery DC voltage threshold level, then increasing the magnitude the DC output voltage level provided by each critical DC-DC voltage converter to be respectively (a) greater than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) not less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by the corresponding critical DC-DC voltage converter.

[0063] Example 3 includes the method of Example 2, wherein the lower battery DC voltage threshold level equals the higher battery DC voltage threshold level.

[0064] Example 4 includes the method of any of Examples 1-3, further comprising: receiving at least one threshold voltage level at the DC-DC voltage converter system; and wherein determining whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by the one or more batteries comprises determining whether at least one of: (i) a greater of one of (a) a magnitude of a DC output voltage level, of an alternating current (AC)/DC power supply, provided by a DC power supply comprising the AC/DC power supply and the one or more batteries and (b) a magnitude of a DC output voltage level, of the one or more batteries, provided by the DC power supply, and (ii) the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is less than a lower AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level; wherein determining whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries comprises determining whether at least one of: (i) the greater of one of (a) the magnitude of the DC output voltage level, of the AC/DC power supply, provided by the DC power supply and (b) the magnitude of the DC output voltage level, of the one or more batteries, provided by the DC power supply, and (ii) the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is greater than or equal to a higher AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level. [0065] Example 5 includes the method of Example 4, wherein the lower AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level equals the higher AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level. [0066] Example 6 includes the method of any of Examples 1-5, wherein receiving the information and determining whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered or is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries is performed by a converter processing system in the DC-DC voltage converter system.

[0067] Example 7 includes the method of any of Examples 1-6, further comprising measuring the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system.

[0068] Example 8 includes a n n -transitory computer readable medium storing a program causing at least one processor to execute a process to disable non-critical direct current (DC)- DC voltage converters of a DC-DC voltage converter system including DC-DC voltage converters, the process comprising: receiving information about, or from which is derived, which of the DC-DC voltage converters of the DC-DC voltage converter system are critical and non-critical; determining whether DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by one or more batteries; determining that the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by the one or more batteries, then causing a reduction of a magnitude of a DC output voltage level provided by each non-critical DC-DC voltage converter to be (a) equal to or less than a magnitude of a DC input voltage level provided to a DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) less than a magnitude of a minimum DC voltage rating of a load powered by a corresponding non-critical DC-DC voltage converter; determining whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC- DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries; and determining that the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries, then causing an increase of the magnitude of the DC output voltage level provided by each non-critical DC-DC voltage converter to be respectively (a) greater than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) not less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by the corresponding non-critical DC-DC voltage converter.

[0069] Example 9 includes the n on-transitory computer readable medium of Example 8, wherein the process further comprises: determining whether the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is less than or equal to a lower battery DC voltage threshold level; determining that the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is less than or equal to the lower battery DC voltage threshold level, then causing a reduction of a magnitude of a DC output voltage level provided by each critical DC-DC voltage converter to be (a) less than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by a corresponding critical DC-DC voltage converter; determining whether the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is greater than a higher battery DC voltage threshold level; and determining that the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is greater than the higher battery DC voltage threshold level, then causing an increase of the magnitude of the DC output voltage level provided by each critical DC-DC voltage converter to be respectively (a) greater than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) not less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by the corresponding critical DC-DC voltage converter.

[0070] Example 10 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium of Example 9, wherein the lower battery DC voltage threshold level equals the higher battery DC voltage threshold level.

[0071] Example 11 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of Examples 8-10, wherein the process further comprises: receiving at least one threshold voltage level at the DC-DC voltage converter system; and wherein determining whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by the one or more batteries comprises determining whether at least one of: (i) a greater of one of (a) a magnitude of a DC output voltage level, of an alternating current (AC)/DC power supply, provided by a DC power supply comprising the AC/DC power supply and the one or more batteries and (b) the magnitude of the DC output voltage level, of the one or more batteries, provided by the DC power supply, and (ii) the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is less than a lower AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level; wherein determining whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries comprises determining whether at least one of: (i) the greater of one of (a) the magnitude of the DC output voltage level, of the AC/DC power supply, provided by the DC power supply and (b) the magnitude of the DC output voltage level, of the one or more batteries, provided by the DC power supply, and (ii) the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is greater than or equal to a higher AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level.

[0072] Example 12 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium of Example 11, wherein the lower AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level equals the higher AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level.

[0073] Example 13 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of Examples 8-12, wherein the process is further configured to receive the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system and measured by the DC-DC voltage converter system.

[0074] Example 14 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of Examples 8-13, wherein the process is configured to be executed by the at least one processor comprising a converter processing system in the DC-DC voltage converter system.

[0075] Example 15 includes a direct current (DC)-DC voltage converter system configured to disabling non-critical direct current (DC)-DC voltage converters of a DC-DC voltage converter system including DC-DC voltage converters, the DC-DC voltage converter system comprising: data interface circuitry configured to receive information from which can be derived which of the DC-DC voltage converters of the DC-DC voltage converter system are critical and non- critical; at least two DC-DC voltage converters; and converter processing circuitry communicatively coupled to the data interface circuitry and each DC-DC voltage converter; wherein the converter processing circuitry is configured to: determine that DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by one or more batteries, then cause a reduction of a DC output voltage level provided by each non-critical DC-DC voltage converter to be (a) equal to or less than a magnitude of a DC input voltage level provided to a DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) less than a magnitude of a minimum DC voltage rating of a load powered by a corresponding non-critical DC-DC voltage converter; determine whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries; and determine that the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries, then cause an increase of the magnitude of the DC output voltage level provided by each non-critical DC-DC voltage converter to be respectively (a) greater than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) not less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by the corresponding non-critical DC-DC voltage converter.

[0076] Example 16 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of Example 15, wherein the converter processing circuitry is further configured to: determine whether the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is less than or equal to a lower battery DC voltage threshold level; determine that the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is less than or equal to the lower battery DC voltage threshold level, then cause a reduction of a magnitude of a DC output voltage level provided by each critical DC-DC voltage converter to be (a) less than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by a corresponding critical DC-DC voltage converter; determine whether the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is greater than a higher battery DC voltage threshold level; and determine that the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is greater than the higher battery DC voltage threshold level, then cause an increase of the magnitude of the DC output voltage level provided by each critical DC-DC voltage converter to be respectively (a) greater than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) not less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by the corresponding critical DC-DC voltage converter.

[0077] Example 17 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of Example 16, wherein the lower battery DC voltage threshold level equals the higher battery DC voltage threshold level.

[0078] Example 18 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of any of Examples 15-17, wherein the converter processing circuitry is further configured to: receive, through the data interface circuitry, at least one threshold voltage level at the DC-DC voltage converter system; and wherein determine whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by the one or more batteries comprises determine whether at least one of: (i) a greater of one of (a) a magnitude of a DC output voltage level, of an alternating current (AC)/DC power supply, provided by a DC power supply comprising the AC/DC power supply and the one or more batteries and (b) a magnitude of a DC output voltage level, of the one or more batteries, provided by the DC power supply, and (ii) the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is less than a lower AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level; wherein determine whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries comprises determine whether at least one of: (i) the greater of one of (a) the magnitude of the DC output voltage level, of the AC/DC power supply, provided by the DC power supply and (b) the magnitude of the DC output voltage level, of the one or more batteries, provided by the DC power supply, and (ii) the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is greater than or equal to a higher AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level.

[0079] Example 19 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of Example 18, wherein the lower AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level equals the higher AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level.

[0080] Example 20 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of any of Examples 15-19, further comprising a converter voltage sensor configured to measure a DC input voltage of the DC-DC voltage converter system and to transmit such DC input voltage to the converter processing circuitry.

[0081] A number of embodiments of the invention defined by the following claims have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method for disabling non-critical direct current (DC)-DC voltage converters of a DC- DC voltage converter system including DC-DC voltage converters, the method comprising: receiving information about, or from which is derived, which of the DC-DC voltage converters of the DC-DC voltage converter system are critical and non-critical; determining whether DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by one or more batteries; determining that the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by the one or more batteries, then reducing a magnitude of a DC output voltage level provided by each non-critical DC-DC voltage converter to be (a) equal to or less than a magnitude of an DC input voltage level provided to a DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) less than a magnitude of a minimum DC voltage rating of a load powered by a corresponding non-critical DC-DC voltage converter; determining whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries; and determining that the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries, then increasing the magnitude of the DC output voltage level provided by each non-critical DC-DC voltage converter to be respectively (a) greater than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) not less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by the corresponding non-critical DC-DC voltage converter.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining whether the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is less than or equal to a lower battery DC voltage threshold level; determining that the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is less than or equal to the lower battery DC voltage threshold level, then reducing a magnitude of a DC output voltage level provided by each critical DC-DC voltage converter to be (a) less than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by a corresponding critical DC-DC voltage converter; determining whether the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is greater than a higher battery DC voltage threshold level; and determining that the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is greater than the higher battery DC voltage threshold level, then increasing the magnitude the DC output voltage level provided by each critical DC-DC voltage converter to be respectively (a) greater than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) not less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by the corresponding critical DC-DC voltage converter.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the lower battery DC voltage threshold level equals the higher battery DC voltage threshold level.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving at least one threshold voltage level at the DC-DC voltage converter system; and wherein determining whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by the one or more batteries comprises determining whether at least one of: (i) a greater of one of (a) a magnitude of a DC output voltage level, of an alternating current (AC)/DC power supply, provided by a DC power supply comprising the AC/DC power supply and the one or more batteries and (b) a magnitude of a DC output voltage level, of the one or more batteries, provided by the DC power supply, and (ii) the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is less than a lower AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level; wherein determining whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries comprises determining whether at least one of: (i) the greater of one of (a) the magnitude of the DC output voltage level, of the AC/DC power supply, provided by the DC power supply and (b) the magnitude of the DC output voltage level, of the one or more batteries, provided by the DC power supply, and (ii) the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC- DC voltage converter system is greater than or equal to a higher AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the lower AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level equals the higher AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the information and determining whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered or is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries is performed by a converter processing system in the DC-DC voltage converter system.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising measuring the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system.

8. A non- transitory computer readable medium storing a program causing at least one processor to execute a process to disable non-critical direct current (DC)-DC voltage converters of a DC-DC voltage converter system including DC-DC voltage converters, the process comprising: receiving information about, or from which is derived, which of the DC-DC voltage converters of the DC-DC voltage converter system are critical and non-critical; determining whether DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by one or more batteries; determining that the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by the one or more batteries, then causing a reduction of a magnitude of a DC output voltage level provided by each non-critical DC-DC voltage converter to be (a) equal to or less than a magnitude of a DC input voltage level provided to a DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) less than a magnitude of a minimum DC voltage rating of a load powered by a corresponding non-critical DC-DC voltage converter; determining whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries; and determining that the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries, then causing an increase of the magnitude of the DC output voltage level provided by each non-critical DC-DC voltage converter to be respectively (a) greater than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) not less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by the corresponding non- critical DC-DC voltage converter.

9. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 8, wherein the process further comprises: determining whether the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is less than or equal to a lower battery DC voltage threshold level; determining that the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is less than or equal to the lower battery DC voltage threshold level, then causing a reduction of a magnitude of a DC output voltage level provided by each critical DC-DC voltage converter to be (a) less than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by a corresponding critical DC-DC voltage converter; determining whether the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is greater than a higher battery DC voltage threshold level; and determining that the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is greater than the higher battery DC voltage threshold level, then causing an increase of the magnitude of the DC output voltage level provided by each critical DC-DC voltage converter to be respectively (a) greater than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) not less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by the corresponding critical DC-DC voltage converter.

10. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 9, wherein the lower battery DC voltage threshold level equals the higher battery DC voltage threshold level.

11. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 8, wherein the process further comprises: receiving at least one threshold voltage level at the DC-DC voltage converter system; and wherein determining whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by the one or more batteries comprises determining whether at least one of: (i) a greater of one of (a) a magnitude of a DC output voltage level, of an alternating current (AC)/DC power supply, provided by a DC power supply comprising the AC/DC power supply and the one or more batteries and (b) the magnitude of the DC output voltage level, of the one or more batteries, provided by the DC power supply, and (ii) the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is less than a lower AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level; wherein determining whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries comprises determining whether at least one of: (i) the greater of one of (a) the magnitude of the DC output voltage level, of the AC/DC power supply, provided by the DC power supply and (b) the magnitude of the DC output voltage level, of the one or more batteries, provided by the DC power supply, and (ii) the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC- DC voltage converter system is greater than or equal to a higher AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level.

12. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 11, wherein the lower AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level equals the higher AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level.

13. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 8, wherein the process is further configured to receive the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system and measured by the DC-DC voltage converter system.

14. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 8, wherein the process is configured to be executed by the at least one processor comprising a converter processing system in the DC-DC voltage converter system.

15. A direct current (DC)-DC voltage converter system configured to disabling non-critical direct current (DC)-DC voltage converters of a DC-DC voltage converter system including DC- DC voltage converters, the DC-DC voltage converter system comprising: data interface circuitry configured to receive information from which can be derived which of the DC-DC voltage converters of the DC-DC voltage converter system are critical and non-critical; at least two DC-DC voltage converters; and converter processing circuitry communicatively coupled to the data interface circuitry and each DC-DC voltage converter; wherein the converter processing circuitry is configured to: determine that DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by one or more batteries, then cause a reduction of a DC output voltage level provided by each non-critical DC-DC voltage converter to be (a) equal to or less than a magnitude of a DC input voltage level provided to a DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) less than a magnitude of a minimum DC voltage rating of a load powered by a corresponding non-critical DC-DC voltage converter; determine whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries; and determine that the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries, then cause an increase of the magnitude of the DC output voltage level provided by each non-critical DC-DC voltage converter to be respectively (a) greater than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) not less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by the corresponding non-critical DC-DC voltage converter.

16. The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 15, wherein the converter processing circuitry is further configured to: determine whether the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is less than or equal to a lower battery DC voltage threshold level; determine that the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is less than or equal to the lower battery DC voltage threshold level, then cause a reduction of a magnitude of a DC output voltage level provided by each critical DC-DC voltage converter to be (a) less than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by a corresponding critical DC-DC voltage converter; determine whether the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is greater than a higher battery DC voltage threshold level; and determine that the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is greater than the higher battery DC voltage threshold level, then cause an increase of the magnitude of the DC output voltage level provided by each critical DC-DC voltage converter to be respectively (a) greater than the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system or (b) not less than the magnitude of the minimum DC voltage rating of the load powered by the corresponding critical DC-DC voltage converter.

17. The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 16, wherein the lower battery DC voltage threshold level equals the higher battery DC voltage threshold level.

18. The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 15, wherein the converter processing circuitry is further configured to: receive, through the data interface circuitry, at least one threshold voltage level at the DC-DC voltage converter system; and wherein determine whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is delivered by the one or more batteries comprises determine whether at least one of: (i) a greater of one of (a) a magnitude of a DC output voltage level, of an alternating current (AC)/DC power supply, provided by a DC power supply comprising the AC/DC power supply and the one or more batteries and (b) a magnitude of a DC output voltage level, of the one or more batteries, provided by the DC power supply, and (ii) the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC-DC voltage converter system is less than a lower AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level; wherein determine whether the DC electrical power provided to the DC-DC voltage converter system is no longer delivered by the one or more batteries comprises determine whether at least one of: (i) the greater of one of (a) the magnitude of the DC output voltage level, of the AC/DC power supply, provided by the DC power supply and (b) the magnitude of the DC output voltage level, of the one or more batteries, provided by the DC power supply, and (ii) the magnitude of the DC input voltage level provided to the DC power input of the DC- DC voltage converter system is greater than or equal to a higher AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level.

19. The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 18, wherein the lower AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level equals the higher AC/DC power supply DC voltage threshold level.

20. The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 15, further comprising a converter voltage sensor configured to measure a DC input voltage of the DC-DC voltage converter system and to transmit such DC input voltage to the converter processing circuitry.