Advanced method for increasing reliability of redundant current-sharing power supplies

A computer system comprising:

• a processor;
• a memory coupled to the processor,
• a plurality of power supply systems configured to provide power to the processor and the memory, the plurality of power supply systems being located in a substantially linear alignment, the linear alignment being substantially aligned with a direction of an airflow, the plurality of power supply systems comprising:
• a first sensor to measure a current output of each of the plurality of power supply systems;
• a second sensor to measure at least one variable representing an operational stress factor associated with each of the plurality of power supply systems, the operational stress factor representing an operational stress of a respective power supply system;
• and
• a controller configured to receive inputs from the first and second sensor, the controller operable to adjust the current output of at least one of the plurality of power supply systems in response to the received inputs, the controller taking into account that the operational stress of a power supply system subsequent to a power supply system in the direction of the air flow is greater than the operational stress of a power supply system previous to a power supply system in the direction of the airflow.

A computer system comprising:

• a processor;
• a memory coupled to the processor;
• a redundant power supply system operable to provide power to the processor and the memory, the redundant power supply comprising:
• a first power supply system coupled to a second power supply system, the first and second power supply systems being located in a substantially linear alignment, the linear alignment being substantially aligned with a direction of an airflow such that the airflow passes the first power supply system before passing the second power supply system;
• a first input representing a current output of the second power supply system;
• a second input representing at least one variable of an operational stress factor associated with the first power supply system, the operational stress factor representing an operational stress of the first power supply system;
• and
• a balance circuit configured to receive the first and second input, the balance circuit operable to provide feedback to the first power supply system in response to the received inputs, the balance circuit taking into account that the operational stress of the first power supply system is greater than the operational stress of the second power supply system.