Enhancing Your Server Supply: A Guide to Voltage Adjustment

This guide details how to safely and effectively adjust the voltage of your server power supply, specifically focusing on the ESP114 model. Based on community insights and practical experimentation, we outline the steps and considerations for optimizing your Server Supply for specific voltage requirements.

Understanding Server Supply Modification

Modifying a server power supply to increase its voltage output can be beneficial for various applications, particularly in scenarios demanding higher power delivery. However, it’s crucial to approach this process with caution and a thorough understanding of the components involved. This article focuses on the ESP114 server supply, drawing on shared experiences and documented methods within online communities.

ESP114 Voltage Adjustment: Reaching 13.3V

Initial investigations into the ESP114 power supply revealed its potential to output up to 50A at 13.2V. Further exploration within RC groups and similar forums uncovered a specific modification to maximize voltage increase.

The key to pushing the ESP114 to its voltage limit involves a combination of pin manipulation and resistor implementation. Testing indicated that a maximum voltage of approximately 13.3V could be achieved before over-voltage shutdown mechanisms activated.

Modification Steps for ESP114 Voltage Boost:

To achieve a voltage increase closer to 13.3V, the following steps were identified:

1. Short Pins D1 and D2: Electrically connect pins D1 and D2 together. This is a crucial step to enable the full voltage increase potential.
2. Implement a 230 Ohm Resistor: Introduce a 230-ohm resistor between points C5 and B5. This resistor is essential for regulating the voltage adjustment.

Pin Configuration:

The pin matrix below illustrates the modification points:

--1 2 3 4 5 6
D S S 0 0 0 0
C 0 0 0 0 R 0
B 0 0 0 0 R 0
A 0 0 0 0 0 0

S = Short
R = 230 ohm resistor

It is important to note that failing to short pins D1 and D2 may limit the voltage increase to around 12.67V. With these modifications and under a 30A load, the ESP114 server supply demonstrated stable voltage output at 13.3V.

Identifying Voltage Control Pins: A Practical Approach

Locating the voltage control pin on a server supply is fundamental for any voltage adjustment endeavor. A systematic approach not only pinpoints the voltage control pin but also aids in identifying other critical pins, such as the current share pin.

Step-by-Step Pin Identification Process:

1. Voltage Measurement: Begin by connecting a voltmeter to the output terminals of the power supply. Record the initial base voltage reading. Let’s assume the base voltage is +12.2V (+V).
2. Resistor Connection: Using a resistor ranging from 750Ω to 1kΩ, connect the +V output, via the resistor, to each pin individually, one at a time. This method is more efficient than attempting to locate ground, +3V, and +5V pins beforehand.
3. Voltage Monitoring: Carefully observe the voltmeter as you connect to each pin. Monitor for any changes in the +V output reading.

Interpreting Voltage Changes:

• Two Pins Inducing Voltage Change: If you observe a +V change when connecting to only two distinct pins, you have likely identified:

  • A: +12V Current Share Pin: This pin is related to current distribution and sharing capabilities.
  • B: Voltage Control Pin (+12V Remote Sense Return): This pin is directly responsible for voltage regulation.

  The pin causing the most significant voltage change is typically the +12V current share pin. Conversely, the pin resulting in the least voltage change is usually the voltage control pin.

• Single Pin Inducing Voltage Change: If only one pin causes a +V change, it could be either the:

  • A: +12V Current Share Pin
  • B: Voltage Control Pin (+12V Remote Sense Return)

  To differentiate between these in this scenario, repeat the process using a lower value resistor, for example, between 500Ω to 749Ω.

  • Consistent Voltage Change: If the +V change remains the same as with the higher value resistor, you’ve likely found the +12V current share pin.
  • Variable Voltage Change: If the +V change differs from the initial reading with the higher value resistor, you have likely identified the Voltage control pin.

Optimizing Voltage Regulation:

For finalizing voltage adjustments, it is recommended to utilize either the +3V or +5V pins. Employing these pins in the final voltage adjustment process can enhance the overall voltage regulation of the server power supply.

Alt text: DL580 server power supply pinout diagram illustrating pin configurations and labels, useful for identifying voltage control and current share pins for modification.

Fan Speed Control Considerations:

In some server power supply models, you might also encounter a fan speed control pin. Occasionally, this pin is internally grounded. Applying a positive voltage to this pin can trigger an increase in fan speed.

Furthermore, the +12V current share pin can be leveraged for comprehensive power supply regulation, as demonstrated in various community projects. It can also be adapted to modulate fan speed in proportion to the power output, offering dynamic cooling capabilities.

By carefully following these steps and understanding the pin functionalities, you can effectively identify and utilize the voltage control pin and other relevant pins to optimize your server supply for your specific needs. Always exercise caution and ensure proper grounding and safety measures when working with power supplies.