Power converter with reduced power consumption when toggling between sleep and normal modes during device charging

Abstract

Electronic devices may have batteries that power internal circuitry. A power converter may connect to an input-output port in an electronic device to deliver power to the electronic device. Battery charging circuitry in the electronic device may be used to charge the battery in an electronic device while power is delivered from the power converter. The power converter may have load detection circuitry. When an output load is present, the power converter operates in an active mode and delivers power to the electronic device. When the output load is not present, the power converter enters a low-power standby mode. The electronic device has switching circuitry that periodically either electrically couples or electrically isolates the input-output port from internal circuitry. When the input-output port is isolated, the power converter senses that no output load is present and enters the standby state to conserve power.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to US Patent Application No. 12 / 628,976, filed December 1, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field [0002] The present disclosure relates to systems that use power converters to charge electronic devices, and more particularly, to systems where power converters and electronic devices cooperate to ensure that the power converter can enter a low power sleep mode whenever possible to reduce power consumption. Background technique [0003] Power converter circuits may be used to convert alternating current (AC) power to direct current (DC) power. AC power is typically supplied from a wall outlet and is sometimes referred to as line power. Electronic devices include circuits that run from a DC power source. The DC power generated by the AC to DC power converter can be used to power electronic devices. The generated DC power can also be used to charge batteries in electronic devices. [0004] In s...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, even when using the best designs, there are residual power losses when operating power converters

These residual losses are associated with leakage currents and other parasitic effects originating from the switch-mode circuits that run the converter, and power converters contribute to power consumption even when they are not being used to supply large amounts of power to electronic devices

While users wishing to minimize power loss can manually disconnect the power converter from the AC line when not in use, this type of manual method can be cumbersome for the user

Images