Power capability information in the power adapter

Abstract

In an exemplary embodiment, a device is provided. The device includes a plurality of power inputs, a plurality of power outputs, a power management component, and a power source capability information translation component. The plurality of power inputs are coupled to a power source. The plurality of power outputs are coupled to an electronic device. The power management component is coupled to the plurality of power inputs and the plurality of power outputs to manage the delivery of power. The power source capability information translation component is coupled to the power management component and an external source that provides power source capability information of a power source connected to a power input among the plurality of power inputs. The power management component delivers power from the power source to a power output among the plurality of power outputs according to the power source capability information received from the external source.

Description

Background Art

[0001] An electronic device is powered by a power source. The power source can provide power to supply a processor of the electronic device, to illuminate a display of the electronic device, to enable communication signals to be exchanged to and from the electronic device, and so on. The electronic device can be powered by various different power sources. In some instances, the device can be powered by a direct current (DC) power source or an alternating current (AC) power source. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0002] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example system of multiple power sources connected to multiple devices via a power adapter of the present disclosure;

[0003] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example power adapter of the present disclosure;

[0004] Figure 3 is a more detailed block diagram of an example power adapter of the present disclosure;

[0005] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an example method for transmitting power supply capability information in a power adapter; and

[0006] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an example non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions executed by a processor to transmit power supply capability information in a power adapter. Detailed Description

[0007] The examples described herein provide a power adapter having multiple power inputs and power outputs, which can receive power supply capability information transmitted from an external source. As discussed above, an electronic device can operate using power from a power source. In some instances, the power source can be a direct current (DC) power source packaged and sold with the electronic device. Thus, the DC power source can be compatible with the electronic device and allow the electronic device to operate at a maximum power setting.

[0008] However, in some instances, the electronic device can be powered by a non-standard power source or a power source not distributed with the electronic device. In these instances, the power capability information may not be available or may not be transmitted to the electronic device. As a result, the electronic device may operate at a minimum power setting or may not operate at all. Another possibility is that an electronic device that does not know the power output capability of the power source may draw overdraft current from the power source and cause a power source failure or otherwise stop providing power.

[0009] The examples in this document provide an adapter with multiple power inputs and power outputs that can receive power capability information from an external source. In other words, power capability information can be transmitted from a source other than the power supply itself. For example, the power capability information can be transmitted by a user via an input switch on the power adapter or via a remote power environment console. Thus, if the power source connected to the power input of the adapter does not transmit power capability information, the electronic device connected to the power output of the adapter can operate at the maximum power setting based on the power capability information from the external source.

[0010] In addition, the adapter can manage multiple power inputs and multiple power outputs. For example, the adapter can manage which power output can receive power from which power source connected to the power input. If one power input fails, the adapter can also provide redundancy via the power input. The adapter can also manage the charging of a battery connected to one of the power inputs via a power source connected to another power input of the adapter. Thus, even when the power source does not transmit power capability information, the adapter provides the ability to manage the power source and for the electronic device to operate at the maximum power setting.

[0011] Figure 1 A block diagram of the system 100 of the present disclosure is illustrated. In one example, the system 100 can include an adapter 102. The adapter 102 can include multiple power inputs 1041 - 104 n (also referred to hereinafter individually as power input 104 or collectively as power inputs 104). In one example, the power input 104 can include a direct current (DC) barrel jack or a power interface.

[0012] The power input 104 can be connected to corresponding power sources 1081 to 108 n (also referred to hereinafter individually as power source 108 or collectively as power sources 108). The power source 108 can be a DC power source. The power source 108 can be any type of DC power source, such as a battery, an alternating current to direct current (AC / DC) converter (also referred to as a DC power brick), a connection to a DC power outlet, etc.

[0013] In one example, the adapter 102 can include multiple power outputs 1061 to 106 m (also referred to hereinafter individually as power output 106 or collectively as power outputs 106). In one example, the power output 106 can include a direct current (DC) barrel jack or a power interface. The power output 106 can be connected to corresponding electronic devices 1101 to 110 m (also referred to hereinafter individually as electronic device 110 or collectively as electronic devices 110).

[0014] In one example, the electronic device 110 can be any type of electronic device that can be powered by a DC power source (e.g., power source 108). Examples of the electronic device 110 can include a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a thin client computer, a portable electronic device, an electronic component as part of a console, a docking station for charging an electronic device, etc.

[0015] In one example, the number of n power inputs can be different from the number of m power outputs. In one example, the number of n power inputs can be the same as the number of m power outputs.

[0016] In one example, the electronic device 110 can operate via DC power supplied by one of the power sources 108. For example, the adapter 102 can manage the pool of power sources 108 and distribute power from the power sources 108 to the corresponding electronic devices 110 via the power outputs 106.

[0017] In one example, the adapter 102 can manage the pool of power sources 108 to provide power redundancy to one of the electronic devices 110. For example, if one power source 108 fails, the adapter 102 can supply power to the electronic device 110 from another power source 108. For example, the electronic device 110 can be a computer located remotely where power reliability is important (e.g., in a space station). The adapter 102 can manage multiple DC power sources (e.g., power sources 108) to ensure that if one power source 108 fails, the electronic device 110 is switched to another power input 104 connected to another power source 108.

[0018] In one example, the adapter 102 can be communicatively coupled to an external source 112. The external source 112 can provide power capability information. The power capability information can indicate to the electronic device 110 the power capabilities of the corresponding power sources 108. When the power sources 108 do not provide power capability information, the power capability information can be provided by the external source 112 or override the power capability information provided by the power sources 108.

[0019] Thus, the adapter 102 can allow the electronic device 110 to operate with non-standard power sources 108. In other words, non-standard power sources can be power sources that are not manufactured for use with a particular electronic device 110 or third-party power sources.

[0020] Details of the components within the adapter 102 that perform power management and processing of power capability information are discussed further below. Thus, the adapter 102 of the present disclosure manages the delivery of power from multiple power sources 108 via multiple power inputs 104 to multiple electronic devices 110 via multiple power outputs 106.

[0021] In addition, the adapter 102 of the present disclosure can provide remote communication to an external source 112. Thus, the adapter 102 can provide the external source 112 with the ability to provide power capability information and / or transmit monitoring or status information to the external source 112.

[0022] In one example, multiple adapters 102 can be arranged in a bracket 120. For example, multiple adapters 102 can be placed in a bracket arrangement to connect many different power sources 108 to many different electronic devices 110. Thus, the remote communication capabilities of the adapter 102 can allow the external source 112 to remotely manage or control the adapter 102 and the power source 108. For example, a single control signal or command can be used to control multiple power sources 108.

[0023] Figure 2 A detailed block diagram of the adapter 102 is illustrated. Similar to Figure 1 , Figure 2 illustrates a power source 108 connected to the power input 104 and an electronic device 110 connected to the power output 106.

[0024] In one example, the adapter 102 can also include a power management component 202 and a power source capability information translation component 204. The power management component 202 and the power source capability information translation component 204 can be deployed as discrete circuits in hardware or can be deployed as instructions stored in a memory and executed by a processor (e.g., as shown and discussed below in Figure 5 ).

[0025] In one example, the power management component 202 can be communicatively coupled to the power input 104 and the power output 106. As described above, the power management component 202 can manage a pool of power sources 108 to power the electronic device 110.

[0026] In one example, the power management component 202 can provide voltage monitoring, input isolation, charging, and output regulation circuitry. In one example, the power management component 202 can include charge sensing and control circuitry and voltage regulation circuitry. For example, the charge sensing and control circuitry can monitor overcurrent or overvoltage events and then protect the adapter 102, the power source 108, and the electronic device 110. Based on the sensed current or voltage, the power management component 202 can turn off the input 104, request that the electronic device 110 draw less current or voltage, etc.

[0027] In one example, one of the power inputs 104 can be connected to a battery that is recharged via another power source 108 connected to another power input 104. The charge sensing and control circuitry can also control the charging of the battery via the power input 104.

[0028] In one example, the voltage regulation circuit can control or regulate the voltage level of the power source 108. In other words, the voltage regulation circuit can regulate the amount of power delivered from the power input 104 based on the power level monitored by the charge sensing and control circuit. For example, the power source 108 can provide different powers at different voltage levels. The voltage regulation circuit can control the voltage such that the voltages from different power sources 108 are output at a set output level.

[0029] In one example, the power management component 202 can be communicatively coupled to the power source capability information translation component 204. The power source capability information translation component 204 can receive power source capability information directly from the power source 108 or from an external source 112.

[0030] In one example, the power input 104 can be a DC barrel jack or a power interface. One pin in the DC power interface can be used to convey the power source capability information to the power source capability information translation component 204. For example, the signaling lines 2061 to 206 n can be used to transmit the power source capability information to the power source capability information translation component 204. In one example, the signaling line 210 can be used to transmit the power source capability information from the external source 112 to the power source capability information translation component 204.

[0031] As discussed above, the power source capability information can provide the electronic device 110 with information about the power source capabilities of the corresponding power source 108. For example, the power source capability information can provide information related to the maximum power output of the power source 108, the rated current of the power source 108, the voltage output capability of the power source 108, etc. Based on the power source capability information, the electronic device 110 can request a certain power level.

[0032] As mentioned above, when the power source 108 is a non-standard power source, the power source 108 may not convey the power source capability information. As a result, the electronic device 110 can operate at the minimum power level or not operate at all.

[0033] The power source capability information translation component 204 of the present disclosure allows the external source 112 to provide the power source capability information. As a result, when the power source 108 fails to provide the power source capability information, the electronic device 110 can operate with maximum power efficiency. For example, the external source 112 can know which power source 108 is connected to the power input 104 and provide the power source capability information to the power source capability information translation component 204. The power source capability information translation component 204 can then convey the power source capability information to the electronic device 110 via the signaling lines 2081 to 208 m

[0034] ​In another example, the power source capability information from the external source 112 can be used to override the power source capability information from the power source 108. For example, the power source capability information from the power source 108 can indicate the ability to provide power and voltage at a first level. However, the user may know that the power source 108 can actually provide power and voltage at a higher level. The user can provide the power source capability information via the external source 112 to override the power source capability information received from the power source 108.

[0035] The power management component 202 can deliver the power from the power source 108 to the power output 106 of the electronic device 110 according to the power source capability information received from the external source 112. Thus, the electronic device 110 can request a higher amount of power from the power source 108 based on the power source capability information received from the external source 112 rather than the power source capability information received from the power source 108.

[0036] In one example, the power management component 202 can also use the power source capability information to manage the pool of power sources 108. For example, the power management component 202 can request the electronic device 110 to draw less current based on the power source capability information.

[0037] In one example, the power management component 202 can allocate the power input 104 to the power output 106 based on the power source capability information. For example, the power source 1081 connected to the power input 1041 can provide a first voltage level and a first power output. The electronic device 1102 connected to the power output 1062 can use the first voltage level and the first power output. As a result, the power management component 202 can allocate the power input 1041 to the power output 1062 such that the power from the power source 1081 is delivered to the electronic device 1102.

[0038] In another example, the power management component 202 can see that the power sources 1081 and 1082 connected to the power inputs 1041 and 1042 respectively can output a first voltage level and a first power output level. The electronic device 1101 connected to the power input 1061 can use the first voltage level and the first power output level. No other power source 108 can provide the first voltage level and the first power output level. The power management component 202 can allocate the power input 1041 to the power output 1061. Additionally, in the event of a failure of the power source 1081, the power management component 202 can reserve the power input 1042 as a redundant or fail over power source. In other words, the power management component 202 can not allocate the power input 1042 to any other electronic device 1102 - 110 m 。

[0039] Figure 3 A more detailed block diagram of the adapter 102 is illustrated. Figure 3 Is illustrated Figure 2 All components of the adapter 102 illustrated in Figure 3 More details of the external source 112 are illustrated.

[0040] In one example, the external source 112 may include a user 304 that provides an input via an input switch 302. For example, the adapter 102 may include a physical button or switch, a graphical user interface, etc., which the user 304 may use to provide power source capability information to the power source capability information translation component 204. In other words, the input switch 302 may be a part of the adapter 102.

[0041] In one example, the external source 112 may include a power environment console 306. The power environment console 306 may be a server, a computer, a processor with a memory, etc. The power environment console 306 may be located away from the adapter 102 (e.g., at another physical location).

[0042] In one example, the adapter 102 may include a management interface 304. The management interface 304 may include a communication interface to provide a wired or wireless communication path to and from the power environment console 306. For example, the management interface 304 may include an Ethernet port, a wireless radio, etc. The power environment console 306 may provide power source capability information of the power source 108 to the power source capability information translation component 204 via the management interface 304.

[0043] In one example, the management interface 304 may include a wired or wireless communication interface to communicate with other management interfaces 304 on other adapters 102 to communicate as a mesh network. For example, one adapter 102 may receive a command from the power environment console 306 via the management interface 304. This adapter may then relay the command from the power environment console 306 to multiple adapters 102 that are capable of communicating directly between the management interfaces 304.

[0044] In one example, the management interface 304 may be communicatively coupled to the power management component 202. As described above, the power management component 202 may be used to monitor the power source 108. In one example, the power management component 202 may provide monitoring information, status information, etc. of the power source 108 to the power environment console 306 via the management interface 304. Therefore, the management interface 304 may provide two-way communication capabilities between the adapter 102 and the power environment console 306.

[0045] In one example, the power environment console 306 may be communicatively coupled to multiple different adapters 120 (e.g., Figure 1the bracket 120 of the adapter 102 illustrated therein). As a result, the power environment console 306 can be used to simultaneously monitor the status of the power sources 108 connected to different adapters 102. In addition, the power environment console 306 can be used to simultaneously send power source capability information to multiple adapters 102, rather than manually providing power source capability information to one adapter 102 at a time via the input switch 302.

[0046] In one example, the power source capability information translation component 204 can receive power source capability information from the power source 108, the input switch 302, or the power environment console 306. In one example, the power source capability information translation component 204 can prioritize the power source 108, the input switch 302, and the power environment console 306. For example, the power environment console 306 can be assigned the highest priority, the input switch 302 is assigned the second highest priority, and the power source 108 is assigned the lowest priority. Thus, if the power source capability information translation component 204 receives power source capability information only from the power source 108, the power source capability information from the power source 108 can be transmitted to the electronic device 110.

[0047] In another example, power source capability information can be received from the power source 108 and the input switch 302. Since the input switch 302 has a higher priority than the power source 108, the power source capability information from the input switch 302 can be sent to the electronic device 110.

[0048] In another example, power source capability information can be received from the power source 108, the input switch 302, and the power environment console 306. Since the power environment console 306 has the highest priority, the power source capability information from the power environment console 306 can be sent to the electronic device 110 and so on.

[0049] In one example, the adapter 102 can include a status indicator 308. The status indicator 308 can be communicatively coupled to the management interface 304. The status indicator 308 can include an indicator light, an audible alarm, a graphical user interface, a display, etc. The status indicator 308 can generate a warning or an alarm in response to a fault detected by the power management component 202.

[0050] As discussed above, the power management component 202 can transmit monitoring information or status information associated with the power supply 108 to the power environment console 306 via the management interface 304. When the management interface 304 receives an error status, a fault status, etc. from the power management component 202, the management interface 304 can activate the status indicator 308. The status indicator 308 can provide a local warning or an alarm to the user 304 and / or a remote user via the power environment console 306.

[0051] In another example, when the management interface 304 receives an error status, a fault status, etc. from the power management component 202, the management interface 304 can activate the status indicator 308 of the local user 304 and transmit the error status, the fault status, etc. to the power environment console 306.

[0052] Accordingly, Figures 1-3 FIG. illustrates different examples of the adapter 102 of the present disclosure. As described above, the adapter 102 of the present disclosure provides multiple power inputs 104 and multiple power outputs 106 for the electronic device 110. The adapter 102 can manage a pool of power resources 108 to deliver power to the electronic device 110.

[0053] In addition, the adapter 102 of the present disclosure provides remote communication capabilities. As a result, when power source capability information is not available from the power source 108, the power source capability information can be received from an external source 112. Accordingly, the adapter 102 can allow non-standard power sources to be used with the electronic device 110. In addition, even when the power source capability information is not available from the power source 108, the electronic device 110 can operate at the maximum power level.

[0054] Figure 4 FIG. illustrates a flowchart of an example method 400 for transmitting power source capability information in a power adapter. In the example, the method 400 can be implemented by the adapter 102 or Figure 5 the apparatus 500 illustrated in and described below.

[0055] At block 402, the method 400 begins. At block 404, the method 400 receives power source capability information from an external source, where the power source capability information is associated with a power source of a power input among multiple power inputs connected to the adapter. In one example, the external source can be a physical input on the adapter or a power environment console located remotely.

[0056] For example, the power source may be a non-standard power source and fails to provide power source capability information. Accordingly, the user can provide the power source capability information via the physical input or the power source capability information can be transmitted from the power environment console.

[0057] In one example, a power source may provide power source capability information. However, a user may override the power source capability information from the power source with power source capability information from a physical input or a power environment console. In one example, the power source capability information from the power source, the physical input, and the power environment console may be prioritized. Thus, if power source capability information is received from multiple sources, the priority of the sources may determine which power source capability information to use. For example, the power source capability information from the power environment console may override the power source capability information from a physical input switch. In another example, the physical input switch on an adapter may include settings that allow a local user to set the priority of different sources of power source capability information.

[0058] At block 406, method 400 delivers power from a power source to an electronic device at a power output of a plurality of power outputs connected to the adapter, based on power source capability information received from an external source. For example, the power source capability information may provide the power capabilities of the power source to the electronic device. As a result, the electronic device may request power at the maximum level that the power source can provide, based on the power source capability information. At block 408, method 400 ends.

[0059] Figure 5 An example of apparatus 500 is illustrated. In one example, apparatus 500 may be adapter 102. In one example, apparatus 500 may include a processor 502 and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 504. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 504 may include instructions 506, 508, 510, and 512 that, when executed by the processor 502, cause the processor 502 to perform various functions to communicate power source capability information in a power adapter.

[0060] In one example, instructions 506 may include instructions for receiving first power source capability information from a first external source and second power source capability information from a second external source, where the first power source capability information and the second power source capability information are associated with a power source at a power input of a plurality of power inputs connected to the adapter. Instructions 508 may include instructions for determining that the priority of the first external source is higher than the priority of the second external source. Instructions 510 may include instructions for selecting the first power source capability information. Instructions 512 may include instructions for delivering power from the power source to an electronic device at a power output of a plurality of power outputs connected to the adapter, based on the first power source capability information received from the first external source.

[0061] It will be understood that variations of the features and functions disclosed above, or alternatives thereto, can be combined into many other different systems or applications. Those skilled in the art can subsequently make various substitutions, modifications, variations or improvements that are currently unforeseen or unexpected, and these are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1. An adapter, comprising: a plurality of power inputs coupled to a power source; a plurality of power outputs coupled to an electronic device; a power management component coupled to the plurality of power inputs and the plurality of power outputs to manage the delivery of power; a power source capability information translation component coupled to the power management component and an external source, the external source providing power source capability information of a power source connected to a power input among the plurality of power inputs, wherein the power management component delivers power from the power source to a power output among the plurality of power outputs according to the power source capability information received from the external source; wherein the power source capability information translation component transmits the power source capability information to the electronic device via a signaling line.

2. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of power inputs and the plurality of power outputs include direct current (DC) power interfaces.

3. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the power management component is to monitor the power delivered from each of the plurality of power inputs and the power delivered to each of the plurality of power outputs.

4. The adapter according to claim 3, wherein the power management component is to adjust the amount of power delivered from the plurality of power inputs based on the monitored power.

5. The adapter according to claim 3, wherein the power management component is communicatively coupled to an external source to report the status of the power monitored from the plurality of power inputs.

6. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the external source includes an input switch.

7. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the external source includes a remotely located power environment console.

8. The adapter according to claim 7, further comprising: a management interface communicatively coupled to the power management component and a remotely located power environment console.

9. The adapter according to claim 8, wherein the management interface is communicatively coupled to a status indicator to transmit an alert or a status.

10. A method, comprising: receiving power source capability information from an external source, wherein the power source capability information is associated with a power source connected to a power input among the plurality of power inputs of an adapter; and delivering, according to the power source capability information received from the external source, power from the power source to an electronic device connected to a power output among the plurality of power outputs of the adapter; wherein the power source capability information is configured to be transmitted to the electronic device via a signaling line.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the external source includes a physical input switch or a remotely located power environment console.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the power source capability information from the remotely located power environment console overrides the power source capability information from the physical input switch.

13. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium encoded with instructions executable by a processor, the machine-readable storage medium comprising: instructions for receiving first power source capability information from a first external source and second power source capability information from a second external source, wherein the first power source capability information and the second power source capability information are associated with a power source connected to a power input among the plurality of power inputs of an adapter; Instructions for determining that the priority of a first external source is higher than the priority of a second external source; Instructions for selecting first power source capability information; Instructions for an electronic device to deliver power from a power source to a power output among a plurality of power outputs connected to an adapter according to the first power source capability information received from the first external source; And Instructions for transmitting the power source capability information to the electronic device via a signaling line.

14. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium according to claim 13, wherein the first external source includes a remote power environment console, and the second external source includes a physical input switch on the adapter.

15. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium according to claim 13, further comprising: Instructions for monitoring the state of power delivered from a power input to a power output; And Instructions for transmitting the state to the first external source.

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