Mobile device, mobile system and operation method thereof

Abstract

A mobile device, a mobile system, and an operation method thereof are disclosed. A first mobile device includes: a connection terminal configured to be electrically connected to a second mobile device; a variable impedance device connected to the connection terminal, the variable impedance device being configured to change an impedance; a processing circuit configured to: determine a power line communication mode (PLC) between the first mobile device and the second mobile device as one of a low-speed PLC mode or a high-speed PLC mode, and control an impedance of the variable impedance device according to the determined PLC mode; and a PLC modem configured to: receive power from the second mobile device or transfer data with the second mobile device based on the determined PLC mode.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0175501, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Dec. 26, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The inventive concept relates to a mobile device, and more particularly, to a mobile device and an operation method thereof. Background Art

[0003] A wireless earphone is a device that receives an audio signal via a wireless connection and outputs sound. Such a wireless earphone includes a communication module (e.g., a Bluetooth module) for short-distance communication and a battery that supplies driving power to the communication module. As a dedicated charger for charging the battery of the wireless earphone, a charging case that houses the wireless earphone and charges the battery of the wireless earphone is widely used. In addition, the demand for data exchange between the wireless earphone and the charging case is increasing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided a first mobile device including a connection terminal configured to be electrically connected to a second mobile device; a variable impedance device connected to the connection terminal, the variable impedance device being configured to change an impedance; a processing circuit configured to determine a power line communication (PLC) mode between the first mobile device and the second mobile device as one of a low-speed PLC or a high-speed PLC, and to control an impedance of the variable impedance device according to the determined PLC mode; and a PLC modem configured to receive power from the second mobile device or transfer data with the second mobile device based on the determined PLC mode.

[0005] According to an aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided a second mobile device including a connection terminal configured to be electrically connected to a first mobile device; a variable impedance device connected to the connection terminal, the variable impedance device being configured to change an impedance; a processing circuit configured to determine a power line communication (PLC) mode as one of a low-speed PLC mode or a high-speed PLC mode, to control an impedance of the variable impedance device according to the determined PLC mode, to receive an input voltage from an external source, and to generate a conversion voltage from the input voltage; and a PLC modem configured to send power to the first mobile device or transfer data with the first mobile device based on the determined PLC mode, the power being based on the conversion voltage.

[0006] According to an aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided a mobile system including a first mobile device and a second mobile device, the first mobile device and the second mobile device being configured to transmit power and data to each other using power line communication (PLC). The first mobile device includes: a first connection terminal configured to be electrically connected to the second mobile device, a first variable impedance device connected to the first connection terminal, and a first processing circuit configured to: determine a first PLC mode between the first mobile device and the second mobile device as one of a low-speed PLC mode or a high-speed PLC mode, and control an impedance of the first variable impedance device according to the determined first PLC mode. The second mobile device includes: a second connection terminal configured to be electrically connected to the first mobile device, a second variable impedance device connected to the second connection terminal, and a second processing circuit configured to: determine a second PLC mode between the first mobile device and the second mobile device as one of a low-speed PLC mode or a high-speed PLC mode, and control an impedance of the second variable impedance device according to the determined second PLC mode.

[0007] According to an aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided an operation method of a first mobile device. The operation method includes: receiving a host request from a second mobile device through a connection terminal in a low-speed power line communication (PLC) mode; changing a PLC mode between the first mobile device and the second mobile device from the low-speed PLC mode to a high-speed PLC mode, including: increasing an impedance of a signal line connected to the connection terminal in response to the host request; receiving data from the second mobile device in the high-speed PLC mode; and changing the PLC mode from the high-speed PLC mode to the low-speed PLC mode, including: decreasing the impedance of the signal line based on completion of receiving the data.

[0008] According to an aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided an operation method of a second mobile device. The operation method includes: sending a host request to a first mobile device through a connection terminal in a low-speed power line communication (PLC) mode; receiving a client response from the first mobile device as a response to the host request; changing a PLC mode between the first mobile device and the second mobile device from the low-speed PLC mode to a high-speed PLC mode, including: increasing an impedance of a signal line connected to the connection terminal based on the client response; sending data to the first mobile device in the high-speed PLC mode; and changing the PLC mode from the high-speed PLC mode to the low-speed PLC mode, including: decreasing the impedance of the signal line based on completion of transmitting the data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Some example embodiments of the inventive concept will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1Shows a mobile system according to some example embodiments;

[0011] Figure 2 Shows the power line communication (PLC) mode over time between a first mobile device and a second mobile device according to some example embodiments;

[0012] Figure 3 Shows a mobile system according to some example embodiments;

[0013] Figure 4 Is a flowchart of operations between a first mobile device and a second mobile device according to some example embodiments;

[0014] Figure 5 Shows a mobile system according to some example embodiments;

[0015] Figure 6 Is a timing diagram of an example of PLC data exchange between a first mobile device and a second mobile device according to some example embodiments;

[0016] Figure 7 Is a timing diagram of another example of PLC data exchange between a first mobile device and a second mobile device according to some example embodiments;

[0017] Figure 8 Shows a mobile system according to some example embodiments;

[0018] Figure 9 Shows a mobile system according to some example embodiments;

[0019] Figure 10 Is a timing diagram of an example of PLC data exchange between a first mobile device and a second mobile device according to some example embodiments;

[0020] Figure 11 Shows a mobile system according to some example embodiments; and

[0021] Figure 12 Is a flowchart of operations among a first mobile device, a second mobile device, and a master device according to some example embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, some example embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 Shows a mobile system 10 according to some example embodiments.

[0024] Refer to Figure 1, the mobile system 10 may include a first mobile device (MD1) 100 and a second mobile device (MD2) 200. The first mobile device 100 may exchange power and data with the second mobile device 200 via power line communication (PLC). The first mobile device 100 may include a first connection terminal T1 and may receive power from or exchange data with the second mobile device 200 through the first connection terminal T1, which is configured to be electrically connected to the second mobile device 200. Similarly, the second mobile device 200 may include a second connection terminal T2 and may supply power to or exchange data with the first mobile device 100 through the second connection terminal T2, which is configured to be electrically connected to the first mobile device 100.

[0025] PLC is a communication technology for transmitting power and data through the power line 300. For example, the power line 300 may be implemented via an electrical contact between the first connection terminal T1 and the second connection terminal T2, such that the first mobile device 100 and the second mobile device 200 can exchange power and data with each other. In traditional mobile devices, pins separated from the electrical contact are included for data exchange. As a result, the size of traditional mobile devices increases to accommodate this separate pin.

[0026] However, according to some example embodiments, the first mobile device 100 does not include a separate connection terminal or pin for data exchange with the second mobile device 200 and may exchange data with the second mobile device 200 through the first connection terminal T1 that receives power. Similarly, the second mobile device 200 does not include a separate connection terminal or pin for data exchange with the first mobile device 100 and may exchange data with the first mobile device 100 through the second connection terminal T2 that sends power. Therefore, some example embodiments improve the defects of traditional mobile devices, enabling the size of each of the first mobile device 100 and the second mobile device 200 to be reduced by omitting the separate pin. This reduction in size is particularly advantageous in mobile devices where small size is generally desired.

[0027] The first mobile device 100 may further include a variable impedance unit 110 (also referred to herein as a variable impedance device), a controller 120, a PLC modem 130, and / or a first battery (BAT1) 140. The variable impedance unit 110 may be electrically connected to the first connection terminal T1, may include impedance elements (such as resistors or capacitors), and may have a variable impedance under the control of the controller 120. For example, the variable impedance unit 110 may include at least one variable resistor. In another example, the variable impedance unit 110 may include at least one resistor and at least one switch.

[0028] The controller 120 may determine the PLC mode between the first mobile device 100 and the second mobile device 200 as one of a plurality of PLC modes including a low-speed PLC mode and a high-speed PLC mode. For example, the low-speed PLC mode may correspond to a power communication mode of transmitting power through the PLC. For example, the high-speed PLC mode may correspond to a data communication mode of transmitting and receiving data through the PLC. According to some example embodiments, the PLC mode may further include at least one selected from a PLC mode having a communication speed between the communication speed of the low-speed PLC mode and the communication speed of the high-speed PLC mode, a PLC mode having a communication speed lower than the low-speed PLC mode, and / or a PLC mode having a communication speed higher than the high-speed PLC mode.

[0029] The controller 120 may control the impedance of the variable impedance unit 110 according to the determined PLC mode. For example, the controller 120 may control the variable impedance unit 110 to have a first impedance in the low-speed PLC mode and a second impedance higher than the first impedance in the high-speed PLC mode. The controller 120 may also control the PLC modem 130 according to the determined PLC mode. In addition, the controller 120 may control the first battery 140 to be charged based on the power received from the second mobile device 200. For example, the controller 120 may include a micro control unit (MCU). However, some example embodiments are not limited thereto, and the controller 120 may include a processor or a central processing unit (CPU).

[0030] The PLC modem 130 may receive power from the second mobile device 200 and / or exchange data with the second mobile device 200 based on the determined PLC mode. Specifically, the PLC modem 130 may modulate a signal (e.g., voltage and / or current) to be output through the first connection terminal T1 and / or demodulate a signal received from the first connection terminal T1. For example, the PLC modem 130 may include a current source, a current modulator, and / or a voltage demodulator. This will be described below with reference to Figure 5 This is described.

[0031] The second mobile device 200 may further include a variable impedance unit 210, a controller 220, a PLC modem 230, and / or a second battery (BAT2) 240. In some example embodiments, the second mobile device 200 may further include an input voltage terminal Tin, and the input voltage terminal Tin may receive an input voltage Vin from the outside of the second mobile device 200. For example, the input voltage terminal Tin may receive the input voltage Vin from a household power supply (e.g., alternating current (AC) of about 110 volts to 220 volts) or another power supply unit (e.g., a computer or an auxiliary battery). In some example embodiments, the second mobile device 200 may wirelessly receive the input voltage Vin from the outside of the second mobile device 200.

[0032] The variable impedance unit 210 may be electrically connected to the second connection terminal T2, may include impedance elements (such as resistors or capacitors), and may have a variable impedance under the control of the controller 220. The variable impedance unit 210 may be the same as or substantially similar to the variable impedance unit 110, and the above description of the variable impedance unit 110 may also be applied to the variable impedance unit 210.

[0033] The controller 220 may determine the PLC mode between the first mobile device 100 and the second mobile device 200 as one of a plurality of PLC modes including a low-speed PLC mode and a high-speed PLC mode. The controller 220 may control the impedance of the variable impedance unit 210 according to the determined PLC mode. For example, the controller 220 may control the variable impedance unit 210 to have a first impedance in the low-speed PLC mode and a second impedance higher than the first impedance in the high-speed PLC mode. The controller 220 may also control the PLC modem 230 according to the determined PLC mode. In addition, the controller 220 may control the second battery 240 to be charged based on the input voltage Vin. The controller 220 may be the same as or substantially similar to the controller 120, and the above description of the controller 120 may also be applied to the controller 220.

[0034] The PLC modem 230 may supply power to the first mobile device 100 and / or exchange data with the first mobile device 100 based on the determined PLC mode. Specifically, the PLC modem 230 may modulate a signal (such as voltage and / or current) to be output through the second connection terminal T2 and / or demodulate a signal received from the second connection terminal T2. For example, the PLC modem 230 may include a low-speed PLC modem operating in the low-speed PLC mode and a high-speed PLC modem operating in the high-speed PLC mode. This will be described below with reference to Figure 3 This will be described.

[0035] In some example embodiments, the first mobile device 100 may include wireless earbuds or wireless headphones, and the second mobile device 200 may include a wireless earbud charger or a wireless headphone charger. Through the electrical contacts between the first connection terminal T1 and the second connection terminal T2 via PLC, the second mobile device 200 may charge the first mobile device 100, and the first mobile device 100 and the second mobile device 200 may exchange data with each other. According to some example embodiments, the first mobile device 100 and the second mobile device 200 may exchange data through the first connection terminal T1 and the second connection terminal T2 that transmit power, without including a separate terminal for data exchange.

[0036] Typically, a mobile device includes a battery and a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) that manages the battery. To implement PLC, the PMIC in a conventional mobile device can change the voltage level of a power line through current and / or voltage control. At this time, due to the current and / or voltage control speed limitations of the PMIC, conventional mobile devices require a significant amount of time to exchange a large amount of data.

[0037] However, according to some example embodiments, the first mobile device 100 and the second mobile device 200 can determine the PLC mode as a high-speed PLC mode for data exchange, and can increase the impedance of the variable impedance units 110 and 210 connected to the power line 300 in the high-speed PLC mode. As described above, according to some example embodiments, the first mobile device 100 and the second mobile device 200 can effectively support the low-speed PLC mode and the high-speed PLC mode by changing the impedance of the variable impedance units 110 and 210 according to the communication speed through the power line 300. Therefore, the first mobile device 100 and the second mobile device 200 can improve the deficiencies of conventional mobile devices to exchange more data in less time (e.g., at a higher data rate) compared to conventional mobile devices.

[0038] Figure 2 Shows the PLC mode over time between the first mobile device 100 and the second mobile device 200 according to some example embodiments.

[0039] Refer to Figure 2 , in the power communication phase or the power transmission phase 21, the second mobile device 200 can send power to the first mobile device 100. At this time, the PLC mode between the first mobile device 100 and the second mobile device 200 can be determined as the low-speed PLC mode. In the host / client definition phase 22, the host that sends data and the client that receives data can be determined between the first mobile device 100 and the second mobile device 200. At this time, the PLC mode between the first mobile device 100 and the second mobile device 200 can still be determined as the low-speed PLC mode. For example, the second mobile device 200 can be determined as the host, and the first mobile device 100 can be determined as the client.

[0040] During the data communication stage or data transfer stage 23, the host may send data to the client. At this time, the PLC mode between the first mobile device 100 and the second mobile device 200 may be determined as the high-speed PLC mode. For example, the second mobile device 200 may send data to the first mobile device 100. During the data transfer stage 23, the main function of the power line 300 may change from power transfer to data transfer. In some example embodiments, only data may be sent through the power line 300 during the data transfer stage 23. However, some example embodiments are not limited thereto. During the data transfer stage 23, power and data may be sent through the power line 300.

[0041] When the data transfer is completed, the power transfer stage 24 restarts, and the PLC mode between the first mobile device 100 and the second mobile device 200 may be determined as the low-speed PLC mode. During the power transfer stage 24, the main function of the power line 300 may change from data transfer to power transfer. In some example embodiments, only power may be sent through the power line 300 during the power transfer stage 24. However, some example embodiments are not limited thereto. During the power transfer stage 24, data and power may be sent through the power line 300.

[0042] Figure 3 FIG. 10a shows a mobile system according to some example embodiments.

[0043] Referring to Figure 3 , the mobile system 10a may include a first mobile device 100a and a second mobile device 200a. The first mobile device 100a and the second mobile device 200a may correspond to Figure 1 examples of the first mobile device 100 and the second mobile device 200 in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The descriptions given above with reference to Figure 3 may also be applied to

[0044] The first mobile device 100a may include a first connection terminal T1, a variable impedance unit 110a, a controller 120, a PLC modem 130, a first battery 140a, and / or a charging circuit (or charger) 150. For example, the variable impedance unit 110a, the controller 120, the PLC modem 130, the first battery 140a, and / or the charger 150 may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller 120 may control the impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110a according to the PLC mode. Specifically, the controller 120 may determine the impedance Z1 as a first impedance in the low-speed PLC mode and as a second impedance higher than the first impedance in the high-speed PLC mode. The controller 120 may also control the PLC modem 130 according to the PLC mode.

[0045] The charger 150 may be a linear charger and may be implemented as a charging integrated circuit (IC). The controller 120 may control the operation of the charger 150 based on the PLC mode. For example, in the power transfer phase 21 (in Figure 2 which), the PLC mode may be a low-speed PLC mode, and the controller 120 may activate the charger 150. Thus, the first battery 140a is charged with the battery voltage VBAT1 using the power received through the power line 300. For example, in the data transfer phase 23 ( Figure 2 which), the PLC mode may be a high-speed PLC mode, the controller 120 may deactivate the charger 150, and the first mobile device 100a may operate using the battery voltage VBAT1 of the first battery 140a.

[0046] The second mobile device 200a may include a second connection terminal T2, a variable impedance unit 210a, a controller 220, a PLC modem 230a, a second battery 240a, and / or a converter 250. For example, the variable impedance unit 210a, the controller 220, the PLC modem 230a, the second battery 240a, and / or the converter 250 may be mounted on a PCB. The controller 220 may control the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210a according to the PLC mode. Specifically, the controller 220 may determine the impedance Z2 as a first impedance in the low-speed PLC mode and as a second impedance higher than the first impedance in the high-speed PLC mode. The PLC modem 230a may include a low-speed PLC modem 231 and / or a high-speed PLC modem 232, and the low-speed PLC modem 231 and / or the high-speed PLC modem 232 may operate selectively. The controller 220 may activate the low-speed PLC modem 231 in the low-speed PLC mode and activate the high-speed PLC modem 232 in the high-speed PLC mode.

[0047] In some example embodiments, the converter 250 may generate a conversion voltage Vc from an input voltage Vin and / or a battery voltage VBAT2 of the second battery 240a, where the input voltage Vin is received from the outside of the second mobile device 200a through an input voltage terminal Tin. In some example embodiments, the converter 250 may include a switching regulator. In some example embodiments, the converter 250 may be a direct current (DC)-DC converter. For example, the converter 250 may be a boost converter (e.g., a boost-type converter) that converts a relatively low input voltage Vin and / or a battery voltage VBAT2 into a relatively high conversion voltage Vc, and / or a buck converter (e.g., a buck-type converter) that converts a relatively high input voltage Vin and / or a battery voltage VBAT2 into a relatively low conversion voltage Vc. The converter 250 may also charge the second battery 240a with the battery voltage VBAT2 based on the input voltage Vin received from the outside of the second mobile device 200a.

[0048] In some example embodiments, each of the first battery 140a and the second battery 240a may include at least one battery cell. For example, the first battery 140a and / or the second battery 240a may be a multi-cell battery including a plurality of battery cells connected in series with each other. In some example embodiments, each of the first battery 140a and the second battery 240a may include at least one battery pack. For example, the first battery 140a and / or the second battery 240a may be implemented by a battery device including a plurality of battery packs connected in series with each other.

[0049] Figure 4 is a flowchart of operations between the first mobile device 100a and the second mobile device 200a according to some example embodiments.

[0050] Referring to Figure 4 , in operation S110, the second mobile device 200a may generate a host request (e.g., Figure 6 REQ in). In operation S120, the second mobile device 200a may send the host request to the first mobile device 100a. In operation S130, the first mobile device 100a may generate a client response (e.g., Figure 6 RES in) in response to the host request. In operation S140, the first mobile device 100a may send the client response to the second mobile device 200a. For example, operations S110 to S140 may correspond to Figure 2In the host / client definition stage 22, both the first mobile device 100a and the second mobile device 200a can operate in the low-speed PLC mode. At this time, the impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110a included in the first mobile device 100a and the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210a included in the second mobile device 200a can be relatively low.

[0051] In operation S150, the second mobile device 200a can determine the PLC mode as the high-speed PLC mode (e.g., based on the client response). Accordingly, the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210a of the second mobile device 200a can increase, the high-speed PLC modem 232 can be activated, and the low-speed PLC modem 231 can be deactivated. In operation S155, the first mobile device 100a can determine the PLC mode as the high-speed PLC mode (e.g., based on sending the client response in operation S140). Accordingly, the impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110a of the first mobile device 100a can increase. Operations S150 and S155 can be performed substantially simultaneously or synchronously.

[0052] In operation S160, the second mobile device 200a can send data to the first mobile device 100a. For example, the data can correspond to firmware, and the second mobile device 200a can send the firmware downloaded from the host to the first mobile device 100a. When a failure occurs in an integrated circuit (IC) (e.g., the IC of the first mobile device 100a) after the first mobile device 100a is started, the first mobile device 100a can use the firmware received from the second mobile device 200a to repair the failure in the IC. For example, operations S150 to S160 can correspond to Figure 2 the data transfer stage 23. According to some example embodiments, operations S110 to S140 can correspond to the detection of a failure of the IC of the first mobile device 100a, the detection of a firmware update that should be provided to the first mobile device 100a, and / or the transmission of a request for firmware configured to repair the failure and / or for firmware update. According to some example embodiments, the first mobile device 100a can store, install, and / or execute the received firmware after operation S160. According to some example embodiments, the first mobile device 100a can use the received firmware to repair the failure of the IC after operation S160.

[0053] In operation S170, the second mobile device 200a may determine the PLC mode as a low-speed PLC mode (e.g., based on the completion of the data transmission in operation S160). Accordingly, the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210a of the second mobile device 200a may be decreased, the low-speed PLC modem 231 may be activated, and the high-speed PLC modem 232 may be deactivated. In operation S175, the first mobile device 100a may determine the PLC mode as a low-speed PLC mode (e.g., based on the completion of the data transmission in operation S160). Accordingly, the impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110a of the first mobile device 100a may be decreased. Operations S170 and S175 may be performed substantially simultaneously or synchronously. In operation S180, the second mobile device 200a may transmit power to the first mobile device 100a. For example, operations S170 to S180 may correspond to Figure 2 the power transfer stage 24 in

[0054] Figure 5 FIG. 10b shows a mobile system 10b according to some example embodiments.

[0055] Referring to Figure 5 , the mobile system 10b may include a first mobile device 100b and a second mobile device 200b. The first mobile device 100b and the second mobile device 200b may correspond to Figure 3 examples of the first mobile device 100a and the second mobile device 200a in Figure 3 and Figure 4 . Accordingly, the descriptions given above with reference to Figure 5 may also be applicable to PL . When the first mobile device 100b is connected to the second mobile device 200b through an electrical contact between the first connection terminal T1 and the second connection terminal T2, a line current I PL may flow through the power line 300, and the respective voltages of the first connection terminal T1 and the second connection terminal T2 may be at a line voltage V

[0056] The first mobile device 100b may include a first connection terminal T1, a variable impedance unit 110a, a controller 120, a PLC modem 130a, a first battery 140a, and / or a charger 150. The controller 120 may generate a control signal for controlling the PLC modem 130a according to the PLC mode. The PLC modem 130a may include a current modulator (MOD) 131, a voltage demodulator (DEMOD) 132, and / or a current source 133. The current MOD 131 may receive a control signal from the controller 120 and generate a current modulation signal according to the control signal. The current source 133 may generate a current pulse according to the current modulation signal and supply the current pulse to the first connection terminal T1. The voltage DEMOD 132 may generate a voltage demodulation signal according to the line voltage V PL at the first connection terminal T1 and supply the voltage demodulation signal to the controller 120.

[0057] The second mobile device 200b may include a second connection terminal T2, a variable impedance unit 210a, a controller 220, a voltage MOD 231a, a current DEMOD 231b, a current MOD 232a, a voltage DEMOD 232b, a current source 233, a second battery 240a, and / or a converter 250. According to the PLC mode, the controller 220 may generate control signals for controlling the voltage MOD 231a, the current DEMOD 231b, the current MOD 232a, the voltage DEMOD 232b, and / or the current source 233. At this time, the voltage MOD 231a and the current MOD 231b may be activated in the low-speed PLC mode and may form Figure 3 the low-speed PLC modem 231 therein. The current MOD 232a, the voltage DEMOD 232b, and the current source 233 may be activated in the high-speed PLC mode and may form Figure 3 the high-speed PLC modem 232 therein.

[0058] In the low-speed PLC mode, the controller 220 may activate the voltage MOD 231a and the current DEMOD 231b and deactivate the current MOD 232a, the voltage DEMOD 232b, and the current source 233. In the low-speed PLC mode, the voltage MOD 231a may receive a control signal from the controller 220 and generate a voltage modulation signal according to the control signal. The voltage MOD 231a may transmit the voltage modulation signal to the first mobile device 100b through the variable impedance unit 210a and the second connection terminal T2. The voltage MOD 231a may include a linear regulator (e.g., a low dropout (LDO) regulator). The current DEMOD 231b may generate a current demodulation signal according to the line current I PL received through the second connection terminal T2 and supply the current demodulation signal to the controller 220.

[0059] In the high-speed PLC mode, the controller 220 may deactivate the voltage MOD 231a and the current DEMOD 231b, and activate the current MOD 232a, the voltage DEMOD 232b, and the current source 233. In the high-speed PLC mode, the current MOD 232a may receive a control signal from the controller 220 and generate a current modulation signal according to the control signal. The current source 233 may generate a current pulse according to the current modulation signal and supply the current pulse to the second connection terminal T2. The voltage DEMOD 232b may generate a voltage demodulation signal according to the line voltage V of the second connection terminal T2 PL and supply the voltage demodulation signal to the controller 220.

[0060] Figure 6 is a timing diagram of an example of PLC data exchange between the first mobile device MD1 and the second mobile device MD2 according to some example embodiments.

[0061] Referring to Figure 6 , the first graph 610 represents the line voltage over time and may correspond to, for example, the line voltage V of the first connection terminal T1 or the second connection terminal T2 connected to the Figure 5 power line 300 in PL . The second graph 620 represents the line current over time and may correspond to, for example, the line current I flowing in the power line 300 in Figure 5 . For example, the first mobile device MD1 and the second mobile device MD2 may correspond to the first mobile device 100b and the second mobile device 200b in PL respectively. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to Figure 5 and Figure 5 and Figure 6 .

[0062] The time period from time point t1 to time point t2 may correspond to the host / client definition phase 61. At this time, the first mobile device 100b and the second mobile device 200b may operate in the low-speed PLC mode. The impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110a included in the first mobile device 100b and the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210a included in the second mobile device 200b may be relatively low. In some example embodiments, in the host / client definition phase 61, the impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110a may be equal to or similar to the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210a. However, some example embodiments are not limited thereto. In some example embodiments, in the host / client definition phase 61, the impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110a may be different from the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210a.

[0063] In the host / client definition stage 61, the second mobile device 200b may send a host request REQ to the first mobile device 100b, and the first mobile device 100b may send a client response RES to the second mobile device 200b in response to the host request REQ. According to some example embodiments, in the host / client definition stage 61, the host request REQ and the client response RES may be exchanged at least twice.

[0064] In the host / client definition stage 61, the converter 250 and the voltage MOD 231a of the second mobile device 200b may be activated, and the voltage MOD 231a may generate a voltage modulation signal from the converted voltage Vc received from the converter 250 according to a control signal received from the controller 220. However, some example embodiments are not limited thereto. The converter 250 may bypass the input voltage Vin, and the voltage MOD 231a may generate a voltage modulation signal from the input voltage Vin according to a control signal received from the controller 220. For example, the voltage MOD 231a may generate a voltage modulation signal (e.g., a plurality of voltage pulses) as the host request REQ, where the voltage modulation signal switches between a high voltage VH and a low voltage VL. The host request REQ may be provided to the first connection terminal T1 of the first mobile device 100b via the power line 300.

[0065] The voltage DEMOD 132 of the first mobile device 100b may generate a voltage demodulation signal from the host request REQ and provide the voltage demodulation signal to the controller 120. The controller 120 may generate a control signal in response to the host request REQ and provide the control signal to the current MOD 131. The current MOD 131 may generate a current modulation signal according to the control signal and provide the current modulation signal to the current source 133. The current source 133 may generate a plurality of current pulses that switch between a high current IH and a low current IL as the client response RES according to the current modulation signal. The client response RES may be provided to the second connection terminal T2 of the second mobile device 200b via the power line 300.

[0066] After receiving the client response RES, the controller 220 of the second mobile device 200b may change the PLC mode from the low-speed PLC mode to the high-speed PLC mode. Thus, the controller 220 of the second mobile device 200b may set the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210a to be relatively high. Similarly, after sending the client response RES, the controller 120 of the first mobile device 100b may change the PLC mode from the low-speed PLC mode to the high-speed PLC mode. Thus, the controller 120 of the first mobile device 100b may set the impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110a to be relatively high.

[0067] The time period from time point t2 to time point t7 may correspond to the data transfer phase 62. At this time, the first mobile device 100b and the second mobile device 200b may operate in the high-speed PLC mode. The impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110a included in the first mobile device 100b and the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210a included in the second mobile device 200b may be relatively high. In some example embodiments, during the data transfer phase 62, the impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110a may be equal to or similar to the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210a. However, some example embodiments are not limited thereto. In some example embodiments, during the data transfer phase 62, the impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110a may be different from the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210a.

[0068] During the data transfer phase 62, the converter 250 of the second mobile device 200b may be deactivated, and the second mobile device 200b may operate using the battery voltage VBAT2 of the second battery 240a. For example, the converter 250 may operate in a bypass mode that bypasses the battery voltage VBAT2 of the second battery 240a. During the data transfer phase 62, the charger 150 of the first mobile device 100b may be deactivated, and the first mobile device 100b may operate using the battery voltage VBAT1 of the first battery 140a. As described above, since the charger 150 of the first mobile device 100b is deactivated, the operation of charging the first battery 140a by sending power from the second mobile device 200b to the first mobile device 100b may be interrupted or substantially interrupted, and only data may be sent through the PLC. However, some example embodiments are not limited thereto. In some example embodiments, during the data transfer phase 62, the charger 150 of the first mobile device 100b may be activated, and both power and data may be sent through the PLC.

[0069] During the time period from time point t3 to time point t4, the current source 233 of the second mobile device 200b may be activated, and the current source 133 of the first mobile device 100b may be deactivated. Specifically, the current MOD 232a of the second mobile device 200b may generate a current modulation signal, and the current source 233 may generate current pulses according to the current modulation signal and supply the current pulses to the power line 300 through the second connection terminal T2. At this time, the voltage DEMOD 132 of the first mobile device 100b may obtain a voltage PL demodulation signal from the line voltage V of the first connection terminal T1 connected to the power line 300.

[0070] During the time period from time point t5 to time point t6, the current source 133 of the first mobile device 100b can be activated, and the current source 233 of the second mobile device 200b can be deactivated. Specifically, the current MOD131 of the first mobile device 100b can generate a current modulation signal, and the current source 133 can generate current pulses according to the current modulation signal and supply the current pulses to the power line 300 through the first connection terminal T1. At this time, the voltage DEMOD 232b of the second mobile device 200b can PL generate a voltage demodulation signal.

[0071] The time period after time point t7 can correspond to the power transfer stage 63. At this time, the first mobile device 100b and the second mobile device 200b can operate in the low-speed PLC mode. In the power transfer stage 63, the converter 250 and the current MOD 231a of the second mobile device 200b can be activated, and the line voltage V PL can be maintained at a high voltage VH. At time point t8, the charger 150 of the first mobile device 100b can be activated, and the line current I PL can be maintained at a high current IH. Therefore, the second mobile device 200b can transfer power to the first mobile device 100b through the PLC, and the charger 150 of the first mobile device 100b can charge the first battery 140a.

[0072] Figure 7 is a timing diagram of another example of PLC data exchange between the first mobile device MD1 and the second mobile device MD2 according to some example embodiments.

[0073] Referring to Figure 7 , the first curve graph 710 represents the line voltage over time and can correspond to, for example, the line voltage V connected to Figure 5 the first connection terminal T1 or the second connection terminal T2 of the power line 300 in PL . The second curve graph 720 represents the line current over time and can correspond to, for example, the line current I flowing in the power line 300 in Figure 5 . For example, the first mobile device MD1 and the second mobile device MD2 can respectively correspond to PL the first mobile device 100b and the second mobile device 200b in Figure 5 . Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figure 5 and Figure 7 for description.

[0074] In the data transfer stage 72, the PLC data exchange according to some example embodiments corresponds to Figure 6 a modification of the PLC data exchange of Figure 6PLC data exchange. In the following text, the description will focus on the data transfer phase 72, and the description given with reference to Figure 6 can also be applied. The time period from time point t1 to time point t2 may correspond to the host / client definition phase 71. The operations of the first mobile device 100b and the second mobile device 200b in the host / client definition phase 71 may be the same as or substantially similar to the operations in the host / client definition phase 61 in Figure 6 .

[0075] The time period from time point t2 to time point t7 may correspond to the data transfer phase 72. At this time, the first mobile device 100b and the second mobile device 200b may operate in the high-speed PLC mode. The impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110a included in the first mobile device 100b and the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210a included in the second mobile device 200b may be relatively high.

[0076] Unlike Figure 6 , in the data transfer phase 72, the converter 250 of the second mobile device 200b may be activated, and the second mobile device 200b may maintain the high voltage VH even after time point t2. In the data transfer phase 72, the charger 150 of the first mobile device 100b may be deactivated, and the first mobile device 100b may operate using the battery voltage VBAT1 of the first battery 140a. As described above, since the charger 150 of the first mobile device 100b is deactivated, the operation of charging the first battery 140a by sending power from the second mobile device 200b to the first mobile device 100b may be interrupted or substantially interrupted, and only data may be sent through the PLC.

[0077] Figure 8 Shows a mobile system 10c according to some example embodiments.

[0078] Referring to Figure 8 , the mobile system 10c may include a first mobile device 100c and a second mobile device 200c. The first mobile device 100c and the second mobile device 200c may correspond to the examples of the first mobile device 100 and the second mobile device 200 in Figure 1 .

[0079] The first mobile device 100c may include a first connection terminal T1, a variable impedance unit 110a, a controller 120, a PLC modem 130c, a first battery 140a, and / or a charger 150. The PLC modem 130c may include a low-speed PLC modem 134 and a high-speed PLC modem 135. The controller 120 may selectively activate the low-speed PLC modem 134 and the high-speed PLC modem 135 according to the PLC mode. In some example embodiments, the low-speed PLC modem 134 may include a voltage modulator and a current demodulator, and the high-speed PLC modem 135 may include a current modulator, a current source, and / or a voltage demodulator. In some example embodiments, the low-speed PLC modem 134 may include a current modulator, a current source, and / or a voltage demodulator, and the high-speed PLC modem 135 may include a voltage modulator and a current demodulator. However, some example embodiments are not limited thereto. The configurations of the low-speed PLC modem 134 and the high-speed PLC modem 135 may vary with some example embodiments.

[0080] The second mobile device 200c may include a second connection terminal T2, a variable impedance unit 210a, a controller 220, a PLC modem 230c, a second battery 240a, and / or a converter 250. The PLC modem 230c may include a low-speed PLC modem 231 and a high-speed PLC modem 232'. The controller 220 may selectively activate the low-speed PLC modem 231 and the high-speed PLC modem 232' according to the PLC mode. In some example embodiments, the low-speed PLC modem 231 may include a voltage modulator and a current demodulator, and the high-speed PLC modem 232' may include a voltage modulator and a voltage demodulator. In some example embodiments, the low-speed PLC modem 231 may include a current modulator, a current source, and / or a voltage demodulator, and the high-speed PLC modem 232' may include a voltage modulator and a voltage demodulator. However, some example embodiments are not limited thereto. The configurations of the low-speed PLC modem 231 and the high-speed PLC modem 232' may vary with some example embodiments.

[0081] Figure 9 A mobile system 10d according to some example embodiments is shown.

[0082] Referring to Figure 9 , the mobile system 10d may include a first mobile device 100d and a second mobile device 200d. The first mobile device 100d and the second mobile device 200d may correspond to Figure 8 examples of the first mobile device 100c and the second mobile device 200c in Figure 5Modifications to the first mobile device 100b and the second mobile device 200b in []. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences between the first mobile device 100d and the second mobile device 200d and Figure 5 the differences between the first mobile device 100b and the second mobile device 200b in [].

[0083] When the first mobile device 100d is connected to the second mobile device 200d through the electrical contact between the first connection terminal T1 and the second connection terminal T2, the line current I PL can flow through the power line 300, and the respective voltages of the first connection terminal T1 and the second connection terminal T2 can be at the line voltage V PL identical or similar to each other.

[0084] The first mobile device 100d may include a first connection terminal T1, a variable impedance unit 110a, a controller 120, a current MOD 134a, a voltage DEMOD 134b, a voltage MOD 135a, a current source 136, a first battery 140a, and / or a charger 150. According to the PLC mode, the controller 120 can generate control signals for controlling the current MOD 134a, the voltage DEMOD 134b, the voltage MOD 135a, and / or the current source 136. At this time, the current MOD 134a, the current source 136, and / or the voltage DEMOD 134b can be activated in the low-speed PLC mode and can form Figure 8 the low-speed PLC modem 134 in []. The voltage MOD 135a and the voltage DEMOD 134b can be activated in the high-speed PLC mode and can form Figure 8 the high-speed PLC modem 135 in [].

[0085] In the low-speed PLC mode, the controller 120 can activate the current MOD 134a, the current source 136, and the voltage DEMOD 134b and deactivate the voltage MOD 135a. In the low-speed PLC mode, the current MOD 134a can receive a control signal from the controller 120 and generate a current modulation signal according to the control signal. The current source 136 can generate current pulses according to the current modulation signal and supply the current pulses to the first connection terminal T1. The voltage DEMOD 134b can generate a voltage demodulation signal according to the line voltage V PL of the first connection terminal T1 and supply the voltage demodulation signal to the controller 120.

[0086] In the high-speed PLC mode, the controller 120 can activate the voltage MOD 135a and the voltage DEMOD 134b and deactivate the current MOD 134a and the current source 136. In the high-speed PLC mode, the voltage MOD 135a can receive a control signal from the controller 120 and generate a voltage modulation signal according to the control signal. The voltage MOD 135a can send the voltage modulation signal to the second mobile device 200d through the first connection terminal T1. The voltage DEMOD 134b can generate a voltage demodulation signal according to the line voltage V of the first connection terminal T1 PL and provide the voltage demodulation signal to the controller 120.

[0087] The second mobile device 200d can include a second connection terminal T2, a variable impedance unit 210a, a controller 220, a voltage MOD 231a, a current DEMOD 231b, a voltage MOD 232a', a voltage DEMOD 232b, a second battery 240a, and / or a converter 250. As described above, although Figure 5 the second mobile device 200b in [[ ]] includes a current MOD 232a and a current source 233, the second mobile device 200d can include a voltage MOD 232a'. The voltage MOD 232a' and the voltage DEMOD 232b can be activated in the high-speed PLC mode and can form Figure 8 the high-speed PLC modem 232' in [[ ]].

[0088] In the low-speed PLC mode, the controller 220 can activate the voltage MOD 231a and the current DEMOD 231b and deactivate the voltage MOD 232a' and the voltage DEMOD 232b. In the low-speed PLC mode, the voltage MOD 231a can receive a control signal from the controller 220 and generate a voltage modulation signal according to the control signal. The voltage MOD 231a can send the voltage modulation signal to the first mobile device 100d through the variable impedance unit 210a and the second connection terminal T2. The current DEMOD 231b can generate a current demodulation signal according to the line current I received through the second connection terminal T2 PL and provide the current demodulation signal to the controller 220.

[0089] In the high-speed PLC mode, the controller 220 can deactivate the voltage MOD 231a and the current DEMOD 231b and activate the voltage MOD 232a' and the voltage DEMOD 232b. In the high-speed PLC mode, the voltage module 232a' can receive a control signal from the controller 220, generate a voltage modulation signal according to the control signal, and provide the voltage modulation signal to the second connection terminal T2. The voltage DEMOD 232b can generate a voltage demodulation signal according to the line voltage V of the second connection terminal T2 PLGenerate a voltage demodulation signal and provide the voltage demodulation signal to the controller 220.

[0090] Figure 10 is a timing diagram of an example of PLC data exchange between the first mobile device MD1 and the second mobile device MD2 according to some example embodiments.

[0091] Referring to Figure 10 , the first curve 1010 represents the line voltage over time and may correspond to, for example, the line voltage V connected to the first connection terminal T1 or the second connection terminal T2 of the power line 300 in Figure 9 . The second curve 1020 represents the line current over time and may correspond to, for example, the line current I flowing in the power line 300 in PL . For example, the first mobile device MD1 and the second mobile device MD2 may correspond to the first mobile device 100d and the second mobile device 200d in Figure 9 respectively. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to PL and Figure 9 . In the following, description will be made with reference to Figure 9 and Figure 10 .

[0092] The time period from time point t1 to time point t2 may correspond to the host / client definition phase 101. At this time, the first mobile device 100d and the second mobile device 200d may operate in the low-speed PLC mode. The impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110a included in the first mobile device 100d and the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210a included in the second mobile device 200d may be relatively low. In some example embodiments, in the host / client definition phase 101, the impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110a may be equal to or similar to the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210a. However, some example embodiments are not limited thereto. In some example embodiments, in the host / client definition phase 101, the impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110a may be different from the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210a.

[0093] In the host / client definition phase 101, the second mobile device 200d may send a host request REQ to the first mobile device 100d, and the first mobile device 100d may send a client response RES to the second mobile device 200d in response to the host request REQ. According to some example embodiments, in the host / client definition phase 101, the host request REQ and the client response RES may be exchanged at least twice.

[0094] In the host / client definition phase 101, the converter 250 and the voltage MOD 231a of the second mobile device 200d may be activated, and the voltage MOD 231a may generate a voltage modulation signal from the converted voltage Vc received from the converter 250 according to a control signal received from the controller 220. However, some example embodiments are not limited thereto. The converter 250 may bypass the input voltage Vin, and the voltage MOD 231a may generate a voltage modulation signal from the input voltage Vin according to a control signal received from the controller 220. For example, the voltage MOD 231a may generate a voltage modulation signal (e.g., a plurality of voltage pulses) as a host request REQ, wherein the voltage modulation signal switches between a high voltage VH and a low voltage VL. The host request REQ may be provided to the first connection terminal T1 of the first mobile device 100d via the power line 300.

[0095] The voltage DEMOD 134b of the first mobile device 100d may generate a voltage demodulation signal from the host request REQ and provide the voltage demodulation signal to the controller 120. The controller 120 may generate a control signal in response to the host request REQ and provide the control signal to the current MOD 134a. The current MOD 134a may generate a current modulation signal according to the control signal and provide the current modulation signal to the current source 136. The current source 136 may generate a plurality of current pulses that switch between a high current IH and a low current IL as a client response RES according to the current modulation signal. The client response RES may be provided to the second connection terminal T2 of the second mobile device 200d via the power line 300.

[0096] After receiving the client response RES, the controller 220 of the second mobile device 200d may change the PLC mode from the low-speed PLC mode to the high-speed PLC mode. Accordingly, the controller 220 of the second mobile device 200d may set the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210a to be relatively high. Similarly, after sending the client response RES, the controller 120 of the first mobile device 100d may change the PLC mode from the low-speed PLC mode to the high-speed PLC mode. Accordingly, the controller 120 of the first mobile device 100d may set the impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110a to be relatively high.

[0097] The time period from time point t2 to time point t7 may correspond to the data transfer phase 102. At this time, the first mobile device 100d and the second mobile device 200d may operate in the high-speed PLC mode. The impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110a included in the first mobile device 100d and the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210a included in the second mobile device 200d may be relatively high. In some example embodiments, during the data transfer phase 102, the impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110a may be equal to or similar to the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210a. However, some example embodiments are not limited thereto. In some example embodiments, during the data transfer phase 102, the impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110a may be different from the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210a.

[0098] During the data transfer phase 102, the converter 250 of the second mobile device 200d may be deactivated, and the second mobile device 200d may operate using the battery voltage VBAT2 of the second battery 240a. For example, the converter 250 may operate in a bypass mode that bypasses the battery voltage VBAT2 of the second battery 240a. During the data transfer phase 102, the charger 150 of the first mobile device 100d may be deactivated, and the first mobile device 100d may operate using the battery voltage VBAT1 of the first battery 140a. As described above, since the charger 150 of the first mobile device 100d is deactivated, the operation of charging the first battery 140a by sending power from the second mobile device 200d to the first mobile device 100d may be interrupted or substantially interrupted, and only data may be sent through the PLC. However, some example embodiments are not limited thereto. In some example embodiments, during the data transfer phase 102, the charger 150 of the first mobile device 100d may be activated, and both power and data may be sent through the PLC.

[0099] During the time period from time point t3 to time point t4, the voltage MOD232a' of the second mobile device 200d may be activated, and the voltage MOD 135a of the first mobile device 100d may be deactivated. Specifically, the voltage MOD232a' of the second mobile device 200d may generate a voltage modulation signal and provide the voltage modulation signal to the power line 300 through the second connection terminal T2. For example, the voltage modulation signal may include a plurality of voltage pulses that switch between the input / output voltage VIO and 0V. At this time, the voltage DEMOD 134b of the first mobile device 100d may generate a voltage demodulation signal from the line voltage V of the first connection terminal T1 connected to the power line 300. PL Generate a voltage demodulation signal.

[0100] During the time period from time point t5 to time point t6, the voltage MOD135a of the first mobile device 100d can be activated, and the voltage MOD 232a' of the second mobile device 200d can be deactivated. Specifically, the voltage MOD 135a of the first mobile device 100d can generate a voltage modulation signal and provide the voltage modulation signal to the power line 300 through the first connection terminal T1. For example, the voltage modulation signal can include a plurality of voltage pulses that switch between the input / output voltage VIO and 0V. At this time, the voltage DEMOD 232b of the second mobile device 200d can PL generate a voltage demodulation signal.

[0101] The time period after time point t7 can correspond to the power transmission stage 103. At this time, the first mobile device 100d and the second mobile device 200d can operate in the low-speed PLC mode. In the power transmission stage 103, the converter 250 and the current MOD 231a of the second mobile device 200d can be activated, and the line voltage V PL can be maintained at a high voltage VH. At time point t8, the charger 150 of the first mobile device 100d can be activated, and the line current I PL can be maintained at a high current IH. Therefore, the second mobile device 200d can send power to the first mobile device 100d through the PLC, and the charger 150 of the first mobile device 100d can charge the first battery 140a.

[0102] Figure 11 FIG. 13 shows a mobile system 10e according to some example embodiments.

[0103] Referring to Figure 11 , the mobile system 10e can include a first mobile device 100e and a second mobile device 200e. The first mobile device 100e and the second mobile device 200e can correspond to Figure 1 the examples of the first mobile device 100 and the second mobile device 200 in FIG. 1. The descriptions given above with reference to Figures 1 to 10 can also be applied to Figure 11 .

[0104] The first mobile device 100e can include a first connection terminal T1, a variable impedance unit 110, a controller 120, a PLC modem 130, a first battery 140, a PMIC 160, and / or a wireless communication unit 170. The variable impedance unit 110, the controller 120, the PLC modem 130, the first battery 140, the PMIC 160, and / or the wireless communication unit 170 can be mounted on a PCB. The PMIC 160 can manage the power of the first battery 140. In some example embodiments, Figure 3The charger 150 therein can be implemented as part of the PMIC 160. In some example embodiments, the first mobile device 100e may also include a charger or a charging IC.

[0105] The wireless communication unit 170 can communicate wirelessly with the master device 400. For example, the wireless communication unit 170 may include a Bluetooth module and may receive data from the master device 400 through Bluetooth communication. For example, the master device 400 may include, but is not limited to: a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a PC, a smart TV (TV), a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a media player, a micro server, a global positioning system (GPS) device, an e - book terminal, a digital broadcast terminal, a navigation device, a self - service terminal, an MP3 player, a digital camera, and / or other mobile or non - mobile computing devices. In another example, the master device 400 may include a wearable device (such as a watch, glasses, a headband, and / or a ring) having communication and data - processing functions.

[0106] The second mobile device 200e may include a second connection terminal T2, a variable impedance unit 210, a controller 220, a PLC modem 230, a second battery 240, and / or a PMIC 260. The variable impedance unit 210, the controller 220, the PLC modem 230, the second battery 240, and / or the PMIC 260 may be mounted on a PCB. The PMIC 260 may manage the power of the second battery 240. In some example embodiments, Figure 3 the converter 250 therein can be implemented as part of the PMIC 260. In some example embodiments, the second mobile device 200e may also include a converter. The second mobile device 200e may also include an input voltage terminal Tin for receiving an input voltage Vin from outside the second mobile device 200e.

[0107] The wireless communication unit 170 of the first mobile device 100e can receive data from the master device 400 using PLC and send the data to the second mobile device 200e. At this time, the host device can be the first mobile device 100e, and the client device can be the second mobile device 200e. Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 12 the PLC mode between the first mobile device 100e and the second mobile device 200e will be described.

[0108] In the power transmission stage 21, the second mobile device 200e can transmit power to the first mobile device 100e. At this time, the PLC mode between the first mobile device 100e and the second mobile device 200e can be determined as the low-speed PLC mode. In the host / client definition stage 22, the host that sends data and the client that receives data can be determined between the first mobile device 100e and the second mobile device 200e. At this time, the PLC mode between the first mobile device 100e and the second mobile device 200e can still be determined as the low-speed PLC mode. For example, the first mobile device 100e can be determined as the host, and the second mobile device 200e can be determined as the client.

[0109] In the data transmission stage 23, the host can send data to the client. At this time, the PLC mode between the first mobile device 100e and the second mobile device 200e can be determined as the high-speed PLC mode. For example, the first mobile device 100e can send data to the second mobile device 200e. In the data transmission stage 23, the main function of the power line 300 can be changed from power transmission to data transmission. In some example embodiments, in the data transmission stage 23, only data can be sent through the power line 300. However, some example embodiments are not limited thereto. In the data transmission stage 23, power and data can be sent through the power line 300.

[0110] Based on the completion of data transmission, the power transmission stage 24 restarts, and the PLC mode between the first mobile device 100e and the second mobile device 200e can be determined as the low-speed PLC mode. In the power transmission stage 24, the main function of the power line 300 can be changed from data transmission to power transmission. In some example embodiments, in the power transmission stage 24, only power can be sent through the power line 300. However, some example embodiments are not limited thereto. In the power transmission stage 24, data and power can be sent through the power line 300.

[0111] Figure 12 is a flowchart of operations among the first mobile device 100e, the second mobile device 200e, and the main device 400 according to some example embodiments.

[0112] Referring to Figure 12 , in operation S200, the main device 400 can send data to the first mobile device 100e. For example, the data can correspond to firmware. For example, the main device 400 can send data to the first mobile device 100e through wireless communication (such as Bluetooth communication). However, some example embodiments are not limited thereto. The first mobile device 100e can also include connection terminals for data exchange with the main device 400, and can receive data from the main device 400 through the electrical contacts of the connection terminals to the main device 400.

[0113] In operation S210, the first mobile device 100e may generate a host request (e.g., REQ in Figure 6 ). In operation S220, the first mobile device 100e sends the host request to the second mobile device 200e. In operation S230, the second mobile device 200e may generate a client response (e.g., RES in Figure 6 ) in response to the host request. In operation S240, the second mobile device 200e may send the client response to the first mobile device 100e. For example, operations S210 to S240 may correspond to the host / client definition phase 22 in Figure 2 , and both the first mobile device 100e and the second mobile device 200e may operate in the low-speed PLC mode. At this time, the impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110 included in the first mobile device 100e and the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210 included in the second mobile device 200e may be relatively low. According to some example embodiments, operations S210 to S240 may correspond to detecting that the first mobile device 100e has received firmware (e.g., firmware configured to repair a fault in the IC of the second mobile device 200e and / or firmware updates) from the master device 400 that should be transmitted to the second mobile device 200e, and / or requesting the first mobile device 100e to transmit the firmware update to the second mobile device 200e.

[0114] In operation S250, the second mobile device 200e may determine the PLC mode as the high-speed PLC mode (e.g., based on the client response sent in operation S240). Accordingly, the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210 of the second mobile device 200e may increase, the high-speed PLC modem (e.g., 232 in Figure 3 ) may be activated, and the low-speed PLC modem (e.g., 231 in Figure 3 ) may be deactivated. In operation S255, the first mobile device 100e may determine the PLC mode as the high-speed PLC mode (e.g., based on the client response). Accordingly, the impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110 of the first mobile device 100e may increase. Operations S250 and S255 may be performed substantially simultaneously or synchronously.

[0115] In operation S260, the first mobile device 100e may send data to the second mobile device 200e. For example, the data may correspond to firmware, and the first mobile device 100e may send the firmware downloaded from the master device 400 to the second mobile device 200e. When a fault occurs in the IC after the second mobile device 200e is started, the second mobile device 200e may use the firmware received from the first mobile device 100e to repair the fault in the IC. For example, operations S250 to S260 may correspond toFigure 2 The data transfer phase 23 in Figure 2 . According to some example embodiments, the second mobile device 200e may store, install, and / or execute the received firmware after operation S260. According to some example embodiments, the second mobile device 200e may use the received firmware to repair a fault of the IC after operation S260.

[0116] In operation S270, the second mobile device 200e may determine the PLC mode as the low-speed PLC mode (e.g., based on the completion of data transfer in operation S260). Accordingly, the impedance Z2 of the variable impedance unit 210 of the second mobile device 200e may be decreased, the low-speed PLC modem (e.g., Figure 3 231 in Figure 3 ) may be activated, and the high-speed PLC modem (e.g., Figure 3 232 in Figure 3 ) may be deactivated. In operation S275, the first mobile device 100e may determine the PLC mode as the low-speed PLC mode (e.g., based on the completion of data transfer in operation S260). Accordingly, the impedance Z1 of the variable impedance unit 110 of the first mobile device 100e may be decreased. Operations S270 and S275 may be performed substantially simultaneously or concurrently. In operation S280, the second mobile device 200e may send power to the first mobile device 100e. For example, operations S270 to S280 may correspond to Figure 2 the power transfer phase 24 in Figure 2 .

[0117] According to some example embodiments, operations described herein as being performed by the following units may be performed by a processing circuit: a first mobile device 100, a second mobile device 200, a variable impedance unit 110, a controller 120, a PLC modem 130, a variable impedance unit 210, a controller 220, a PLC modem 230, a first mobile device 100a, a second mobile device 200a, a variable impedance unit 110a, a charger 150, a variable impedance unit 210a, a PLC modem 230a, a converter 250, a low-speed PLC modem 231, a high-speed PLC modem 232, a first mobile device 100b, a second mobile device 200b, a PLC modem 130a, a current MOD 131, a voltage DEMOD 132, a voltage MOD 231a, a current DEMOD 231b, a current MOD 232a, a voltage DEMOD 232b, a first mobile device 100c, a second mobile device 200c, a PLC modem 130c, a low-speed PLC modem 134, a high-speed PLC modem 135, a first mobile device 100d, a second mobile device 200d, a current MOD 134a, a voltage DEMOD 134b, a voltage MOD 135a, a voltage MOD 232a', a first mobile device 100e, a second mobile device 200e, a PMIC 160, a wireless communication unit 170, and / or a PMIC 260. As used in this disclosure, the term "processing circuit" may represent, for example, hardware including logic circuits; a hardware / software combination (such as a processor that executes software); or a combination thereof. For example, the processing circuit may more specifically include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

[0118] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, the element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0119] Some example embodiments may be described with reference to symbolic representations of operations and actions (e.g., in the form of a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, a block diagram, etc.) that may be implemented in connection with the units and / or devices discussed in more detail below. Although discussed in a particular manner, the functions or operations specified in a particular block may be performed differently than the processes specified in a flowchart, a flow diagram, etc. For example, functions or operations shown as being performed consecutively in two consecutive blocks may actually be performed concurrently, simultaneously, or in some cases in the reverse order.

[0120] The various operations of the above method can be performed by any suitable device capable of performing the operations (such as, processing circuitry). For example, the operations of the above method can be performed by various hardware and / or software implemented in some form of hardware (such as, a processor, an ASIC, etc.).

[0121] The software can include an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions and can be implemented in any "processor-readable medium" for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as, a single-core processor or a multi-core processor or a system including a processor).

[0122] The blocks or operations of the methods or algorithms and functions described in connection with some example embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented directly in hardware, in software modules executed by a processor, or in a combination of both. If implemented in software, the functions can be stored as one or more instructions or code on a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium. The software modules can reside in a random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art.

[0123] Although the inventive concept has been specifically shown and described with reference to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, it will be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A first mobile device, comprising: a connection terminal configured to be electrically connected to a second mobile device; a variable impedance device connected to the connection terminal, the variable impedance device being configured to change an impedance; a processing circuit configured to: determine a power line communication mode between the first mobile device and the second mobile device as one of a low-speed power line communication mode and a high-speed power line communication mode, and control the impedance of the variable impedance device according to the determined power line communication mode; and a power line communication modem configured to: receive power from the second mobile device or exchange data with the second mobile device based on the determined power line communication mode.

2. The first mobile device according to claim 1, wherein the power line communication modem is configured to: receive power from the second mobile device in the low-speed power line communication mode; and in the low-speed power line communication mode, the impedance of the variable impedance device corresponds to a first impedance.

3. The first mobile device according to claim 2, wherein the power line communication modem is configured to: exchange data with the second mobile device in the high-speed power line communication mode; and in the high-speed power line communication mode, the impedance of the variable impedance device corresponds to a second impedance, the second impedance being higher than the first impedance.

4. The first mobile device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processing circuit is configured to: determine the power line communication mode as the high-speed power line communication mode based on a host request received from the second mobile device; and change the power line communication mode from the high-speed power line communication mode to the low-speed power line communication mode based on the completion of data reception from the second mobile device.

5. The first mobile device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processing circuit is configured to: generate a control signal for controlling the power line communication modem according to the determined power line communication mode; and the power line communication modem is configured to: generate a current modulation signal according to the control signal, generate a current pulse according to the current modulation signal, provide the current pulse to the connection terminal, and generate a voltage demodulation signal according to the voltage of the connection terminal.

6. The first mobile device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processing circuit is configured to: generate a control signal for controlling the power line communication modem according to the determined power line communication mode; and the power line communication modem is configured to operate in the high-speed power line communication mode to: generate a voltage modulation signal according to the control signal, provide the voltage modulation signal to the connection terminal, and generate a voltage demodulation signal according to the voltage of the connection terminal.

7. The first mobile device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processing circuit is configured to: generate a control signal for controlling the power line communication modem according to the determined power line communication mode; and the power line communication modem is configured to operate in the low-speed power line communication mode to: generate a current modulation signal according to the control signal, generate a current pulse according to the current modulation signal, provide the current pulse to the connection terminal, and Generate a voltage demodulation signal based on the voltage of the connection terminal.

8. The first mobile device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The processing circuit is configured to: receive data from the master device through wireless communication.

9. The first mobile device according to claim 8, wherein, The processing circuit is configured to: Determine the power line communication mode as the high-speed power line communication mode; In the high-speed power line communication mode, provide data to the second mobile device; and Based on the completion of data transmission to the second mobile device, change the power line communication mode from the high-speed power line communication mode to the low-speed power line communication mode.

10. The first mobile device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: A battery; and A power management integrated circuit configured to manage the power of the battery, wherein the processing circuit is configured to: charge the battery with the power received from the second mobile device.

11. The first mobile device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first mobile device includes wireless earbuds; and The second mobile device includes a wireless charger.

12. A second mobile device, comprising: A connection terminal configured to be electrically connected to the first mobile device; A variable impedance device connected to the connection terminal, the variable impedance device being configured to change the impedance; A processing circuit configured to: determine the power line communication mode as one of the low-speed power line communication mode and the high-speed power line communication mode, control the impedance of the variable impedance device according to the determined power line communication mode, receive an input voltage from an external source, and generate a conversion voltage from the input voltage; and A power line communication modem configured to: send power to the first mobile device or exchange data with the first mobile device based on the determined power line communication mode, and the power is based on the conversion voltage.

13. The second mobile device according to claim 12, wherein, The power line communication modem is configured to: send power to the first mobile device in the low-speed power line communication mode; and In the low-speed power line communication mode, the impedance of the variable impedance device corresponds to a first impedance.

14. The second mobile device according to claim 13, wherein, The power line communication modem is configured to: exchange data with the first mobile device in the high-speed power line communication mode; and In the high-speed power line communication mode, the impedance of the variable impedance device corresponds to a second impedance, and the second impedance is higher than the first impedance.

15. The second mobile device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The processing circuit is configured to: Based on the host request received from the first mobile device, determine the power line communication mode as the high-speed power line communication mode; and Based on the completion of data reception from the first mobile device, change the power line communication mode from the high-speed power line communication mode to the low-speed power line communication mode.

16. The second mobile device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The processing circuit is configured to: generate a control signal for controlling the power line communication modem according to the determined power line communication mode; and The power line communication modem is configured to operate in a high-speed power line communication mode to: generate a current modulation signal according to a control signal, generate current pulses according to the current modulation signal, supply the current pulses to a connection terminal, and generate a voltage demodulation signal according to the voltage of the connection terminal.

17. The second mobile device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, the processing circuit is configured to generate a control signal for controlling the power line communication modem according to the determined power line communication mode; and the power line communication modem is configured to operate in a high-speed power line communication mode to: generate a voltage modulation signal according to the control signal, supply the voltage modulation signal to the connection terminal, and generate a voltage demodulation signal according to the voltage of the connection terminal.

18. The second mobile device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, the processing circuit is configured to generate a control signal for controlling the power line communication modem according to the determined power line communication mode; and the power line communication modem is configured to operate in a low-speed power line communication mode to: generate a voltage modulation signal according to the control signal, supply the voltage modulation signal to the connection terminal, and generate a current demodulation signal according to the current received from the connection terminal.

19. The second mobile device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, the first mobile device includes wireless earbuds; and the second mobile device includes a wireless charger.

20. The second mobile device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprises: a battery; and a power management integrated circuit configured to manage the power of the battery, wherein the processing circuit is configured to charge the battery based on an input voltage.

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