AC power adapter indicator

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and components for charging an information handling system (IHS). The system includes an AC adapter configured to report properties of the adapter. The adapter includes a DC power cord supporting a data channel. The DC plug includes a circuit for operating an indicator light based on a control signal. The system includes a power port controller that receives the reported properties of the adapter, determines a charging state of the IHS; generates the control signal based on the determined charging state; and transmits the control signal to the indicator light circuit via a data channel. The indicator control signal can be used to operate indicator lights at both ends of a reversible DC power cord. The indicator control signal can specify a color or brightness of the indicator and can indicate the charging state of the IHS.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to information handling systems (IHSs), and more particularly to an AC (alternating current) adapter for charging a portable IHS. Background Art

[0002] As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek other ways to process and store information. One option is an information handling system (IHS). An IHS typically processes, compiles, stores and / or transmits information or data for business, personal or other purposes. Because the needs and requirements of technology and information processing can vary between different applications, the IHS can also vary in what information is processed, how the information is processed, how much information is processed, stored or transmitted, and how quickly and efficiently the information is processed, stored or transmitted. Variations in the IHS allow the IHS to be general or configured for specific users or specific purposes, such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, global communications, etc. In addition, the IHS may include various hardware and software components that can be configured to process, store and transmit information, and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and network systems.

[0003] Some IHSs, such as laptops, tablet computers, and mobile phones, are portable and are designed to be powered by rechargeable batteries for operation. Power drawn from an electrical outlet can be used to charge the battery of the portable IHS. Since the battery of the IHS typically runs on a DC (direct current) power source, an AC adapter (i.e., an AC / DC adapter or AC / DC converter) is required to convert AC power from a wall electrical outlet to DC power that can be used to charge the battery. At one end, the AC adapter includes an AC plug that plugs into an electrical outlet. At the other end, the AC adapter includes a DC plug that includes a connector that is received by a power port of the portable IHS, where the power port is typically located on a side or edge of the IHS housing. Summary of the invention

[0004] In various embodiments, a system for charging an information handling system (IHS) is provided. The system includes an AC (alternating current) adapter configured to report properties of the AC adapter, wherein the AC adapter includes a DC power cord supporting a data channel. The DC power cord includes a first direct current (DC) plug, the first DC plug including a DC connector received by a power port. The first DC plug includes an indicator light circuit for operating the first DC plug based on an indicator control signal. The system also includes a power port controller, the power port controller being configured to: receive reported properties of the AC adapter; determine a state of charging the information handling system by the AC adapter; generate an indicator control signal based on the determined charging state of the information handling system; and transmit the indicator control signal to the indicator light circuit via a data channel supported by the DC power cord.

[0005] In other system embodiments, the attribute of the AC adapter specifies that the indicator light of the AC adapter is configurable by the power port controller. In other system embodiments, the DC power cord includes a second DC plug, the second DC plug including an indicator light circuit for operating the second DC plug based on an indicator control signal transmitted via the data channel. In other system embodiments, the charging state of the information handling system includes a DC output voltage provided by the AC adapter to the information handling system. In other system embodiments, the indicator control signal specifies a color of the indicator light. In other system embodiments, the indicator control signal specifies a brightness of the indicator light. In other system embodiments, the charging state of the information handling system includes a battery charge level of the information handling system.

[0006] Various additional embodiments provide a power port controller for charging an information handling system (IHS). The power port controller includes a memory having program instructions stored thereon, which program instructions, when executed by a logic unit, cause the power port controller to: receive properties of an AC adapter reported by an AC adapter, the AC adapter including a DC plug including a DC connector received by a power port of an information handling system, wherein the DC plug includes an indicator light; determine a state of charging of the information handling system by the AC adapter; based on the determined charging state of the information handling system, generate an indicator control signal; and transmit the indicator control signal to the indicator light.

[0007] In another power port controller embodiment, the attribute of the AC adapter specifies that the indicator light of the AC adapter can be configured by the power port controller. In another power port controller embodiment, the attribute of the AC adapter is reported as PSID (power source identification) information. In another power port controller embodiment, the charging state of the information handling system includes a DC output voltage provided to the information handling system by the AC adapter. In another power port controller embodiment, the indicator control signal specifies the color of the indicator light. In another power port controller embodiment, the indicator control signal specifies the brightness of the indicator light. In another power port controller embodiment, the charging state of the information handling system includes a battery charge level of the information handling system.

[0008] In various additional embodiments, an AC (alternating current) adapter is provided for charging an information handling system (IHS). The AC adapter includes: a logic unit configured to report properties of the AC adapter to a power port controller of the information handling system; and a DC (direct current) plug, the DC plug including a direct current connector received by a power port of the information handling system. The DC plug includes an indicator light, and wherein the indicator light is configured based on an indicator control signal generated by the power port controller of the information handling system, wherein the indicator control signal is based on a charging state of the information handling system determined by the AC adapter.

[0009] In additional AC adapter embodiments, the attribute of the AC adapter specifies an indicator light that is configurable by the power port controller. In further AC adapter embodiments, the charging status of the information handling system includes a DC output voltage provided to the information handling system by the AC adapter. In further AC adapter embodiments, the indicator control signal specifies a color of the indicator light. In further AC adapter embodiments, the indicator control signal specifies a brightness of the indicator light. In further AC adapter embodiments, the charging status of the information handling system includes a battery charge level of the information handling system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and is not limited by the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent similar components. For simplicity and clarity, the components in the drawings are illustrated simply and clearly and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram depicting certain components of an IHS operable to configure an indicator light incorporated into an AC power adapter according to various embodiments;

[0012] Figure 2is a diagram depicting certain components of a charging system according to various embodiments, including an AC adapter coupled to an IHS that is a notebook computer;

[0013] Figure 3A is a diagram depicting certain components of a DC plug of an AC power adapter according to various embodiments, wherein the DC plug is received by a power port of an IHS;

[0014] Figure 3B is a diagram illustrating a DC plug (such as Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of a DC plug and an IHS portion;

[0015] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating certain steps of a process for an IHS power port controller to configure an indicator light of an AC power adapter coupled to the IHS, according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] For purposes of the present invention, an IHS may include any tool or collection of tools that can be used to compute, calculate, determine, classify, process, send, receive, retrieve, initiate, switch, store, display, communicate, tabulate, detect, record, reproduce, process, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for commercial, scientific, control, or other purposes. For example, an IHS may be a personal computer (e.g., a desktop computer or a laptop computer), a tablet computer, a mobile device (e.g., a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a smart phone), a server (e.g., a blade server or a rack server), a network storage device, or any other suitable device, and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. An IHS may include random access memory (RAM), one or more processing resources (such as a central processing unit (CPU)) or hardware or software control logic, read-only memory (ROM), and / or other types of non-volatile memory.

[0017] Additional components of an IHS may include one or more disk drives, one or more network ports for communicating with external devices, and various I / O devices, such as a keyboard, a keyboard and a mouse, a touch screen, and / or a video display. An IHS may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communications between various hardware components. Examples of IHSs are described in more detail below. Figure 1 An example of an IHS configured to implement the systems and methods described herein is shown according to certain implementations.It should be understood that although certain IHS implementations described herein may be discussed in the context of a personal computing device, other implementations may be utilized.

[0018] As described, some portable IHSs may utilize an AC adapter to provide power from an electrical outlet for charging the internal battery from which the portable IHS operates. As the IHS becomes thinner and thus more portable, it is preferred that the portion of the AC adapter that is coupled to the IHS should also be as thin as possible. The use of thinner connectors, such as a USB-C connector that is much thinner than a conventional USB connector, will facilitate thinner portable IHSs. Some existing AC adapters may use an indicator light that can be illuminated as long as the AC adapter is connected to a live electrical outlet and has nothing to do with whether the AC adapter is connected to the IHS. Therefore, in such existing AC adapters, the indicator light cannot reflect whether the AC adapter is properly connected to the IHS or whether the IHS is being powered from the AC adapter.

[0019] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram illustrating certain components of an IHS 100 configured in accordance with certain embodiments for configuring an indicator light incorporated into an AC power adapter. In various embodiments, the IHS 100 may include a power management unit 115 including logic for executing program instructions to perform certain operations disclosed herein to configure an indicator light in an AC power adapter. Figure 1 A single IHS 100 is shown in FIG. 1 , but IHS 100 may be a component of an enterprise system that may include any number of additional IHSs that may also be configured in the same or similar manner as IHS 100 .

[0020] IHS 100 includes one or more processors 101, such as a central processing unit (CPU), which executes code retrieved from system memory 105. Although IHS 100 is illustrated as having a single processor 101, other implementations may include two or more processors, each of which may be configured identically or provide specific processing functions. Processor 101 may include any processor capable of executing program instructions, such as an Intel Pentium TM series processors or any general-purpose or embedded processor that implements various instruction set architectures (ISAs), such as x86, or ISA or any other suitable ISA.

[0021] exist Figure 1 In an embodiment, the processor 101 includes an integrated memory controller 118 that can be implemented directly within the circuit of the processor 101, or the memory controller 118 can be a separate integrated circuit located on the same chip as the processor 101. The memory controller 118 can be configured to manage data transfers between the system memory 105 of the IHS 100 via the high-speed memory interface 104.

[0022] The system memory 105 coupled to the processor 101 provides the processor 101 with high-speed memory that can be used when the processor 101 executes computer program instructions. Therefore, the system memory 105 can include memory components, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), NAND flash memory, suitable for supporting high-speed memory operations of the processor 101. In some embodiments, the system memory 105 can combine both persistent, non-volatile memory and volatile memory. In some embodiments, the system memory 105 can include multiple removable memory modules.

[0023] IHS 100 utilizes a chipset 103, which may include one or more integrated circuits connected to processor 101. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the processor 101 is depicted as a component of the chipset 103. In other embodiments, all of the chipset 103, or a portion of the chipset 103 can be implemented directly within the integrated circuit of the processor 101. The chipset 103 provides the processor 101 with access to various resources accessible through the bus 102. In the IHS 100, the bus 102 is shown as a single component. Various embodiments can utilize any number of buses to provide the illustrated paths served by the bus 102.

[0024] As shown, various resources can be coupled to one or more processors 101 of the IHS 100 via a chipset 103. For example, the chipset 103 can be coupled to a network interface 109 that can support different types of network connections. In some embodiments, the IHS 100 can include one or more network interface controllers (NICs), each of which can implement the hardware required to communicate via a specific networking technology such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and mobile cellular networks (e.g., CDMA, TDMA, LTE). As shown, the network interface 109 can support network connections via a wired network controller 122 and a wireless network controller 123. Each network controller 122, 123 can be coupled to the chipset 103 of the IHS 100 via various buses to support different types of network connections, such as network connections used in applications of the IHS 100 operating system.

[0025] Chipset 103 may also provide access to one or more display devices 108, 113 via graphics processor 107. In some embodiments, graphics processor 107 may be included in a video or graphics adapter, or in an embedded controller installed in IHS 100. In some embodiments, graphics processor 107 may be integrated within processor 101, such as a component of a system on a chip. Graphics processor 107 may generate display information and provide the generated information to one or more display devices 108, 113 coupled to IHS 100. One or more display devices 108, 113 coupled to IHS 100 may utilize LCD, LED, OLED, or other display technology. Each display device 108, 113 may be capable of receiving touch input, such as via a touch controller, which may be an embedded component of display device 108, 113 or graphics processor 107, or may be a separate component of IHS 100 accessed via bus 102. As shown, IHS 100 can support an integrated display device 108, such as a display integrated into a laptop, tablet, 2-in-1 convertible device, or mobile device. IHS 100 can also support the use of one or more external displays 113, such as an external monitor that can be coupled to IHS 100 through various types of couplings.

[0026] In some embodiments, the chipset 103 may utilize one or more I / O controllers 110, each of which may support hardware components such as user I / O devices 111 and sensors 112. For example, the I / O controller 110 may provide access to one or more user I / O devices 110 such as keyboards, mouses, touchpads, touch screens, microphones, speakers, cameras, and other input and output devices that may be coupled to the IHS 100. Each supported user I / O device 111 may interface with the I / O controller 110 via a wired or wireless connection.

[0027] In certain embodiments, sensors 112 accessed via I / O controller 110 may provide access to data describing the environment and operating conditions of IHS 100. For example, sensors 112 may include geolocation sensors capable of providing the geolocation of IHS 100, such as a GPS sensor or other location sensor configured to determine the location of IHS 100 based on triangulation and network information. Various additional sensors, such as optical sensors, infrared sensors, and sonar sensors, may provide support for xR (virtual, augmented, mixed reality) sessions hosted by IHS 100.

[0028] Other components of the IHS 100 may include one or more I / O ports 116 that support removable couplings with various types of peripheral external devices. For example, the I / O ports 116 may include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port through which various external devices may be coupled to the IHS 100. The I / O ports 116 may include various types of ports and couplings that support connection with external devices and systems, either through temporary couplings via user-accessible ports (such as USB ports) of the chassis of the IHS 100, or more permanent couplings via expansion slots provided by the motherboard or expansion cards of the IHS 100, such as PCIe slots.

[0029] Chipset 103 also provides processor 101 with access to one or more storage devices 119. In various embodiments, storage device 119 may be integrated with IHS 100 or may be external to IHS 100. In certain embodiments, storage device 119 may be accessed via a storage controller, which may be an integrated component of the storage device. Storage device 119 may be implemented using any storage technology that allows IHS 100 to store and retrieve data. For example, storage device 119 may be a magnetic hard disk storage drive or a solid-state storage drive. In certain embodiments, storage device 119 may be a system of storage devices, such as a cloud drive accessible through network interface 109.

[0030] As shown, IHS 100 also includes BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) 117, which can be stored in a non-volatile memory accessible by chipset 103 via bus 102. When IHS 100 is powered or restarted, processor 101 can use BIOS 117 instructions to initialize and test hardware components coupled to IHS 100. BIOS 117 instructions can also load an operating system for use by IHS 100. BIOS 117 provides an abstraction layer that allows an operating system to interface with the hardware components of IHS 100. Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is designed as a successor to BIOS. Therefore, in addition to BIOS, or instead of BIOS, many modern IHSs utilize UEFI. As used herein, BIOS is intended to cover UEFI.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the IHS 100 also includes a power management unit 115 that receives power input for charging a battery 124 from which the IHS 100 operates. The IHS 100 may include one or more power ports 125 to which an AC adapter may be connected. As described, the AC adapter may draw AC from an electrical outlet and convert the AC into a DC output that is provided to the IHS via a DC connector. The DC connector portion of the AC adapter may be plugged into a compatible power port 125 of the IHS 100, thereby providing power to the IHS. The DC power input received at the power port 125 may be used by a battery charger 124 to charge one or more internal batteries 124 of the IHS 100.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the power management unit 115 of the IHS 100 may include a power port controller 114 operable to configure the operation of the power port 125. As described in the following embodiments, the power port controller 114 may be operable to configure one or more indicator lights included in an AC adapter coupled to the power port 125. Figure 4 As further described in detail, in some embodiments, the power port controller 114 can configure an indicator light included in the AC adapter based on the characteristics of the AC adapter charging the IHS 100. To support such operation, the power port controller 114 is operable to communicate charging information to the coupled AC adapter via a data channel supported by the power port 125 and a compatible connector utilized by the AC adapter. In some embodiments, the power port controller 114 can be a component of a system-on-chip from which the power management unit 115 operates. In some embodiments, the power port controller can be an embedded controller that is a mainboard component of the IHS 100, or a component of a power management unit 115 daughter card of the IHS 100.

[0033] In various embodiments, the IHS 100 does not include Figure 1 In various embodiments, except for Figure 1 In addition to those components shown in FIG. 1 , the IHS 100 may include various additional components. Figure 1 Some components shown as separate components may be integrated with other components instead. For example, in some embodiments, all or part of the functions provided by the components shown may be provided by components integrated into one or more processors 101 as a system on a chip instead.

[0034] Figure 22 is a diagram depicting components of a charging system according to various embodiments, wherein the system includes an AC power adapter 210 coupled to an IHS that is a laptop computer 205. In the illustrated embodiment, the AC power adapter 210 is used to charge an internal battery of the laptop computer 205. In other embodiments, the AC power adapter 210 can be similarly used to charge batteries of other types of portable IHSs, such as tablet computers, 2-in-1 convertible laptop computers, mobile phones, and smart watches. All kinds of IHSs that can operate on DC power provided by an internal rechargeable battery and also utilize an AC converter that can be plugged into an electrical outlet 215 to charge the battery of the IHS can be used.

[0035] The AC power adapter 210 according to an embodiment may include several connected components that operate to draw AC power from an electrical outlet 215 and convert the AC input power into a DC output for delivery to the IHS, such as Figure 2 The AC power adapter 210 includes a laptop computer 205. One end of the AC power adapter 210 includes an AC plug 210a, which includes pins that can be inserted into a slot provided by an AC electrical outlet 215. Many different types of AC plugs 210a are used throughout the world, with different regions having different plugs that use different numbers, shapes, and orientations of pins to adapt to the electrical outlets used in that region. In North America, most common electrical outlets provide 120V AC at a frequency of 60 Hz.

[0036] As shown, the AC cord 210b of the AC adapter 210 connects the AC plug 210a to the converter 210c. One function of the converter 210c is to convert the AC received from the power cord 210b into DC that can be used to power an IHS compatible with the AC adapter 210. In some cases, the converter 210c may be referred to as a power brick. The output produced by the converter 210c may be DC within a voltage range that supports the power requirements of an IHS compatible with the AC adapter 210. As described with respect to FIG. Figure 4 As described in more detail, converter 210c may also support identifying that AC adapter 210 is coupled to the IHS, wherein the identification information may be used to configure one or more indicator lights of the AC adapter. The DC output generated by converter 210c is provided to laptop computer 205 via DC power cord 210d, which provides the DC output via a connector that is received by a power port of the laptop computer. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the connector is enclosed within the DC plug 210e and is therefore not visible. Figure 3A and 3B The DC plug 210e portion of the AC power adapter 210 is described in more detail.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the DC power cord 210d also includes a DC plug 210f, which can be received by a power port provided by the converter 210c. Similar to the DC plug 210e coupled to the IHS 205, the DC plug 210f at the other end of the DC power cord 210d can be removed from the power port of the converter 210c. In some embodiments, the DC plug 210e and the DC plug 210f can be interchangeable for use in the power port of the converter 210c or the IHS 205. In this way, the DC power cord 210d can be reversible, such as a USB-C cable having USB-C connectors at both ends. In this embodiment, the DC plug 210e and the DC plug 210f can both include features such as regarding Figure 3A and 3B Indicator lights are additionally depicted, wherein each of DC plug 210e and DC plug 210f is configured to illuminate an indicator light based on an indication from a power port of IHS 205. In certain embodiments not shown, DC power cord 210d may be secured to converter 210c.

[0038] In some embodiments, the configuration of the indicator lights on the DC plugs 210e and 210f may be configured by the converter 210c rather than by the IHS 205. In such embodiments, the converter 210c may include a power port and a power port controller that is configured in accordance with the configuration of the DC plugs 210e and 210f. Figure 1 The power port 125 and power port controller 114 of the IHS 100 operate in a similar manner as described above to illuminate indicators on the plugs 210e and 210f of the DC power cord 210d. However, the converter 210c can be the source of the PSID information and can utilize it directly, rather than receiving the PSID information from another source. In the same manner as the IHS 205, the converter 210c can transmit configuration signals via the data channel of the DC power cord 210d to configure the indicator lights of the DC plugs 210e and 210f at both ends of the DC power cord 210d.

[0039] Figure 3A and 3B3 is a diagram illustrating certain components of a DC plug 310 of an AC adapter according to various embodiments, wherein the DC plug 310 includes a connector 320 that is received by a power port of an IHS 325. In certain embodiments, the DC plug 310 can be connected to the same DC plug on the other end of the DC power cord 305, thereby providing a reversible cable. In certain embodiments, a power port controller of the IHS 325 can transmit signals along a data channel supported by the DC power cord to control the illumination of indicators incorporated into the same DC plug at both ends of the DC power cord. As described, in certain embodiments, instead of being included in the IHS 325, the converter components of the AC adapter can alternatively include a power port controller or other logic to transmit illumination signals via the data channel of the DC power cord in the same manner.

[0040] like Figure 3A As shown, the DC plug 310 includes an indicator 315 that is visible to a user of the IHS 325 to which the AC adapter is coupled. In some embodiments, the indicator 315 can be a translucent portion of the DC plug 310 that allows light from an LED (light emitting diode), a miniature LED, or a micro LED included in the DC plug 310 to be visible to the user. In some embodiments, the LED visible via the indicator 315 can be controlled via an LED driver circuit included in the DC plug 310, and the LED driver circuit regulates the delivery of electrical energy to the LED. In such embodiments, the LED driver circuit can be configured to be directly operable based on a command signal transmitted via a data channel of the DC power line. In addition, the LED driver circuit can draw power directly from the DC power line (from the power circuit or from the data channel) to power the LED driver circuit. Therefore, the LED driver circuit can be considered a parasitic component that draws power and an operable command signal from the DC power line.

[0041] Despite Figure 3A is not visible in Figure 3BSome DC plug 310 embodiments shown in the figure may include an additional indicator 330 located on the opposite side of the DC plug 310 from the indicator 315. In some embodiments, where the connector 320 and the port of the power supply IHS 325 support reversible insertion of the connector 320, the DC plug 310 can be reversibly coupled to the power port of the IHS 325 in a 180-degree orientation so that the indicator 310 or the indicator 330 remains visible to the user. In some embodiments, the indicators 315 and 330 can support illumination of different colors. In some embodiments, each of the indicators 315 and 330 can be illuminated using a plurality of different colored LEDs that can be illuminated individually or in combination. In other embodiments, each of the indicators 315 and 330 can be illuminated using LEDs that can be illuminated in multiple colors.

[0042] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the illustrated embodiment, the DC plug 310 and connector 320 represent a USB-C type connector and plug. The USB-C connector includes pins that support various USB protocols for data communication and power transmission. In some embodiments, selected data pins of the USB-C connector 320 can be used as data channels to configure indicator lights 315 and 330 within the DC plug 310 enclosing the USB-C connector 320, and in some cases configure indicators of the DC plug at the other end of the DC power cord 305 in a similar manner. In addition, as described with respect to Figure 4 As described, the AC adapter may be configured to provide information of specified characteristics of the adapter to the IHS via a data channel supported by one or more data pins of the USB-C coupling.

[0043] As about Figure 4 As described in further detail, the power port controller of the IHS can be configured to utilize the characteristics of the AC adapter and the charging provided by the AC adapter to select the illumination of indicators 315 and 330, and in some cases, an indicator of the DC plug can also be configured at the other end of the DC power cord 305. Based on the charging characteristics determined by the power port controller, the illumination of indicators 315 and 330 can confirm that the output of the AC adapter is used to charge the battery of the IHS, thereby providing confirmation to the user that the AC adapter is properly connected to the IHS. As described in more detail below, additional charging status indications can be provided to the user by the power port controller of the IHS 325 via the illumination of indicators 315 and 330.

[0044] In existing AC adapters, the illumination of the indicator can be controlled via a controller or other logic directly integrated into the DC plug including the DC connector and the indicator light. In some existing adapters, the indicator light controller included in the DC plug can be configured to capture, interpret and process PSID information in order to configure the indicator light included in the DC plug. Such a controller may be able to configure the indicator on one DC plug, but cannot configure the indicator of the DC plug at the other end of the DC power cord. In such existing adapters, the housing must be large enough to accommodate the controller for interpreting the PSID information and configuring the indicator light. As described above, portable IHSs utilizing AC power adapters are becoming thinner and thinner. In addition, the transition to thin power port and data port form factors, such as USB-C, will support further reductions in the thickness of the IHS. Therefore, it is expected that the DC plug 310 portion of the AC adapter remains as thin as possible and at least as thin as the IHS to which the adapter is coupled. Including an indicator light controller or other similar logic in the DC plug of an existing AC adapter will add additional thickness to the DC plug. By controlling the indicator light of the AC adapter via a power port controller operating within the IHS or within the converter, an embodiment allows the thickness of the DC plug to be reduced. As in Figure 3B As reflected in the embodiment of FIG. 3 , the profile of the DC plug 310 can be reduced to be nominally larger than the thickness of the connector 320 included in the DC plug 310 .

[0045] In certain additional existing AC adapters, an indicator light included in a DC plug coupled to an IHS may be controlled via circuitry included in a converter (i.e., power brick) portion of the AC adapter. In such existing AC adapters, a wire is included within the DC power cord portion of the adapter to relay indicator control signals from the converter to the DC plug coupled to the IHS. Thus, the additional wire included in such existing AC adapters adds additional thickness to the diameter of the DC power cord portion of the adapter. Additionally, to support reliable signal transmission via the wire embedded in the power cord, the wire must be shielded, further increasing the diameter of the DC power cord. Thus, an embodiment provides control of an indicator light of an AC adapter via a power port controller of an IHS or converter, wherein an existing data channel supported by the DC power cord is used to control the indicator light, thereby reducing the diameter of the DC power cord present in certain existing AC adapters.

[0046] exist Figure 3A and 3B In the illustrated embodiment, the DC connector 310 is a multi-pin USB-C connector that supports two different orientations within the power port of the IHS. The two orientations of the DC connector 320 are achieved by rotating the DC plug 310 180 degrees. Figure 3BAs shown, the DC plug 310 can include an indicator 330 on the face of the DC plug opposite the indicator 315, thereby allowing the indicator 315 or the indicator 330 to remain visible to the user regardless of the orientation of the DC plug 310 relative to the power port. In other embodiments, the DC connector 320 can be a barrel connector enclosed within a cylindrical DC plug. In such a barrel connector, electrical energy can be transmitted via the barrel portion of the connector, and a data channel can be supported via a center pin included within the barrel. In such a barrel connector, the indicator light can be visible through a translucent ring surrounding the circumference of the cylindrical barrel DC plug. The center pin data channel extends the length of the DC power cord to the DC plug at the other end so that the IHS can control the indicators on the barrel plugs at both ends of the DC power cord in the same manner as described for the USB-C plug.

[0047] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating steps of a process according to various embodiments for components of an IHS (such as a power port controller) to configure one or more indicator lights of an AC power adapter coupled to the IHS. The illustrated embodiment begins at box 405, where an AC adapter is coupled to a power port of the IHS. As described, the AC adapter includes a DC plug with a DC connector that is designed to mate with a power port of a particular type of IHS and, in certain reversible DC power cord cases, with a power port of a converter (i.e., a power brick) of the AC adapter. After the DC connector is plugged into the power port of the IHS, at box 410, the IHS and / or the converter detects a voltage in the DC connector. In certain embodiments, the converter portion of the AC adapter may include circuitry to detect a voltage drawn by the IHS. In such embodiments, upon detecting such a voltage, the AC adapter may be configured to begin delivering DC power to the IHS via the DC connector.

[0048] In response to detecting the supply of DC power from an AC adapter coupled to the power port of the IHS, in block 415, identification information of the AC adapter may be determined. In some cases, the AC adapter may encode information identifying the type of adapter and certain characteristics of the adapter. In some embodiments, the converter portion of the AC adapter may encode such information, including attributes such as the grade and manufacturer of the adapter. In some embodiments, one such attribute may specify whether the AC adapter includes an indicator light that may be configured by the IHS. Based on such attributes, the power port controller may select an appropriate signaling protocol to directly configure the operation of the LED driver via a data channel supported by the AC adapter.

[0049] In some embodiments, the converter portion of the AC adapter may also include circuitry configured to read such encoded attributes and generate a power source identification (PSID) signal that can be sent on a data channel supported by the AC power adapter. As described, the DC connectors utilized by the AC adapter, including USB-C and barrel connectors, may include one or more data channels in addition to wires for transmitting power to the IHS. In some embodiments, when the AC adapter starts to provide power to the IHS, the converter may be configured to generate a PSID signal and send the signal to the IHS via the data channel. In embodiments where the converter is capable of configuring an indicator light, the converter may utilize the PSID information directly without transmitting the PSID information to the IHS.

[0050] At box 420, using the PSID information, the power port controller or converter of the IHS determines whether the AC adapter supports an external configuration of the AC adapter indicator light. In some embodiments, the PSID information generated by the AC adapter indicates whether the AC adapter supports the indicator light configuration. If the PSID information of the AC adapter indicates that the indicator light configuration is not supported, at box 425, the indicator light of the AC adapter can be controlled according to a technology supported by an existing AC adapter, such as via a circuit included in a DC plug. In other cases, the PSID information may indicate that the AC adapter coupled to the power port is compatible with IHS charging, but does not include any indicator light.

[0051] At block 430, if it is determined that the coupled AC adapter supports the configuration of the indicator light through a coupled component (such as an IHS or a converter), the power characteristics of the AC adapter can be determined. In some embodiments, the AC adapter can support a DC output at multiple voltage levels. For example, the AC adapter can support a 5V, 9V, 15V, or 20V DC output. In such an embodiment, the power port controller can determine the voltage level of the AC adapter output drawn by the IHS. At block 435, such power characteristics can be used to determine the setting of the indicator light included in the DC plug of the AC adapter.

[0052] In some embodiments, the detected voltage output of the AC adapter can be used to determine the brightness of the indicator light. For example, a 5V output detected by the AC adapter can result in the lowest brightness setting for the indicator light. Higher output voltages detected by the AC adapter can result in brighter settings for the indicator light, where the brightest indicator light setting is associated with the highest 20V output detected by the AC adapter.

[0053] As described, in some embodiments, the indicator lights included in the DC plug can be illuminated in different colors. In such embodiments, the different colors of indicator light outputs can be selected based on the detected output voltage of the AC adapter. For example, a 5V output detected by the AC adapter can result in a purple indicator light setting, while a 20V output of the AC adapter can result in a red indicator light setting. Other colors for indicator light settings can be selected for other output voltages in this way.

[0054] As about Figure 1 As described, the DC output of the AC adapter can be received by the IHS via the power port and used to charge the internal batteries of the IHS. In some embodiments, the selection of indicator light settings can be based on the current charge level of these internal batteries, as reported to the power port controller by the battery charger of the IHS power management unit. For example, a low brightness indicator light setting can be selected during the time interval when the battery charge is below a minimum threshold. A higher brightness indicator light setting can be selected to increase the charge level of the battery, with the brightest indicator light setting indicating that the IHS battery is fully charged. A series of different indicator light colors can be similarly selected to reflect different levels of charge in the IHS battery.

[0055] At block 440, the indicator light settings may be transmitted to the indicator lights housed within the DC plug of the AC adapter. In some embodiments, the indicator light settings may be transmitted to the indicator lights via a data channel supported by the DC connector. In some embodiments, the indicator light settings may be received by an LED driver configured to operate one or more LEDs corresponding to each indicator light supported by the DC plug based on the indicator light settings. In this way, the indicator light settings may be selected to facilitate manipulation of the DC plug LEDs via the LED driver while requiring minimal circuitry within the DC plug to support the LEDs. In some embodiments, the LED driver settings may be transmitted in the form of a signal that directly instructs the LED driver to operate the LEDs according to a specified brightness and / or color setting. For example, at step 440, a signal may be transmitted on a data channel that indicates the color of the indicator used to illuminate the AC adapter. At a later time, a voltage change detected using the AC adapter may result in another data channel signal that configures the LED driver to switch to a different LED color. Similarly, the data channel signal may provide instructions to instruct the LED driver to adjust the LED brightness.

[0056] In some embodiments, the LED drivers in the two DC plugs of the DC power line may be able to configure the LEDs directly based on such signals detected in the data channel, without requiring logic to perform additional processing of such data channel signals. As described, the data channels supported by the DC power line can be used to transmit various types of information between the IHS and the converter of the AC adapter. In some cases, the data signals used to configure the LED driver circuits may consist of signals that cannot be recognized as valid signals by any other data channel listener other than the LED driver circuit. Therefore, only the LED driver circuits may be configured to detect the data channel configuration signals, while all other data channel listeners drop out or ignore these signals.

[0057] In this way, the LED in the DC plug can be operated to provide new types of information to the user, coupling the AC adapter to the IHS and converter through the DC plug without increasing the thickness of the DC plug. In addition, the LED driver circuits for the DC plugs on both ends of the DC power line can be configured using existing data channels, so there is no need to use dedicated wires in the DC power line. As described, existing AC adapters can include indicator lights that reflect the availability of power through the AC adapter. However, unlike the embodiments described herein, such existing AC adapters cannot reflect whether the AC adapter is currently supplying power to the IHS. In addition to providing such charging status information, the use of different indicator light colors and brightness levels can also provide the user with additional information about the charging and / or power status of the IHS.

[0058] It should be understood that the various operations described herein may be implemented by software executed by logic or processing circuits, hardware, or a combination thereof. The order in which each operation of a given method is performed may be changed, and various operations may be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. The invention described herein is intended to include all such modifications and variations, and therefore, the above description should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0059] As used herein, the terms "tangible" and "non-transitory" are intended to describe computer-readable storage media (or "memory") that exclude propagating electromagnetic signals; but are not intended to limit the types of physical computer-readable storage devices encompassed by the phrases computer-readable media or memory. For example, the terms "non-transitory computer-readable media" or "tangible memory" are intended to encompass types of storage devices that do not necessarily store information permanently, including, for example, RAM. Program instructions and data stored in a non-transitory form in a tangible computer-accessible storage medium may thereafter be transmitted by a transmission medium or signals such as electrical, electromagnetic or digital signals, which may be transmitted via a communication medium such as a network and / or wireless link.

[0060] Although the present invention is described herein with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims. Therefore, the description and drawings should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to the problems described herein with respect to specific embodiments are not intended to be construed as key, required, or essential features or elements of any or all claims.

[0061] Unless otherwise stated, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to arbitrarily distinguish the elements described by these terms. Therefore, these terms are not necessarily intended to represent the time or other priority of these elements. The term "coupled" or "operably coupled" is defined as connected, but not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. Unless otherwise stated, the term "one" is defined as one or more. The terms "include" (and any form of including), "have" (and any form of having), "include" (and any form of including) including forms, and "contain" (and any form of containing) are open-ended connecting verbs. Therefore, a system, device or apparatus that "includes", "has", "includes" or "contains" one or more components has those one or more components, but is not limited to having only those one or more components. Similarly, a method or process that "includes", "has", "includes" or "contains" one or more operations has those one or more operations, but is not limited to having only those one or more operations.

Claims

1. A system for charging an information processing system, the system comprising: an AC (alternating current) adapter configured to report properties of the AC adapter, wherein the AC adapter includes a DC power cord supporting a data channel, and wherein the DC power cord includes a first DC (direct current) plug, the first DC plug including a DC connector configured to be received by a power port, wherein the first DC plug includes an indicator light and circuitry for operating the indicator light of the first DC plug based on an indicator control signal; and A power port controller coupled to the power port, the power port controller comprising a logic unit and a memory having program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions, when executed by the logic unit, causing the power port controller to perform the following operations: receiving properties of the reported AC adapter; determining a status of charging of the information processing system by the AC adapter; generating the indicator control signal based on the determined charging state of the information processing system, the indicator control signal being configured to: not be recognized as a valid signal by a data channel listener other than the circuit for operating the indicator light; The indicator control signal is transmitted to the circuitry for operating the indicator light via the data channel supported by the DC power line.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the attributes of the AC adapter specify the indicator light of the AC adapter, the indicator light being configured by the power port controller.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the DC power cord includes a second DC plug, the second DC plug including circuitry for operating an indicator light of the second DC plug based on the indicator control signal transmitted via the data channel. 4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the charging status of the information handling system comprises a DC output voltage provided to the information handling system by the AC adapter.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the indicator control signal specifies a color of the indicator light. The system of claim 1 , wherein the indicator control signal specifies a brightness of the indicator light.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the charging status of the information handling system comprises a battery charge level of the information handling system.

8. A power port controller for charging an information processing system, the power port controller comprising a memory having program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions, after being executed by a logic unit, causing the power port controller to perform the following operations: Receiving properties of an AC adapter reported by an AC adapter, the AC adapter comprising: a DC (direct current) plug, the DC plug comprising a DC connector, the DC connector being received by a power port of the information processing system, wherein the DC plug comprises an indicator light; determining a status of charging of the information processing system by the AC adapter; generating an indicator control signal based on the determined charging state of the information processing system, the indicator control signal being configured to: not be recognized as a valid signal by a data channel listener other than a circuit for operating the indicator light; and The indicator control signal is transmitted to the indicator light.

9. The power port controller of claim 8, wherein the attributes of the AC adapter specify the indicator light of the AC adapter, the indicator light being configured by the power port controller.

10. The power port controller of claim 8, wherein the attributes of the AC adapter are reported as power identification information.

11. The power port controller of claim 8, wherein the charging status of the information handling system comprises a DC output voltage provided to the information handling system by the AC adapter.

12. The power port controller of claim 8, wherein the indicator control signal specifies a color of the indicator light.

13. The power port controller of claim 8, wherein the indicator control signal specifies a brightness of the indicator light.

14. The power port controller of claim 8, wherein the charging status of the information handling system comprises a battery charge level of the information handling system.

15. An AC (alternating current) adapter for charging an information processing system, the AC adapter comprising: a logic unit configured to report properties of the AC adapter to a power port controller of the information handling system, a DC (direct current) plug including a DC connector received by a power port of the information handling system and a circuit for operating the indicator light based on an indicator control signal generated by a power port controller of the information handling system, the indicator control signal being configured to be not recognizable as a valid signal by other data channel listeners other than the circuit for operating the indicator light, Wherein the DC plug includes an indicator light, and wherein the indicator light is configured based on the indicator control signal, wherein the indicator control signal is based on the charging status of the information handling system determined by the AC adapter.

16. The AC adapter of claim 15, wherein a property of the AC adapter specifies the indicator light, the indicator light being configured by the power port controller.

17. The AC adapter of claim 15, wherein the charging status of the information handling system comprises a DC output voltage provided by the AC adapter to the information handling system.

18. The AC adapter of claim 15, wherein the indicator control signal specifies a color of the indicator light.

19. The AC adapter of claim 15, wherein the indicator control signal specifies a brightness of the indicator light.

20. The AC adapter of claim 15, wherein the charging status of the information handling system comprises a battery charge level of the information handling system.

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