Power supply system

Abstract

A power supply system includes: first and second external path selection circuits, respectively used to control the first and second power supplies on the first and second nodes to be electrically connected to the first or second system port; and an internal path selection circuit, used to control the third power supply of the third node or the fourth power supply of the fourth node to be electrically connected to at least one power conversion module; the first and second external path selection circuits, the internal path selection circuit, and the power conversion module are used to perform one of the following: (1) receiving at least one external power supply from at least one of the first or second system ports, and generating a third power supply at the third node and / or generating a fourth power supply at the fourth node; or (2) converting battery power to generate at least one corresponding output power supply at at least one of the first or second system ports.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to power supply systems, and more particularly to power supply systems that can simultaneously utilize multiple power conversion modules for power conversion. Background Technology

[0002] Figure 1 This illustrates a prior art power supply system 100. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the prior art power supply system 100 includes a power conversion module 130 and a power conversion module 140, each with one end coupled to a first system port 30 and a second system port 40 respectively, and their other ends jointly coupled to the system voltage VSYS. Power conversion modules 130 and 140 are used to switch inductors L1 and L2 respectively for power conversion. The system voltage VSYS charges the battery 60 through the switch Qsbp, and also supplies power to the system circuit 50.

[0003] The drawback of this prior art is that the first system port 30 is only coupled to the power conversion module 130, and the second system port 40 is only coupled to the power conversion module 140, thus power conversion can only be performed with a single power conversion module. In applications with higher current requirements, this prior art cannot meet the demands of high current. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one viewpoint, the present invention provides a power supply system comprising: a first external path selection circuit for controlling a first power supply on a first node to be electrically connected to a first system port or a second system port; a second external path selection circuit for controlling a second power supply on a second node to be electrically connected to the first system port or the second system port; and a plurality of power conversion modules, including a first power conversion module and a second power conversion module, wherein each power conversion module includes a conversion circuit and has a first input / output terminal and a second input / output terminal, wherein the conversion circuit is used to switch an inductor to perform the first... A bidirectional power conversion between the input / output terminal and the second input / output terminal, wherein the first input / output terminal of the first power conversion module and the first input / output terminal of the second power conversion module are respectively coupled to the first node and the second node; and an internal path selection circuit coupled to the multiple conversion circuits of the multiple power conversion modules, used to control the third power supply on a third node to be electrically connected to the conversion circuit of the first power conversion module or the conversion circuit of the second power conversion module, and used to control the fourth power supply on a fourth node to be electrically connected to the conversion circuit of the first power conversion module or the conversion circuit of the second power conversion module; The third power source is coupled to a system circuit, and the fourth power source is coupled to a battery; wherein the first external path selection circuit, the second external path selection circuit, the plurality of power conversion modules and the internal path selection circuit perform one of the following operation categories: (1) receiving at least one external power source from at least one of the first system port or the second system port, and generating the third power source at the third node to power the system circuit, and / or generating the fourth power source at the fourth node to charge the battery; or (2) converting the power of the battery to generate at least one corresponding output power source at at least one of the first system port or the second system port.

[0005] In one embodiment, the first external path selection circuit, the second external path selection circuit, the plurality of power conversion modules, and the internal path selection circuit operate in one of the following modes: (A) In a single-port input mode, the first external path selection circuit and the second external path selection circuit simultaneously receive an external power supply from one of the first system port or the second system port, and control the external power supply to be electrically connected to the plurality of the first input / output terminals of the plurality of power conversion modules, wherein the plurality of conversion circuits convert the external power supply to generate the third power supply at the third node, and / or generate the fourth power supply at the fourth node; or (B) In a single-port parallel output mode, the plurality of conversion circuits simultaneously convert the battery power and generate an output power supply in parallel at one of the first system port or the second system port.

[0006] In one embodiment, in the single-port parallel output mode, the output current of the output power supply is constant.

[0007] In one embodiment, in the single-port parallel output mode, the switching phases of the multiple conversion circuits are interleaved.

[0008] In one embodiment, each power conversion module further includes an error amplifier circuit, wherein in the single-port parallel output mode, the multiple conversion circuits are jointly controlled by one of the multiple error amplifier circuits, wherein the error amplifier circuit generates an error amplification signal based on the difference between an electrical parameter of the output power supply and a reference signal, for controlling the multiple conversion circuits.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first external path selection circuit, the second external path selection circuit, the plurality of power conversion modules, and the internal path selection circuit further perform one of the following operating modes: (C) In a plurality of port input mode, the first system port and the second system port respectively receive a first external power supply and a second external power supply, and the first external path selection circuit and the second external path selection circuit control the first external power supply and the second external power supply to be electrically connected to the first input / output terminal of the first power conversion module and the first input / output terminal of the second power conversion module, wherein the plurality of conversion circuits respectively convert the first external power supply and the second external power supply. (D) In ​​a multi-port parallel input mode, the first system port and the second system port simultaneously receive an external power supply, the first external path selection circuit and the second external path selection circuit control the external power supply to be electrically connected to the first input / output terminal of the first power conversion module and the first input / output terminal of the second power conversion module, wherein multiple conversion circuits respectively convert the external power supply to generate the third power supply at the third node and / or generate the fourth power supply at the fourth node; (E) In a multi-port bidirectional mode, one of the first system ports or the second system ports receives an external power supply and generates an output power supply at the other port. The first external path selection circuit and the second external path selection circuit control the external power supply to be electrically connected from the port to the corresponding power conversion module for power conversion. The internal path selection circuit controls the third power supply to be generated at the third node or the fourth power supply to be generated at the fourth node. The internal path selection circuit controls the fourth power supply or the third power supply to be electrically connected to another corresponding power conversion module for power conversion. The internal path selection circuit controls the first external path selection circuit and the second external path selection circuit controls the output power supply at the other corresponding port. Alternatively (F) In a multi-port multiple-output mode, the internal path selection circuit controls the fourth power supply to be electrically connected to the corresponding power conversion module, causing multiple conversion circuits to convert the battery's power. The first external path selection circuit and the second external path selection circuit generate a first output power supply and a second output power supply at the first system port and the second system port, respectively.

[0010] In one embodiment, the current of the first external power supply or the second external power supply in operating mode (C), or the current of the external power supply in operating modes (D) and (E) is a constant current.

[0011] In one embodiment, in operation modes (C), (D), and (E), the corresponding power conversion module operates in a bypass state, wherein some switches of the power conversion module are always on and some switches are always off, so as to electrically connect the constant current to the fourth node and charge the battery in a constant current manner.

[0012] In one embodiment, each of the first external path selection circuit and the second external path selection circuit has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal, and includes: a first switch coupled between the first terminal and the second terminal; and a second switch coupled between the first terminal and the third terminal; wherein the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal of the first external path selection circuit are respectively coupled to the first node, the first system port, and the second system port; and wherein the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal of the second external path selection circuit are respectively coupled to the second node, the second system port, and the first system port.

[0013] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of power conversion modules further includes a third input / output terminal and further includes: a third switch coupled between the second input / output terminal and the third input / output terminal of the power conversion module; wherein the second input / output terminal and the third input / output terminal of the first power conversion module are respectively coupled to the third node and the fourth node; wherein the third input / output terminal of the second power conversion module is coupled to the fourth node; wherein the internal path selection circuit includes a plurality of the third switches of the plurality of power conversion modules.

[0014] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of power conversion modules further includes a first switching terminal and a second switching terminal, wherein the conversion circuit of each of the plurality of power conversion modules corresponds to a buck-boost switching converter and includes: a first upper bridge switch coupled between the first input / output terminal and the first switching terminal; a first lower bridge switch coupled between the first switching terminal and a ground potential; a second upper bridge switch coupled between the second input / output terminal and the second switching terminal; and a second lower bridge switch coupled between the second switching terminal and the ground potential; wherein the first power conversion module... The conversion circuit is used to switch a first inductor to perform bidirectional power conversion between the first input / output terminal and the second input / output terminal of the first power conversion module, wherein the first inductor is coupled between the first switching terminal and the second switching terminal of the first power conversion module; wherein the conversion circuit of the second power conversion module is used to switch a second inductor to perform bidirectional power conversion between the first input / output terminal and the second input / output terminal of the second power conversion module, wherein the second inductor is coupled between the first switching terminal and the second switching terminal of the second power conversion module.

[0015] In one embodiment, the internal path selection circuit further includes a fourth switch coupled between the third node and a fifth node, wherein the fifth node is coupled to the second input / output terminal of the second power conversion module.

[0016] In one embodiment, the internal path selection circuit further includes a fourth switch coupled between the third node and a fifth node, wherein the fifth node is coupled to the second input / output terminal of the second power conversion module. In operation mode (E), when the external power is received at the second system port and the output power is generated at the first system port, the fourth switch is controlled to be turned on, so that the second power conversion module supplies power to the system circuit through the fourth switch, and the second power conversion module charges the battery through the third switch.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first power conversion module charges the battery via the corresponding third switch, and / or the second power conversion module charges the battery via the corresponding third switch.

[0018] In one embodiment, the battery supplies power to the system circuit via the third switch of the first power conversion module.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first system port and the second system port are ports compliant with the Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery Specification (USB PD).

[0020] In one embodiment, each of the power conversion modules is integrated into an integrated circuit.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first external path selection circuit and the second external path selection circuit are integrated into an integrated circuit.

[0022] This invention proposes a novel power supply system.

[0023] The advantages of this invention are that it can improve conversion efficiency, maximize the utilization of multiple power conversion modules, individually control the charging current and support shared charging current.

[0024] The following detailed description through specific embodiments will make it easier to understand the purpose, technical content, features, and effects achieved by the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 It is a power supply system that demonstrates existing technology.

[0026] Figure 2A This is a circuit block diagram of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2BThis is a schematic circuit diagram of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram of a first external path selection circuit and a second external path selection circuit in a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a specific embodiment and operation diagram of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figures 5A-5C This is a specific embodiment and operation diagram of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a specific embodiment and operation diagram of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a specific embodiment and operation diagram of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a specific embodiment and operation diagram of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a graph showing the efficiency of a single power conversion module in a power supply system corresponding to the load current, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Explanation of symbols in the diagram

[0036] 30: First system port

[0037] 40: Second system port

[0038] 50: System Circuit

[0039] 60: Battery

[0040] 200: Power Supply System

[0041] 210, 220: External path selection circuit

[0042] 230, 240: Power conversion modules

[0043] 250: Internal path selection circuit

[0044] 350: Conversion circuit

[0045] 351: First Input / Output Terminal

[0046] 352: Second Input / Output Terminal

[0047] 353: Third Input / Output Terminal

[0048] 354: First Switching Terminal

[0049] 355: Second Switching Terminal

[0050] 356: Error Amplifier Circuit

[0051] Dsa, Dsb: Body diode

[0052] DR1, DR2: Control signals

[0053] DRV: Control Terminal

[0054] EAO: Error Amplification Signal

[0055] I1: First current

[0056] I2: Second current

[0057] I3: Third Current

[0058] I4: Fourth Current

[0059] I5: Fifth Current

[0060] IOTG: Output Current

[0061] L1, L2: Inductors

[0062] N1: First node

[0063] N2: Second node

[0064] N3: Third Node

[0065] N4: Fourth Node

[0066] N5: Fifth Node

[0067] Q1, Q2, QBP, QE, Qsbp: Switches

[0068] Qsa: First transistor

[0069] Qsb: Second transistor

[0070] QA, QD: Bridge switch

[0071] QB, QC: Lower bridge switch

[0072] V1: First voltage

[0073] V2: Second voltage

[0074] V3: Third voltage

[0075] V4: Fourth voltage

[0076] V5: Fifth voltage

[0077] VOTG, VOTG1, VOTG2: Output voltage

[0078] VREF: Reference Signal

[0079] VTA, VTA1, VTA2: External power supply Detailed Implementation

[0080] The accompanying drawings in this invention are all schematic and are mainly intended to show the coupling relationship between various circuits and the relationship between various signal waveforms. The circuits, signal waveforms and frequencies are not drawn to scale.

[0081] Figure 2A This is a circuit block diagram of a power supply system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A As shown, the power supply system 200 includes an external path selection circuit 210, an external path selection circuit 220, multiple power conversion modules, and an internal path selection circuit 250. The external path selection circuit 210 controls the first power supply (corresponding to a first voltage V1 and / or a first current I1) on the first node N1 to be electrically connected to a first system port 30 or a second system port 40. In another embodiment, the external path selection circuit 210 may optionally control the first power supply on the first node N1 to not be electrically connected to either the first system port 30 or the second system port 40.

[0082] External path selection circuit 220 is used to control the second power supply (corresponding to the second voltage V2 and / or the second current I2) on the second node N2 to be electrically connected to the first system port 30 or the second system port 40. In another embodiment, external path selection circuit 220 may also optionally control the second power supply on the second node N2 to not be electrically connected to either the first system port 30 or the second system port 40. (Refer to...) Figure 2B In one embodiment, the plurality of power conversion modules include power conversion module 230 and power conversion module 240. Each of power conversion module 230 and power conversion module 240 has a first input / output terminal 351 and a second input / output terminal 352. Power conversion modules 230 and power conversion module 240 are used to switch inductors L1 or L2 respectively to perform bidirectional power conversion between their respective first input / output terminals 351 and second input / output terminals 352. In other embodiments, the plurality of power conversion modules can also be used to switch other forms of energy storage elements, such as capacitors.

[0083] Please continue to refer to Figure 2AThe internal path selection circuit 250 is coupled to multiple second input / output terminals 352 corresponding to multiple power conversion modules. It controls the third power supply (corresponding to the third voltage V3 and / or the third current I3) on the third node N3 to be electrically connected to the second input / output terminal 352 of power conversion module 230 or power conversion module 240, and controls the fourth power supply (corresponding to the fourth voltage V4 and / or the fourth current I4) on the fourth node N4 to be electrically connected to the second input / output terminal 352 of power conversion module 230 or power conversion module 240. The third power supply is coupled to system circuit 50, while the fourth power supply is coupled to battery 60.

[0084] External path selection circuit 210, external path selection circuit 220, multiple power conversion modules and internal path selection circuit 250 perform one of the following operation categories: (1) receive at least one external power source from at least one of the first system port 30 or the second system port 40, and generate a third power source at the third node N3 to power system circuit 50, and / or generate a fourth power source at the fourth node N4 to charge battery 60; or (2) convert the power of battery 60 to generate at least one corresponding output power source (corresponding to output voltage VOTG and / or output current IOTG) at at least one of the first system port 30 or the second system port 40.

[0085] In one embodiment, in the above-described operation category (1), the system circuit 50 may be powered by only the third power source. In another embodiment, in the above-described operation category (1), the battery 60 may be charged by only the fourth power source. In yet another embodiment, in the above-described operation category (1), the system circuit 50 may be powered by the third power source and the battery 60 may be charged by the fourth power source simultaneously.

[0086] Figure 2B This is a schematic circuit diagram of a power supply system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, each of the external path selection circuit 210 and the external path selection circuit 220 has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal, and includes switches Q1 and Q2. Switch Q1 is coupled between the first terminal and the second terminal, while switch Q2 is coupled between the first terminal and the third terminal. In one embodiment, the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal of the external path selection circuit 210 are respectively coupled to a first node N1, a first system port 30, and a second system port 40. The first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal of the external path selection circuit 220 are respectively coupled to a second node N2, a second system port 40, and a first system port 30.

[0087] In one embodiment, the external path selection circuit 210 and the external path selection circuit 220 may be integrated into a single integrated circuit.

[0088] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram showing switches Q1 and Q2 in the external path selection circuit 210 and external path selection circuit 220 of the power supply system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, each of the switches Q1 and Q2 in the external path selection circuits 210 and 220 includes a first transistor Qsa and a second transistor Qsb connected in series. The body diode Dsa of the first transistor Qsa and the body diode Dsb of the second transistor Qsb are reverse coupled to each other, so that when switches Q1 and Q2 are controlled by a signal (such as...), they can be switched to each other. Figure 2B When DR1 or DR2 is to be controlled to be non-conducting, it is necessary to avoid the generation of forward conduction current in the body diodes Dsa and Dsb.

[0089] Please continue to refer to Figure 2B Each of power conversion modules 230 and 240 also generates control signals (DR1 and DR2 as shown in the figure) at the control terminal DRV to control the corresponding switches Q1 and Q2 in the external path selection circuit 210 and external path selection circuit 220, respectively. Specifically, as Figure 2B As shown, power conversion module 230 generates control signal DR1 to control switches Q1 and Q2 in external path selection circuit 210, and power conversion module 240 generates control signal DR2 to control switches Q1 and Q2 in external path selection circuit 220.

[0090] like Figure 2B As shown, each of power conversion modules 230 and 240 includes a conversion circuit 350 for switching the corresponding inductor L1 or L2 to perform power conversion. In one embodiment, as shown... Figure 2B As shown, the conversion circuit 350 corresponds to a buck-boost switching converter. In other embodiments, the conversion circuit 350 may also correspond to other types of converters, such as buck or boost switching converters. Each of the power conversion modules 230 and 240 further has a first switching terminal 354 and a second switching terminal 355. In this embodiment, the conversion circuit 350 of each of the power conversion modules 230 and 240 includes an upper bridge switch QA, a lower bridge switch QB, a lower bridge switch QC, and an upper bridge switch QD. The upper bridge switch QA is coupled between the corresponding first input / output terminal 351 and the first switching terminal 354, while the lower bridge switch QB is coupled between the corresponding first switching terminal 354 and ground potential. The upper bridge switch QD is coupled between the corresponding second input / output terminal 352 and the second switching terminal 355, while the lower bridge switch QC is coupled between the corresponding second switching terminal 355 and ground potential.

[0091] In this embodiment, the first input / output terminal 351 and the second input / output terminal 352 of the power conversion module 230 are respectively coupled to the first node N1 and the third node N3, and the inductor L1 is coupled between the first switching terminal 354 and the second switching terminal 355 of the power conversion module 230. The first input / output terminal 351 and the second input / output terminal 352 of the power conversion module 240 are respectively coupled to the second node N2 and the fifth node N5, and the inductor L2 is coupled between the first switching terminal 354 and the second switching terminal 355 of the power conversion module 240.

[0092] The conversion circuit 350 of the power conversion module 230 is used to switch the inductor L1 to perform optional bidirectional power conversion between the first input / output terminal 351 and the second input / output terminal 352 of the power conversion module 230 (i.e., between the first node N1 and the third node N3).

[0093] The conversion circuit 350 of the power conversion module 240 is used to switch the inductor L2 to perform optional bidirectional power conversion between the first input / output terminal 351 and the second input / output terminal 352 of the power conversion module 240 (i.e., between the second node N2 and the third node N3).

[0094] In one embodiment, each of power conversion module 230 and power conversion module 240 further includes a third input / output terminal 353 and a switch QE, wherein the switch QE is coupled between the second input / output terminal 352 and the third input / output terminal 353. In one embodiment, the third input / output terminal 353 of power conversion module 230 and the third input / output terminal 353 of power conversion module 240 are both coupled to a fourth node N4.

[0095] In this embodiment, the internal path selection circuit 250 includes switches QE for both the power conversion modules 230 and 240. In one embodiment, the switches QE control the electrical connection between the second input / output terminal 352 and the third input / output terminal 353, for example, through a switching method or through linear control. From one perspective, in this embodiment, the internal path selection circuit 250 has overlapping components with portions of both the power conversion module 230 and the power conversion module 240.

[0096] In one embodiment, the internal path selection circuit 250 further includes a switch QBP coupled between the third node N3 and the fifth node N5 to control the electrical connection between the third node N3 and the fifth node N5. In this embodiment, the fifth node N5 is coupled to the second input / output terminal 352 of the power conversion module 240.

[0097] In one embodiment, the first system port 30 and the second system port 40 are, for example, ports compliant with the Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery Specification (USB PD). In one embodiment, each of the power conversion module 230 and the power conversion module 240 is integrated into a single integrated circuit.

[0098] Figure 4A This is a specific embodiment and operation diagram of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In single-port input mode, external path selection circuit 210 and external path selection circuit 220 simultaneously receive external power supply VTA from the first system port 30, and control the external power supply VTA to be electrically connected to the first node N1 and the second node N2 (i.e., the first input / output terminals 351 corresponding to the power conversion modules 230 and 240 respectively). In this embodiment, switch Q1 of external path selection circuit 210 and switch Q2 of external path selection circuit 220 are turned on, while switch Q2 of external path selection circuit 210 and switch Q1 of external path selection circuit 220 are not turned on.

[0099] In single-port input mode, the conversion circuits 350 of both power conversion modules 230 and 240 convert the external power supply VTA to generate a third power supply at the third node N3 to power the system circuit 50, and / or generate a fourth power supply at the fourth node N4 to charge the battery 60. In one embodiment, power conversion module 230 charges the battery 60 via a corresponding switch QE. In one embodiment, power conversion module 240 charges the battery 60 via a corresponding switch QE.

[0100] Figure 4B This is a specific embodiment and operation diagram of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In single-port input mode, external path selection circuit 210 and external path selection circuit 220 simultaneously receive external power supply VTA from the second system port 40, and control the external power supply VTA to be electrically connected to the first node N1 and the second node N2 (i.e., the first input / output terminals 351 corresponding to the power conversion modules 230 and 240 respectively). In this embodiment, switch Q1 of external path selection circuit 210 and switch Q2 of external path selection circuit 220 are not turned on, while switch Q2 of external path selection circuit 210 and switch Q1 of external path selection circuit 220 are turned on. Other power conversion methods in this embodiment are the same. Figure 4A Examples of implementations.

[0101] Figure 5AThis is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific embodiment and operation of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In a single-port parallel output mode, under the control of the internal path selection circuit 250, the conversion circuits 350 of both power conversion modules 230 and 240 can simultaneously convert the power from the battery 60 to generate an output power (corresponding to the output voltage VOTG and / or output current IOTG) in parallel at, for example, the first system port 30. In this embodiment, the battery 60 can also supply power to the system circuit 50 through the switch QE of the power conversion module 230. Both the switches QE of power conversion modules 230 and 240 are turned on, electrically connecting the fourth node N4 to the conversion circuits 350 of both power conversion modules 230 and 240 to perform the aforementioned power conversion. In this embodiment, switches Q1 of the external path selection circuit 210 and Q2 of the external path selection circuit 220 are turned on to connect the first power supply generated by the power conversion module 230 and the second power supply generated by the power conversion module 240 in parallel to the first system port 30 to generate the aforementioned output power supply. On the other hand, switches Q2 of the external path selection circuit 210 and Q1 of the external path selection circuit 220 are not turned on. In one embodiment, in the aforementioned single-port parallel output mode, the output current IOTG of the output power supply is constant and can be used to provide a large amount of constant current for charging externally, or the output voltage VOTG of the output power supply is constant. In one embodiment, in the aforementioned single-port parallel output mode, the switching phases of the multiple conversion circuits 350 of both the power conversion module 230 and the power conversion module 240 are staggered, thereby achieving smaller output voltage ripple and output current ripple.

[0102] Figure 5B This is a specific embodiment and operation diagram of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is related to... Figure 5A Similar to the previous embodiment, the difference is that in this embodiment, the switch Q2 of the external path selection circuit 210 and the switch Q1 of the external path selection circuit 220 are turned on so that the first power generated by the power conversion module 230 and the second power generated by the power conversion module 240 are connected in parallel to the second system port 40 to generate the aforementioned output power. On the other hand, the switch Q1 of the external path selection circuit 210 and the switch Q2 of the external path selection circuit 220 are not turned on.

[0103] Figure 5C This is a specific embodiment and operation diagram of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is related to... Figure 5ASimilar to the embodiments described above, the difference being that each of power conversion modules 230 and 240 further includes an error amplifier circuit 356. In the aforementioned single-port parallel output mode, the conversion circuits 350 of both power conversion modules 230 and 240 are jointly controlled by one of the multiple error amplifier circuits 356. The error amplifier circuit 356 generates an error amplification signal EAO based on the difference between an electrical parameter of the output power supply (e.g., output voltage VOTG or output current IOTG) and a reference signal VREF, which is used to control the conversion circuits 350 of both power conversion modules 230 and 240. Specifically, Figure 5C In one embodiment, the conversion circuits 350 of both power conversion modules 230 and 240 are jointly controlled by the error amplifier circuit 356 of power conversion module 230. In other embodiments, they may also be jointly controlled by the error amplifier circuit 356 of power conversion module 240.

[0104] Figure 6 This is a specific embodiment and operation diagram of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In a multi-port input mode, the first system port 30 and the second system port 40 respectively receive external power supply VTA1 and external power supply VTA2. External path selection circuit 210 and external path selection circuit 220 control external power supply VTA1 and external power supply VTA2 to be electrically connected to the first node N1 and the second node N2 respectively (i.e., the first input / output terminals 351 corresponding to the power conversion modules 230 and 240 respectively). In this embodiment, switches Q1 of external path selection circuit 210 and Q2 of external path selection circuit 220 are turned on, while switches Q2 of external path selection circuit 210 and Q2 of external path selection circuit 220 are not turned on.

[0105] Continue reading Figure 6 In multiple port input modes, the conversion circuits 350 of power conversion modules 230 and 240 respectively convert external power supply VTA1 and external power supply VTA2 to generate a third power supply at the third node N3 to power system circuit 50, and / or generate a fourth power supply at the fourth node N4 to charge battery 60. In one embodiment, power conversion module 230 charges battery 60 through a corresponding switch QE. In one embodiment, power conversion module 240 charges battery 60 through a corresponding switch QE.

[0106] In one embodiment, the current of external power supply VTA1 or external power supply VTA2 is a constant current. In this embodiment, the corresponding power conversion modules, such as power conversion module 230 and power conversion module 240, can operate in a bypass state. In one embodiment, the upper bridge switches QA and QD of the power conversion module operating in the bypass state are always on, and the lower bridge switches QB and QC are always off, so as to electrically connect the constant current to the fourth node N4, thereby charging the battery 60 in a constant current manner.

[0107] Figure 7 This is a specific embodiment and operation diagram of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In a multi-port parallel input mode, the first system port 30 and the second system port 40 simultaneously receive an external power supply VTA, such as a high-power adapter (e.g., USB PD) supplying power to both ports simultaneously. External path selection circuits 210 and 220 control the external power supply VTA to be electrically connected to the first node N1 and the second node N2 (i.e., the first input / output terminals 351 of the power conversion modules 230 and 240 respectively) simultaneously through the first system port 30 and the second system port 40. In this embodiment, switches Q1 and Q2 of the external path selection circuit 210 and the external path selection circuit 220 can both be turned on to effectively reduce parasitic resistance on the power path.

[0108] Continue reading Figure 7 In a multi-port parallel input mode, the conversion circuits 350 of both power conversion modules 230 and 240 convert the external power supply VTA to generate a third power supply at the third node N3 to power the system circuit 50, and / or generate a fourth power supply at the fourth node N4 to charge the battery 60. In one embodiment, power conversion module 230 charges the battery 60 through a corresponding switch QE. In one embodiment, power conversion module 240 charges the battery 60 through a corresponding switch QE.

[0109] In one embodiment, the current of the external power supply VTA is a constant current. In this embodiment, the power conversion modules 230 and 240 can be operated in a bypass state. In one embodiment, the upper bridge switches QA and QD in the power conversion modules 230 and 240 are always on, and the lower bridge switches QB and QC are always off, so as to electrically connect the constant current to the fourth node N4, thereby charging the battery 60 in a constant current manner.

[0110] Figure 8AThis is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific embodiment and operation of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the power supply system 200 receives an external power supply VTA through a first system port 30 and generates an output power supply (corresponding to an output voltage VOTG and / or an output current IOTG) at a second system port 40. In this embodiment, switches Q1 of the external path selection circuit 210 and Q2 of the external path selection circuit 220 are turned on, while switches Q2 of the external path selection circuit 210 and Q2 of the external path selection circuit 220 are turned off, so that the external power supply VTA is electrically connected to the first node N1 through the first system port 30, and the second node N2 is electrically connected to the output power supply through the second system port 40.

[0111] Continue reading Figure 8A In one embodiment, external path selection circuits 210 and 220 control an external power supply VTA to be electrically connected from the first system port 30 to the corresponding power conversion module 230 for power conversion, and generate a third power supply at the third node N3 under the control of the internal path selection circuit 250 to power the system circuit 50. In this embodiment, the power conversion module 230 can also charge the battery 60 via a corresponding switch QE.

[0112] Continue reading Figure 8A The internal path selection circuit 250 controls the fourth power supply provided by the battery 60 to be electrically connected to the corresponding power conversion module 240 for power conversion, and generates output power (corresponding to output voltage VOTG and / or output current IOTG) at the corresponding second system port 40 under the control of the external path selection circuits 210 and 220. In one embodiment, the switch QE of the power conversion module 240 is turned on to electrically connect the fourth node N4 to the conversion circuit 350 of the power conversion module 240.

[0113] In one embodiment, the current of the external power supply VTA is a constant current. In this embodiment, the corresponding power conversion module, such as power conversion module 230, can operate in a bypass state. In one embodiment, the upper bridge switches QA and QD of power conversion module 230 are always on, and the lower bridge switches QB and QC are always off, so as to electrically connect the constant current to the fourth node N4 and charge the battery 60 in a constant current manner.

[0114] Figure 8BThis is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific embodiment and operation of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In a multi-port bidirectional mode, the second system port 40 receives an external power supply VTA and generates an output power supply at the first system port 30. External path selection circuits 210 and 220 control the external power supply VTA to be electrically connected from the second system port 40 to the second node N2, whereby the corresponding power conversion module 240 performs power conversion, and generates a fourth power supply at the fourth node N4 under the control of the internal path selection circuit 250 to charge the battery 60, and / or generates a fifth power supply (corresponding to a fifth voltage V5 and / or a fifth current I5) at the fifth node N5 to power the system circuit 50. In this embodiment, the switch QBP and the switch QE of the power conversion module 240 are controlled to be on, so that the power conversion module 240 supplies power to the system circuit 50 through the switch QBP, and the power conversion module 240 charges the battery 60 through the switch QE. Switch QBP is turned on to electrically connect the fifth node N5 to the third node N3, thereby supplying power to system circuit 50 and connecting it to the conversion circuit 350 of power conversion module 230. It is worth noting that in other modes, switch QBP may not be turned on. Internal path selection circuit 250 controls the third power supply to be electrically connected to the corresponding power conversion module 230 for power conversion, and generates output power (corresponding to output voltage VOTG and / or output current IOTG) at the corresponding first system port 30 under the control of external path selection circuits 210 and 220. In this embodiment, switch QE of power conversion module 230 may, for example, be turned off.

[0115] Continue reading Figure 8B In this embodiment, specifically, switch Q1 of external path selection circuit 210 and switch Q1 of external path selection circuit 220 are turned on, while switch Q2 of external path selection circuit 210 and switch Q2 of external path selection circuit 220 are not turned on.

[0116] Continue reading Figure 8B In one embodiment, the current of the external power supply VTA is a constant current. In this embodiment, the corresponding power conversion module, such as power conversion module 240, can operate in a bypass state, wherein the upper bridge switches QA and QD of power conversion module 240 are always on, and the lower bridge switches QB and QC are always off, so as to electrically connect the constant current to the fourth node N4 and charge the battery 60 in a constant current manner.

[0117] Figure 9 This is a specific embodiment and operational schematic diagram of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example... Figure 9As shown, in multiple port and multiple output modes, the internal path selection circuit 250 controls the fourth power supply to be electrically connected to the corresponding power conversion modules 230 and 240, so that the conversion circuits 350 of both power conversion modules 230 and 240 convert the power from the battery 60, and generate a first output power (e.g., corresponding to output voltage VOTG1) and a second output power (e.g., corresponding to output voltage VOTG2) at the first system port 30 and the second system port 40 respectively through the external path selection circuits 210 and 220. On the other hand, the battery 60 can also supply power to the system circuit 50 through the switch QE of the power conversion module 230. In this embodiment, the switches QE of both power conversion modules 230 and 240 are turned on, so that the fourth node N4 (i.e., the power provided by the battery 60) is electrically connected to the conversion circuits 350 of both power conversion modules 230 and 240. In this embodiment, switch Q1 of external path selection circuit 210 and switch Q1 of external path selection circuit 220 are turned on, while switch Q2 of external path selection circuit 210 and switch Q2 of external path selection circuit 220 are not turned on.

[0118] Figure 10 This is a graph showing the efficiency of a single power conversion module in a power supply system corresponding to the load current, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 As shown, the efficiency of a single power conversion module is at its maximum at a specific current (e.g., 2A). Since the prior art can only perform power conversion with a single power conversion module, its conversion efficiency is poor at higher currents. Compared with the prior art, the power supply system 200 of the present invention can be configured with multiple power conversion modules, each operating at an operating point with better conversion efficiency (e.g., lower current), to jointly perform power conversion, so that the power supply system 200 of the present invention can achieve higher conversion efficiency.

[0119] As described above, the present invention provides a power supply system that can simultaneously utilize multiple power conversion modules to perform power conversion in multiple paths and modes through a first external path selection circuit, a second external path selection circuit, and an internal path selection circuit. It can also individually control the charging current, support shared charging current or parallel power supply, and has many advantages such as improving conversion efficiency and maximizing the utilization of multiple power conversion modules.

[0120] The present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, the above description is only intended to facilitate understanding of the invention by those skilled in the art and is not intended to limit the broadest scope of the invention. The described embodiments are not limited to individual application and can also be used in combination. For example, two or more embodiments can be used in combination, and some components of one embodiment can be used to replace corresponding components in another embodiment. Furthermore, within the same spirit of the invention, those skilled in the art can conceive of various equivalent changes and combinations. For example, the phrase "processing or calculating based on a signal or generating an output result" in the present invention is not limited to the signal itself, but also includes, when necessary, performing voltage-to-current conversion, current-to-voltage conversion, and / or proportional conversion on the signal, and then processing or calculating based on the converted signal to generate an output result. Therefore, within the same spirit of the invention, those skilled in the art can conceive of various equivalent changes and combinations, and there are many ways to combine them, which will not be listed here. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should cover the above and all other equivalent changes.

Claims

1. A power supply system, characterized in that, Include: A first external path selection circuit is used to control a first power supply on a first node to be selectively electrically connected to a first system port and electrically disconnected from a second system port, electrically connected to the second system port and electrically disconnected from the first system port, or simultaneously electrically connected to both the first system port and the second system port. A second external path selection circuit is used to control a second power supply on a second node to be selectively electrically connected to the first system port and electrically disconnected from the second system port, electrically connected to the second system port and electrically disconnected from the first system port, or simultaneously electrically connected to both the first system port and the second system port. A plurality of power conversion modules, including a first power conversion module and a second power conversion module, wherein each power conversion module includes a conversion circuit and has a first input / output terminal and a second input / output terminal, wherein the conversion circuit is used to switch an inductor to perform bidirectional power conversion between the first input / output terminal and the second input / output terminal, wherein the first input / output terminal of the first power conversion module and the first input / output terminal of the second power conversion module are respectively coupled to a first node and a second node, wherein the second input / output terminal corresponding to the first power conversion module is coupled to a third power supply on a third node; and An internal path selection circuit is coupled to multiple conversion circuits corresponding to the multiple power conversion modules, wherein: The internal path selection circuit is used to control the third power supply on the third node to selectively connect to a fourth power supply on a fourth node and disconnect from the second input / output terminal corresponding to the second power conversion module, connect to the second input / output terminal corresponding to the second power conversion module and disconnect from the fourth power supply, or simultaneously connect the fourth power supply and the second input / output terminal corresponding to the second power conversion module; and The internal path selection circuit controls the fourth power supply on the fourth node to selectively connect to the third power supply and disconnect from the second input / output terminal corresponding to the second power conversion module, connect to the second input / output terminal corresponding to the second power conversion module and disconnect from the third power supply, or simultaneously connect the third power supply and the second input / output terminal corresponding to the second power conversion module. The third power source is coupled to a system circuit, and the fourth power source is coupled to a battery.

2. The power supply system as described in claim 1, wherein, The first external path selection circuit, the second external path selection circuit, the plurality of power conversion modules, and the internal path selection circuit are used to perform one of the following operating modes: (A) In a single-port input mode, the first external path selection circuit and the second external path selection circuit simultaneously receive an external power supply from one of the first system port or the second system port, wherein the first external path selection circuit and the second external path selection circuit are used to control the external power supply to be electrically connected to the first power supply and the second power supply, wherein: The first power conversion module and the internal path selection circuit are used to selectively convert the first power supply to generate the third power supply, or to generate the third power supply and the fourth power supply simultaneously; and The second power conversion module and the internal path selection circuit are used to selectively convert the second power supply to generate the third power supply, the fourth power supply, or generate the third power supply and the fourth power supply simultaneously. (B) In a multi-port input mode, the first system port and the second system port respectively receive a first external power supply and a second external power supply, wherein the first external path selection circuit and the second external path selection circuit are used to control the first external power supply to be electrically connected to one of the first power supply and the second power supply, and to control the second external power supply to be electrically connected to the other of the first power supply and the second power supply, wherein: The first power conversion module and the internal path selection circuit are used to selectively convert the first power supply to generate the third power supply, or to generate the third power supply and the fourth power supply simultaneously; and The second power conversion module and the internal path selection circuit are used to selectively convert the second power supply to generate the third power supply, the fourth power supply, or generate the third power supply and the fourth power supply simultaneously. (C) In a multi-port parallel input mode, the first system port and the second system port simultaneously receive an external power supply, wherein the first external path selection circuit and the second external path selection circuit are used to control the external power supply to be electrically connected to the first power supply and the second power supply, wherein: The first power conversion module and the internal path selection circuit are used to selectively convert the first power supply to generate the third power supply, or to generate the third power supply and the fourth power supply simultaneously; and The second power conversion module and the internal path selection circuit are used to selectively convert the second power supply to generate the third power supply, the fourth power supply, or simultaneously generate the third power supply and the fourth power supply; or (D) In ​​a multi-port bidirectional mode, one of the first system ports or the second system ports receives an external power supply and generates an output power supply at the other port, wherein the first external path selection circuit and the second external path selection circuit are used to control the external power supply to be electrically connected to one of the first power supply and the second power supply, and to control the output power supply to be electrically connected to the other of the first power supply and the second power supply, wherein selectively: When the first power supply is electrically connected to the external power supply and the second power supply is electrically connected to the output power supply, the first power conversion module and the internal path selection circuit are used to selectively convert the first power supply to generate the third power supply or generate the third power supply and the fourth power supply simultaneously, and the second power conversion module and the internal path selection circuit are used to selectively convert the third power supply or the fourth power supply to generate the second power supply. When the second power supply is electrically connected to the external power supply and the first power supply is electrically connected to the output power supply, the second power conversion module and the internal path selection circuit are used to selectively convert the second power supply to generate the third power supply, the fourth power supply, or generate the third power supply and the fourth power supply simultaneously. The first power conversion module and the internal path selection circuit are used to selectively convert the third power supply or the fourth power supply to generate the first power supply.

3. The power supply system as described in claim 2, wherein, In this single-port parallel output mode, the output current of the output power supply is constant.

4. The power supply system as described in claim 2, wherein, In this single-port parallel output mode, the switching phases of multiple conversion circuits are interleaved.

5. The power supply system as described in claim 2, wherein, Each power conversion module further includes an error amplifier circuit, wherein in the single-port parallel output mode, multiple conversion circuits are jointly controlled by one of the multiple error amplifier circuits, wherein the error amplifier circuit generates an error amplification signal based on the difference between an electrical parameter of the output power supply and a reference signal, for controlling the multiple conversion circuits.

6. The power supply system as described in claim 2, wherein, The first external path selection circuit, the second external path selection circuit, the plurality of power conversion modules, and the internal path selection circuit are also used to perform one of the following operating modes: (E) In a single-port parallel output mode, multiple conversion circuits simultaneously convert the power of the battery and generate an output power in parallel at one of the first system port or the second system port; or (F) In a multi-port multi-output mode, the internal path selection circuit controls the fourth power supply to be electrically connected to the second input / output terminal of the first power conversion module and the second input / output terminal of the second power conversion module, wherein the first power conversion module and the second power conversion module are used to convert the power of the battery, and generate a first output power supply and a second output power supply at the first system port and the second system port respectively through the first external path selection circuit and the second external path selection circuit.

7. The power supply system as described in claim 2, wherein, In operating mode (B), the current of the first external power supply or the current of the second external power supply, or in operating modes (A), (C), and (D), the current of the external power supply is a constant current.

8. The power supply system as described in claim 7, wherein, In operation modes (A), (B), (C) or (D), the corresponding power conversion module operates in a bypass state, wherein some switches of the conversion circuit corresponding to the power conversion module are always on and some switches are always off, so as to electrically connect the constant current to the fourth node and charge the battery in a constant current manner.

9. The power supply system as described in claim 1, wherein, Each of the first external path selection circuit and the second external path selection circuit has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal, and includes: A first switch, coupled between the first terminal and the second terminal; and A second switch is coupled between the first terminal and the third terminal; The first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal of the first external path selection circuit are respectively coupled to the first node, the first system port, and the second system port; The first, second, and third terminals of the second external path selection circuit are respectively coupled to the second node, the second system port, and the first system port.

10. The power supply system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of power conversion modules also has a third input / output terminal and further includes: A third switch is coupled between the second input / output terminal and the third input / output terminal of the power conversion module; The internal path selection circuit includes a fourth switch and multiple third switches of the power conversion module, wherein the fourth switch is coupled between the third node and a fifth node. The second input / output terminal and the third input / output terminal of the first power conversion module are respectively coupled to the third node and the fourth node; The second input / output terminal and the third input / output terminal of the second power conversion module are respectively coupled to the fifth node and the fourth node.

11. The power supply system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of power conversion modules further includes a first switching terminal and a second switching terminal, wherein the conversion circuit of each of the plurality of power conversion modules corresponds to a buck-boost switching converter and includes: A first upper bridge switch is coupled between the first input / output terminal and the first switching terminal; A first lower bridge switch is coupled between the first switching terminal and a ground potential; A second upper bridge switch, coupled between the second input / output terminal and the second switching terminal; and A second lower bridge switch is coupled between the second switching terminal and the ground potential; The conversion circuit of the first power conversion module is used to switch a first inductor to perform bidirectional power conversion between the first input / output terminal and the second input / output terminal of the first power conversion module, wherein the first inductor is coupled between the first switching terminal and the second switching terminal of the first power conversion module. The conversion circuit of the second power conversion module is used to switch a second inductor to perform bidirectional power conversion between the first input terminal and the second input terminal of the second power conversion module, wherein the second inductor is coupled between the first switching terminal and the second switching terminal of the second power conversion module.

12. The power supply system of claim 10, wherein, in The second system port receives an external power source, and when the first system port generates an output power source, the fourth switch is turned on, so that the second power conversion module supplies power to the system circuit through the fourth switch, and the second power conversion module charges the battery through the corresponding third switch.

13. The power supply system as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The first power conversion module charges the battery via the corresponding third switch, and / or the second power conversion module charges the battery via the corresponding third switch.

14. The power supply system as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The battery supplies power to the system circuit via the third switch of the first power conversion module.

15. The power supply system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first system port and the second system port are ports that conform to the Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery Specification.

16. The power supply system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each of these power conversion modules is integrated into an integrated circuit.

17. The power supply system as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The first external path selection circuit and the second external path selection circuit are integrated into one integrated circuit.

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