Power management system, circuit and method

Abstract

The invention discloses a power management system, circuit and method. The power management system includes: a first switching converter configured to convert a first input power generated by a power circuit into a first output power provided to a first connector, and generate a synchronization signal; a second switching converter configured to convert a second input power generated by the power supply circuit into a second output power provided to the second connector, and synchronize an operating state of the second switching converter with an operating state of the first switching converter according to a synchronization signal; and a controller configured to control the first switching converter to adjust the first output power according to a first negotiation signal provided by the first connector, and control the second switching converter to adjust the second output power according to a second negotiation signal provided by the second connector. The power management system can reduce cost, properly distribute output power, and reduce (or eliminate) electromagnetic interference noise.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of power management, and in particular to a power management system, circuit and method. Background Art

[0002] Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a circuit diagram of an existing power management system 100. Figure 1 As shown, the power management system 100 includes a first switching converter 110 and a second switching converter 130. The first switching converter 110 is coupled to a Universal Serial Bus Type-C (USB Type-C) connector (e.g., Figure 1 The first switching converter 110 includes a conversion circuit 111, a switch controller, and a power supply controller (Power Delivery Controller, PD Controller). The second switching converter 130 includes a conversion circuit 131, a switch controller, and a power supply controller.

[0003] The power management system 100 can respectively power two devices through the USB Type-C connectors TYPE-C1 and TYPE-C2. More specifically, the first switching converter 110 can convert the input power generated by the power supply circuit into the output power provided to the connector TYPE-C1 to power one of the devices. Similarly, the second switching converter 130 can convert the input power generated by the power supply circuit into the output power provided to the connector TYPE-C2, thereby powering the other device.

[0004] The existing power management system 100 has some disadvantages. For example, the total bill of material (BOM) cost of the power management system 100 is relatively high. When the first switching converter 110 and the second switching converter 130 work in parallel, the power management system 100 may generate relatively high electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise. In addition, since the first switching converter 110 and the second switching converter 130 independently receive and convert the output power generated by the power supply circuit, the first switching converter 110 and the second switching converter 130 may compete for the output power generated by the power supply circuit, resulting in the inability to predict how much output power is allocated to the first switching converter 110 and the second switching converter 130, and even unreasonable allocation may occur. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of the present application is to provide a power management system, circuit and method that can reduce the total bill of materials cost, so that the output power can be properly allocated to the first switching converter and the second switching converter, and reduce (or eliminate) electromagnetic interference noise.

[0006] In order to achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted in the embodiment of the present application is as follows:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a power management system. The power management system described in the first aspect includes: a first switching converter, configured to convert a first input power generated by a power supply circuit into a first output power provided to a first connector, and generate a synchronization signal; a second switching converter coupled to the first switching converter, configured to convert a second input power generated by the power supply circuit into a second output power provided to a second connector, and synchronize the working state of the second switching converter with the working state of the first switching converter according to the synchronization signal; and a controller coupled to the first switching converter and the second switching converter, configured to control the first switching converter to adjust the first output power according to a first negotiation signal provided by the first connector, and control the second switching converter to adjust the second output power according to a second negotiation signal provided by the second connector.

[0008] In a second aspect, the present application provides a power management circuit. The power management circuit described in the second aspect includes: a first switch controller, configured to generate a synchronization signal, and control a first conversion circuit to convert a first input power from a power circuit into a first output power provided to a first connector; a power supply controller coupled to the first switch controller, used to control the first switch controller to adjust the first output power according to a first negotiation signal provided by the first connector; and a communication line coupled to the power supply controller and the first switch controller, configured to provide a synchronization signal from the first switch controller to the second switch controller, so that the working state of the second switch controller is synchronized with the working state of the first switch controller, wherein the communication line is also configured to provide a control signal generated by the power supply controller to the second switch controller, so that the second switch controller controls the second conversion circuit to convert the second input power from the power circuit into a second output power provided to the second connector, and the second switch controller adjusts the second output power according to the second negotiation signal provided by the second connector.

[0009] In a third aspect, the present application provides a power management method, the method comprising: generating a synchronization signal using a first switching converter coupled to a first connector and a power supply circuit; the first switching converter converting a first input power generated by the power supply circuit into a first output power provided to the first connector; synchronizing a working state of the second switching converter with a working state of the first switching converter according to the synchronization signal using a second switching converter, wherein the second switching converter is coupled to the first switching converter, the second connector and the power supply circuit; the second switching converter converts the second input power generated by the power supply circuit into a second output power provided to the second connector; controlling the first switching converter to adjust the first output power according to a first negotiation signal provided by the first connector; and controlling the second switching converter to adjust the second output power according to a second negotiation signal provided by the second connector.

[0010] Based on the embodiments provided in the above-mentioned various aspects, the beneficial effects of the present application include: by controlling the first switching converter and the second switching converter through the power supply controller, the total bill of materials cost of the power management system can be reduced, and the output power generated by the power supply circuit can be properly allocated to the first switching converter and the second switching converter. In addition, the first switching converter can send a synchronization signal to the second switching converter to synchronize the working state of the second switching converter with the first switching converter, so as to reduce (or eliminate) the electromagnetic interference noise that may be caused when the first switching converter and the second switching converter work in parallel.

[0011] It should be understood that the content described in this section is not intended to identify the key or important features of the embodiments of the present application, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present application. Other features of the present application will become easily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative labor.

[0013] Figure 1 A circuit diagram of an existing power management system is shown;

[0014] Figure 2 A circuit diagram showing an example of a power management system in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 3 A circuit diagram showing an example of a power management system in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 4A circuit diagram showing an example of a power management system in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 5 A flow chart showing an example of a power management method in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following will provide detailed reference to embodiments of the present invention. Although the present invention is described and illustrated by these embodiments, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention encompasses all substitutes, variants and equivalents within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0019] In addition, in order to better illustrate the present invention, numerous specific details are provided in the following specific embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be implemented without these specific details. In other examples, well-known methods, means, components and circuits are not described in detail in order to highlight the subject matter of the present invention.

[0020] An embodiment of the present invention provides a power management system, a power management circuit, and a power management method. The power management system includes a first switching converter, a second switching converter, and a power supply controller. By controlling the first switching converter and the second switching converter by the power supply controller, the total bill of materials cost of the power management system can be reduced, and the output power generated by the power supply circuit can be properly allocated to the first switching converter and the second switching converter. In addition, the first switching converter can send a synchronization signal to the second switching converter. The synchronization signal is used to indicate that the second switching converter is synchronized with the working state of the first switching converter, so that the power management system can reduce (or eliminate) the electromagnetic interference noise that may be generated when the first switching converter and the second switching converter work in parallel.

[0021] The following will be combined Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 Embodiments of a power management system, a power management circuit, and a power management method are described.

[0022] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a power management system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The power management system 200 can manage the power in the power circuit 270. Figure 2 As shown, the power management system 200 includes a first switching converter 230A, a second switching converter 230B, and a power supply controller 250. The power management system 200 may also include a first connector 210A and a second connector 210B.

[0023] like Figure 2As shown, the power circuit 270 is coupled to the first switching converter 230A and the second switching converter 230B. The power circuit 270 can generate a first input power 212A provided to the first switching converter 230A, and generate a second input power 212B provided to the second switching converter 230B. In one embodiment, the power circuit 270 may include one or more rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. In other embodiments, the power circuit 270 may include other types of rechargeable batteries, such as lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, etc. In one embodiment, the power circuit 270 can be charged by another power source, such as a large-capacity mobile power supply, or an adapter connected to the mains. The power circuit 270 can also provide electrical energy (for example, including the above-mentioned first input power 212A and second input power 212B) to an external device through the first switching converter 230A and the second switching converter 230B.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first switching converter 230A may convert the first input power 212A generated by the power supply circuit 270 into the first output power 214A provided to the first connector 210A. The first switching converter 230A may generate a synchronization signal SG1 provided to the second switching converter 230B. The synchronization signal SG1 is used to instruct the second switching converter 230B to synchronize its operating state with the operating state of the first switching converter 230A.

[0025] The second switching converter 230B is coupled to the first switching converter 230A. The second switching converter 230B can convert the second input power 212B generated by the power supply circuit 270 into a second output power 214B provided to the second connector 210B. The second switching converter 230B can synchronize its operating state with the operating state of the first switching converter 230A according to the synchronization signal SG1.

[0026] In one embodiment, the power supply controller 250 can be configured to output the maximum output power P of the power supply circuit 270 according to the maximum output power P of the power supply circuit 270. maxThe first output power 214A and the second output power 214B are controlled so that the output power of the power supply circuit 270 can be properly distributed to the first switching converter 230A and the second switching converter 230B. For example, the power management system 200 can simultaneously power two devices through the first connector 210A and the second connector 210B. The first output power 214A is provided to one of the two devices, and the second output power 214B is provided to the other of the two devices. If it is assumed that the first output power 214A is 45 watts (W), and it is assumed that the maximum output power P max is 100 watts, the power supply controller 250 can control the second output power 214B to be less than 55 watts. The range (less than 55 watts) is based on the maximum output power P max The maximum value of the calculation range is the maximum output power P max The difference between the maximum output power P and the first output power 214A (eg, 100 W-45 W=55 W). Similarly, in another example, assuming that the maximum output power P max and the second output power 214B are known, the power supply controller 250 can be configured according to the maximum output power P max A range is calculated by the difference between the first output power 214A and the second output power 214B, and the first output power 214A is controlled to be within the calculated range.

[0027] In one embodiment, when the power management system 200 supplies power to two devices simultaneously through the first connector 210A and the second connector 210B, the power supply controller 250 can generate power according to the maximum output power P of the power supply circuit 270. max The output power of the power supply circuit 270 is distributed to the two devices to fully utilize the output power of the power supply circuit 270. Further, the power supply controller 250 can control the sum of the first output power 214A and the second output power 214B to be equal to or approximately equal to the maximum output power P of the power supply circuit 270. max In other words, when the power management system 200 supplies power to two devices simultaneously through the first connector 210A and the second connector 210B, the output power of the power circuit 270 can be adjusted to the maximum output power P max , thereby improving power supply efficiency.

[0028] In this context, “approximately equal to” means that due to, for example, non-idealities of circuit components, there may be differences between parameters, and the differences are relatively small and can be ignored. For example, the sum of the first output power 214A and the second output power 214B is approximately equal to the maximum output power P max , which means that there may be a difference between the two, but the difference is small and can be ignored.

[0029] In one embodiment, if the power circuit 270 is controlled to power the electronic device through the first connector 210A, the first switching converter 230A can convert the first input power 212A into the first output power 214A. If the power circuit 270 is controlled to be powered by other electronic devices through the first connector 210A, such as charging, the first switching converter 230A can convert the third input power 216A from the first connector 210A into the third output power 218A provided to the power circuit 270. If the power circuit 270 is controlled to power the electronic device through the second connector 210B, the second switching converter 230B can convert the second input power 212B into the second output power 214B. If the power circuit 270 is controlled to be powered by the electronic device through the second connector 210B, such as charging, the second switching converter 230B can convert the fourth input power 216B from the second connector 210B into the fourth output power 218B provided to the power circuit 270.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the power supply controller 250 is coupled to the first connector 210A and the second connector 210B. If the first connector 210A is connected to an electronic device, the power supply controller 250 can receive the first negotiation signal NS1 generated by the electronic device through the first connector 210A. Similarly, if the second connector 210B is connected to an electronic device, the power supply controller 250 can receive the second negotiation signal NS2 generated by the electronic device through the second connector 210B. The power supply controller 250 is also coupled to the first switching converter 230A and the second switching converter 230B. The power supply controller 250 can control the first switching converter 230A to adjust the first output power 214A according to the first negotiation signal NS1 provided by the first connector 210A. The power supply controller 250 can also control the second switching converter 230B to adjust the second output power 214B according to the second negotiation signal NS2 provided by the second connector 210B.

[0031] In one embodiment, the power supply controller 250 may be implemented as a USB power supply controller. The types of connectors (including the first connector 210A and the second connector 210B) may include but are not limited to: USB type-C, USB type-B, USB type-A, Micro-USB or Lightning, etc.

[0032] In some embodiments, the power management system 200 can be applied in electronic devices such as smart phones, tablet computers, laptops, desktops, mobile power supplies, car charger ports, headphones, power tools, TV monitors, etc.

[0033] In one embodiment, the power supply controller 250 and the first switching converter 230A are integrated on a single chip, which can be referred to as a power management circuit. Figure 4 The power management circuit is described with an example.

[0034] According to the above description of the power management system 200, using the power supply controller 250 to control the first switching converter 230A and the second switching converter 230B can avoid using two power supply controllers to control these switching converters (for example, Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 ), the number of electronic components can be reduced (for example, an additional microcontroller unit (MCU) and flash memory are eliminated). In this way, the total bill of materials cost of the power management system 200 can be reduced. In addition, the synchronization signal SG1 can indicate that the second switching converter 230B is synchronized with the working state of the first switching converter 230A, so that the power management system 200 can reduce (or eliminate) the electromagnetic interference noise that may be generated when the first switching converter and the second switching converter work in parallel.

[0035] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a power management system 300 in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 Will combine Figure 2 For explanation. Figure 3 As shown, the power management system 300 includes the first switching converter 230A and the second switching converter 230B. The first switching converter 230A includes a first conversion circuit 310A and a first switch controller 320A. The second switching converter 230B includes a second conversion circuit 310B and a second switch controller 320B. In one embodiment, the first conversion circuit 310A may include a first set of switches and a first inductor coupled to the first set of switches (e.g., see Figure 4 Similarly, the second conversion circuit 310B may include a second set of switches and a second inductor coupled to the second set of switches (eg, see Figure 4 The power supply controller 250 is coupled to the first switch controller 320A and the second switch controller 320B respectively.

[0036] In one embodiment, the first switching converter 230A (for example, specifically the first switch controller 320A therein) can generate a first group of drive signals DS1 to selectively turn on switches in the first group of switches, so that the first conversion circuit 310A converts the first input power 212A into the first output power 214A. The first switch controller 320A can also generate a second group of drive signals DS2 included in the above-mentioned synchronization signal SG1. The second switching converter 230B (for example, specifically the second switch controller 320B therein) can selectively turn on switches in the second group of switches according to the second group of drive signals DS2, so that the second conversion circuit 310B converts the second input power 212B into the second output power 214B. More specifically, the first switch controller 320A can generate the first group of drive signals DS1 and the second group of drive signals DS2, and provide the second group of drive signals DS2 to the second switch controller 320B.

[0037] In one embodiment, the working state of the first switching converter 230A includes a phase state and a frequency state. The first switching converter 230A can control the first group of drive signals DS1 and the second group of drive signals DS2 to have the same frequency, so that the frequency state of the second switching converter 230B is synchronized with the frequency state of the first switching converter 230A. The first switching converter 230A can also control the phase shift between the first group of drive signals DS1 and the second group of drive signals DS2 according to the phase information stored in the first switching converter 230A, so that the phase state of the second switching converter 230B is synchronized with the phase state of the first switching converter 230A. The phase information can make the first group of drive signals DS1 and the second group of drive signals DS2 in phase or completely out of phase. In other words, the phase shift of the two can be 0 degrees or 180 degrees. More specifically, the first switch controller 320A can control the first group of drive signals DS1 and the second group of drive signals DS2 to have the same frequency, and can control the phase shift between the first group of drive signals DS1 and the second group of drive signals DS2 according to the phase information stored in the first switch controller 320A (e.g., a value indicating 0 degrees or 180 degrees).

[0038] In one embodiment, the phase state or phase of a signal (taking a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal as an example) refers to the position of a time point (moment) on the waveform cycle of the PWM signal. For example, a complete cycle of a PWM signal is defined as a 360-degree phase. A phase state of 0 degrees of a PWM signal can represent a time point at the beginning of a new cycle of the PWM signal. A phase state of 180 degrees of a PWM signal can represent a time point in the middle of the timeline on the waveform cycle of the PWM signal. In one embodiment, a phase state or phase of a group of drive signals can refer to a phase state of a PWM signal that controls the drive signal. In another embodiment, a phase state or phase of a group of drive signals can refer to a phase state of one of the drive signals.

[0039] In one embodiment, the phase state of the power management system 300, for example, the phase state of the two sets of driving signals DS1 and DS2, can be adjusted to be equal to or approximately equal to another circuit module coupled to the power management system 300 (for example, a circuit module in an electronic system having a system clock, not in Figure 3 The phase state of the power management system 300, such as the frequency state of the two sets of drive signals DS1 and DS2, can be adjusted to be equal to or approximately equal to the frequency state of the other circuit module. The electronic system with system clock here can include a car central control entertainment system, a notebook computer system, an outdoor power supply system, etc.

[0040] Furthermore, the phase shift between the two sets of driving signals DS1 and DS2 can be controlled to be 0 degrees, and the driving signals DS1 and DS2 can also be controlled to have the same frequency and phase state as other circuit modules. In this way, the signal interference between the power management system 300 and other circuit modules can be reduced, and the electromagnetic interference noise of the power management system 300 can be reduced when the power management system 300 works in parallel with other circuit modules.

[0041] In this context, "approximately equal" means that due to non-idealities of circuit components, there may be differences between parameters, and the differences are relatively small and negligible. For example, the phase state of the power management system 300 is approximately equal to the phase state of other circuit modules.

[0042] In another embodiment, the first group of driving signals DS1 and the second group of driving signals DS2 may be controlled to have the same frequency, and the phase shift between the two groups of driving signals DS1 and DS2 may be controlled to be 180 degrees. In this way, the signal interference between the first switching converter 230A and the second switching converter 230B may be reduced, thereby reducing the electromagnetic interference noise of the power management system 300 when the first switching converter 230A and the second switching converter 230B work in parallel.

[0043] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a power management system 400 in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, the power management system 400 includes a first conversion circuit 430A, a first switch controller 450A, a power supply controller 470, a second conversion circuit 430B, a second switch controller 450B, and a power supply circuit 490. The power management system 400 may also include a first USB type-C connector (e.g., Figure 4 TYPE-C1 shown) and a second USB type-C connector (e.g., Figure 4 TYPE-C2 shown). Figure 4 Will combine Figure 2 and Figure 3 Provide explanation.

[0044] To further describe, the first conversion circuit 430A may be an embodiment of the first conversion circuit 310A described above. Figure 4 As shown, the first conversion circuit 430A includes a first set of switches (eg, including switches Q A , Q B , Q C and Q D ) and inductor L1. Switch Q A , Q B , Q C and Q D It can be an embodiment of the first group of switches in the first conversion circuit 310A. The inductor L1 can be an embodiment of the first inductor in the first conversion circuit 310A. Similarly, the second conversion circuit 430B can be an embodiment of the second conversion circuit 310B. Figure 4 As shown, the second conversion circuit 430B includes a second set of switches (eg, including switches Q E , Q F , Q G and Q H ) and inductor L2. Switch Q E , Q F , Q G and Q H It can be an embodiment of the second group of switches in the second conversion circuit 310B. The inductor L2 can be an embodiment of the second inductor in the second conversion circuit 310B. Figure 4 In the example, switch Q A , Q B , Q C , Q D , Q E , Q F , Q G and QH Includes metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFET).

[0045] In one embodiment, the power supply controller 470, the first switch controller 450A, and the transistor Q in the first conversion circuit 430A A and Q B It can be integrated on a single chip, where the single chip here can be called a first chip, and the circuit included in the first chip can be called a first power management circuit 410A.

[0046] In one embodiment, the transistor Q in the second switch controller 450B and the second conversion circuit 430B E and Q F It can be integrated on a single chip, where the single chip here can be called a second chip, and the circuit included in the second chip can be called a second power management circuit 410B.

[0047] In one embodiment, the circuit combination of the first conversion circuit 430A and the first switch controller 450A may be an embodiment of the first switch converter 230A described above. The circuit combination of the second conversion circuit 430B and the second switch controller 450B may be an embodiment of the second switch converter 230B described above. The connector TYPE-C1 may be an embodiment of the first connector 210A described above. The connector TYPE-C2 may be an embodiment of the second connector 210B described above. The power supply controller 470 may be an embodiment of the power supply controller 250 described above. The power supply circuit 490 may be an embodiment of the power supply circuit 270 described above.

[0048] like Figure 4As shown, in one embodiment, the first power management circuit 410A includes a communication line 440. The communication line 440 is coupled to the power supply controller 470, the first switch controller 450A and the second switch controller 450B. The first switch controller 450A can control the first conversion circuit 430A to convert the first input power 212A from the power supply circuit 490 into the first output power 214A provided to the connector TYPE-C1. The power supply controller 470 can control the first switch controller 450A to adjust the size of the first output power 214A according to the first negotiation signal NS1 provided by the connector TYPE-C1. The first switch controller 450A can also generate the above-mentioned synchronization signal SG1. The communication line 440 can transmit the synchronization signal SG1 to the second switch controller 450B to synchronize the working state (for example, including frequency and / or phase) of the second switch controller 450B with the working state of the first switch controller 450A. The power supply controller 470 can generate a control signal CS1. The communication line 440 can transmit the control signal CS1 to the second switch controller 450B. The control signal CS1 may instruct the second switch controller 450B to control the second conversion circuit 430B to convert the second input power 212B from the power circuit 490 into the second output power 214B provided to the connector TYPE-C2. The control signal CS1 may also instruct the second switch controller 450B to adjust the size of the second output power 214B according to the second negotiation signal NS2 provided by the connector TYPE-C2.

[0049] In one embodiment, the communication line 440 can be implemented according to a standard protocol such as an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C), a Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART), a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), or any proprietary protocol. In other words, the communication line 440 may include an I2C bus, a UART bus, an SPI bus, etc.

[0050] In one embodiment, the first switching converter 230A includes a circuit having the same structure as the circuit in the second switching converter 230B. More specifically, Figure 4 As shown, the circuit of the first switch controller 450A can have the same structure as the circuit in the second switch controller 450B. The circuit of the first conversion circuit 430A can have the same structure as the circuit in the second conversion circuit 430B. In this way, the system design can be simplified and the electrical characteristics of the first switching converter 230A and the second switching converter 230B can be matched.

[0051] In one embodiment, the first circuit and the second circuit have the same structure, which means that: in the design process, the electronic components in the first circuit and the corresponding electronic components in the second circuit are selected to have the same parameter values, and the connection relationship between the electronic components in the first circuit is the same as the connection relationship between the corresponding electronic components in the second circuit. However, there may be imperfections in practice, and there may be differences between the parameter values ​​of the two, but the difference is very small and can be ignored.

[0052] In one embodiment, the first group of switches in the first conversion circuit 430A includes a first group of external transistors and a first group of internal transistors. The first group of internal transistors is integrated on the first chip and coupled to the first group of external transistors outside the first chip. In addition, the maximum operating voltage of the first group of internal transistors is less than the maximum operating voltage of the first group of external transistors. Further described, as Figure 4 As shown, the first set of external transistors includes transistor Q C and Q D The first internal transistor group includes transistor Q A and Q B In one embodiment, transistor Q A and Q B coupled to the reference ground and with transistor Q C and Q D Compared with the maximum operating voltage of transistor Q, it can have a relatively small maximum operating voltage. A and Q B The die size can be larger than the transistor Q C and Q D The die size is much smaller, and the transistor Q A and Q B It can be integrated on a chip (e.g., a semiconductor chip) with other components such as the switch controller 450A and the power supply controller 470 in the first power management circuit 410A. In this way, the size of the printed circuit board (PCB) of the power management system 400 can be reduced, and the cost of the system 400 can also be reduced.

[0053] Similarly, the second group of switches in the second conversion circuit 430B may include a second group of external transistors and a second group of internal transistors. The second group of internal transistors are integrated on the second chip and coupled to the second group of external transistors outside the second chip. In addition, the maximum operating voltage of the second group of internal transistors is less than the maximum operating voltage of the second group of external transistors. Further, as Figure 4 As shown, the second set of external transistors includes transistor Q G and Q H The second internal transistor group includes transistor QE and Q F In one embodiment, transistor Q E and Q F coupled to the reference ground and with transistor Q G and Q H Compared with the maximum operating voltage of transistor Q, it can have a relatively small maximum operating voltage. E and Q F The die size can be larger than the transistor Q G and Q H The die size is much smaller, and the transistor Q E and Q F It can be integrated with other components such as the switch controller 450B in the second power management circuit 410B on a chip (eg, a semiconductor chip). In this way, the size of the printed circuit board of the power management system 400 can be reduced, and the cost of the system 400 can also be reduced.

[0054] Figure 5 Flowchart 500 of an example of a power management method in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that: Figure 5 The specific steps covered are only examples. That is, this application is applicable to other reasonable processes or Figure 5 Steps to make improvements. Figure 5 Will combine Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 Provide explanation.

[0055] In step 510 , the first switching converter 230A generates a synchronization signal, such as SG1 .

[0056] In step 520 , the first switching converter 230A converts the first input power 212A generated by the power circuit 270 into the first output power 214A provided to the first connector 210A.

[0057] In step 530 , the second switching converter 230B synchronizes the operating state of the second switching converter 230B with the operating state of the first switching converter 230A according to the synchronization signal SG1 .

[0058] In step 540 , the second switching converter 230B converts the second input power 212B generated by the power circuit 270 into the second output power 214B provided to the second connector 210B.

[0059] In step 550 , the power supply controller 250 controls the first switching converter 230A to adjust the first output power 214A according to the first negotiation signal (eg, NS1 provided by the first connector 210A).

[0060] In step 560 , the power supply controller 250 controls the second switching converter 230B to adjust the second output power 214B according to the second negotiation signal (eg, NS2 provided by the second connector 210B).

[0061] The words and expressions used herein are for illustration and not limitation. The use of these words and expressions does not exclude any equivalents (or partial equivalents) of the features illustrated and described herein from the scope of the invention. Various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Other modifications, variations and alternatives may also exist. Therefore, the claims are intended to cover all such equivalents.

Claims

1. A power management system, characterized in that: include: a first switching converter configured to convert a first input power generated by the power supply circuit into a first output power provided to the first connector, and to generate a synchronization signal; a second switching converter coupled to the first switching converter, configured to convert a second input power generated by the power supply circuit into a second output power provided to a second connector, and synchronize an operating state of the second switching converter with an operating state of the first switching converter according to the synchronization signal; as well as A controller coupled to the first switching converter and the second switching converter is configured to control the first switching converter to adjust the first output power according to a first negotiation signal provided by the first connector, and to control the second switching converter to adjust the second output power according to a second negotiation signal provided by the second connector.

2. The power management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first switching converter includes a first set of switches and a first inductor coupled to the first set of switches, the first switching converter is configured to generate a first set of driving signals to selectively turn on switches in the first set of switches, thereby converting the first input power into the first output power, and is configured to generate a second set of driving signals included in the synchronization signal. The second switching converter includes a second group of switches and a second inductor coupled to the second group of switches, and is configured to selectively turn on switches in the second group of switches according to the second group of driving signals, thereby converting the second input power into the second output power.

3. The power management system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The working state of the first switching converter includes a phase state and a frequency state, wherein the first switching converter is used to control the first group of driving signals and the second group of driving signals to have the same frequency so that the frequency state of the second switching converter is synchronized with the frequency state of the first switching converter, Furthermore, the first switching converter is also used to control the phase shift between the first group of drive signals and the second group of drive signals according to the phase information stored in the first switching converter, so that the phase state of the second switching converter is synchronized with the phase state of the first switching converter, wherein the phase shift is 0 degrees or 180 degrees.

4. The power management system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first switching converter includes a circuit having the same structure as a circuit in the second switching converter.

5. The power management system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first set of switches includes a first set of external transistors and a first set of internal transistors, wherein the first set of internal transistors are integrated on a first chip and coupled to the first set of external transistors outside the first chip, wherein a maximum operating voltage of the first set of internal transistors is less than a maximum operating voltage of the first set of external transistors, and, The second group of switches includes a second group of external transistors and a second group of internal transistors, wherein the second group of internal transistors are integrated on a second chip and coupled to the second group of external transistors outside the second chip, wherein the maximum operating voltage of the second group of internal transistors is less than the maximum operating voltage of the second group of external transistors.

6. The power management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller is configured to control the first output power and the second output power according to a maximum output power of the power circuit.

7. The power management system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The controller controls the sum of the first output power and the second output power to be equal to the maximum output power.

8. The power management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller and the first switching converter are integrated on one chip.

9. The power management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: If the power circuit is controlled to power the electronic device through the first connector, the first switching converter is configured to convert the first input power into the first output power; If the power circuit is controlled to be powered by the electronic device through the first connector, the first switching converter is configured to convert a third input power from the first connector into a third output power provided to the power circuit; If the power circuit is controlled to power the electronic device through the second connector, the second switching converter is configured to convert the second input power into the second output power; and if the power circuit is controlled to be powered by the electronic device through the second connector, the second switching converter is configured to convert a fourth input power from the second connector into a fourth output power provided to the power circuit.

10. A power management circuit, characterized in that: include: a first switch controller configured to generate a synchronization signal and control the first conversion circuit to convert the first input power from the power circuit into a first output power provided to the first connector; a power supply controller coupled to the first switch controller, configured to control the first switch controller to adjust the first output power according to a first negotiation signal provided by the first connector; as well as a communication line coupled to the power supply controller and the first switch controller, configured to provide the synchronization signal from the first switch controller to the second switch controller so that the working state of the second switch controller is synchronized with the working state of the first switch controller, In which, the communication line is also configured to provide the control signal generated by the power supply controller to the second switch controller, so that the second switch controller controls the second conversion circuit to convert the second input power from the power supply circuit into a second output power provided to the second connector, and enables the second switch controller to adjust the second output power according to the second negotiation signal provided by the second connector.

11. The power management circuit according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first switch controller is configured to generate a first set of driving signals to selectively turn on switches in a first set of switches in the first conversion circuit coupled to the first inductor, so that the first conversion circuit converts the first input power into the first output power, wherein the first switch controller is further configured to generate a second set of driving signals included in the synchronization signal, The control signal is also used to enable the second switch controller to selectively turn on switches in a second group of switches coupled to a second inductor in the second conversion circuit according to the second group of drive signals, so that the second conversion circuit converts the second input power into the second output power.

12. The power management circuit according to claim 11, characterized in that: The working state of the first switch controller includes a phase state and a frequency state, wherein the first switch controller is used to control the first group of drive signals and the second group of drive signals to have the same frequency so that the frequency state of the second switch controller is synchronized with the frequency state of the first switch controller, and, The first switch controller is also used to control the phase shift between the first group of drive signals and the second group of drive signals according to the phase information stored in the first switch controller so that the phase state of the second switch controller is synchronized with the phase state of the first switch controller, wherein the phase shift is 0 degrees or 180 degrees.

13. The power management circuit according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first group of switches includes a first group of external transistors and a first group of internal transistors, wherein the first group of internal transistors are integrated in the first switch controller and coupled to the first group of external transistors outside the first switch controller, and the maximum operating voltage of the first group of internal transistors is less than the maximum operating voltage of the first group of external transistors.

14. The power management circuit according to claim 10, characterized in that: The power supply controller is configured to control the first output power and the second output power according to a maximum output power of the power supply circuit.

15. The power management circuit according to claim 14, characterized in that: The power supply controller is used to control the sum of the first output power and the second output power to be equal to the maximum output power.

16. The power management circuit according to claim 10, characterized in that: If the power circuit is controlled to supply power to the electronic device through the first connector, the first switch controller is configured to control the first conversion circuit to convert the first input power into the first output power; If the power circuit is controlled to be powered by the electronic device through the first connector, the first switch controller is configured to control the first conversion circuit to convert a third input power from the first connector into a third output power provided to the power circuit.

17. A power management method, characterized in that: The power management method comprises: generating a synchronization signal using a first switching converter coupled to the first connector and the power circuit; The first switching converter converts a first input power generated by the power supply circuit into a first output power provided to the first connector; synchronizing the working state of the second switching converter with the working state of the first switching converter according to the synchronization signal using a second switching converter, wherein the second switching converter is coupled to the first switching converter, a second connector and the power supply circuit; The second switching converter converts a second input power generated by the power supply circuit into a second output power provided to the second connector; controlling the first switching converter to adjust the first output power according to a first negotiation signal provided by the first connector; and According to a second negotiation signal provided by the second connector, the second switching converter is controlled to adjust the second output power.

18. The power management method according to claim 17, characterized in that: The first switching converter includes a first group of switches and a first inductor coupled to the first group of switches, and the second switching converter includes a second group of switches and a second inductor coupled to the second group of switches, wherein the power management method further includes: The first switching converter generates a first set of driving signals to selectively turn on switches in the first set of switches to convert the first input power into the first output power; The first switching converter generates a second set of drive signals included in the synchronization signal; and The second switching converter selectively turns on switches in the second group of switches according to the second group of driving signals, thereby converting the second input power into the second output power.

19. The power management method according to claim 18, characterized in that: The working state of the first switching converter includes a phase state and a frequency state, wherein the power management method further includes: The first switching converter controls the first group of driving signals and the second group of driving signals to have the same frequency, so that the frequency state of the second switching converter is synchronized with the frequency state of the first switching converter; and The first switching converter controls a phase shift between the first group of drive signals and the second group of drive signals according to phase information stored in the first switching converter so that a phase state of the second switching converter is synchronized with the phase state of the first switching converter, wherein the phase shift is 0 degrees or 180 degrees.

20. The power management method according to claim 17, characterized in that: The power management method further includes: The first output power and the second output power are controlled according to the maximum output power of the power supply circuit.

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