System and method for intelligent power distribution

Abstract

A method for intelligently distributing power to one or more devices connected to a power delivery system includes: detecting events related to power distribution between the one or more connected devices. The method further includes: maximizing the initial non-power delivery (non-PD) power provided to at least one of the connected devices based on the available shared capacity (ASC) associated with at least one connected device, and the method further includes: distributing power to at least one connected device using a PD protocol.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on September 1, 2021, with national application number 202111022935.6, entitled "System and Method for Intelligent Power Distribution".

[0002] Cross-references to (multiple) related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 072999, filed September 1, 2020, entitled “AUTOMOTIVE POWER SHARING ALGORITHM FOR USB TYPE-C POWER DELIVERY PORTS”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0004] Power delivery systems, capable of providing charging power to electrical devices, are ubiquitous in all physical spaces occupied by humans, including automobiles. A power delivery system receives input power from a power source and distributes that power to one or more ports (e.g., USB-type ports). In typical environments, power delivery systems are connected to the power grid, which provides a stable power supply. The power delivery system operates to share the power provided at the input with multiple connected loads. For example, the USB-IF provides a framework for general power sharing requirements, but these requirements fail to address some of the challenges present in automotive applications, such as those involving variations in input voltage and temperature, input power limitations, and various fault conditions. Additionally, the USB-IF standard does not specify a method for two devices to share power in a way that optimizes charging for each device. Therefore, it would be beneficial to develop a framework for handling power delivery / management in automotive environments. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect, a method for intelligently distributing power to one or more devices connected to a power delivery system includes: detecting events related to power distribution between the one or more connected devices. The method further includes: maximizing the initial non-power delivery (non-PD) power provided to at least one of the connected devices based on the available shared capacity (ASC) associated with at least one connected device, and the method further includes: distributing power to the at least one connected device using a PD protocol.

[0006] According to another aspect, the power delivery system includes an input port and at least a first output port, the input port being configured to receive power from a power source, wherein the first output port is configured to supply power to a connected device. The power delivery system further includes a power delivery controller, wherein the power delivery controller maximizes the initial non-power delivery (non-PD) power supplied to the device connected to the first output port during a first phase, and increases the power supplied to the device connected to the first output port during a second phase using a power delivery (PD) protocol. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a vehicle charging system according to some embodiments.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an intelligent power delivery system according to some embodiments.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating steps performed by a power delivery system according to some embodiments.

[0010] Figure 4 The flowchart illustrates, according to some embodiments, the steps performed by a power delivery system to maximize the initial non-PD power and PD power supplied to the connected device.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating, according to some embodiments, the steps performed by a power delivery system to provide PD power to a connected device.

[0012] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a graph illustrating the total shared capacity (TSC) available in response to various input voltages and ambient temperatures, according to some embodiments.

[0013] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a schematic diagram illustrating intelligent power sharing between a first port and a second port, according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0014] According to some aspects, intelligent power delivery systems are used to intelligently manage power distributed to one or more loads. The power delivery system receives input from a power source (e.g., a car battery) and is used to intelligently distribute power to one or more output ports. For the purposes of this description, the following terms are used to describe the operation of the power delivery system.

[0015] Total Shared Capacity (TSC) – The total power available for distribution by the power delivery system. As described in more detail below, TSC can vary based on factors external to the power delivery system, including the voltage of the power supply connected to the input ports of the power delivery system, ambient temperature, and / or the temperature of components associated with the power delivery system.

[0016] Minimum Reserve Power – Specifies a fixed value for the minimum power reserved for each port. In other words, when power is distributed to one or more ports, power equal to the minimum reserve power is reserved to ensure that the minimum reserve power is available for distribution to the output ports when a device is connected.

[0017] Maximum Power Per Port (PDP) – PDP describes the maximum output power that can be provided to a particular output port. Typically, the maximum PDP is based not only on the TSC (Transmission Control Center) but also on the minimum reserve power to ensure that the power delivered to a particular port does not result in the power delivery system being unable to provide at least the minimum reserve power to the remaining output ports.

[0018] Contracted Power (CP) describes the contracted power delivered by the power delivery system to a specific output port. The contracted power cannot exceed the maximum PDP.

[0019] Available Shared Capacity (ASC) – The shared capacity available for allocation to a specific port. ASC varies based on changes in TSC and the Contract Power (CP) assigned to other ports. For example, the ASC associated with a specific output port can be expressed as TSC minus the Contract Power assigned to other ports. Furthermore, ASC cannot exceed the maximum PDP.

[0020] Power Delivery (PD) - Power delivery protocols are used to allow communication between power delivery systems and connected devices to negotiate power distribution.

[0021] According to some aspects, a power delivery system is used to intelligently allocate power to one or more connected devices. Specifically, according to some aspects, the power delivery system maximizes the initial non-PD power supplied to the connected devices during a first phase and then utilizes the PD protocol to increase the power supplied to the connected devices during a second phase. Typically, a minimum reserve power is provided to the connected devices, and unused power is subsequently allocated to newly connected devices using the power delivery protocol. However, this may result in newly connected devices receiving only the minimum reserve power, which in some cases may not provide sufficient device charging / performance. According to some aspects, steps are taken in response to the connection / disconnection of a new device to ensure that the initial power supplied to the newly connected device is greater than a threshold (e.g., greater than the minimum reserve power). According to another aspect, the power delivery system monitors one or more external parameters that may reduce the total shared capacity (TSC) that can be allocated to one or more connected devices. For example, in automotive applications, the available power of the power source (e.g., a car battery) used to power the power delivery system may vary. The power delivery system monitors these external parameters and adjusts the TSC associated with the power delivery system based on these external parameters. Changes in TSC result in changes in the available shared capacity (ASC), and thus in changes in the contracted power (CP) that can be supplied to the connected devices. In some cases, a reduction in TSC results in a corresponding reduction or underloading of CP supplied to one or more connected devices. Alternatively, the power delivery system monitors device charging parameters associated with the connected devices. For example, determining that a device has reached a fully charged state and / or requires less charging power indicates that the CP associated with the connected device can be reduced and made available to one or more other connected devices.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a vehicle charging system according to some embodiments. The vehicle charging system includes a power delivery system 100 having an input port 102 and one or more output ports 104A, 104B. The input port 102 is configured to receive power from a vehicle battery / power source 106. The output ports 104A, 104B are connected to corresponding devices (e.g., loads, charging devices) 108A, 108B. The power delivery system 100 further includes a power delivery controller 110 that intelligently shares power between the output ports 104A, 104B. For simplicity, Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment shows only the first output port 104A and the second output port 104B. In other embodiments, additional output ports may be associated with the power delivery system 100. A single output port may be used, but many power-sharing requirements would no longer apply.

[0023] In some embodiments, the output power provided by the vehicle battery / power source 106 may vary in response to one or more conditions. For example, in some embodiments, the output power provided by the vehicle battery / power source 106 varies with ambient temperature and / or battery voltage. The variation in power provided by the vehicle battery / power source 106 alters the total power—referred to as the Total Shared Capacity (TSC)—that can be supplied to output ports 104A, 104B. In some embodiments, the power delivery controller 110 responds to the variation in the Total Shared Capacity (TSC) by reducing the contracted power (CP) supplied to one or both of output ports 104A, 104B. In some embodiments, this is referred to as “load shedding”.

[0024] In some embodiments, in response to a load being selectively connected to one or both of output ports 104A and 104B, the power delivery system 100 intelligently manages changes in power sharing between the respective output ports 104A and 104B. For example, the USB-C charging protocol requires a minimum reserve power (at least initially) to be provided to a newly connected load or charging device 108A or 108B. Typically, the minimum reserve power provided according to a power delivery protocol (e.g., USB-IF) is not ideal for charging purposes (e.g., 7.5W). In some embodiments, the power delivery controller 110 implements the function of maximizing the initial power contract provided to the connected load. In some embodiments, this may include modifying the power contract associated with one or more other output ports to maximize the initial power contract provided to the output ports. In some embodiments, the power delivery system 100 may also provide intelligent power sharing to output ports 104A and 104B based on changes in device charging parameters (e.g., device charging state, reduced power consumption, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, a reduction in power consumption of a device connected to output port 104B may result in a decrease in the contract power (CP_P2) supplied to output port 104B and a corresponding increase in the contract power (CP_P1) supplied to output port 104A. As described in more detail below, the power delivery controller 110 may provide additional intelligent load shedding and / or power sharing.

[0025] Figure 2This is a block diagram of an intelligent power delivery system 200 according to some embodiments. The intelligent power delivery system 200 includes a four-pin input port 202, first and second USB-C output ports 204A and 204B, a dual power delivery (PD) controller 206, first and second buck / boost converters 208A and 208B (e.g., low-side (LS) field-effect transistor (FET) power converters), first and second switches 210A and 210B (e.g., high-side (HS) field-effect transistors (FETs)), a battery input protection circuit 212, and a light-emitting diode 214. In some embodiments, the dual PD controller 206 further includes first and second PD controllers 216, a microcontroller 218, an overvoltage (OV) protection circuit 220, and a V... CONN Switch 222 and V in / Temp Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) 224. In Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second buck / boost converters 208A and 208B include internal low-side (LS) field-effect transistors (FETs) and external high-side (HS) field-effect transistor (FET) switches 210A and 210B. In some embodiments, the internal LS FET and external HS FET provide good thermal performance compared to an integrated converter. In other embodiments, the LS FET and HS FET can be implemented as a single internal buck / boost converter. Again, in Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, only the first and second USB-C output ports 204A and 204B are shown, but in other embodiments, the intelligent power delivery system 200 may include additional output ports.

[0026] Power from a battery or generator is supplied to the intelligent power delivery system 200 at a four-pin input port 202. For example, in an automotive application, the power supply may be 12V. The power is distributed via a battery input protection circuit 212 to the first and second buck / boost converters 208A, 208B and the dual PD controller 206. In some embodiments, the dual PD controller 206 is connected via CC / V... CONNThe D+ / D- channels communicate with qualified load or sink modules connected to the first and second USB-C output ports 204A, 204B. For example, the dual PD controller 206 utilizes a power delivery protocol to provide and subsequently contract power to load / sink modules connected to the first and second USB-C output ports 204A, 204B. After contracting the power delivery (CP) with one or more loads, the dual PD controller 206 provides control commands to the first and second buck / boost converters 208A, 208B (and HS FETs 210A, 210B) to provide the desired output voltage and current to the corresponding USB-C output ports 204A, 204B.

[0027] In some embodiments, the dual PD controller 206 may further include one or more PD controllers 216 (e.g., an independent PD controller for each channel or output port), a microcontroller 218, an OV protection circuit 220, and a V... CONN Switch 222 and Vin / Temp ADC 224. In some embodiments, PD controller 216 generates control signals provided to the first and second buck / boost converters 208A, 208B to provide contracted power (hereinafter referred to as PD_OUT_1, PD_OUT_2) to the respective USB-C output ports 204A, 204B. In some embodiments, microcontroller 218 executes stored instructions (e.g., stored to a computer-readable medium) to implement one or more functions related to power delivery (e.g., flexible programming of a power delivery (PD) menu for contracting power with load / receiver modules, load shedding, power sharing algorithms, etc.). In some embodiments, the Vin / Temp ADC converts analog temperature and / or monitored voltage (e.g., the source voltage provided to the four-pin input port 202) into digital signals that can be utilized by microcontroller 218. For example, as described in more detail below, microcontroller 218 may use the monitored input voltage and / or temperature to adjust the available shared capacity (ASC) that can be provided to one or more USB-C output ports 204A, 204B.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating steps performed by a power delivery system according to some embodiments. Overall, Figure 3 The event that triggers the power delivery system to allocate or redistribute power among attached devices is illustrated (as shown in step 312). Overall, the power allocation or redistribution at step 312 aims to maximize the initial non-PD (power delivery) power supplied to the connected charger / device, and further maximize the PD power supplied to the connected charger / device.

[0029] Typically, power distribution among attached devices occurs in response to one or more events, including but not limited to the attachment / disconnection of a charger / device from the power delivery system, changes in the total shared capacity (TSC) of the power delivery system, and / or changes in the available shared capacity (ASC) of the power delivery system. Figure 3 As shown, monitoring of TSC and ASC can continue in the background, where detected changes in TSC or ASC lead to power distribution among the attached devices at step 312. Furthermore, attaching / detaching the charger / device from the power delivery system results in power distribution among the attached devices (or the remaining attached devices). In either event, the process for power distribution remains unchanged, as described in reference... Figure 4 More detailed description.

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown, at step 300, the attachment or power-on of a charger connected to one of the output ports initiates a process of power distribution among the attached devices. In some embodiments, the USB charger has already been detected as attached or powered at step 300, and subsequently at step 312, the power delivery system distributes power among the attached devices, particularly maximizing the initial non-PD power provided to the attached USB charger or device. In some embodiments, in response to the USB charger being connected or powered at step 300, a determination of the minimum power to be provided by the power delivery system is made at steps 302, 304, and 306. In some embodiments, the minimum power is encoded as a resistance value associated with the output port (labeled Rp in some embodiments). In some embodiments, the minimum power determined at steps 302, 304, and 306 determines how power is distributed at step 312. In other embodiments, the power distribution at step 312 is performed independently of the minimum power value determined at step 302. Typically, the minimum power provided by the power delivery system is set to 7.5W or 15W. In some embodiments, even if the minimum value assigned by the Rp value is 7.5W, it is desirable to provide a minimum of 15W to the connected charger or device, as referenced below. Figure 4 As described.

[0031] In addition to the attachment and / or energization of charging devices, changes in the TSC and / or ASC of the power delivery system cause power to be distributed among the connected devices at step 312. For example, in some embodiments, at step 308, the power delivery system monitors the Total Shared Capacity (TSC), which refers to the total power available for distribution by the power delivery system. In automotive applications, TSC may vary in response to one or more factors, including changes in vehicle battery input voltage, changes in vehicle battery input current, and / or changes in ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the intelligent power delivery system monitors one or more external parameters (such as ambient temperature, battery voltage, and / or battery current) and uses the monitored external parameters to detect changes in TSC. For example, a decrease in steady-state battery voltage (e.g., at...) Figure 6A , 6B The decrease in TSC corresponds to a decrease in TSC (and vice versa; an increase in steady-state battery voltage indicates an increase in TSC). An increase in ambient temperature corresponds to a decrease in TSC (and vice versa). As the name suggests, a decrease in TSC capacity means less power is available to be shared between connected chargers / devices. Similarly, an increase in TSC capacity (in response to an increase in steady-state battery voltage / current and a decrease in ambient temperature) means more power is available to connected chargers / devices. Therefore, at step 310, a determination is made as to whether a change in TSC (increase or decrease) has been detected. In some embodiments, this includes comparing the monitored TSC from step 308 with the previously monitored TSC. If a change in TSC is detected at step 310, power is distributed among the attached chargers / devices at step 312. If no change in TSC is detected at step 310, events related to changes in available shared capacity are monitored at step 314.

[0032] At step 314, events related to changes in ASC are monitored. In some embodiments, ASC is measured for a specific output port, while TSC is measured for the entire power delivery system. However, the ASC calculated for a specific port may change (increase or decrease) in response to events occurring on other ports. For example, in some embodiments, events that may cause a change in ASC (on a specific port) include: a detected capacity mismatch between the power delivery system and the connected charger / device, the charging state associated with the connected charger / device, changes in power consumption associated with the connected charger / device, overcurrent conditions, device power giveback (e.g., the connected charger / device returning power to the power delivery system), changes in TSC, and / or unique actions based on the connected devices and / or the power delivery system. In response to a change in ASC detected at step 316, power is distributed among the attached chargers / devices at step 312.

[0033] At step 312, power is allocated among the attached devices. In some embodiments, power allocation among the attached devices includes maximizing the non-PD power supplied to the devices. That is, in response to device attachment / detachment, changes in TSC, and / or changes in ASC, the initial power supplied to the connected devices is maximized at step 312. In some embodiments, the PD method is subsequently used to intelligently allocate power among multiple connected devices. However, maximizing the initial power supplied to the connected devices offers several benefits. For example, the USB-C protocol supplies power on a first-come, first-serve basis and only requires a minimum power reserve threshold (e.g., 7.5W) (i.e., minimum reserve power) for each unused port. Therefore, it is possible that connected devices may be able to draw only the minimum amount of power from the power delivery system—which may provide insufficient charging power. For non-PD devices (i.e., those that cannot intelligently negotiate power allocation with the power delivery system), the initial power supplied may be the last power supplied, so maximizing the initial power supplied at step 312 is beneficial. See reference Figure 4In a more detailed description, maximizing the initial power provided to a connected device may include reducing the contracted power provided to one or more other devices. While maximizing the initial power provided may include modifying the power provided to other devices, this step does not require the connected devices to use a PD (Power Delivery) protocol. That is, the intelligent power delivery system functions to maximize the initial power provided regardless of whether the connected devices are capable of PD communication (e.g., USB-C protocol). In some embodiments, the initial minimum power contract provided to the attached device at step 312 is provided for an initial period of time (e.g., three seconds) of the event that causes step 312 to be performed (attach / disconnect, TSC change, ASC change).

[0034] In some embodiments, after providing an initial minimum power contract to the newly connected device, step 312 further includes: intelligently allocating power between the respective output ports using a power delivery protocol. This may include: further increasing the initial power provided to the device based on the available shared capacity (ASC) and the power requested by the connected load / receiver module. In some embodiments, power allocation between the respective ports is also provided for an initial time period (e.g., three seconds).

[0035] Figure 4 The following is a more detailed illustration, according to some embodiments, of methods for distributing power among attached devices to maximize initial non-PD power and PD power. Figure 3 The flowchart for step 312) is shown below. As described above, step 312 is implemented in response to device attachment / detachment, TSC changes, and / or ASC changes. In the first phase (shown by dashed box 400), the initial non-PD power is maximized. In the second phase (shown by dashed box 402), the PD protocol is used to further increase the power provided to a given output port, to the extent possible. Furthermore, in response to the power provided to a given output port, the available shared capacity of other output ports is modified in the second phase.

[0036] The order in which the output ports are analyzed can be determined based on the events that lead to the execution of step 312. For example, if a new device is connected to the first output port, then... Figure 4 The steps shown are to maximize the initial non-PD power supplied to the newly attached device (and subsequently maximize the PD power supplied to that device). Similarly, a change in the ASC associated with a given output port can result in the utilization of... Figure 4 The steps shown are to maximize the initial non-PD power supplied to the device. In other embodiments, variations in TSC may result in... Figure 4The steps shown are applied to each of the output ports with connected devices. The order in which the output ports are analyzed can be predetermined (e.g., first output port, then second output port, etc.) or can be based on certain properties of the output ports (i.e., based on power consumption from highest to lowest, etc.).

[0037] At step 404, the available shared capacity (ASC_Pn) associated with a given output port is compared to a threshold (e.g., a first threshold). In some embodiments, the first threshold represents the minimum power (e.g., 15W) considered satisfactory to provide to the connected device. If ASC_Pn is greater than the first threshold—indicating that the expected minimum power is available to provide to the given output port—then at step 406 the power delivery system agrees to deliver the expected minimum threshold power to the given output port (e.g., CP_Pn)—representing the power agreed to be delivered to the given output port. In some embodiments, the expected minimum threshold is equal to the first threshold (e.g., 15W). In this way, the power delivery system is able to provide an initial power contract to a device connected to a given output port that is greater than the possibly lower minimum power reserved for the output port (e.g., 7.5W).

[0038] If, at step 404, the available shared capacity (ASC_Pn) associated with a given output port is not greater than a first threshold, this indicates that the contract power allocated to other ports reduces the available shared capacity available to the given output port, thus making the desired minimum power unavailable. In response, at step 408, a determination is made as to whether the total shared capacity (TSC) is greater than a second threshold. In some embodiments, the second threshold is greater than the first threshold, and specifically may be approximately twice the first threshold. For example, in some embodiments, if the first threshold (desired initial power) is equal to 15W, then the third threshold may be set to equal to 30W.

[0039] If at step 408 it is determined that the total shared capacity is not greater than the second threshold (e.g., less than 30W), then there is insufficient power available to provide more than the minimum reserve power to the device connected to the given output port. As a result, at step 412, the power delivery system provides the minimum reserve power (e.g., 7.5W) to the device connected to the given output port, and at step 416, the available shared capacity of the other output ports is updated to reflect the contract power (CP_Pn) provided to the given output port. If at step 408 it is determined that the total shared capacity is greater than the second threshold (e.g., greater than 30W), then there is sufficient power available to provide more than the minimum reserve power to the device connected to the given output port, even though the available shared capacity (ASC_Pn) of the given output port is less than the second threshold (e.g., 15W). However, in order to provide contract power greater than the minimum reserve power to the device connected to the given output port, the contract power provided to one of the other output ports must be reduced. Since the total shared capacity is greater than the third threshold (e.g., 30W), the contract power provided to the device connected to one of the other output ports (e.g., CP_Pn+1) can be reduced, but still remain above the minimum reserve power. For example, if the total shared capacity is 30W and the contract power (CP_P2) provided to the second output port is 22.5W, then the available shared capacity (ASC_Pn) (7.5W) associated with the given output port is less than the second threshold. However, the available shared capacity (ASC_Pn) associated with the given port can also be increased to 15W by reducing the contract power (CP_P2) provided to the second port from 22.5W to 15W. In this way, at step 410, the contract power provided to one of the other output ports is reduced (in some embodiments, the reduction is equal to the minimum reserve power, or equal to the second threshold or half of the expected initial contract supply). After receiving confirmation at step 410 that the contract power associated with one of the other output ports has been reduced, then at step 406, the contract power (CP_Pn) of the device connected to the given output port is assigned to the second threshold (e.g., 15W).

[0040] In this way, the steps shown within dashed box 400 are used to maximize the initial non-PD power supplied to a device connected to one of the output ports. In most cases, the steps shown within dashed box 400 ensure that the initial non-PD power supplied to the connected device is satisfactory (e.g., 15W).

[0041] The steps shown in dashed box 402 illustrate the steps for allocating power using the PD protocol. At step 414, after maximizing the initial non-PD power associated with a given output port, power can be intelligently allocated between ports using the power delivery protocol. In some embodiments, power allocation using the PD protocol requires that the device connected to the output port be PD-compatible. If the device is not PD-compatible, the initial power provided in the first phase (box 400) is maintained. If the device is PD-compatible, the initial power provided in the first phase (box 400) can be increased using the PD protocol. In response to the initial non-PD power provided to a given output port and subsequently, in response to the PD power provided to the given output port (if different), the available shared capacity associated with other ports may have changed. At step 416, the ASCs of the other output ports are updated based on the power provided to the given output port.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating steps performed by a vehicle charging system to provide intelligent power sharing according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the power delivery system utilizes a power delivery (PD) protocol to communicate with one or more devices / chargers connected to the output port and selectively modify the power supplied to the one or more devices / chargers. In some embodiments, the PD protocol is used as a second stage (by... Figure 4 (as shown in box 402) is part of a larger system designed to intelligently allocate power to a given output port. Figure 5 The steps shown describe a method for providing power delivery according to the present invention.

[0043] At step 504, the available shared capacity (ASC_P) for a given port is determined. As mentioned above, the ASC_P for a given port is a function of the total shared capacity (TSC) and the contract power (CP) currently being delivered to each of the other ports. Therefore, a change in TSC due to variations in source voltage and / or temperature will result in a change in the ASC_P associated with a particular output port. Similarly, a device determined to be fully charged may result in a reduction in the contract power delivered to that port. Although the total shared capacity does not change in this case, the ASC_P associated with other ports will increase in response to the reduction in the CP associated with other ports.

[0044] At step 506, the source capacity is sent to the attached device. In some embodiments, the menu or message sent to the attached device includes a proposal to provide the maximum available power delivery power (PDP). The message may further request a response from the device, which provides one or more information fields, including an error detection response (e.g., a CRC check), a power delivery specification menu (e.g., PD2.0 or PD3.0), a PDO selection, and / or the device's operating current and maximum operating current.

[0045] At step 508, based on the response received from the device, a determination is made as to whether the attached device is a power delivery device (e.g., a device with PDP capability). For example, if no response is received within a given time limit, a determination is made that the connected device does not have PD capability. If the attached device does not have PD capability, then at step 510, the contracted power is allocated to a nominal value (e.g., 15W) less than or equal to the available shared capacity (ASC_P) of the given port. In some embodiments, the nominal value is equal to a reference value. Figure 4 The first threshold is described (e.g., 15W). If the device is a PDP device, the power delivery system is able to communicate and modify the contracted power.

[0046] At step 512, in response to a query from the power delivery system, the connected device provides the requested power (sometimes referred to as SINK_CAP). Depending on the power delivery specifications used by the connected device, the requested power can be specified at a specific voltage along a continuous voltage range (e.g., 3.3V to 21V), or the requested power can be specified at a specific voltage from multiple discrete voltage values. In either case, the power delivery system receives the requested power from the connected device.

[0047] At step 514, the available shared capacity (ASC_P) determined at step 504 is compared with the requested power received from the connected device. If ASC_P is greater than the requested power, then at step 516, the power delivery system provides the requested power to the connected device. At step 520, the power delivery system waits for the contract power and subsequently modifies the contract power (CP) provided to the device. If ASC_P is less than the requested power, then at step 518, the power delivery system provides the connected device with ASC_P—which is less than the requested power but is the maximum available power. Again, at step 520, the power delivery system waits for the contract power and subsequently modifies the CP provided to the device at step 522. Figure 5 The authorization steps can be performed continuously during the operation of the power delivery system, or asynchronously in response to changes in the total shared capacity (TSC) and / or the charging state of connected devices. In this way, the PD protocol allows for the implementation of the second phase (…). Figure 4 During the period shown in box 402), the power supplied to the device is further increased to exceed the initial power supplied during the first phase.

[0048] Figure 6A and 6B This is a graph showing the change in the Total Shared Capacity (TSC) of the power delivery system in response to variations in the steady-state battery voltage supplied at the input of the power delivery system and variations in ambient temperature. The y-axis shows the temperature variation, ranging from -40°C to +80°C. The x-axis shows the steady-state battery voltage variation, ranging from 16V (near the y-axis) to 6V. Typically, the total shared capacity (TSC) decreases as the steady-state battery voltage decreases. Similarly, the total shared capacity (TSC) decreases as the temperature increases. For example, given a steady-state input voltage of 16V to 11.5V and an ambient temperature of -40°C to +50°C, the total shared capacity equals 52.5W, which can be shared among multiple available ports in multiple configurations. Various combinations are possible depending on the maximum power and minimum reserve power of each port. When the temperature increases to between +50°C and +70°C, the total shared capacity decreases to 45W. An additional increase in temperature to between +70°C and +80°C results in a further decrease in the total shared capacity to 30W. Similarly, a decrease in steady-state battery voltage (along the positive x-direction) corresponds to a decrease in total shared capacity.

[0049] The setpoint used to modify the Total Shared Capacity (TSC) can be modified based on the application. For example, Figure 6A The illustrated embodiments show examples where the voltage thresholds for changing the Total Shared Capacity (TSC) are set to 11.5V and 9V. Similarly, temperature thresholds are set to +50°C and +70°C (depending on the steady-state battery voltage). Figure 6B In the embodiments shown, different thresholds and different total shared capacity (TSC) were used.

[0050] As discussed above, a change in the total shared capacity (TSC) results in a change in the available shared capacity (ASC_P) calculated for each of the multiple ports. A decrease in the total shared capacity (TSC) leads to a corresponding decrease in the available shared capacity (ASC_P) for each of the multiple ports, which may necessitate renegotiating the contract power (CP) with one or more of the multiple ports to ensure that the sum of the contract power (CP) is less than the total shared capacity (TSC).

[0051] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a schematic diagram illustrating intelligent power sharing between a first port and a second port, according to some embodiments. In other embodiments, additional ports may be associated with the power delivery system. However, for simplicity, a simple two-port power delivery system is described. Figure 7AThe embodiments shown assume intelligent power sharing based on a total shared capacity (TSC) of 52.5 W, a maximum power delivery power (PDP) of 45 W per port, and a required minimum power of 7.5 W. For each port - Port 1 (P1) and Port 2 (P2) - the contract power (CP) is shown without parentheses, and the available shared capacity (ASC) is shown in parentheses.

[0052] As described above, the available shared capacity at each port is defined as follows:

[0053] ASC_P1 = TSC – CP_P2 Equation 2

[0054] ASC_P2 = TSC – CP_P1 Equation 3

[0055] In addition, this practice assumes that the available shared capacity at any port is equal to or less than the maximum power delivery power (PDP) available at a given port. For example, if the maximum power delivery power at a given port is 45 W, the available shared capacity must be less than or equal to 45 W, even if the total shared capacity is larger.

[0056] At Figure 7A In the embodiment shown, at time t1, neither port is receiving power, so neither port has been assigned a contract power (CP) value. Therefore, the available shared capacity at each port is equal to 45 W. As described above, even though the total shared capacity in the example is 52.5 W, the available shared capacity (ASC) at any port must be less than or equal to the maximum power delivery power (PDP) at the given port.

[0057] At time t2, a device is attached to the first port (P1) and is assigned a minimum power of 7.5 W. As discussed above, in some embodiments, a port may be assigned a minimum power reserve (see step 404), where the first step is to determine the contract power provided to the newly connected device, including the minimum power reserved for that port. In this case, although the contract power assigned to port P1 is 7.5 W, the available shared capacities ASC_P1 and ASC_P2 remain unchanged.

[0058] At time t3, the contract power provided to the first port (P1) is increased from 7.5 W to 15 W. As referred to Figure 4 As described, in the instant case, the available shared capacity ASC_P1 of the first port is 45 W, even though Equation 3 would indicate an available shared capacity ASC_P1 of 52.5 W, because ASC_P1 < PDP (e.g., 45 W). As Figure 4As described in steps 408 and 410, because the available shared capacity ASC_P1 (45W) is greater than a threshold (e.g., 15W), the first port is assigned a contract power equal to the second threshold (e.g., 15W). In some embodiments, this step is performed during the initial time period (e.g., three seconds) of the connected device. The available shared capacity (ASC_P1) of the first port remains at 45W, while the available shared capacity (ASC_P2) of the second port decreases to 37.5W.

[0059] At time t4, the power delivery protocol is used to provide additional power to the device connected to port 1. In some embodiments, this step is also performed within the initial time period (e.g., three seconds) of the connected device. For example, this action would correspond to reference... Figure 4 Step 420 is described. In this embodiment, a device connected to port 1 requests 45W of power. Given that the available shared capacity (ASC_P1) associated with the first port is equal to 45W, the power delivery system agrees to a contract power of 45W (CP_P1). Since no device is connected to the second port, the available shared capacity (ASC_P1) of the first port remains at 45W. However, since the contract power (CP_P1) supplied to the first port is equal to 45W, the available shared capacity (ASC_P2) of the second port is reduced to 7.5W (e.g., 52.5W (TSC) – 45W (CP_P1)).

[0060] At time t5, the second device is attached to the second port (P2). In response, the minimum power reserved for the second power is allocated to the second port. At this time, the available shared capacity (ASC_P2) associated with the second port is 7.5W, and the contract power is also 7.5W. The contract power (CP_P1) and available shared capacity (ASC_P1) associated with the first port remain unchanged.

[0061] At time t6 Figure 4 The steps shown are used to maximize the initial power supplied to the second port. In this example, because the available shared capacity (ASC_P2) associated with the second port is less than a second threshold (e.g., 15W) (determined at steps 408 and 410), and because the total shared capacity (52.5W) is greater than a third threshold (e.g., 30W), at step 416, the contract power (CP_P1) associated with the first port is reduced—in this example, from 45W to 37.5W. Due to this reduction in the contract power supplied to the first port, the available shared capacity (ASC_P2) associated with the second port increases to 15W. For the current time, the contract power (CP_P2) associated with the second port remains at 7.5W.

[0062] At time t7, the increased available shared capacity (ASC_P2) associated with the second port is provided to the second port. The contract power (CP_P2) associated with the second port increases from 7.5W to 15W (corresponding to...). Figure 4 As shown in step 422), the available shared capacity (ASC_P1) associated with the first port decreases from 45W to 37.5W (compared to...). Figure 4 (As shown in step 424).

[0063] exist Figure 7A In the illustrated embodiment, the first device disconnects from the first port at time t8. However, assuming the first device does not disconnect from the first port (P1), the power delivery protocol can be used to intelligently balance the power distribution to the port at subsequent time intervals. For example, in response to the first connected device reaching a fully charged state, the power delivery system can use the power delivery protocol to reduce the contract power (CP_P1) supplied to the connected device and make the saved power available for the second device. In other embodiments, a reduction in the total shared capacity due to external events (decreased source voltage, increased temperature, etc.) can similarly lead to intelligent balancing of the power shared among the ports.

[0064] At time t8, the device connected to the first port (P1) is disconnected. As a result, the contract power (CP_P1) associated with the first port is reduced to zero, and the available shared capacity (ASC_P2) associated with the second port is thus increased to 45W.

[0065] At time t9, the power delivery system negotiates with the device connected to the second port to increase the contract power. In some embodiments, this is performed within a first time period after the first device is disconnected. In this example, the available shared capacity (ASC_P2) associated with the second port is equal to 45W. The power delivery system agrees with the second device to increase the contract power (CP_P2) provided to the connected device. In this example, the contract power (CP_P2) is equal to 30W. As a result, the available shared capacity (ASC_P1) associated with the first port decreases to 22.5W.

[0066] At time t10, the device reconnects to the first port and is provided with a minimum reserve power of 7.5W. This corresponds to Figure 4 Step 404 is shown. The available shared capacity (ASC_P1, ASC_P2) associated with the first port and the second port respectively remains unchanged.

[0067] At time t11, the contract power supplied to the first port (P1) increases from 7.5W to 15W. (See reference...) Figure 4As described, at steps 408 and 410, the available shared capacity (ASC_P1) associated with the first port is determined to be greater than the second threshold, thereby causing the contract power (CP_P1) provided to the first device to increase from 7.5W to 15W. Figure 4 (Step 422 in the previous section). In response, the available shared capacity (ASC_P2) associated with the second port is reduced from 45W to 37.5W, but the contracted power (CP_P2) remains unchanged at 30W. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the increase in power supplied to the first port is performed within a first time period (e.g., three seconds) after the device is connected to the first port.

[0068] At time t12, a power delivery protocol is used to provide additional power to the device connected to port 1. In some embodiments, this step is also performed within the initial time period (e.g., three seconds) of the connected device. For example, this action would correspond to reference... Figure 4 Step 420 is described. In this embodiment, the device connected to port 1 requests maximum power (e.g., 45W). Given that the available shared capacity (ASC_P1) associated with the first port is only 22.5W, the power delivery system agrees to provide the contracted power (CP_P1) at the available 22.5W (instead of the requested 45W). Furthermore, the available shared capacity (ASC_P2) of the second port is reduced from 37.5W to 30W.

[0069] Reference Figure 7B Another scenario is provided, in which the total shared capacity is equal to 52.5W, the maximum power delivery power (PDP) is set to 37.5W, and the minimum power reserve is set to 15W.

[0070] At time t1, no device is connected to either port. Therefore, neither port has a contracted power (CP) value, and the available shared capacity (ASC_P1, ASC_P2) of both ports is 37.5W. Figure 7A Compared to the example provided, the available shared capacity reflects a larger minimum reserve power of 15W (ASC_P1≤PDP(37.5W), therefore ASC_P1 is 37.5W).

[0071] At time t2, the device is attached to the first port (P1) and provided with minimum reserve power (15W). The available shared capacity (ASC_P2) remains unchanged because...

[0072] At time t2, the device is connected to port P1. In this example, a minimum reserve power of 15W is provided to the device and becomes the contract power (CP_P1). (Refer to...) Figure 4At step 404, a minimum power reserve is provided. The contract power (CP_P1) is set to 15W, and the available shared capacity (ASC_P2) is maintained at 37.5W (ASC_P2(37.5W) = TSC(52.5W) – CP_P1(15W)).

[0073] At time t3, during the initial time period after connecting the first device, the contract power (CP_P1) increases from 15W to 37.5W. In this example, because the minimum reserve power is greater than the first threshold (e.g., 15W), no further action is required. Figure 4 The analysis described in steps 408-412. Conversely, as... Figure 4 As shown in step 422, the contract power (CP_P1) is assigned a second threshold (e.g., 15W). The available shared capacity (ASC_P2) associated with the second port is changed to 15W (ASC_P2(15W) = TSC(52.5W) – CP_P1(37.5W)).

[0074] At time t4, the device is connected to the second port (P2) and provided with minimum reserve power (15W). The contract power (CP_P1) and available shared capacity (ASC_P1) associated with the first port remain unchanged. Again, because the minimum reserve power (15W) is greater than the first threshold (at step 406), the contract power (CP_P1) is set to 15W.

[0075] At time t5, the device attached to the first port (P1) is disconnected. Therefore, the contracted power (CP_P1) is set to zero, and the available shared capacity associated with the second port (ASC_P2) increases to 37.5W. Figure 7B In the example provided, the device connected to the first port disconnects at time t6. However, if the device does not disconnect, additional intelligent power sharing can be provided after time t5. For example, in some embodiments, power can be allocated from the first port to the second port in response to the device connected to the first port reaching a fully charged state.

[0076] At time t6, the power delivery system utilizes the power delivery protocol to provide additional power to the device connected to the second port (P2). In some embodiments, this is provided during a first time period after the device is disconnected from the first port (P1). In some embodiments, this will... Figure 4 Step 420 in the illustrated embodiment is executed. Figure 4In the example shown, a device connected to the second port (P2) requests 30W. Since the requested power (30W) is less than the available shared capacity associated with the second port (ASC_P2, 37.5W), the power delivery system agrees to deliver 30W to the device connected to the second port. The available shared capacity associated with the first port (ASC_P1) is reduced to 22.5W.

[0077] At time t7, the device is connected to the first port (P1) and provided with the minimum reserve power (15W). As discussed above, since the minimum reserve power is greater than the first threshold (15W), the contract power (15W) provided at step 404 is considered sufficient as the initial power supply and no analysis is provided in steps 408-412.

[0078] At time t8, the power delivery system utilizes the power delivery protocol to provide additional power to the device connected to the first port (P1). In this example, the device connected to the first port could request 37.5W (as requested at time t3). However, since the available shared capacity (ASC_P1) associated with the first port is 22.5W, the 37.5W request is rejected, and the contracted power of 22.5W is provided instead. Furthermore, the available shared capacity (ASC_P2) associated with the second port is reduced to 30W.

[0079] While the invention has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements therein without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of the invention without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the one or more specific embodiments disclosed, but rather encompasses all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0080] Discussion of possible embodiments

[0081] The following is a non-exclusive description of possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0082] According to one aspect, a method for intelligently distributing power to one or more devices connected to a power delivery system includes: detecting events related to power distribution between the one or more connected devices. The method further includes: maximizing the initial non-power delivery (non-PD) power provided to at least one of the connected devices based on the available shared capacity (ASC) associated with at least one connected device, and the method further includes: distributing power to the at least one connected device using a PD protocol.

[0083] The methods described in the preceding paragraphs may optionally include (additionally and / or alternatively) any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components.

[0084] For example, the steps of detecting events related to power distribution between one or more connected devices may include: detecting the attachment / disconnection of the device from the power delivery system.

[0085] In some embodiments, the step of detecting events related to power distribution between one or more connected devices may include detecting changes in the total shared capacity (TSC) of the power delivery system.

[0086] In some embodiments, the step of detecting changes in the total shared capacity (TSC) of the power delivery system may include monitoring one or more of the following: ambient temperature, steady-state voltage supplied to the power delivery system, and steady-state current supplied to the power delivery system.

[0087] In some embodiments, the step of detecting events related to power allocation between one or more connected devices may include detecting changes in the available shared capacity (ASC) associated with one or more connected devices.

[0088] In some embodiments, the step of detecting changes in ASC associated with one or more connected devices may include: detecting capacity mismatch between the power delivery system and one or more connected devices, state of charge associated with one or more connected devices, changes in power consumption associated with one or more connected devices, overcurrent conditions, power backflow associated with one or more connected devices, and changes in total shared capacity (TSC).

[0089] In some embodiments, maximizing the initial non-power delivery (non-PD) power provided to at least one of the connected devices based on the available shared capacity (ASC) associated with at least one connected device may include: comparing the available shared capacity (ASC) associated with at least one connected device with a first threshold, wherein if the ASC is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the power delivery system provides a desired minimum power to at least one connected device, wherein the desired minimum power is greater than a minimum reserve power.

[0090] In some embodiments, the desired minimum power may be equal to or greater than 15W, and the minimum reserve power may be less than 15W.

[0091] In some embodiments, if the ASC is less than a first threshold, the total shared capacity (TSC) of the power delivery system can be compared with a second threshold, wherein if the TSC is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the contract power is reduced with respect to one or more other connected devices, and the power delivery system provides the expected minimum threshold power to at least one connected device.

[0092] In some embodiments, the second threshold may be greater than the first threshold.

[0093] In some embodiments, if the TSC is less than a second threshold, the power delivery system may provide a minimum reserve power to at least one connected device, wherein the minimum reserve power is less than the desired minimum threshold power.

[0094] In some embodiments, power allocation to at least one connected device using the PD protocol may be performed after the step of maximizing the initial non-power delivery (non-PD) power provided to at least one of the connected devices, wherein power allocation to at least one connected device using the PD protocol allows contract power greater than the expected minimum threshold power to be provided to at least one connected device.

[0095] According to another aspect, the power delivery system includes an input port and at least a first output port, the input port being configured to receive power from a power source, wherein the first output port is configured to supply power to a connected device. The power delivery system further includes a power delivery controller, wherein the power delivery controller maximizes the initial non-power delivery (non-PD) power supplied to the device connected to the first output port during a first phase, and increases the power supplied to the device connected to the first output port during a second phase using a power delivery (PD) protocol.

[0096] The power delivery system in the preceding section may optionally include (additionally and / or alternatively) any one or more of the following features, configurations and / or additional components.

[0097] In some embodiments, the power delivery controller may initiate a first phase in response to at least one of the following: detected attachment / disconnection of the device from the first and second output ports, detected change in the total shared capacity (TSC) of power available for distribution to the first output port, and detected change in the available shared capacity (ASC) associated with the first output port.

[0098] In some embodiments, the power delivery controller may calculate the TSC based on one or more of the following: the monitored ambient temperature, the steady-state voltage supplied to the input port, and the steady-state current supplied to the input port.

[0099] In some embodiments, during the first phase, the power delivery controller may compare the available shared capacity (ASC) associated with the first output port with a first threshold, wherein if the ASC associated with the first output port is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the power delivery controller provides the desired minimum power to the device connected to the first output port.

[0100] In some embodiments, if the ASC associated with the first output port is less than a first threshold, the power delivery controller can compare the total shared capacity (TSC) of the power delivery system with a second threshold, wherein if the TSC is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the power delivery controller reduces the power supplied to the device connected to the second output port and provides the desired minimum power to the device connected to the first output port.

[0101] In some embodiments, if the TSC is less than a second threshold, the power delivery controller may provide a minimum reserve power to a device connected to the first output port, wherein the minimum reserve power is less than the expected minimum power.

[0102] In some embodiments, the power delivery (PD) protocol used during the second phase allows the power delivery controller to increase the contract power provided to the device connected to the first output port, wherein the increased power may be greater than the expected minimum threshold power provided during the first phase.

[0103] In some embodiments, the power delivery system may be a vehicle power delivery system that is configured to receive input power from a vehicle battery.

Claims

1. A method for distributing power to one or more output ports connected to a power delivery system, the method comprising: Monitor the total shared capacity (TSC) of the power delivery system; Detecting events related to power distribution between the one or more output ports, including: Detect changes in the total shared capacity (TSC) of the power delivery system; In response to the detection of the event relating to power distribution among the one or more output ports, during a first phase, initial power delivery to the one or more output ports is maximized without using a power delivery protocol, which includes power request communication between the one or more output ports and the power delivery system; and During the second phase, power is distributed to the one or more output ports using the power delivery protocol.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The event associated with the power distribution between the one or more output ports is the detected reduction in the total shared capacity (TSC).

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, During the first phase, maximizing the initial power delivery to the one or more output ports without using a power delivery protocol includes comparing the total shared capacity (TSC) associated with at least one output port with a second threshold.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, During the first phase, maximizing the initial power delivery to the one or more output ports without using a power delivery protocol includes: reducing the maximum power output to one or more other output ports in response to the total shared capacity (TSC) being greater than the second threshold.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, During the first phase, maximizing the initial power delivery to the one or more output ports without using a power delivery protocol includes allocating minimum power output to one or more other output ports.

6. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, During the first phase, maximizing the initial power delivery to the one or more output ports without using a power delivery protocol includes: allocating minimum contract power to one or more other output ports in response to the total shared capacity (TSC) being less than the second threshold.

7. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Monitoring the total shared capacity (TSC) of the power delivery system includes monitoring one or more of ambient temperature, steady-state voltage supplied to the power delivery system, and steady-state current supplied to the power delivery system, wherein detecting the change in the total shared capacity (TSC) of the power delivery system includes comparing the monitored total shared capacity (TSC) with the previously monitored total shared capacity (TSC).

8. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Detecting the events related to the power distribution between the one or more output ports includes: detecting changes in the available shared capacity (ASC) of the one or more output ports, wherein, during the first phase, maximizing the initial power delivery to the one or more output ports without using a power delivery protocol includes: comparing the available shared capacity (ASC) associated with the one or more output ports with a first threshold.

9. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The Total Shared Capacity (TSC) is measured for the entire power delivery system, while the Available Shared Capacity (ASC) is measured for a specific output port within the power delivery system.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, If the available shared capacity (ASC) associated with at least one output port is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the power delivery system provides the desired minimum power to the at least one output port, wherein the desired minimum power is greater than the minimum reserve power.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, During the first phase, maximizing the initial power delivery to the one or more output ports without using a power delivery protocol includes: The total shared capacity (TSC) associated with the at least one output port is compared with a second threshold. In response to the total shared capacity (TSC) exceeding the second threshold, the maximum power output is reduced to one or more other output ports; and Distribute minimum power output to one or more of the other output ports.

12. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Detecting the events related to the power distribution between the one or more connected devices includes: Detect the equipment attached to / detached from the power delivery system.

13. A power transmission system, the power transmission system comprising: An input port configured to receive power from a power source; A first output port, configured to supply power to a connected device; as well as A power delivery controller, wherein the power delivery controller maximizes initial power delivery to the connected device without using a power delivery protocol, the power delivery protocol including power request communication between the connected device and the power delivery controller, wherein the initial power delivery is provided to the connected device connected to the first output port during a first phase, and wherein the power delivery controller utilizes the power delivery protocol during a second phase to increase the power delivery provided to the connected device connected to the first output port. Maximizing the initial power delivery includes comparing the total shared capacity (TSC) of the power delivery system with a second threshold.

14. The power transmission system as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The power delivery controller initiates the first phase in response to one or more of the following conditions: The detected device is attached to / detached from the first output port. The detected change in the total shared capacity (TSC) of the power available for distribution to the first output port, and / or The detected change in available shared capacity (ASC) associated with the first output port.

15. The power transmission system as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The power delivery controller calculates the total shared capacity (TSC) based on one or more of the following: the monitored ambient temperature, the steady-state voltage supplied to the input port, and the steady-state current supplied to the input port.

16. The power transmission system as described in claim 15, characterized in that, During the first phase, the power delivery controller compares the available shared capacity (ASC) associated with the first output port with a first threshold, wherein if the available shared capacity (ASC) associated with the first output port is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the power delivery controller provides the desired minimum power to the device connected to the first output port.

17. The power transmission system as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, If the Total Shared Capacity (TSC) is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the power delivery controller reduces the power supplied to the device connected to the second output port and provides the desired minimum power to the device connected to the first output port, wherein if the Total Shared Capacity (TSC) is less than the second threshold, the power delivery controller provides a minimum reserve power to the device connected to the first output port, wherein the minimum reserve power is less than the desired minimum power.

18. A method for distributing power to one or more devices connected to a power delivery system, the method comprising: Monitor the available shared capacity (ASC) of the power delivery system; Monitor the total shared capacity (TSC) of the power delivery system; Detect changes in the available shared capacity (ASC) associated with one or more connected devices; The available shared capacity (ASC) associated with the output port is compared with a first threshold; In response to the available shared capacity (ASC) being less than the first threshold, the total shared capacity (TSC) associated with at least one connected device is compared with a second threshold; as well as In response to the total shared capacity (TSC) being greater than the second threshold, the maximum power of one or more other output ports is reduced.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: In response to the total shared capacity (TSC) being less than the second threshold, minimum contract power is allocated to one or more other output ports.

20. The method as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The detection of changes in the available shared capacity (ASC) associated with the one or more connected devices includes one or more of the following: a detected capacity mismatch between the power delivery system and the one or more connected devices, a charging state associated with one or more of the connected devices, a change in power consumption associated with one or more of the connected devices, an overcurrent condition, a power backflow associated with one or more of the connected devices, and / or the change in the total shared capacity (TSC).

Images