Information processing apparatus and control method

Abstract

An information processing device includes: a first conversion circuit unit that, when a supplied power supply voltage exceeds a first threshold voltage, steps down the power supply voltage to a first voltage and outputs the first voltage to a first power supply line; directly outputting the power supply voltage to the first power supply line via the bypass line when the power supply voltage is equal to or less than the first threshold voltage; a second conversion circuit unit that converts the first voltage output to the first power supply line into a second voltage and outputs the second voltage to a second power supply line that supplies power to the main control unit and the image processing unit and that is connected to the battery; a switching unit capable of switching between supplying power from the first power supply line to the peripheral device of the main control unit and supplying power from the second power supply line to the peripheral device of the main control unit; and a power supply control unit that controls the switching unit to supply power from the first power supply line to the peripheral device when the power supply voltage is equal to or greater than a second threshold voltage, and to supply power from the second power supply line to the peripheral device when the power supply voltage is less than the second threshold voltage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a control method. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in information processing apparatuses such as notebook personal computers (notebook PCs), apparatuses having a power supply connector of USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C have become widespread (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-224261.

[0004] In addition, in the USB Type-C (USB Power Delivery) standard, 48V power supply has been newly added, and in information processing apparatuses, 48V power supply based on USB is also required.

[0005] However, in conventional information processing apparatuses, for example, when attempting to implement 48V power supply, if it is configured by a conversion circuit charged by a single storage battery, when supplying high voltage, since the electric power flows concentratedly, heat generation becomes a problem. In addition, in the case of dispersing into a plurality of conversion circuits, it is difficult to directly connect to the storage battery, so when the electric power supplied from the power supply connector is insufficient, there is a case where a delay occurs until switching from the charging mode to the discharging mode. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus and a control method capable of reducing heat generation and reducing the delay in power supply from a storage battery when power is insufficient.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus, comprising: a first conversion circuit unit that, when the power supply voltage supplied from the outside via a power supply connector exceeds a first threshold voltage, steps down the power supply voltage to a first voltage and outputs it to a first power supply line, and when the power supply voltage is below the first threshold voltage, directly outputs the power supply voltage to the first power supply line via a bypass line; a second conversion circuit unit that converts the first voltage output to the first power supply line into a second voltage and outputs the second voltage to a second power supply line that supplies power to a main control unit and an image processing unit, and this second power supply line is connected to a storage battery; a switching unit that can switch between supplying power to the peripheral devices of the main control unit from the first power supply line and supplying power to the peripheral devices of the main control unit from the second power supply line; and a power supply control unit that controls the switching unit to supply power to the peripheral devices from the first power supply line when the power supply voltage is equal to or higher than a preset second threshold voltage, and supply power to the peripheral devices from the second power supply line when the power supply voltage is smaller than the second threshold voltage.

[0008] In addition, one aspect of the present invention may also be that, in the above information processing apparatus, there is an embedded controller that operates independently of the main control unit, and the embedded controller includes the above power supply control unit.

[0009] In addition, one aspect of the present invention may also be that, in the above information processing apparatus, the power supply control unit is composed of a discrete logic circuit including a comparator circuit that compares the power supply voltage with the second threshold voltage.

[0010] In addition, one aspect of the present invention may also be that, in the above information processing apparatus, the switching unit includes: a first ideal diode circuit disposed between the first power supply line and a third power supply line that supplies power to the peripheral devices; and a second ideal diode circuit disposed between the second power supply line and the third power supply line.

[0011] In addition, one aspect of the present invention may also be that, in the above information processing apparatus, the power supply connector is a connector conforming to the USB Type C standard.

[0012] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is a control method, comprising: a first conversion step, in which the first conversion circuit unit steps down the power supply voltage supplied from the outside via the power supply connector to a first voltage and outputs it to the first power supply line when the power supply voltage exceeds a first threshold voltage, and directly outputs the power supply voltage to the first power supply line via a bypass line when the power supply voltage is below the first threshold voltage; a second conversion step, in which the second conversion circuit unit converts the first voltage output to the first power supply line into a second voltage and outputs the second voltage to a second power supply line that supplies power to the main control unit and the image processing unit, and this second power supply line is connected to a storage battery; and a power supply control step, in which the power supply control unit controls the switching unit so that when the power supply voltage is equal to or higher than a preset second threshold voltage, power is supplied to the peripheral devices from the first power supply line, and when the power supply voltage is smaller than the second threshold voltage, power is supplied to the peripheral devices from the second power supply line, and the switching unit can switch the power supply to the peripheral devices of the main control unit from the first power supply line and the power supply to the peripheral devices of the main control unit from the second power supply line.

[0013] According to the present invention, heat generation can be reduced, and the delay in power supply from the storage battery can be reduced when power is insufficient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 FIG. is an example showing a main hardware configuration of a notebook PC according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 FIG. is a block diagram showing a detailed example of a power supply unit of a notebook PC according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 FIG. is a first diagram for explaining an example of the operation of a notebook PC according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 FIG. is a second diagram for explaining an example of the operation of a notebook PC according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 FIG. is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a notebook PC according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 FIG. is a block diagram showing a detailed example of a power supply unit of a notebook PC according to the second embodiment.

[0020] DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0021] 1, 1a... Notebook PC, 10... Main control unit, 11... CPU, 12... Main memory, 13... Video subsystem, 14... Display unit, 20... Peripheral devices, 21... Chipset, 22... BIOS memory, 23... SSD, 24... Audio system, 25... WLAN card, 26... USB connector section, 31... Embedded controller (EC), 32... Input section, 33... Power supply section, 34... PD controller, 41... Pre-regulator section, 42... NVDC charging section, 43... Battery, 44... Power switching section, 45, 45a... Power control section, 100... Main system, 411... Step-down circuit, 412... Bypass switch, 441... Inverter circuit, 442... MOSFET, 443, 444... Ideal diode circuit, 451... Comparator, 452... Constant voltage power supply. Detailed implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus and a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] (First Embodiment)

[0024] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing an example of the main hardware configuration of the notebook PC1 of the present embodiment.

[0025] As Figure 1 shown, the notebook PC1 (notebook personal computer) includes a CPU 11, a main memory 12, a video subsystem 13, a display unit 14, a chipset 21, a BIOS memory 22, an SSD 23, an audio system 24, a WLAN card 25, a USB connector section 26, an embedded controller 31, an input section 32, a power supply section 33, and a PD controller 34.

[0026] In addition, in the present embodiment, the CPU 11 and the chipset 21 correspond to the main control unit 10.

[0027] In addition, in the present embodiment, as an example of the information processing apparatus, the notebook PC1 will be described.

[0028] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 executes various arithmetic processes through program control and controls the entire notebook PC1.

[0029] The main memory 12 is a writable memory that is used as a read-in area for the execution program of the CPU 11 or as a work area for writing the processed data of the execution program. The main memory 12 is composed of, for example, a plurality of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) chips. The execution program includes BIOS (Basic Input Output System), OS (Operating System), various driver programs for hardware operations on the peripheral device group, various service / utility programs, application programs, and the like.

[0030] The video subsystem 13 includes a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory), and is a subsystem for implementing functions related to image display, including a video controller. The video controller processes the rendering commands from the CPU 11, writes the processed rendering information into the video memory, reads out the rendering information from the video memory, and outputs it as rendering data (display data) to the display unit 14.

[0031] The display unit 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays a display screen based on the rendering data (display data) output from the video subsystem 13.

[0032] The chipset 21 includes controllers such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), serial ATA (AT Attachment), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) bus, PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, PCI-Express bus, and LPC (Low Pin Count) bus, and connects multiple devices. Among Figure 1 them, as examples of the devices, the BIOS memory 22, the SSD 23, the audio system 24, the WLAN card 25, and the USB connector unit 26 are connected to the chipset 21.

[0033] The BIOS memory 22 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or a flash ROM that can be electrically rewritten. The BIOS memory 22 stores system firmware for controlling the BIOS and the embedded controller 31, etc.

[0034] The SSD (Solid State Drive) 23 (an example of a non-volatile storage device) stores the OS, various drivers, various services / utilities, application programs, and various data.

[0035] The audio system 24 is, for example, an audio codec that records, plays, and outputs sound data.

[0036] The WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) card 25 connects to the network via a wireless LAN for data communication. For example, when the WLAN card 25 receives data from the network, it generates an event trigger indicating that the data has been received, and can be used to wake up (restore) the notebook PC 1 from the off state.

[0037] The USB connector part 26 is a connector for connecting a peripheral device group using USB (Universal Serial Bus). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the notebook PC 1 is equipped with both a Type A connector and a Type C connector (USB-C connector) as the USB connector part 26.

[0038] The embedded controller 31 (an example of an embedded controller) is a one-chip microcomputer that monitors and controls various devices (components such as peripheral devices and sensors) regardless of the system state of the notebook PC 1. In addition, the embedded controller 31 has a power management function for controlling the power supply unit 33. Among them, the embedded controller 31 is composed of a CPU, ROM (such as a flash ROM), RAM, etc., which are not shown, and has multi-channel A / D input terminals, D / A output terminals, timers, and digital input / output terminals. For example, an input unit 32 and a power supply unit 33, etc., are connected to the embedded controller 31 via these input / output terminals, and the embedded controller 31 controls their operations. The embedded controller 31 is an embedded controller independent of the main control unit 10, and can operate in a state where power supply to the main control unit 10 is stopped.

[0039] The input unit 32 is, for example, an input device such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a touchpad, a power switch (start switch), etc. The input unit 32 can, for example, restore from the shutdown state (restart the notebook PC 1) by pressing the power switch (start switch).

[0040] The power supply unit 33 includes, for example, a DC / DC converter, a charge / discharge unit, a battery unit (storage battery), etc., and supplies the power for operating the notebook PC 1. The power supply unit 33 converts the DC voltage supplied from an external AC / DC adapter or a storage battery into multiple voltages required for operating the notebook PC 1. In addition, the power supply unit 33 supplies power to each part of the notebook PC 1 based on the control from the embedded controller 31.

[0041] Details of the power supply unit 33 in the present embodiment will be described later.

[0042] The PD controller 34 performs control corresponding to USB PD (Power Delivery). The PD controller 34 manages the power function for supplying power to the PC 1B via the VBUS (power line) terminal of the USB. The PD controller 34 determines, for example, whether the connected AC adapter in the powered state is connected to the USB-C connector 261 (refer to Figure 2 ), and determines the type of power (voltage range, current range, allowable power value, etc.) supplied to the VBUS terminal.

[0043] Next, with reference to Figure 2 , the details of the power supply unit 33 of the notebook PC 1 in the present embodiment will be described.

[0044] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the details of the power supply unit 33 of the notebook PC 1 in the present embodiment.

[0045] As Figure 2 shown, the notebook PC 1 includes a USB-C connector 261, an embedded controller 31, a power supply unit 33, a PD controller 34, a main system 100, and a peripheral device 20.

[0046] The USB-C connector 261 (an example of a power supply connector) is one of the connectors included in the above-mentioned USB connector unit 26, and is a connector of the USB Type C standard. The USB-C connector 261 externally connects an AC adapter (not shown) and supplies power to the notebook PC 1 via the VBUS terminal.

[0047] The main system 100 includes a main control unit 10 and a video subsystem 13 (image processing unit), and the processing of the notebook PC 1 consumes the most power. In addition, the main control unit 10 includes a main CPU 11 and a chipset 21, and the video subsystem 13 includes a GPU and VRAM.

[0048] The peripheral devices 20 are peripheral devices not included in the main system 100 of the notebook PC 1, and include, for example, an SSD 23, a display unit 14, an audio system 24, a WLAN card 25, etc. The peripheral devices 20 are POLs, and inside the notebook PC 1 are memories other than the CPU / GPU, the SSD 23, etc.

[0049] The PD controller 34 negotiates and determines the type of power supplied by the AC adapter connected to the USB-C connector 261. In addition, the PD controller 34 detects the voltage (power supply voltage) of the power supply line L0 that supplies power from the CBUS terminal of the USB-C connector 261, and controls the pre-regulator unit 41 described later based on the detected power supply voltage. In addition, the PD controller 34 supplies information indicating the detected power supply voltage to the embedded controller 31.

[0050] The power supply unit 33 includes a pre-regulator unit 41, an NVDC charging unit 42, a storage battery 43, and a power supply switching unit 44.

[0051] The pre-regulator unit 41 (an example of a first conversion circuit unit) steps down the power supply voltage to a first voltage and outputs it to the power supply line L1 (first power supply line) when the power supply voltage supplied from the outside via the USB-C connector 261 (power supply connector) exceeds the threshold voltage (first threshold voltage), and directly outputs the power supply voltage to the power supply line L1 via a bypass line when the power supply voltage is below the threshold voltage (below the first threshold voltage). In addition, the power supply line that supplies power (power supply voltage) from the USB-C connector 261 to the pre-regulator unit 41 is set as the power supply line L0.

[0052] In addition, the power supply voltage is, for example, 5V (volts) to 48V, and the USB-C connector 261 can supply a maximum of 240W of power.

[0053] In addition, the threshold voltage (first threshold voltage) is, for example, 36V. The pre-regulator unit 41 steps down the power supply voltage to a first voltage (for example, 16V to 20V) and outputs it to the power supply line L1 when the power supply voltage exceeds 36V, for example. In addition, the pre-regulator unit 41 directly outputs the power supply voltage (for example, 5V to 36V) to the power supply line L1 when the power supply voltage is below 36V, for example.

[0054] The pre-regulator unit 41 supplies a first voltage (for example, 16V to 20V) to the peripheral devices 20 via the power supply switching unit 44 described later.

[0055] The pre - regulator unit 41 includes a step - down circuit 411 and a bypass switch 412.

[0056] The step - down circuit 411 is, for example, a step - down regulator that steps down the power supply voltage (e.g., 36V to 48V) to a first voltage (e.g., 16V to 20V) and outputs it to the power line L1. In addition, the step - down circuit 411 stops operating when the bypass switch 412 is controlled to the on state (conducting state) by the PD controller 34.

[0057] The bypass switch 412 is, for example, a MOSFET (Metal - Oxide - Semiconductor Field - Effect Transistor), which connects the power line L0 and the power line L1 and bypasses the power supply voltage to the power line L1. When the bypass switch 412 is controlled to the on state by the PD controller 34, it outputs the power supply voltage (e.g., 5V to 36V) to the power line L1.

[0058] The NVDC (Narrow Voltage Direct Charging) charging unit 42 (an example of the second conversion circuit unit) is, for example, a power supply circuit for charging the NVDC - mode battery 43. The NVDC charging unit 42 converts the first voltage (e.g., 5V to 36V, or 16V to 20V) output to the power line L1 into a second voltage (e.g., 9V to 13.5V, or 12V to 18.2V), and outputs the second voltage to the power line L2 (the second power line) that supplies power to the main control unit 10 and the video subsystem 13 (image processing unit), and is the power line L2 connecting to the battery 43.

[0059] In addition, the power line L2 is connected to the main control unit 10 of the main system 100, the video subsystem 13, and the battery 43, and supplies the second voltage to the main control unit 10 and the video subsystem 13 via the power line L2. Also, in the battery 43, charging power is supplied from the NVDC charging unit 42 via the power line L2, and power is supplied from the battery 43 to the main control unit 10 and the video subsystem 13 via the power line L2.

[0060] In addition, the NVDC charging unit 42 supplies the second voltage (e.g., 9V to 13.5V) to the peripheral device 20 via the power supply switching unit 44 described later.

[0061] The storage battery 43 is, for example, a storage battery unit composed of a lithium-ion storage battery and is directly connected to the power supply line L2. The storage battery 43 is charged by the power supplied from the NVDC charging unit 42 via the power supply line L2, and discharges to supply the power for operating the main system 100 and the peripheral devices 20 when the power for operating the main system 100 and the peripheral devices 20 is insufficient.

[0062] The power supply switching unit 44 (an example of a switching unit) can switch the power supply to the peripheral devices 20 of the main control unit 10 (main system 100) from the power supply line L1 and the power supply to the peripheral devices 20 of the main control unit 10 (main system 100) from the power supply line L2. The power supply switching unit 44 switches to connect either the power supply line L1 or the power supply line L2 to the power supply line L3, and outputs either the first voltage of the power supply line L1 or the second voltage of the power supply line L3 to the power supply line L3.

[0063] The power supply switching unit 44 includes an inverter circuit 441, a MOSFET 442, and an ideal diode circuit (443, 444).

[0064] The inverter circuit 441 is, for example, a logic inversion circuit that logically inverts the control signal (switching signal) supplied from the embedded controller 31 and outputs it to the control terminal of the MOSFET 442.

[0065] The MOSFET 442 is connected between the power supply line L1 and the power supply line L3, and the control terminal (gate terminal) is connected to the output terminal of the inverter circuit 441. When the MOSFET 442 becomes conductive according to the output signal of the inverter circuit 441, the voltage of the power supply line L1 is output to the anode terminal of the ideal diode circuit 443.

[0066] The ideal diode circuit 443 (an example of a first ideal diode circuit) is arranged between the power supply line L1 and the power supply line L3 (third power supply line) that supplies power to the peripheral devices 20. The anode terminal of the ideal diode circuit 443 is connected to the output line of the MOSFET 442, and the cathode terminal is connected to the power supply line L3.

[0067] The ideal diode circuit 443 controls the conductive state and the cut-off state according to the output of the inverter circuit 441 and prevents the reverse current from the power supply line L3. The ideal diode circuit 443 becomes conductive when the MOSFET 442 is conductive and outputs the voltage of the power supply line L1 to the power supply line L3.

[0068] The ideal diode circuit 444 (an example of the second ideal diode circuit) is arranged between the power supply line L2 and the power supply line L3. The anode terminal of the ideal diode circuit 444 is connected to the power supply line L2, and the cathode terminal is connected to the power supply line L3. The ideal diode circuit 444 controls the conduction state and the cut-off state according to the output of the control signal of the embedded controller 31, and prevents the reverse current from the power supply line L3. The ideal diode circuit 444 becomes the conduction state when the MOSFET 442 is in the cut-off state, and outputs the voltage of the power supply line L2 to the power supply line L3.

[0069] The embedded controller 31 (an example of an embedded controller) includes a power supply control unit 45 that outputs a control signal for switching control of the power supply switching unit 44.

[0070] The power supply control unit 45 controls the power supply switching unit 44 to supply power from the power supply line L1 to the peripheral device 20 when the power supply voltage supplied via the USB-C connector 261 is equal to or higher than a preset second threshold voltage (for example, 43V or higher), and to supply power from the power supply line L2 to the peripheral device 20 when the power supply voltage is smaller than the second threshold voltage (for example, less than 43V).

[0071] The power supply control unit 45 obtains the value of the power supply voltage from the PD controller 34, for example. When the obtained value of the power supply voltage is, for example, 43V or higher (for example, 48 ± 4.8V), the power supply control unit 45 outputs a control signal to the power supply switching unit 44 such that the MOSFET 442 and the ideal diode circuit 443 of the power supply switching unit 44 become the conduction state and the ideal diode circuit 444 becomes the cut-off state. In addition, the power supply control unit 45 can also control the MOSFET 442 and the ideal diode circuit 443 to be in the conduction state when the voltage of the power supply line L1 is 16V to 20V, and control the MOSFET 442 and the ideal diode circuit 443 to be in the cut-off state when the voltage of the power supply line L1 is higher than 20V.

[0072] In addition, when the obtained value of the power supply voltage is, for example, less than 43V, the power supply control unit 45 outputs a control signal to the power supply switching unit 44 such that the MOSFET 442 and the ideal diode circuit 443 of the power supply switching unit 44 become the cut-off state and the ideal diode circuit 444 becomes the conduction state.

[0073] Next, with reference to the drawings, the operation of the notebook PC 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0074] Figure 3 And Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the notebook PC 1 of the present embodiment.

[0075] InFigure 3 In this case, the operation of the notebook PC 1 when the power supply voltage is not 48 V (the power supply voltage is less than about 43 V) will be described.

[0076] As Figure 3 shown, in this case, the power control unit 45 outputs a control signal to the power switching unit 44 such that the MOSFET 442 and the ideal diode circuit 443 of the power switching unit 44 are in the cut-off state, and the ideal diode circuit 444 is in the conducting state. Therefore, the power supply voltage supplied via the USB-C connector 261 is supplied to the peripheral device 20 through the path RT1: pre-regulator unit 41 → power line L1 → NVDC charging unit 42 → power line L2 → ideal diode circuit 444 of the power switching unit 44 → power line L3. In addition, the main system 100 and the storage battery 43 are also supplied with power from the power line L2 in the same manner as the peripheral device 20.

[0077] In addition, in Figure 4 this case, the operation of the notebook PC 1 when the power supply voltage is 48 V (the power supply voltage is, for example, 48 ± 4.8 V) will be described.

[0078] As Figure 4 shown, in this case, the power control unit 45 outputs a control signal to the power switching unit 44 such that the MOSFET 442 and the ideal diode circuit 443 of the power switching unit 44 are in the conducting state, and the ideal diode circuit 444 is in the cut-off state. Therefore, the power supply voltage supplied via the USB-C connector 261 is supplied to the peripheral device 20 through the path RT3: pre-regulator unit 41 → power line L1 → MOSFET 442 and ideal diode circuit 443 of the power switching unit 44 → power line L3. In addition, the main system 100 and the storage battery 43 are supplied with power through the path RT2: pre-regulator unit 41 → power line L1 → NVDC charging unit 42 → power line L2.

[0079] In this case, the power supplied via the USB-C connector 261 is dissipated and consumed through the paths RT2 and RT3.

[0080] Next, with reference to Figure 5 the detailed operation of the power control unit 45 of the notebook PC 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0081] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the notebook PC of the embodiment.

[0082] As Figure 5As shown, the power supply control unit 45 first determines whether the power supply voltage (VBUS) is equal to or higher than the threshold voltage (equal to or higher than the second threshold voltage) (step S101). The power supply control unit 45 obtains the value of the power supply voltage from the PD controller 34 and determines whether the power supply voltage is equal to or higher than 43 V (second threshold voltage: approximately equal to or higher than 48 - 4.8 V). When the power supply voltage is equal to or higher than 43 V (second threshold voltage: approximately equal to or higher than 48 - 4.8 V) (step S101: YES), the power supply control unit 45 proceeds to step S102. In addition, when the power supply voltage is less than 43 V (less than the second threshold voltage: approximately 48 - 4.8 V) (step S101: NO), the power supply control unit 45 proceeds to step S103.

[0083] In step S102, the power supply control unit 45 controls the power supply switching unit 44 to supply power to the peripheral device 20 from the power line L1. That is, the power supply control unit 45 switches from the state of the above-described path RT1 to the states of paths RT2 and RT3 and controls it to Figure 4 the state shown. After the process of step S102, the power supply control unit 45 returns the process to step S101.

[0084] In addition, in step S103, the power supply control unit 45 controls the power supply switching unit 44 to supply power to the peripheral device 20 from the power line L2. That is, the power supply control unit 45 switches from the states of paths RT2 and RT3 to the state of path RT1 and controls it to Figure 3 the state shown. After the process of step S103, the power supply control unit 45 returns the process to step S101.

[0085] As described above, the notebook PC 1 (information processing apparatus) of the present embodiment includes a pre-regulator unit 41 (first conversion circuit unit), an NVDC charging unit 42 (second conversion circuit unit), a power supply switching unit 44 (switching unit), and a power supply control unit 45. When the power supply voltage supplied from the outside via the USB-C connector 261 (power supply connector) exceeds a first threshold voltage (for example, 36 V), the pre-regulator unit 41 steps down the power supply voltage to a first voltage (for example, 16 V to 20 V) and outputs it to the power supply line L1 (first power supply line). When the power supply voltage is below the first threshold voltage (for example, 36 V or less), the pre-regulator unit 41 directly outputs the power supply voltage to the power supply line L1 via a bypass line. The NVDC charging unit 42 converts the first voltage output to the power supply line L1 into a second voltage (for example, 9 V to 13.5 V, or 12 V to 18.2 V), and outputs the second voltage to the power supply line L2 (second power supply line) that supplies power to the main control unit 10 and the video subsystem 13 (image processing unit), and this power supply line L2 is connected to the storage battery. The power supply switching unit 44 (switching unit) can switch the power supply to the peripheral device 20 of the main control unit 10 from the power supply line L1 and the power supply to the peripheral device 20 of the main control unit 10 from the power supply line L2. The power supply control unit 45 controls the power supply switching unit 44 to supply power to the peripheral device 20 from the power supply line L1 when the power supply voltage is equal to or higher than a preset second threshold voltage (for example, 43 V or higher), and supply power to the peripheral device 20 from the power supply line L2 when the power supply voltage is lower than the second threshold voltage (for example, 43 V).

[0086] Thus, for example, when the notebook PC 1 (information processing apparatus) of the present embodiment is supplied with power of 48 V, as shown in the above Figure 4 the power is supplied in a state where it is dispersed into a path RT2 (supplying power to the main control unit 10 and the video subsystem 13) and a path RT3 (supplying power to the peripheral device 20). Therefore, the notebook PC 1 of the present embodiment can reduce the heat generation caused by the 48-V power supply. In addition, in the notebook PC 1 of the present embodiment, since the storage battery 43 is directly connected to the power supply line L2, even when power shortage occurs due to the operation of the main control unit 10 and the video subsystem 13, power can be quickly replenished from the storage battery 43 without delay. Thus, the notebook PC 1 of the present embodiment can, for example, reduce heat generation during the 48-V power supply and reduce the delay in power supply from the storage battery 43 (delay until switching from the charging mode to the discharging mode) when there is a power shortage.

[0087] In addition, the notebook PC 1 of the present embodiment includes an embedded controller 31 (embedded controller) that operates independently of the main control unit 10. The embedded controller 31 includes the above-described power supply control unit 45.

[0088] Thus, since the notebook PC 1 of the present embodiment uses the embedded controller 31 to form the power control unit 45, there is no need to newly add a power control unit 45. Therefore, the notebook PC 1 of the present embodiment can easily achieve 48V power supply by using the conventional embedded controller 31.

[0089] In addition, in the present embodiment, the power supply switching unit 44 includes an ideal diode circuit 443 (first ideal diode circuit) and an ideal diode circuit 444 (second ideal diode circuit). The ideal diode circuit 443 is arranged between the power supply line L1 (first power supply line) and the power supply line L3 (third power supply line) that supplies power to the peripheral device 20. The ideal diode circuit 444 is arranged between the power supply line L2 (second power supply line) and the power supply line L3 (third power supply line).

[0090] Therefore, the notebook PC 1 of the present embodiment can switch between the power supply line L1 (first power supply line) and the power supply line L2 (second power supply line) without unnecessary voltage drop (reduction) by using the ideal diode circuit 443 and the ideal diode circuit 444. In addition, the notebook PC 1 of the present embodiment can appropriately prevent the reverse flow of the power supplied to the peripheral device 20 by using the ideal diode circuit 443 and the ideal diode circuit 444.

[0091] In addition, in the present embodiment, the USB connector unit 26 is a connector of the USB Type C standard (USB-C connector 261).

[0092] Therefore, the notebook PC 1 (information processing device) of the present embodiment can use the USB connector (USB-C connector 261) to achieve 48V power supply.

[0093] In addition, the control method of this embodiment includes a first conversion step, a second conversion step, and a power supply control step. In the first conversion step, when the power supply voltage supplied from the outside via the USB connector unit 26 exceeds the first threshold voltage, the preconditioner unit 41 steps down the power supply voltage to the first voltage and outputs it to the power line L1. When the power supply voltage is below the first threshold voltage, the power supply voltage is directly output to the power line L1 via the bypass line. In the second conversion step, the NVDC charging unit 42 converts the first voltage output to the power line L1 into a second voltage, and outputs the second voltage to the power line L2 that supplies power to the main control unit 10 and the video subsystem 13, and this power line L2 is connected to the storage battery. In the power supply control step, the power supply control unit 45 (embedded controller 31) controls the power supply switching unit 44 so that when the power supply voltage is above the preset second threshold voltage, power is supplied from the power line L1 to the peripheral device 20, and when the power supply voltage is smaller than the second threshold voltage, power is supplied from the power line L2 to the peripheral device 20. The power supply switching unit 44 can switch the power supply to the peripheral device 20 of the main control unit 10 from the power line L1 and the power supply to the peripheral device 20 of the main control unit 10 from the power line L2.

[0094] Thus, the control method of this embodiment has the same effect as the above-mentioned notebook PC1. For example, it can reduce heat generation during 48V power supply and reduce the delay in power supply from the storage battery 43 when power is insufficient (the delay from the charging mode to the discharging mode).

[0095] (Second Embodiment)

[0096] Next, with reference to the drawings, the notebook PC1a of the second embodiment will be described.

[0097] In the second embodiment, a modified example in which the power supply control unit 45 of the first embodiment is provided outside the embedded controller 31 will be described.

[0098] Figure 6 It is a block diagram showing a detailed example of the power supply unit 33 of the notebook PC1a of the second embodiment.

[0099] In addition, the hardware configuration of the notebook PC1a of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown above, so the description thereof is omitted here. Figure 1 shown in the first embodiment, so the description thereof is omitted here.

[0100] In addition, in Figure 6 the same reference numerals are added to the components having the same configuration as those shown in the above Figure 2 shown configuration, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0101] As Figure 6As shown, the notebook PC 1a includes a USB-C connector 261, an embedded controller 31, a power supply unit 33, a PD controller 34, a main system 100, and peripheral devices 20. In addition, the power supply unit 33 in the present embodiment includes a pre-regulator unit 41, an NVDC charging unit 42, a storage battery 43, a power supply switching unit 44, and a power supply control unit 45a.

[0102] In addition, in the present embodiment, it is different from the first embodiment in that the embedded controller 31 does not have a power supply control unit 45 and a power supply control unit 45a is provided outside the embedded controller 31.

[0103] The power supply control unit 45a has the same function as the power supply control unit 45, and controls the power supply switching unit 44 to supply power to the peripheral devices 20 from the power supply line L1 when the power supply voltage is equal to or higher than a preset second threshold voltage (for example, 43V or higher), and to supply power to the peripheral devices 20 from the power supply line L2 when the power supply voltage is lower than the second threshold voltage (for example, 43V).

[0104] In addition, the power supply control unit 45a includes a comparator 451 and a constant voltage power supply 452.

[0105] The comparator 451 is, for example, a comparator of discrete components. The positive input terminal (non-inverting input terminal) is connected to the output line of the constant voltage power supply 452, the negative input terminal is connected to the VBUS terminal of the USB-C connector 261, and the output terminal is connected to the control signal line. The comparator 451 compares the voltage of the constant voltage power supply 452 (for example, the second threshold voltage) with the power supply voltage, and outputs the comparison result as a control signal to the power supply switching unit 44.

[0106] When the power supply voltage is equal to or higher than the voltage of the constant voltage power supply 452 (for example, the second threshold voltage), the comparator 451 outputs a control signal to the power supply switching unit 44 such that the MOSFET 442 and the ideal diode circuit 443 of the power supply switching unit 44 are in a conducting state and the ideal diode circuit 444 is in a cut-off state.

[0107] In addition, when the power supply voltage is lower than the voltage of the constant voltage power supply 452 (for example, the second threshold voltage), the comparator 451 outputs a control signal to the power supply switching unit 44 such that the MOSFET 442 and the ideal diode circuit 443 of the power supply switching unit 44 are in a cut-off state and the ideal diode circuit 444 is in a conducting state.

[0108] The constant voltage power supply 452 is a constant voltage generation circuit that generates a second threshold voltage for comparison. The output line of the constant voltage power supply 452 is connected to the positive input terminal of the comparator 451.

[0109] As described above, in the present embodiment, the power supply control unit 45a includes a comparator circuit (comparator 451) that compares the power supply voltage with the second threshold voltage. The power supply control unit 45a is constituted by a discrete logic circuit.

[0110] Accordingly, the notebook PC 1a of the present embodiment can easily achieve power supply of 48V by using a simple logic circuit constituted by a discrete logic circuit.

[0111] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0112] For example, although examples in which the information processing device is the notebook PC 1(1a) have been described in the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, it may be other information processing devices such as a tablet terminal device or a desktop PC.

[0113] In addition, although examples in which the power supply connector is the USB-C connector 261 have been described in the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it may be a connector of other interfaces that supplies a large amount of power as the power supply power.

[0114] In addition, although examples in which the first threshold voltage and the second threshold voltage are different threshold voltages have been described in the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first threshold voltage and the second threshold voltage may be different voltage values.

[0115] In addition, although an example in which the embedded controller 31 includes the power supply control unit 45 has been described in the above-described first embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, it may be configured such that the PD controller 34 includes the power supply control unit 45.

[0116] In addition, each component included in the above-described notebook PC 1(1a) may have a computer system inside. Moreover, by recording a program for implementing the functions of each component included in the above-described notebook PC 1(1a) on a computer-readable recording medium, and causing the computer system to read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium, the processing in each component included in the above-described notebook PC 1(1a) is performed. Here, "causing the computer system to read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium" includes installing the program in the computer system. The "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0117] In addition, a "computer system" may also include a plurality of computer devices connected via a network including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, dedicated lines, etc. Further, a "computer-readable recording medium" refers to removable media such as floppy disks, optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Thus, a recording medium storing a program may also be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0118] In addition, the recording medium may also include a recording medium, either internal or external, that can be accessed from a distribution server for distributing the program. Further, the program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined in each component of the notebook PC1(1a). The distribution servers for distributing the divided programs may be different.

[0119] Also, a "computer-readable recording medium" includes a recording medium such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system of a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network, which holds the program for a certain period of time. In addition, the above program may be a program for implementing a part of the above functions. Also, it may be a program that can implement the above functions through combination with a program already recorded in a computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program).

[0120] In addition, the above functions may be implemented in part or in whole as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each of the above functions may be processorized independently, or a part or all of them may be integrated and processorized. In addition, the method of integrating into an integrated circuit is not limited to LSI and may also be implemented by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Also, in the case where an integrated circuit technology replacing LSI appears due to the development of semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used.

Claims

1. An information processing device, wherein: have: A first conversion circuit unit, when a power supply voltage supplied from the outside through the power supply connector exceeds a first threshold voltage, steps down the power supply voltage to a first voltage and outputs it to a first power supply line, and when the power supply voltage is below the first threshold voltage, directly outputs the power supply voltage to the first power supply line via a bypass line; a second conversion circuit unit that converts the first voltage output to the first power line into a second voltage and outputs the second voltage to a second power line that supplies power to the main control unit and the image processing unit, the second power line being connected to a battery; a switching unit capable of switching between supplying power from the first power line to the peripheral device of the main control unit and supplying power from the second power line to the peripheral device of the main control unit; as well as The power supply control unit controls the switching unit so that power is supplied from the first power line to the peripheral device when the power supply voltage is above a preset second threshold voltage, and power is supplied from the second power line to the peripheral device when the power supply voltage is lower than the second threshold voltage.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: An embedded controller that operates independently of the main control unit, The embedded controller includes the power supply control unit.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The power supply control unit is formed of a discrete logic circuit including a comparator circuit for comparing the power supply voltage with the second threshold voltage.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The switching unit includes: A first ideal diode circuit is arranged between the first power line and a third power line for supplying power to the peripheral device; and The second ideal diode circuit is arranged between the second power line and the third power line.

5. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The power supply connector is a connector conforming to the USB Type C standard.

6. A control method, wherein: Include: A first conversion step, in which the first conversion circuit unit steps down the power supply voltage to a first voltage and outputs it to a first power line when the power supply voltage supplied from the outside via the power supply connector exceeds a first threshold voltage, and directly outputs the power supply voltage to the first power line via a bypass line when the power supply voltage is below the first threshold voltage; a second conversion step, in which a second conversion circuit unit converts the first voltage output to the first power line into a second voltage, and outputs the second voltage to a second power line that supplies power to a main control unit and an image processing unit, the second power line being connected to a battery; and A power control step, in which the power control unit switches the power supply unit so that when the power supply voltage is above a pre-set second threshold voltage, power is supplied to the peripheral device from the first power line, and when the power supply voltage is lower than the second threshold voltage, power is supplied to the peripheral device from the second power line. The switching unit is capable of switching between supplying power to the peripheral device of the main control unit from the first power line and supplying power to the peripheral device of the main control unit from the second power line.

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