Wireless charger for changing output voltage

Abstract

Provided is a wireless charger for supplying power received from a power supply device to a power receiving device. In a wireless charger, a control circuit may control a communication circuit of the wireless charger to receive a first request message requesting to reduce an output voltage of a power signal output to a power receiving device through a coil of the wireless charger based on the communication circuit of the wireless charger, a second request message requesting to reduce the input voltage of the power signal input from the power supply device through the power terminal of the wireless charger is output to the power supply device through the data terminal of the wireless charger. The control circuit may control the communication circuit to output a fourth request message requesting to boost the input voltage to the power supply device through the data terminal based on the communication circuit receiving a third request message requesting to boost the output voltage.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a wireless charger for changing an output voltage of a power signal output to a power receiving device. BACKGROUND

[0002] The wireless charger can receive a power signal from a power supply device (e.g., a travel adapter (TA)), convert a current of the received power signal from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) through an inverter, and transmit the AC to a power receiving device (e.g., a smartphone or a wireless earphone charging case) through a coil.

[0003] Information can be provided as related art to help understand the disclosure. No opinion or decision is provided as to whether the above-described content can be applied as prior art relevant to the disclosure. SUMMARY

[0004] TECHNICAL PROBLEM The wireless charger can fix a voltage value of a power signal to be transmitted from the power supply device to the wireless charger through power delivery (PD) communication with the power supply device. The wireless charger can receive a power signal having a fixed voltage value from the power supply device. The wireless charger can include a power conversion circuit configured to convert a voltage value of the received power signal to a voltage value required for the power receiving device and output the power signal to an inverter. The power conversion circuit can include a buck-boost converter including an inductor having a characteristic of a charging current, a capacitor having a characteristic of a charging voltage, and a switch for adjusting a ratio of an output voltage output to the inverter to an input voltage input from the power supply device.

[0005] When the power conversion circuit converts a voltage value of a power signal to be transmitted to the power receiving device, heat can be generated in the inductor. When an input current value of the power signal input from the power supply device is large, the heat generated in the inductor can be serious.

[0006] As the wire of the inductor becomes thicker, the resistance (e.g., Ron resistance) of the inductor can become lower. Accordingly, the heat loss of the inductor can be reduced, and the charging efficiency (e.g., a ratio of output power output to the power receiving device to input power input from the power supply device) can be higher. However, the thicker the wire of the inductor, the thicker the wireless charger becomes. For example, the thickness of the inductor mounted to a printed board assembly (PBA) of the wireless charger can affect the thickness of the wireless charger. For example, an indicator having a thickness greater than or equal to about 3 mm can be included in the power conversion circuit to provide 15 W of power to the power receiving device.

[0007] Various embodiments of the disclosure can provide a wireless charger capable of minimizing energy loss due to heat when power received from a power supply device is provided to a power receiving device. Various embodiments of the disclosure can provide a thin wireless charger. Technical problems to be solved in the disclosure can not be limited to the above-described technical problems, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art of the disclosure through the following description.

[0008] Technical solutions According to an embodiment, a wireless charger includes a coil; a connector including a power terminal and a data terminal; a power transmission circuit connected to the power terminal and configured to convert a current of a power signal received from a power supply device through the power terminal from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) and output the AC to the coil; a communication circuit connected to the data terminal and the coil and configured to communicate with the power supply device through the data terminal and communicate with the power receiving device through the coil; a control circuit configured to control the power transmission circuit and the communication circuit; and a power supply circuit connected to the power terminal and configured to provide a power signal received from the power supply device through the power terminal to the communication circuit and the control circuit. According to an embodiment, the control circuit can be configured to, based on the communication circuit receiving a first request message requesting to reduce an output voltage of a power signal output to the power receiving device through the coil, control the communication circuit to output, to the power supply device through the data terminal, a second request message requesting to reduce an input voltage of a power signal input from the power supply device through the power terminal. The control circuit can be configured to, based on the communication circuit receiving a third request message requesting to increase the output voltage, control the communication circuit to output, to the power supply device through the data terminal, a fourth request message requesting to increase the input voltage of the power signal input from the power supply device through the power terminal. According to an embodiment, the control circuit can be configured to, as a result of the communication circuit receiving the first request message requesting to reduce the output voltage of the power signal output to the power receiving device through the coil, control the communication circuit to output, to the power supply device through the data terminal, the second request message requesting to reduce the input voltage of the power signal input from the power supply device through the power terminal. The control circuit can be configured to, as a result of the communication circuit receiving the third request message requesting to increase the output voltage, control the communication circuit to output, to the power supply device through the data terminal, the fourth request message requesting to increase the input voltage of the power signal input from the power supply device through the power terminal.

[0009] According to an embodiment, a method of operating a wireless charger can include receiving, by a coil of the wireless charger, a message requesting to change an output voltage of a power signal output to a power receiving device through the coil. The method can include outputting, by a data terminal of the wireless charger, a message requesting to change an input voltage of a power signal input from a power supply device through a power terminal of the wireless charger to the power supply device based on receiving the message requesting to change the output voltage. Outputting the message requesting to change the input voltage can include an operation of outputting, by the data terminal, a second request message requesting to decrease the input voltage to the power supply device based on receiving a first request message requesting to decrease the output voltage, and outputting, by the data terminal, a fourth request message requesting to increase the input voltage to the power supply device based on receiving a third request message requesting to increase the output voltage.

[0010] Technical Effects According to embodiments of the disclosure, the wireless charger can minimize energy loss due to heat when power received from the power supply device is provided to the power receiving device. The thickness of the wireless charger can become thinner. In addition, various effects directly or indirectly provided by the disclosure can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0012] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a wireless charging system according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a power supply device providing power to a power receiving device through a wireless charger according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a wireless charger changing a voltage value of a power signal input from a power supply device based on a request from a power receiving device according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a wireless charger decreasing an output voltage of the wireless charger based on a request from a power receiving device according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a wireless charger increasing an output voltage of the wireless charger based on a request from a power receiving device according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a wireless charger reducing an output voltage of the wireless charger based on a request from a power receiving device according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a wireless charger increasing an output voltage of the wireless charger based on a request from a power receiving device according to an embodiment.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so as to be able to easily carry out the disclosure by persons skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains. The disclosure may, however, be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the description of the drawings, the same or similar components can be designated by the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated description on the same or similar components can be omitted. In addition, in the accompanying drawings and the related description, descriptions on well-known functions and configurations incorporated herein can be omitted for clarity and conciseness. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments. Referring to Figure 1 , the electronic device 101 in the network environment 100 can communicate with an electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device 104 or a server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 can communicate with the electronic device 104 via the server 108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 can include a processor 120, a memory 130, an input module 150, a sound output module 155, a display module 160, an audio module 170, a sensor module 176, an interface 177, a connection terminal 178, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module 190, a subscriber identification module (SIM) 196, or an antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the connection terminal 178) of the above components can be omitted from the electronic device 101, or one or more other components can be added in the electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the above components (e.g., the sensor module 176, the camera module 180, or the antenna module 197) can be implemented as a single integrated component (e.g., the display module 160).

[0021] The processor 120 can execute, for example, software (e.g., a program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 coupled with the processor 120 and can perform various data processing or computation. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor 120 can store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module 176 or the communication module 190) in the volatile memory 132, process the command or data stored in the volatile memory 132, and store resulting data in the non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 can include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor 121. For example, when the electronic device 101 includes the main processor 121 and the auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 can be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or to be dedicated to a specific function or functions. The auxiliary processor 123 can be implemented as separate from or as part of the main processor 121.

[0022] The auxiliary processor 123 (not the main processor 121) can control at least some of the functions or status related to at least one component (for example, the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) among the components of the electronic device 101, while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (for example, sleep) state, or the auxiliary processor 123 can control at least some of the functions or status related to at least one component (for example, the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) among the components of the electronic device 101, together with the main processor 121, while the main processor 121 is in an active state (for example, executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (for example, an image signal processor or a communication processor) can be implemented as a part of another component (for example, the camera module 180 or the communication module 190) functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (for example, a neural processing unit) can include a hardware structure dedicated to artificial intelligence model processing. The artificial intelligence model can be generated through machine learning. For example, such learning can be performed by the electronic device 101 where artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server (for example, the server 108). The learning algorithm can include, but is not limited to, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network can be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), or a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more thereof, but is not limited thereto. Additionally or alternatively, the artificial intelligence model can include a software structure other than the hardware structure.

[0023] The memory 130 can store various data used by at least one component (for example, the processor 120 or the sensor module 176) of the electronic device 101. The various data can include, for example, software (for example, a program 140) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory 130 can include the volatile memory 132 or the non-volatile memory 134.

[0024] The program 140 can be stored in the memory 130 as software, and can include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, or an application 146.

[0025] The input module 150 can receive a command or data, which is to be used by other components (for example, the processor 120) of the electronic device 101, from the outside (for example, a user) of the electronic device 101. The input module 150 can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (for example, a button), or a digital pen (for example, a stylus pen).

[0026] The sound output module 155 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record. The receiver can be used to receive an incoming call. According to an embodiment, the receiver can be implemented as separate from the speaker, or can be implemented as part of the speaker.

[0027] The display module 160 can visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The display module 160 can include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling a corresponding one of the display, the hologram device, and the projector. According to an embodiment, the display module 160 can include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

[0028] The audio module 170 can convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 can obtain sound through the input module 150, or output sound through the sound output module 155 or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device 101.

[0029] The sensor module 176 can detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device 101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0030] The interface 177 can support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device 101 to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface 177 can include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0031] The connection terminal 178 can include a connector through which the electronic device 101 can be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, the connection terminal 178 can include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0032] The haptic module 179 can convert electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or movement) or electrical stimulus that can be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimuluser.

[0033] The camera module 180 can capture still images or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 can include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0034] The power management module 188 can manage power supplied to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 can be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0035] The battery 189 can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 189 can include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

[0036] The communication module 190 can support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108) and performing communication between the electronic devices 101 and the external electronic device via the established communication channel. The communication module 190 can include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor 120 (e.g., an application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module 190 can include a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules can communicate with the external electronic device via the first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a conventional cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or can be implemented as separate components (e.g., separate chips) from each other. The wireless communication module 192 can identify and authenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 196.

[0037] The wireless communication module 192 can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies (e.g., new radio (NR) access technology) after 4G networks. The NR access technology can support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), or ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). The wireless communication module 192 can support a high frequency band (e.g., a millimeter wave band) to achieve, for example, high data transmission rates. The wireless communication module 192 can support various technologies for securing performance on a high frequency band, such as, for example, beamforming, massive multiple input multiple output (massive MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beamforming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module 192 can support various requirements designated in the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 104), or a network system (e.g., the second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 can support a peak data rate for implementing eMBB (e.g., 20 Gbps or more), a loss coverage for implementing mMTC (e.g., 164 dB or less), or a U-plane latency for implementing URLLC (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for a round trip).

[0038] The antenna module 197 can transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., an external electronic device) of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 can include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a base (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 can include a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, can be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 190 (e.g., the wireless communication module 192). Then, a signal or power can be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, in addition to the radiating element, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) can additionally be formed as part of the antenna module 197.

[0039] According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 can form a millimeter wave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the millimeter wave antenna module can include a printed circuit board, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas), wherein the RFIC is disposed on a first surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a millimeter wave band), and the plurality of antennas is disposed on a second surface (e.g., a top surface or a side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the designated high frequency band.

[0040] At least some of the above-described components can be connected to each other via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, a general purpose input output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and communicate information (e.g., commands or data) between them.

[0041] According to an embodiment, commands or data can be transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device 104 via the server 108 connected with the second network 199. Each of the electronic devices 102 and 104 can be the same type as or different from the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, all or some of the operations to be executed by the electronic device 101 can be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices 102, 104, or server 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 is to automatically perform a function or a service or is to perform a function or a service in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, can request the one or more external electronic devices to execute at least a part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request can execute at least the part of the function or the service requested, or execute another function or another service related to the request, and transfer an execution result to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 can provide the execution result, with or without further processing of the execution result, as at least part of a reply to the request. To this end, a cloud computing technique, a distributed computing technique, a mobile edge computing (MEC) technique, or a client-server computing technique can be used, for example. The electronic device 101 can use, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing to provide an ultra-low latency service. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 can include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server 108 can be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or a neural network. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or the server 108 can be included in the second network 199. The electronic device 101 can be applied to intelligent services (for example, smart home, smart city, smart car, or health care), based on 5G communication technologies or IoT-related technologies.

[0042] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a wireless charging system according to an embodiment. Referring to Figure 2 The wireless charging system can include a power supply device 201, a power receiving device 202 (for example, Figure 1an electronic device 101) and a wireless charger 203. The wireless charger 203 can include a connector 210, a power transmission circuit 220, a coil 230, a first communication circuit 240, a second communication circuit 250, a power supply circuit 260, and a control circuit 299. The wireless charger 203 can receive power from the power supply device 201 through a cable (e.g., a USB Type-C cable) 204 and transmit the power to the power receiving device 202 through the coil 230. The wireless charger 203 can perform data communication with the power supply device 201 through the connector 210 for power reception. The wireless charger 203 can perform data communication with the power receiving device 202 through the coil 230 for power transmission.

[0043] A power supply device (e.g., a travel adapter) 201 (e.g., Figure 1 An electronic device 102) can convert a current characteristic of a power signal from an external power supply from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and adjust a voltage of the power signal to a predetermined voltage value. The power supply device 201 can be electrically connected to the wireless charger 203 through the cable 204. The power supply device 201 can transmit a power signal having an adjusted voltage and a converted current characteristic to DC to the wireless charger 203 through the cable 204.

[0044] The power supply device 201 can provide a programmable power supply (PPS) that adjusts a voltage value of a power signal according to a request from an external device when the power signal is transmitted to the external device. For example, the power supply device 201 can transmit a power signal having a voltage value requested by the wireless charger 203 within a predetermined voltage range (e.g., 3.3 to 11 V, 3.3 to 16 V, or 3.3 to 21 V) to the wireless charger 203. The power supply device 201 can transmit a power signal having a fixed voltage value to an external device. For example, the power supply device 201 can transmit a power data object (PDO) list to the wireless charger 203 through the cable 210. The power supply device 201 can transmit a power signal having a fixed voltage value (e.g., 5 V, 9 V, 15 V, or 20 V) selected from the PDO list to the wireless charger 203. The fixed voltage value can refer to a voltage that is fixed when the power supply device 201 provides power to the wireless charger 203.

[0045] In the wireless charger 203, the connector 210 can include data terminals 211 for data communication with the power supply device 201 and power terminals 213 for receiving a power signal from the power supply device 201. For example, the connector 210 can include a receptacle according to Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type-C. The receptacle can be combined with a plug of the cable 204. Among the pins of the USB Type-C receptacle, the VBUS pin can be used as the power terminal 213, and the (configuration channel) CC pin and / or the differential signal (DP (D+) or DN (D-)) can be used as the data terminal 211.

[0046] The power transmission circuit 220 can be electrically connected to the power terminal 213, and to wirelessly transmit a power signal through the coil 230, the power transmission circuit 220 can be configured to convert a current of the power signal received from the power supply device 201 from direct current to alternating current through the power terminal 213. The expression "connected" in the present disclosure can not only be a direct connection between elements, but also an electrical connection between elements via another element (e.g., a resistor, an inductor, etc.) therebetween. The power transmission circuit 220 can include an inverter (e.g., a full-bridge circuit) 221 configured to periodically convert a direction of the current. For example, the inverter 221 can include four switches S1, S2, S3, and S4. One end (a1) of S1 and one end (b1) of S2 can be connected to the power terminal 213, and one end (c1) of S3 and one end (d1) of S4 can be connected to the other end (a2) of S1 and the other end (b2) of S2. The other end (c2) of S3 and the other end (d2) of S4 can be connected to a ground (e.g., a GND pin of the connector 210). The other end (a2) of S1 and one end (c1) of S3 can be connected to one end 230a of the coil 230. The other end (b2) of S2 and one end (d1) of S4 can be connected to the other end 230b of the coil 230. When S1 and S4 are in a closed state (or an on state), conversely, S2 and S3 can be in an open state (or an off state) (hereinafter, referred to as a first switching state). When S1 and S4 are in an open state, S2 and S3 can be in a closed state (hereinafter, referred to as a second switching state). The control circuit 299 can control the inverter 221 to periodically alternate the first switching state and the second switching state according to a wireless charging standard (e.g., according to a frequency band (e.g., about 110 to 148 kHz) predetermined by an international standard (e.g., EN 300-330-1)). Thus, the current of the power signal received by the power transmission circuit 220 can be converted from direct current to alternating current through the inverter 221, and transmitted to the power receiving device 202 through the coil 230. Each switch can include, for example, a field effect transistor (FET). A drain terminal and a source terminal of the FET can correspond to the one end and the other end, respectively. The control circuit 299 can output a first control signal (e.g., a signal having a predetermined first voltage level) to a gate terminal of the FET to put the corresponding switch in a closed state. The control circuit 299 can output a second control signal (e.g., a signal having a predetermined second voltage level lower than the first voltage level) to put the corresponding switch in an open state.

[0047] The power transmission circuit 220 can change a voltage value of a power signal output from the power transmission circuit 220 to the power receiving device 202 through the coil 230 based on a control of the control circuit 229. For example, the control circuit 299 can increase a frequency of a power signal output from the inverter 221 to the coil 230 by making a period of the first switching state and the second switching state shorter. When the frequency of the power signal is increased, the resistance of the coil 230 can be increased, and thus, the voltage of the power signal output from the inverter 221 to the coil 230 can be decreased. In contrast, the control circuit 299 can decrease the frequency of the power signal output from the inverter 221 to the coil 230 by making the period of the first switching state and the second switching state longer. When the frequency of the power signal is decreased, the resistance of the coil 230 can be decreased, and thus, the voltage of the power signal output from the inverter 221 to the coil 230 can be increased.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the coil 230 can be a spiral coil wound a plurality of times in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction from an axis perpendicular to a plane of a charging pad of the wireless charger 203 on which the power receiving device 202 is placed. Through electrical coupling between the coil 230 and the coil 201a of the power receiving device 202, a power signal can be provided from the wireless charger 203 to the power receiving device 202. The coil 230 can be used as an antenna for data communication (e.g., in-band communication) as well as power transmission between the wireless charger 203 and the power receiving device 202.

[0049] The first communication circuit (e.g., a USB controller) 240 can identify a type of an external device connected to the data terminal 211 and to the connector 210 based on data received from the external device through the data terminal 211. The first communication circuit 240 can transmit identification information indicating the type of the external device to the control circuit 299. The control circuit 299 can perform communication with the external device according to a predetermined power delivery (PD) communication protocol through the communication circuit 350 based on the identification information to perform an operation of negotiating with the external device and the wireless charger 203 about a source for providing power and a power receiving end for receiving power. For example, when the external device is identified as a power source device (e.g., a travel adapter (TA)) 201, the power source device 201 can be determined as a source end, and the wireless charger 203 can be determined as a power receiving end. After coupling, the control circuit 299 can perform an operation of negotiating a voltage value of a power signal to be transmitted from the power source device 201 by performing communication with the power source device 201 via the first communication circuit 240 according to a PD communication protocol (e.g., a power data object (PDO) or a programmable power supply (PPS)). The control circuit 299 can control the first communication circuit 240 to transmit a message requesting a power signal having a voltage value determined through the negotiation result to the power source device 201.

[0050] The second communication circuit 250 can be connected to the coil 230, and can perform data communication with the power receiving device 202 through the coil 230. For example, the second communication circuit 250 can receive a data signal from the control circuit 299, carry the received data signal on a power signal transmitted to the power receiving device 202, and transmit the power signal to the power receiving device 202. A method of carrying a data signal on a power signal can include, for example, a scheme of modulating the amplitude and / or frequency of the power signal. The second communication circuit 250 can receive a data signal from the power receiving device 202 through the coil 230. For example, the second communication circuit 250 can acquire a data signal transmitted by the power receiving device 202 to the wireless charger 203 through its own coil 201a by demodulating a power signal transmitted from the coil 230 of the wireless charger 203 to the coil 201a of the power receiving device 202. The second communication circuit 250 can transfer the data signal acquired from the power signal to the control circuit 299.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the power supply circuit 260 can be connected to the power terminal 213, and driven by a power signal received from the power supply device 201 through the power terminal 213. The power supply circuit 260 can be configured to output the power signal received from the power supply device 201 through the power terminal 213 to the first communication circuit 240, the second communication circuit 250, and the control circuit 299, as driving power for driving the first communication circuit 240, the second communication circuit 250, and the control circuit 299. The power supply circuit 260 can include a DC-DC converter for adjusting the voltage (output voltage) of the power signal output from the power supply circuit 260. For example, the power supply circuit 260 can include a step-down converter for reducing the output voltage with respect to the voltage (input voltage) of the power signal received from the power supply device 201 through the power terminal 213. The power supply circuit 260 can include a step-up converter for increasing the output voltage with respect to the input voltage. When a power signal having an input voltage higher than a predetermined voltage value (e.g., 5V) is received, the power supply circuit 260 can reduce the output voltage to the predetermined voltage value through the step-down converter, and output a power signal having the reduced output voltage to the first communication circuit 240, the second communication circuit 250, and the control circuit 299. When a power signal having an input voltage lower than a predetermined voltage value (e.g., 5V) is received, the power supply circuit 260 can increase the output voltage to the predetermined voltage value through the step-up converter, and output a power signal having the increased output voltage to the first communication circuit 240, the second communication circuit 250, and the control circuit 299.

[0052] The control circuit 299 can wake up by the driving power provided from the power supply circuit 260, and perform data communication with the power supply device 201 through the first communication circuit 240. The control circuit 299 can identify whether the power supply device 201 is a model supporting a programmable power supply (PPS) through the data communication with the power supply device 201. For example, the control circuit 299 can receive information indicating the specifications of the power that the power supply device 302 is capable of providing from the power supply device 201 through the first communication circuit 240. Based on the received information including PPS information indicating the range of the voltage that the power supply device 201 is capable of providing (e.g., 3.3~11V, 3.3~16V, 3.3~21V), the control circuit 299 can identify the power supply device 201 as a PPS-supporting model. The received information can include, for example, a list of power data objects (PDOs) as information indicating the fixed voltage values and the rated current values corresponding to the fixed voltage values. For example, the received list of PDOs can include information indicating 15W (5V*3A), 27W (9V*3A), 45W (15V*3A), 60W (20V*3A), or 65W (20V*3.25A) as the power that is capable of being provided. The control circuit 299 can identify the power supply device 201 as a model not supporting PPS based on the information received from the power supply device 201 including only the list of PDOs without the PPS information.

[0053] While the power signal is transmitted from the wireless charger 203 to the power receiving device 202 through the coil 230, the control circuit 299 can receive a feedback signal for controlling the power provision from the power receiving device 202 through the coil 230 via the second communication circuit 250. The feedback signal can include a control error packet (CEP) defined in the WPC standard. The control error packet can include a control error value (CEV). For example, the CEV can be an integer between -127 and +128.

[0054] The control circuit 299 can change a voltage (output voltage) of the power signal output from the power transmission circuit 220 to the power receiving device 202 through the coil 230 based on a CEV received from the power receiving device 202 in a case where the power transmission circuit 220 outputs the power signal to the power receiving device 202 through the coil 230. The CEV can include a value determined by a difference between a rated voltage value obtained by rectifying the power signal received by the power receiving device 202 through the coil 201a and a target voltage value determined in advance by the power receiving device 302. The target voltage value can be, for example, a voltage of a battery in a state where the battery is fully charged. The full charge can mean a state of charge (SOC) when a charge rate of the battery reaches 100%, which is a maximum charge amount configured without worrying about combustion or explosion. For example, the CEV can be configured to "0" by the power receiving device 202 when a difference between the rated voltage and the target voltage is within a predetermined error range. In the wireless charger 203, when a CEP in which the CEV is "0" is received from the power receiving device 202 through the second communication circuit 250, the control circuit 299 can maintain the output voltage without any change. The power receiving device 202 can transmit a CEP including a negative CEV to the wireless charger 203 in order to reduce a power value for charging the battery. When the CEV is negative, the control circuit 299 can reduce the power source voltage by controlling the power source device 201 and / or the power transmission circuit 220. The power receiving device 202 can transmit a CEP including a positive CEV to the wireless charger 203 in order to increase a power value for charging the battery. When the CEV is positive, the control circuit 299 can increase the output voltage by controlling the power source device 201 and / or the power transmission circuit 220. When an end signal (for example, a packet (for example, a CS 100 packet) transmitted by the power receiving device 302 when charging of the battery is completed) is received from the power receiving device 202 through the second communication circuit 250, the control circuit 299 can control the power transmission circuit 220 to end the output of the power signal to the coil 230. For example, the control circuit 299 can stop outputting the power signal by maintaining voltage levels of control signals output to the switches S1, S2, S3, and S4 at the second voltage level.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the control circuit 299, the first communication circuit 240, and the second communication circuit 250 can be integrated as one wireless charging integrated circuit (IC) 205. For example, the wireless charging IC 205 can be configured to perform wireless communication with the power source device 201 through the data terminal 211. The wireless charging IC 205 can be configured to perform wireless communication with the power receiving device 202 through the coil 230. The wireless charging IC 205 can be configured to control the power source device 201 and / or the power transmission circuit 220 based on wired / wireless communication.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the wireless charger 203 can further include a matching circuit 270 for minimizing return loss of the power signal. For example, the matching circuit 270 can be inserted into a transmission line between the coil 230 and the power transmission circuit 220, and thus, the transmission line can be matched with a specific impedance. The matching circuit 270 is a lumped element, and can include at least one of a resistor, an inductor, or a capacitor. The matching circuit 270 is a distributed element, and can further include a stripline.

[0057] According to Figure 2 the configuration of the wireless charger 203, a power conversion circuit can be omitted from a power line between the power terminal 213 and the power transmission circuit 220. Thus, when a power signal is transmitted from the power source device 201 to the power receiving device 202 through the wireless charger 203, heat generation due to an inductor of the power conversion circuit does not occur. In addition, since the inductor between the power terminal 213 and the power transmission circuit 220 is omitted, the thickness of the wireless charger 203 can become thinner.

[0058] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a power source device (e.g., the power source device 201) according to an embodiment, providing power to a power receiving device (e.g., the power receiving device 202) through a wireless charger (e.g., the wireless charger 203). Figure 2 Figure 2 Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a power source device (e.g., the power source device 201) according to an embodiment, providing power to a power receiving device (e.g., the power receiving device 202) through a wireless charger (e.g., the wireless charger 203).

[0059] At operation 310, the control circuit 299 can receive data from the power source device (e.g., 201) through the first communication circuit 240. Figure 2

[0060] At operation 320, the control circuit 299 can identify, based on the data received from the power source device 201, that the power source device 201 is a PPS-supporting device. For example, when the data received from the power source device 201 includes information indicating one or more voltage ranges (e.g., 3.3 to 11 V, 3.3 to 16 V, or 3.3 to 21 V), the control circuit 299 can identify the power source device 201 as a PPS-supporting model.

[0061] ​​​At operation 330, based on the power supply device 201 being identified as a device supporting PPS, the control circuit 299 can control the power transmission circuit 220 to transmit a power signal intended to identify the power receiving device 202. According to an embodiment, the control circuit 299 can select one of the voltage ranges. For example, when a TA supporting 25W is connected to the connector 210 as the power supply device 201, the control circuit 299 can receive information indicating that PPS can be supported in a voltage range of 3.3 to 5.9V or 3.3 to 11V from the power supply device 201. The control circuit 299 can select a voltage range of 3.3 to 11V as a range of an input voltage (a voltage of a power signal input from the power supply device 201 through the power terminal 213) from among the voltage ranges. When a TA supporting 45W is connected to the connector 210, the control circuit 299 can receive information indicating that PPS can be supported in a voltage range of 3.3 to 11V, 3.3 to 16V, or 3.3 to 21V from the power supply device 201. The control circuit 299 can select a voltage range of 3.3 to 21V as a range of the input voltage from among the voltage ranges. The control circuit 299 can configure the input voltage (e.g., 5V) in the selected voltage range. The control circuit 299 can transmit data indicating the selected voltage range and the input voltage determined in the range to the power supply device 201 through the first communication circuit 240. The power supply device 201 can determine a range of the input voltage based on the data received from the wireless charger 203. The power supply device 201 can determine an output voltage based on the data received from the wireless charger 203 and output a power signal having the determined output power to the wireless charger 203. The control circuit 299 can control the power transmission circuit 220 to convert the power signal received from the power supply device 201 through the power terminal 213 into a power signal having a predetermined frequency (e.g., 127.7 kHz) and output the converted power signal to the coil 230. The control circuit 299 can identify the power receiving device 202 based on a response (e.g., a signal strength packet (SSP)) to the transmission of the power signal received from the second communication circuit 250.

[0062] At operation 340, based on the power receiving device 202 being identified, the control circuit 299 can control the power transmission circuit 220 to transmit a power signal intended to charge a battery of the power receiving device 202. For example, the control circuit 299 can configure the input voltage in the selected voltage range through data communication with the power receiving device 202. The control circuit 299 can control the power transmission circuit 220 to convert the power signal received from the power supply device 201 through the power terminal 213 into a power signal having a predetermined frequency (e.g., 127.7 kHz) and output the converted power signal to the coil 230.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the wireless charger 203 can include a display device for visually providing information about wireless charging. For example, the wireless charger 203 can include a light emitting diode (LED) (e.g., an orange LED) for informing that the power supply device 201 connected to the connector 210 is a device that does not support PPS. When there is no voltage range in the data received from the power supply device 201, the control circuit 299 can identify the power supply device 201 as a device that does not support PPS. When the power supply device 201 is identified as a device that does not support PPS, the control circuit 299 can turn on or blink the LED included in the wireless charger 203 to indicate that wireless charging is not possible.

[0064] According to an embodiment, when the power supply device 201 is identified as a device that does not support PPS, the control circuit 299 can fix the input voltage to one of the PDO list and control the frequency of the power signal output from the inverter 221 to the coil 230 to adjust the output voltage of the power transmission circuit 220 (the voltage of the power signal output from the power transmission circuit 220 to the power receiving device 202 through the coil 230).

[0065] Figure 4 FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the wireless charger 203 to change the voltage value of the power signal input from the power supply device 201 based on a request from the power receiving device 202 according to an embodiment.

[0066] At operation 410, the control circuit 299 can receive data from the power receiving device in a case where the power signal is transmitted from the power transmission circuit 220 to the power receiving device 202 through the coil 230 (e.g., in a case where operation 340 is performed).

[0067] At operation 420, the control circuit 299 can identify a request for changing the output voltage (the voltage of the power signal output from the power transmission circuit 220 to the power receiving device 202 through the coil 230) in the received data.

[0068] At operation 430, based on the request for changing the output voltage being identified in the received data, the control circuit 299 can transmit a message requesting to change the voltage value to the power supply device 201 through the first communication circuit 240. The control circuit 299 can transmit a second request message requesting to lower the input voltage to the power supply device 201 through the second communication circuit 240 based on a first request message requesting to lower the output voltage (e.g., CEP including negative CEV) being received from the power receiving device 202. The control circuit 299 can transmit a fourth request message requesting to increase the input voltage to the power supply device 201 through the second communication circuit 250 based on a third request message requesting to increase the output voltage (e.g., CEP including positive CEV) being received from the power receiving device 202.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the control circuit 299 can identify a control error value (CEV) in the received data, and request the power supply device 201 to change the input voltage value based on the identified CEV. As a PPS function of the power supply device 201, the voltage resolution can be several mV (e.g., about 20 mV). For example, the control circuit 299 can transmit the identified CEV to the power supply device 201. The power supply device 201 can gradually increase or decrease the voltage output to the wireless charger 203 by n times (absolute value of the CEV) of several mV. When the CEV is -8, the power supply device 201 can gradually decrease the voltage output to the wireless charger 203 by 8 times of several mV.

[0070] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the wireless charger 203 to decrease the output voltage of the wireless charger 203 based on a request from the power receiving device 202 according to an embodiment.

[0071] At operation 510, the control circuit 299 can receive data from the power receiving device in a case where the power signal is transmitted from the power transmission circuit 220 to the power receiving device 202 through the coil 230 (e.g., in a case where operation 340 is performed).

[0072] At operation 520, the control circuit 299 can identify a request for decreasing the output voltage (e.g., a CEP including a negative CEV value) in the received data.

[0073] At operation 530, the control circuit 299 can transmit a message requesting to decrease the input voltage to the power supply device 201 through the first communication circuit 240 based on identifying the request for decreasing the output voltage in the received data.

[0074] At operation 540, the control circuit 299 can identify that the output voltage of the power terminal 213 (voltage (VCC; see FIG. 2) of the power signal output from the power supply device 201 to the power transmission circuit 220 through the power terminal 213) corresponding to the input voltage of the power terminal 213 is equal to or less than a predetermined minimum value. The minimum value can correspond to a minimum value (e.g., 3.3 V) in a selected voltage range (e.g., a voltage range selected for performing operation 340). Figure 2

[0075] ​At operation 550, based on identifying that the input voltage is equal to or less than the minimum value, the control circuit 299 can control the power transmission circuit 220 to transmit, through the first communication circuit 240, a message requesting to fix the input voltage to the minimum value to the power supply device 201, and increase the frequency of the power signal output from the wireless charger 203 to the power receiving device 202. As the frequency of the power signal output from the wireless charger 203 to the power receiving device 202 increases, the voltage of the power signal output from the wireless charger 203 to the power receiving device 202 can decrease.

[0076] Figure 6 FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which the wireless charger 203 increases the output voltage of the wireless charger 203 based on a request from the power receiving device 202 according to an embodiment.

[0077] At operation 610, the control circuit 299 can receive data from the power receiving device in a case where the power signal is transmitted from the power transmission circuit 220 to the power receiving device 202 through the coil 230 (for example, in a case where operation 340 is performed).

[0078] At operation 620, the control circuit 299 can identify a request for increasing the output voltage (for example, CEP including a positive CEV value) in the received data.

[0079] At operation 630, the control circuit 299 can transmit, through the first communication circuit 240, a message requesting to increase the input voltage to the power supply device 201 based on identifying the request for increasing the output voltage in the received data.

[0080] At operation 640, the control circuit 299 can identify that the input voltage (VCC; see FIG. 17) is greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum value. The maximum value can correspond to a maximum value (for example, 11V) in a selected voltage range (for example, a voltage range selected for performing operation 340). Figure 2

[0081] At operation 650, based on identifying that the input voltage is greater than or equal to the maximum value, the control circuit 299 can control the power transmission circuit 220 to transmit, through the first communication circuit 240, a message requesting to fix the input voltage to the maximum value to the power supply device 201, and decrease the frequency of the power signal output from the wireless charger 203 to the power receiving device 202. As the frequency of the power signal output from the wireless charger 203 to the power receiving device 202 decreases, the voltage of the power signal output from the wireless charger 203 to the power receiving device 202 can increase.

[0082] Figure 7 ​is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the wireless charger 203 reducing an output voltage of the wireless charger 203 based on a request from the power receiving device 202 according to an embodiment.

[0083] At operation 710, the control circuit 299 can periodically identify an input voltage (VCC; see FIG. 3) in a case where the power signal is transmitted from the power transmission circuit 220 to the power receiving device 202 through the coil 230 (for example, in a case where operation 340 is performed). Figure 2 ].

[0084] At operation 720, the control circuit 299 can identify whether the input voltage is equal to or less than a minimum value.

[0085] When the input voltage is greater than the minimum value, at operation 730, the control circuit 299 can perform a first voltage variable mode. For example, the control circuit 299 can identify a negative CEV in the data received from the power receiving device 202. The control circuit 299 can transmit a message requesting a reduction in the input voltage to the power supply device 201 through the first communication circuit 240 based on the identification of the negative CEV in the received data. After transmitting the message, the control circuit 299 can identify a CEV in the data received from the power receiving device 202. When the identified CEV is "0", the control circuit 299 can end the first voltage variable mode. When the identified CEV is still negative, the control circuit 299 can transmit a message requesting a further reduction in the input voltage to the power supply device 201 through the first communication circuit 240. The control circuit 299 can repeatedly perform the operations of identifying the CEV in the received data and requesting a reduction in the input voltage to the power supply device 201 until the CEV converges to "0".

[0086] When the input voltage is equal to or less than the minimum value, the control circuit 299 can perform the first frequency variable mode at operation 740. For example, the control circuit 299 can transmit a message requesting to fix the input voltage to the minimum value to the power supply device 201 through the first communication circuit 240. The control circuit 299 can identify the negative CEV in the data received from the power receiving device 202. The control circuit 299 can control the power transmission circuit 220 to increase the frequency of the output signal from the wireless charger 203 to the power receiving device 202 based on the identification of the negative CEV in the received data. After the increase of the frequency, the control circuit 299 can identify the CEV in the data received from the power receiving device 202. When the identified CEV is "0", the control circuit 299 can end the first frequency variable mode. When the identified CEV is still negative, the control circuit 299 can control the power transmission circuit 220 to further increase the frequency of the power signal output to the power receiving device 202. The control circuit 299 can repeatedly perform the operations of identifying the CEV in the received data and gradually increasing the frequency until the CEV converges to "0" or the frequency reaches the maximum value (for example, 145 kHz).

[0087] Figure 8 FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the wireless charger 203 increasing the output voltage of the wireless charger 203 based on a request from the power receiving device 202 according to an embodiment.

[0088] At operation 810, the control circuit 299 can periodically identify the input voltage (VCC; see FIG. 6) in a case where the power signal is transmitted from the power transmission circuit 220 to the power receiving device 202 through the coil 230 (for example, in a case where operation 340 is performed). Figure 2

[0089] At operation 820, the control circuit 299 can identify whether the input voltage is greater than or equal to the maximum value. Operation 810 can correspond to, for example, operation 710, and operation 820 and operation 720 can be simultaneously performed.

[0090] ​When the input voltage is less than the maximum value, the control circuit 299 can perform a second voltage variable mode at operation 830. For example, the control circuit 299 can identify a positive CEV in data received from the power receiving device 202. The control circuit 299 can transmit a message requesting an increase in the input voltage to the power supply device 201 through the first communication circuit 240 based on identifying a positive CEV in the received data. After transmitting the message, the control circuit 299 can identify the CEV in data received from the power receiving device 202. When the identified CEV is "0", the control circuit 299 can end the second voltage variable mode. When the identified CEV is still positive, the control circuit 299 can transmit a message requesting a further increase in the input voltage to the power supply device 201 through the first communication circuit 240. The control circuit 299 can repeatedly perform the operations of identifying the CEV in the received data and requesting an increase in the input voltage to the power supply device 201 until the CEV converges to "0".

[0091] When the input voltage is greater than or equal to the maximum value, the control circuit 299 can perform a second frequency variable mode at operation 840. For example, the control circuit 299 can transmit a message requesting fixing of the input voltage to the maximum value to the power supply device 201 through the first communication circuit 240. The control circuit 299 can identify a positive CEV in data received from the power receiving device 202. The control circuit 299 can control the power transmission circuit 220 to decrease the frequency of the power signal output from the wireless charger 203 to the power receiving device 202 based on identifying a positive CEV in the received data. After decreasing the frequency, the control circuit 299 can identify the CEV in data received from the power receiving device 202. When the identified CEV is "0", the control circuit 299 can end the second frequency variable mode. When the identified CEV is still positive, the control circuit 299 can control the power transmission circuit 220 to further decrease the frequency of the power signal output to the power receiving device 202. The control circuit 299 can repeatedly perform the operations of identifying the CEV in the received data and gradually decreasing the frequency until the CEV converges to "0" or the frequency reaches the minimum value (e.g., 110 kHz).

[0092] The time taken for the power supply device 201 to change the voltage can be shorter than the CEP transmission period from the power receiving device 202 to the wireless charger 203. For example, when the absolute value of the CEV is less than 8, the CEP transmission period can be about 150 ms, and when the absolute value of the CEV is greater than or equal to 8, the CEP transmission period can be about 55 ms, and the time taken to change the voltage can be about 32 ms (e.g., when the alignment between the coils 230 and 201a is even, the absolute value of the CEV can be greater than or equal to 8). Thus, the wireless charger 203 can control the power supply device 201 to quickly cope with changes in the CEV.

[0093] The voltage resolution of the power supply unit 201 can meet the voltage resolution required by the power receiving unit 202. For example, when the CEV range is 256 levels (-127 to +128) and the selected voltage range (e.g., the voltage range selected for performing operation 340) is 3.3V to 10V, the voltage resolution required by the power receiving unit 202 can be 30mV. When the voltage resolution of the power supply unit 201 is less than 30mV, the CEV can converge to 0. After the CEV converges to 0, power can be stably supplied from the power supply unit 201 to the power receiving unit 202 via the relay of the wireless charger 203, without any change in the output voltage.

[0094] In the description of this disclosure, wireless charger 203 may be interchangeably referred to as, for example, a power relay or a wireless charging relay.

[0095] According to an embodiment, a wireless charger (e.g., Figure 2 (203) may include: a coil; a connector including power terminals and data terminals; and a power transmission circuit connected to the power terminals and configured to transmit power from a power source (e.g., a power supply device) via the power terminals. Figure 2 The current of the received power signal (201) is converted from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), and the AC is output to the coil; the communication circuit (e.g., Figure 2 (240 and 250), connected to the data terminal and the coil, and configured to communicate with the power supply device via the data terminal and with a power receiving device (e.g., via the coil). Figure 2 (202) Communication; control circuit, configured to control the power transmitting circuit and the communication circuit; and power supply circuit, connected to the power terminal and configured to provide power signals received from the power supply device via the power terminal to the communication circuit and the control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to: based on the communication circuit receiving a first request message requesting a reduction in the output voltage of the power signal output to the power receiving device via the coil, control the communication circuit to output a second request message requesting a reduction in the input voltage of the power signal input from the power supply device via the power terminal to the power supply device via the data terminal. The control circuit may be configured to: based on the communication circuit receiving a third request message requesting an increase in the output voltage, control the communication circuit to output a fourth request message requesting an increase in the input voltage to the power supply device via the data terminal.

[0096] The control circuit can be configured to control the communication circuit to output the second request message to the power supply device through the data terminal based on a control error value (CEV) included in the first request message being a negative number. The control circuit can be configured to control the communication circuit to output the fourth request message to the power supply device through the data terminal based on a CEV included in the third request message being a positive number. The control circuit can be configured to set the input voltage in proportion to the CEV.

[0097] The control circuit can be configured to increase a frequency of a power signal output from the power transmission circuit to the coil based on the communication circuit receiving a message requesting a decrease in the output voltage in a state in which the input voltage is fixed to a minimum value.

[0098] The control circuit can be configured to decrease a frequency of a power signal output from the power transmission circuit to the coil based on the communication circuit receiving a message requesting an increase in the output voltage in a state in which the input voltage is fixed to a maximum value.

[0099] The communication circuit and the control circuit can be included in one chip. The communication circuit can include a micro controller unit (MCU).

[0100] The power supply circuit can include a converter configured to convert a voltage of a power signal received from the power supply device through the power terminal to a predetermined voltage to drive the communication circuit and the control circuit.

[0101] The control circuit can be configured to control the power transmission circuit to transmit a power signal for identifying the power receiving device based on identifying the power supply device as a device supporting a programmable power supply (PPS) function for adjusting the input voltage through the communication circuit.

[0102] The control circuit can be configured to turn on or blink a light emitting diode (LED) included in the wireless charger based on identifying the power supply device as a device not supporting a PPS function through the communication circuit.

[0103] According to an embodiment, a method of operating a wireless charger (e.g., 203) can include receiving a message requesting a change in an output voltage of a power signal output through a coil of the wireless charger to a power receiving device (e.g., 202) through the coil of the wireless charger. The method can include outputting a request for a change in an input voltage of the wireless charger through a data terminal of the wireless charger based on receiving the message requesting a change in the output voltage. Figure 2 Figure 2 The method can include receiving a message requesting a change in an output voltage of a power signal output through a coil of the wireless charger to a power receiving device (e.g., 202) through the coil of the wireless charger. The method can include outputting a request for a change in an input voltage of the wireless charger through a data terminal of the wireless charger based on receiving the message requesting a change in the output voltage.​Figure 2 the input voltage of the power signal inputted from the power receiving device, and outputting a message requesting to change the input voltage to the power supply device. The operation of outputting a message requesting to change the input voltage can include an operation of outputting, based on receiving a first request message requesting to lower the output voltage, a second request message requesting to lower the input voltage to the power supply device through the data terminal, and an operation of outputting, based on receiving a third request message requesting to raise the output voltage, a fourth request message requesting to raise the input voltage to the power supply device through the data terminal.

[0104] The operation of outputting the second request message can be performed based on a control error value (CEV) included in the first request message being a negative number. The operation of outputting the fourth request message can be performed based on a CEV included in the third request message being a positive number.

[0105] The method can further include an operation of identifying the input voltage, an operation of outputting, based on the input voltage being equal to or less than a predetermined minimum value, a message requesting to fix the input voltage to a minimum value to the power supply device through the data terminal, and an operation of raising a frequency of a power signal outputted from the coil to the power receiving device based on receiving a message requesting to lower the output voltage from the power receiving device in a state where the input voltage is fixed to the minimum value.

[0106] The method can further include an operation of identifying the input voltage, an operation of outputting, based on the input voltage being greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum value, a message requesting to fix the input voltage to a maximum value to the power supply device through the data terminal, and an operation of raising a frequency of a power signal outputted from the coil to the power receiving device based on receiving a message requesting to raise the output voltage from the power receiving device in a state where the input voltage is fixed to the maximum value.

[0107] The method can further include an operation of transmitting a power signal for identifying the power receiving device through the coil based on the power supply device being a device supporting a programmable power supply (PPS) function for adjusting the input voltage.

[0108] An electronic device according to various embodiments can be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic devices can include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

[0109] It should be understood that various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit technically described features to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, like reference numerals can be used to refer to like or similar elements. It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include all possible combinations of the items listed in the corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, the terms "first" and "second" can be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that if an element (for example, a first element) is referred to as "including" or "comprising" another element (for example, a second element), the element can further include or comprise the other element, without excluding the other element.

[0110] As used in connection with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "module" can include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and can interchangeably be used with other terms such as "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuitry." The module can be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module can be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0111] Various embodiments as set forth herein can be implemented as software (e.g., the program 140) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138) that are readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101). For example, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) can invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated as a special purpose machine to perform at least one function. The one or more instructions can include a code generated by a compiler or a code that forms at least a part of a language as provided in a high-level programming language. The machine-readable storage medium can be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave). However, the term "non-transitory" does not encompass data that is at least temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0112] According to the embodiments, a method according to various embodiments of the disclosure can be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product can be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore TM ). If the computer program product is distributed online, at least part of it can be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium such as a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0113] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components can include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities can be separately positioned in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components can be omitted, or one or more other components can be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) can be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component can still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as each component performs its function or functions before the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component can be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations can be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations can be added.

[0114] Any of the features described herein can be combined with any of the other features described herein in any combination.

Claims

1. A wireless charger (203), comprising: Coil (230); The connector (210) includes a power terminal (213) and a data terminal (211); A power transmission circuit (220), connected to the power terminal, is configured to convert the current of a power signal received from the power supply device (201) through the power terminal from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), and output the AC to the coil; Communication circuits (240 and 250) are connected to the data terminals and the coil, and are configured to communicate with the power supply device via the data terminals and with the power receiving device (202) via the coil; The control circuit (299) is configured to control the power transmission circuit and the communication circuit; as well as A power supply circuit (260) is connected to the power terminal and configured to provide power signals received from the power supply device via the power terminal to the communication circuit and the control circuit. The control circuit is configured as follows: Based on the fact that the communication circuit receives a first request message requesting to reduce the output voltage of the power signal output to the power receiving device through the coil, the communication circuit controls the communication circuit to output a second request message requesting to reduce the input voltage of the power signal input from the power supply device through the power terminal to the power supply device through the data terminal; as well as Based on the fact that the communication circuit receives a third request message requesting an increase in the output voltage, the communication circuit is controlled to output a fourth request message requesting an increase in the input voltage to the power supply device through the data terminal.

2. The wireless charger according to claim 1, wherein, The control circuit is configured as follows: Based on the fact that the control error value (CEV) included in the first request message is negative, the control communication circuit outputs the second request message to the power supply device through the data terminal; as well as Based on the fact that CEV included in the third request message is a positive number, the communication circuit is controlled to output the fourth request message to the power supply device through the data terminal.

3. The wireless charger according to claim 2, wherein, The control circuit is configured to set the input voltage in proportion to the CEV.

4. The wireless charger according to claim 1, wherein, The control circuit is configured to: upon receiving a message requesting a reduction in the output voltage while the input voltage is fixed at a minimum value, the communication circuit increases the frequency of the power signal output from the power transmitting circuit to the coil.

5. The wireless charger according to claim 1, wherein, The control circuit is configured to: upon receiving a message requesting an increase in the output voltage while the input voltage is fixed at its maximum value, reduce the frequency of the power signal output from the power transmitting circuit to the coil.

6. The wireless charger according to claim 1, wherein, The communication circuit and the control circuit are included in a single chip.

7. The wireless charger according to claim 6, wherein, The control circuit includes a microcontroller unit (MCU).

8. The wireless charger according to claim 1, wherein, The power supply circuit includes a converter, wherein the converter is configured to convert the voltage of the power signal received from the power supply device via the power terminal into a predetermined voltage to drive the communication circuit and the control circuit.

9. The wireless charger according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The control circuit is configured to: based on the fact that the power supply device is identified by the communication circuit as a device that supports a programmable power supply (PPS) function for adjusting the input voltage, control the power transmitting circuit to send a power signal for identifying the power receiving device.

10. The wireless charger according to claim 9, wherein, The control circuit is configured to: based on the communication circuit identifying the power supply device as a device that does not support PPS function, turn on the light-emitting diode (LED) included in the wireless charger or make the LED blink.

11. A method of operating a wireless charger (230), the method comprising: The wireless charger receives a message requesting a change in the output voltage of the power signal output to the power receiving device (202) via the coil (230). as well as Based on the received message requesting a change in the output voltage, the message requesting a change in the input voltage of the power signal input from the power supply unit (201) via the power terminal (213) of the wireless charger is output to the power supply unit via the data terminal (211). The message requesting a change in the input voltage includes: Based on receiving a first request message requesting a reduction in the output voltage, a second request message requesting a reduction in the input voltage is output to the power supply device via the data terminal; and Based on the received third request message requesting an increase in the output voltage, a fourth request message requesting an increase in the input voltage is output to the power supply device via the data terminal.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Based on the fact that the control error value (CEV) included in the first request message is negative, the second request message is output, and Wherein, based on the fact that CEV included in the third request message is a positive number, the fourth request message is output.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: Identify the input voltage; Based on the input voltage being equal to or less than a predetermined minimum value, a message requesting that the input voltage be fixed to the minimum value is output to the power supply device via the data terminal; as well as Based on receiving a message from the power receiving device requesting a reduction in the output voltage while the input voltage is fixed at the minimum value, the frequency of the power signal output from the coil to the power receiving device is increased.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: Identify the input voltage; Based on the input voltage being greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum value, a message requesting that the input voltage be fixed at the maximum value is output to the power supply device via the data terminal; as well as Based on receiving a message from the power receiving device requesting an increase in the output voltage while the input voltage is fixed at the maximum value, the frequency of the power signal output from the coil to the power receiving device is increased.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising: Since the power supply device is a device that supports a programmable power supply (PPS) function for adjusting the input voltage, a power signal for identifying the power receiving device is transmitted through the coil.

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