Electronic device for charging battery by using power input from power supply device

Abstract

The electronic equipment comprises a connector which comprises a power end and a data end; the communication circuit is connected to the data end; a power conversion circuit configured to reduce a voltage of a power signal input from a power supply device through a power supply terminal to 1 / N and increase a current thereof to N times to output a reduced voltage and an increased current; a battery connected to the power conversion circuit; and a control circuit connected to the communication circuit and the power conversion circuit. When the battery is charged by using the power conversion circuit, the control circuit can perform the following operations: controlling the communication circuit to communicate with the power supply equipment through the data terminal; the current of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device is gradually increased from a first initial value to a first target current value set as a maximum output current value; identifying which of the set current portions an output current value belongs to when an error in communication occurs before a current value of a power signal output from the power supply apparatus to the electronic apparatus reaches a first target current value; counting the number of occurrences of errors in the identified current portion; setting a second target current value less than the first target current value as a maximum output current value based on the counted number being equal to or greater than a threshold value; and controlling the communication circuit to communicate with the power supply equipment through the data end so as to gradually increase the current of the power signal output from the power supply equipment to the electronic equipment from the second initial value to a second target current value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to an electronic device configured to charge a battery using power input from a power supply device. Background Technology

[0002] A power supply device (e.g., a travel adapter (TA)) can perform power delivery (PD) communication with electronic devices via cable and supply power to a power receiving device (e.g., a smartphone). The power receiving device (e.g., a smartphone) can charge its battery using the power input from the power supply device and supply power to the power receiving device's system (or load circuitry). For example, power input from the power supply device to the power receiving device can be distributed to the battery and system via the power receiving device's charging circuitry.

[0003] The above information is provided as relevant technology for the purpose of aiding understanding of this disclosure. No assertion or determination is made as to whether anything in the foregoing can be considered prior art to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] Errors may occur in PD communication between the two devices if the cables connecting the power supply and power receiving devices are old or not genuine. Due to cable resistance, the input voltage of the power receiving device (the voltage of the power signal input from the cable to the power receiving device) is relatively lower than the output voltage of the power supply device (the voltage of the power signal output from the power supply device to the cable). This voltage drop caused by cable resistance can be referred to as the IR drop (or V (voltage) drop).

[0006] The allowable IR drop values ​​are defined in USB Power Delivery (PD). USB Power Delivery (PD) is well-known as a communication protocol used to power electronic devices connected via a USB cable. For example, when the output current of the power supply device (the current from the power supply device to the power signal output to the cable) is determined to be a maximum of 5A, an IR drop of up to approximately 500mV is allowed between the power pins of two devices connected via a USB Type-C cable, and an IR drop of up to approximately 250mV is allowed between the ground pins. If the cable is aged or not a specified genuine product, an IR drop greater than the specified allowable values ​​as described above may occur.

[0007] An IR voltage drop equal to or greater than the permissible value may cause errors in PD communication between two devices. For example, a power receiving device may perform PD communication with a power supply device to adjust the power supply device's output voltage and / or output current. During PD communication, the power supply device may fail to recognize the data sent by the power receiving device. Therefore, the power supply device may stop supplying power to the power receiving device. Subsequently, power supply can be restored between the two devices via PD communication. However, power supply can be stopped again. When power supply is repeatedly stopped and restored, battery charging is delayed, which may frequently trigger voice of the customer (VOC) (e.g., customer complaints about delayed or failed charging).

[0008] In embodiments of this disclosure, when a communication error occurs due to the electronic device being connected to the power supply via an abnormal cable, the electronic device can reduce the output current of the power supply, thereby preventing further communication errors and enabling faster battery charging.

[0009] The technical problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can clearly understand from the following description other technical problems not mentioned.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] According to an embodiment, an electronic device includes: a connector including a power supply terminal and a data terminal; a communication circuit connected to the data terminal; a power conversion circuit configured to reduce the voltage of a power signal input from a power supply device through the power supply terminal to 1 / N, increase the current of the power signal by N times, and output the power signal having a reduced voltage and an increased current; a battery connected to the power conversion circuit; and a control circuit connected to the communication circuit and the power conversion circuit. The control circuit can be configured to perform the following operations while charging the battery using the power conversion circuit: controlling the communication circuit to communicate with the power supply device via the data terminal so that the current of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device gradually increases from a first initial value to a first target current value set as a maximum output current value; when a communication error occurs before the current value of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device reaches the first target current value, identifying the current range to which the output current value belongs within a predetermined current range; counting the number of errors occurring in the identified current range; setting a second target current value lower than the first target current value as the maximum output current value based on the count being equal to or greater than a threshold; and controlling the communication circuit to communicate with the power supply device via the data terminal so that the current of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device gradually increases from a second initial value to the second target current value.

[0012] According to an embodiment, an electronic device includes: a connector including a power supply terminal and a data terminal; a communication circuit connected to the data terminal; a power conversion circuit configured to reduce the voltage of a power signal input from a power supply device through the power supply terminal to 1 / N, increase the current of the power signal by N times, and output the power signal having a reduced voltage and an increased current; a battery connected to the power conversion circuit; and a control circuit connected to the communication circuit and the power conversion circuit. The control circuit can be configured to perform the following operations when charging the battery using the power conversion circuit: controlling the communication circuit to communicate with the power supply device via the data terminal so that the power output from the power supply device to the electronic device is gradually increased from a first initial value to a first target power value set as a maximum output power value; identifying the power range to which the output power value belongs within a predetermined power range if a communication error occurs before the power output from the power supply device reaches the first target power value; counting the number of errors occurring in the identified power range; setting a second target power value lower than the first target power value as the maximum output power value based on the count being equal to or greater than a threshold; and controlling the communication circuit to communicate with the power supply device via the data terminal so that the power output from the power supply device to the electronic device is gradually increased from a second initial value to the second target power value.

[0013] Beneficial effects of the invention

[0014] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide an electronic device configured to reduce the output current of a power supply when a communication error occurs due to a faulty cable connection to the power supply, thereby preventing further communication errors and enabling faster battery charging. Furthermore, various other effects that can be understood directly or indirectly from this disclosure may also be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a power receiving device configured to charge a battery using power received from a power supply device, according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating errors in communication based on IR voltage drop.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a power receiving device for charging a battery using a first power conversion circuit, according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a power receiving device according to an embodiment for resolving communication errors when a communication error occurs during battery charging using a first power conversion circuit.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a power receiving device for charging a battery using a first power conversion circuit, according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a power receiving device for resolving a communication error when a communication error occurs during battery charging using a first power conversion circuit, according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a graph illustrating the operation of a power supply device and a power receiving device according to an embodiment for resolving communication errors during battery charging.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a power receiving device for resolving communication errors according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a power receiving device for resolving communication errors according to an embodiment.

[0025] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to easily practice this disclosure. However, this disclosure can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In describing the drawings, the same or similar components may be denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations will be omitted in the drawings and related descriptions. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments. (Refer to...) Figure 1In network environment 100, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or with at least one of electronic device 104 or server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 104 via server 108. According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, memory 130, input module 150, sound output module 155, display module 160, audio module 170, sensor module 176, interface 177, connection terminal 178, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, user identification module (SIM) 196, or antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of the above components (e.g., connection terminal 178) may be omitted from electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the components described above (e.g., sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) may be implemented as a single integrated component (e.g., display module 160).

[0027] Processor 120 may run software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of electronic device 101 connected to processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, processor 120 may store commands or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in volatile memory 132, process the commands or data stored in volatile memory 132, and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory 134. According to embodiments, processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., central processing unit (CPU) or application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., graphics processing unit (GPU), neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor (ISP), sensor central processor, or communication processor (CP)) that is operationally independent of or combined with the main processor 121. For example, when electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and an auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or to be adapted to perform a specific function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121, or may implement a portion of the main processor 121.

[0028] When the main processor 121 is inactive (e.g., in sleep) state, the auxiliary processor 123 (rather than the main processor 121) can control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190), or when the main processor 121 is active (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 123 can, together with the main processor 121, control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190). According to embodiments, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190) functionally associated with the auxiliary processor 123. According to embodiments, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a neural processing unit) may include hardware architecture dedicated to artificial intelligence model processing. Artificial intelligence models can be generated through machine learning. For example, such learning can be performed via electronic device 101 where the artificial intelligence is performed, or via a separate server (e.g., server 108). The learning algorithm may include, but is not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include multiple layers of artificial neural networks. The artificial neural network may 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 optionally, the artificial intelligence model may include software structures in addition to hardware structures.

[0029] Memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120 or sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., program 140) and input or output data for commands associated with it. Memory 130 may include volatile memory 132 or non-volatile memory 134.

[0030] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130, and the program 140 may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, or application 146.

[0031] Input module 150 can receive commands or data from outside electronic device 101 (e.g., a user) that will be used by other components of electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120). Input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, keys (e.g., buttons), or digital pen (e.g., stylus).

[0032] The audio output module 155 can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The audio output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing records. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to embodiments, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0033] Display module 160 can visually provide information to the outside of electronic device 101 (e.g., to a user). Display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and control circuitry for controlling a respective one of the display, holographic device, and projector. According to an embodiment, display module 160 may include a touch sensor adapted to detect touch or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of the force caused by touch.

[0034] The audio module 170 can convert sound into electrical signals and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 can obtain sound via the input module 150, or output sound via the sound output module 155 or headphones of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) that is directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0035] Sensor module 176 can detect the operating state of electronic device 101 (e.g., power or temperature) or the environmental state outside electronic device 101 (e.g., user state), and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to embodiments, sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, gyroscope sensor, atmospheric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, accelerometer, grip sensor, proximity sensor, color sensor, infrared (IR) sensor, biometric sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or illuminance sensor.

[0036] Interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols used to enable electronic device 101 to connect directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly to external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, interface 177 may include, for example, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Secure Digital Card (SD) interface, or an audio interface.

[0037] Connection end 178 may include a connector, via which electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, connection end 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0038] The haptic module 179 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or motion) or electrical stimuli that can be recognized by a user through his touch or kinesthesia. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0039] Camera module 180 can capture still or moving images. According to an embodiment, camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0040] The power management module 188 manages the power supply to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0041] Battery 189 can power at least one component of electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable rechargeable battery, or a fuel cell.

[0042] Communication module 190 can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between electronic device 101 and external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. Communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently of processor 120 (e.g., application processor (AP)) and support direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication. According to embodiments, communication module 190 may include wireless communication module 192 (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or wired communication module 194 (e.g., local area network (LAN) communication module or power line communication (PLC) module). One of these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a traditional cellular network, 5G network, next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These types of communication modules can be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips) that are separate from each other. The wireless communication module 192 uses user information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 196 to identify and verify the electronic device 101 in the communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199).

[0043] Wireless communication module 192 can support 5G networks following 4G networks and next-generation communication technologies (e.g., new radio (NR) access technologies). NR access technologies can support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), or ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). Wireless communication module 192 can support high-frequency bands (e.g., millimeter-wave bands) to achieve, for example, high data transmission rates. Wireless communication module 192 can support various technologies used to ensure the performance of high-frequency bands, such as, for example, beamforming, massive MIMO, full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, or massive antennas. Wireless communication module 192 can support various requirements specified in electronic device 101, external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 104), or network system (e.g., second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 may support peak data rates (e.g., 20 Gbps or greater) for implementing eMBB, lost coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less round trip) for implementing URLLC.

[0044] Antenna module 197 can transmit or receive signals or power to or from the outside of electronic device 101 (e.g., external electronic device). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include an antenna comprising a radiating element formed of a conductive material or conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include multiple antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as a first network 198 or a second network 199) can be selected from the multiple antennas by, for example, communication module 190 (e.g., wireless communication module 192). Signals or power can then be transmitted or received between communication module 190 and external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, additional components besides the radiating element (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally incorporated into antenna module 197.

[0045] According to various embodiments, antenna module 197 may form a millimeter-wave antenna module. According to embodiments, the millimeter-wave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), and multiple antennas (e.g., an array antenna), wherein the RFIC is disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and is capable of supporting a specified high-frequency band (e.g., a millimeter-wave band), and the multiple antennas are disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., a top or side surface) of the printed circuit board and are capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the specified high-frequency band.

[0046] At least some of the aforementioned components can be interconnected via a peripheral communication scheme (e.g., bus, general purpose input / output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industrial processor interface (MIPI)) and can communicatively transmit signals (e.g., commands or data) between them.

[0047] According to an embodiment, commands or data can be sent or received between electronic device 101 and external electronic device 104 via server 108 connected to a second network 199. Each of electronic device 102 or electronic device 104 can be a device of the same type as electronic device 101, or a device of a different type. According to an embodiment, all or some operations to be performed on electronic device 101 can be performed on one or more of external electronic devices 102, external electronic devices 104, or server 108. For example, if electronic device 101 is required to automatically perform a function or service, or is required to perform a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service, instead of running the function or service, or electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service in addition to running the function or service. Upon receiving the request, the one or more external electronic devices may perform the requested at least portion of the function or service, or perform additional functions or services related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to electronic device 101. Electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial response to the request, with or without further processing of the result. For this purpose, technologies such as cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing may be used. Electronic device 101 may use, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing to provide ultra-low latency services. In another embodiment, external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. Server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to embodiments, external electronic device 104 or server 108 may be included in a second network 199. Electronic device 101 can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technologies.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a power receiving device 201 according to an embodiment, which is configured to charge a battery using power received from a power supply device 202. The power receiving device 201 can be connected to the power supply device 202 via a cable 203 (e.g., a USB Type-C cable) that supports data communication and power reception.

[0049] refer to Figure 2 Power receiving equipment 201 (e.g., Figure 1The electronic device 101 may include a battery 210, a connector 220, a charging circuit 240, a communication circuit 250, a memory 270, and a control circuit 299.

[0050] Connector 220 (e.g., Figure 1 The connector 220 (connector 178) may include a power supply terminal 221 for receiving power signals from the power supply device 202, a ground terminal 222 connected to ground of the power receiving device 201, and a data terminal 223 for data communication with the power supply device 202. For example, the connector 220 may include a receptacle according to Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type-C. The receptacle of the connector 220 may be coupled to the plug of the cable 203. For example, in the pins of the USB Type-C receptacle, the VBUS pin may be used as the power supply terminal 221, and the configuration channel (CC) pin and / or differential signal pins (DP(D+), DN(D-)) may be used as the data terminal 223.

[0051] Based on the control of the control circuit 299, the charging circuit 240 can support constant current (CC) and constant voltage (CV) charging. For example, when the charging mode is set to CC mode, if the voltage of the battery 210 (e.g., the voltage difference between the positive electrode (anode) and the negative electrode (cathode) of the battery) is less than a specified target voltage value, the charging circuit 240 can maintain the current of the power signal output from the charging circuit 240 at a constant charging current value set by the control circuit 299. For example, the target voltage value can indicate the voltage of the battery 210 when it is fully charged. Full charge can refer to the state of charge (SOC) when the battery reaches 100% of its predetermined maximum capacity without any risk of damage or explosion. As another example, the target voltage value can be a specified voltage (e.g., the voltage corresponding to 98% of the maximum capacity). When the voltage (VBAT) of the battery 210 reaches the target voltage value during battery charging, the charging mode can switch to CV mode. When the voltage (VBAT) of battery 210 reaches the target voltage value and the charging mode switches from CC mode to CV mode, the charging circuit 240 can reduce the current value of the power signal output from the charging circuit 240 based on the control of the control circuit 299, thereby maintaining the input voltage (VBAT) of battery module 210 at the target voltage value. When battery module 210 is charging in CV mode, when the current (IBAT) of the power signal input from the charging circuit 240 to battery 210 decreases to a specified current value for charging completion (e.g., the end current value), the charging circuit 240 can complete the charging of battery 210 by stopping the output of the power signal to battery 210 based on the control of the control circuit 299.

[0052] For example, the charging circuit 240 may include a first power conversion circuit (optionally, a direct charging circuit) 241 and a second power conversion circuit (optionally, a switching charging circuit) 242.

[0053] The first power conversion circuit 241 may include a first terminal 241a and a second terminal 241b through which it inputs and outputs power. The first terminal 241a may be electrically connected to the power supply terminal 221 of the connector 220. The second terminal 241b may be electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery 210. The negative terminal of the battery 210 may be connected to the ground of the power receiving device 201. The first power conversion circuit 241 may be configured to convert the voltage value of the power signal input from the first terminal 241a to a fixed voltage conversion ratio (the ratio of the voltage value of the output power signal to the voltage value of the input power signal) and output the power signal to the second terminal 241b. The first power conversion circuit 241 may include a circuit (e.g., a switched capacitor divider (SCVD)) configured such that the ratio of input power to output power is "1". For example, the first power conversion circuit 241 can convert the voltage value of the power signal received from the power supply terminal 221 through the first terminal 241a at a ratio of N:1 (e.g., by a factor of 1 / N), and convert the current value at a ratio of 1:N (e.g., by a factor of N), and can output the power signal to the battery 210 through the second terminal 241b.

[0054] The second power conversion circuit (e.g., a buck-boost converter) 242 may include a third terminal 242a and a fourth terminal 242b for inputting and outputting power. Here, "third" and "fourth" are prefixes used only to distinguish them from terminals 241a and 241b configured in the first power conversion circuit 241, and do not otherwise define the second power conversion circuit 242. The third terminal 242a may be electrically connected to the power supply terminal 221 of the connector 220. The fourth terminal 242b may be electrically connected to the positive electrode of the battery 210. The second power conversion circuit 242 may convert the voltage and / or current value of the power signal input from the third terminal 242a and output the power signal to the fourth terminal 242b. For example, the second power conversion circuit 242 may decrease or increase the voltage value of the power signal received from the power supply terminal 221 through the third terminal 242a and output the power signal to the battery 210 through the fourth terminal 242b.

[0055] Communication circuitry (e.g., a USB controller) 250 can identify the type of external device connected to connector 220 based on data received from the external device via data terminal 223. Communication circuitry 250 can send identification information indicating the type of external device to control circuitry 299. Control circuitry 299 can perform communication with the external device via communication circuitry 250 based on the identification information according to a power delivery (PD) communication protocol, thereby performing the operation of determining the source for power supply and the destination for power reception in two devices 201 and 202. For example, power supply device 202 can be identified as a travel adapter (TA), and therefore power supply device 202 can be determined as the source, and power receiving device 201 can be determined as the destination. After such negotiation, control circuitry 299 can perform communication with power supply device 202 via communication circuitry 250 according to a PD communication protocol (e.g., Power Data Object (PDO) or Programmable Power Supply (PPS)), thereby performing the operation of negotiating the current and / or voltage values ​​of the power signal to be sent from power supply device 202. Control circuit 299 can control one of power conversion circuits 241 and 242 to output a power signal with voltage and current values ​​determined by negotiation. In one example, when power supply device 202 is identified as a PPS-supporting model, control circuit 299 can disable the second power conversion circuit 242, activate the first power conversion circuit 241, and supply power to battery 210 using the activated first power conversion circuit 241. As another example, when power supply device 202 is identified as a non-PPS-supporting model, control circuit 299 can disable the first power conversion circuit 241, activate the second power conversion circuit 242, and supply power to battery 210 using the activated second power conversion circuit 242.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the control circuit 299 may be a component of a PMIC (e.g., a power management module 188) (e.g., a microcontroller unit (MCU)) or a component of a processor (e.g., an application processor) (e.g., processor 120).

[0057] According to an embodiment, at least one of the first power conversion circuit 241, the second power conversion circuit 242, the communication circuit 250, and the control circuit 299 may be a component integrated into a specific chip (e.g., an interface integration (IF) PMIC).

[0058] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating communication errors based on IR voltage drop.

[0059] When power is supplied from power supply device 202 to power receiving device 201, current 304 flows from power supply terminal 301 of power supply device 202 to power supply terminal 221 of power receiving device 201, and then returns to ground terminal 302 of power supply device 202 via ground terminal 222 of power receiving device 201. As current 304 flows between power supply device 202 and power receiving device 201, communication can be established between the two devices 201 and 202 to adjust the current value. For example, data 305 can be output from data terminal 223 of power receiving device 201 to data terminal 303 of power supply device 202.

[0060] Power receiving device 201 has a first voltage 310 between data terminal 223 and ground terminal 222. Power supply device 202 has a second voltage 320 between data terminal 303 and ground terminal 302. When current 304 is not flowing (e.g., when power supply device 202 stops supplying power to power receiving device 201), the first voltage 310 and the second voltage 320 may be substantially equal to each other. When current 304 flows between power supply device 202 and power receiving device 201, the second voltage 320 has a different value than the first voltage 310 due to the IR voltage drop in cable 203. For example, the first voltage 310 may correspond to a low voltage level of data 305 relative to ground (GND) in power receiving device 201. The second voltage 320 may correspond to a low voltage level of data 305 relative to ground (GND) in power supply device 202. Therefore, the low voltage level in data 305 received by power supply device 202 may be different from the low voltage level of data 305 transmitted by power receiving device 201. As the current value of the power signal output by the power supply device 202 to the power receiving device 201 increases, the difference between the first voltage 310 and the second voltage 320 increases. This may cause the low voltage level of the data 305 received by the power supply device 202 to fluctuate, making it impossible for the power supply device 202 to recognize the data 305. When the power supply device 202 fails to recognize the data 305, it can stop supplying power and then restart communication with the power receiving device 201 to resume power supply.

[0061] For example, when cable 203 is aged or not a specified genuine product, the IR voltage drop may exceed the specified allowable value. In this case, a communication error may occur between the two devices 201 and 202 before the current value (or power value) of the power signal output from power supply device 202 reaches a predetermined target value, thus potentially causing a temporary interruption of power supply. Communication errors may repeat, thus potentially delaying the charging of battery 210. According to various embodiments of this disclosure, when the same type of communication error repeats, the target value can be reduced to prevent the same type of communication error from recurring, and operations for fast charging of battery 210 can be performed in power receiving device 201. Here, the same type of communication error may refer to a communication error that repeats when the current value (or power value) of the power signal output from power supply device 202 is within a specific range. For example, a communication error may repeat when the output current gradually increases but fails to reach the target current value (e.g., 5A) and remains within a specific current range (e.g., 3.4 to 3.6A). In another example, the error may be repeated when the output power is gradually increased but fails to reach the target power value (e.g., 40W) and remains within a certain power range.

[0062] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a power receiving device 201 for charging a battery 210 using a first power conversion circuit 241, according to an embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 2 describe Figure 4 The operations within.

[0063] In operation 410, the communication circuit 250 can receive identification information from an external device via the data terminal 223 and output the identification information to the control circuit 299.

[0064] In operation 420, control circuit 299 can identify, based on identification information received from communication circuit 250, that an external device connected to connector 220 is power supply device 202 (e.g., TA).

[0065] In operation 430, based on the identification that the device connected to connector 220 is power supply device 202, control circuit 299 can control communication circuit 250 to request power specification information (i.e., charging curve) from power supply device 202, indicating the specifications or capabilities of the power that power supply device 202 can provide. Under the control of control circuit 299, communication circuit 250 can send a message requesting power specification information to power supply device 202 via data terminal 223. In response to the request from communication circuit 250, power supply device 202 can provide the power specification information to communication circuit 250.

[0066] In operation 440, control circuit 299 can receive power specification information from power supply equipment 202 via communication circuit 250.

[0067] In operation 450, control circuit 299 can identify that power supply device 202 is a PPS-supporting device based on power specification information. For example, control circuit 299 can identify power supply device 202 as a Power Data Object (PDO) or PPS-supporting Travel Adapter (TA) based on the fact that the power specification information includes information indicating the range of voltages that power supply device 202 can supply (e.g., 3.3 to 11 V, 3.3 to 16 V, or 3.3 to 21 V). Based on identifying power supply device 202 as a PPS-supporting model, control circuit 299 can activate first power conversion circuit 241 and deactivate second power conversion circuit 242. Therefore, first power conversion circuit 241 can charge battery 210 using power received from power supply device 202 via power supply terminal 221. Meanwhile, the power specification information may also include a rated current value. For example, when the maximum output of power supply device 202 is approximately 45 W, information indicating "3.3 to 11V / 4.05A, 3.3 to 16V / 2.8A, and 3.3 to 21V / 2.1A" can be included in the received power specification information as rated current values ​​corresponding to each voltage range. When power supply device 202 is a model supporting a maximum output of approximately 60 W, information indicating "3.3 to 12V / 5A" can be included in the power specification information. The rated current value can refer to the maximum current value that power supply device 202 can output. For example, when the current value of the power signal output from power supply device 202 to power receiving device 201 is equal to or greater than the rated current value within a predetermined time, power supply device 202 can stop outputting the power signal.

[0068] In operation 460, control circuit 299 can select a range of output voltage (the voltage of the power signal output from power supply device 202 to power receiving device 201) from power specification information. In an embodiment, the output voltage range can be set based on the voltage value of the first power conversion circuit 241 and the power conversion ratio when battery 210 is fully charged. In an embodiment, when the power conversion ratio of the first power conversion circuit 241 is 2, the output voltage can be set to approximately twice the voltage of battery 210. For example, when battery 210 is fully charged, and when the voltage is 5 V and the power conversion ratio is 2, control circuit 299 can select a range of 10 (5 V) from the specification information. 2) The voltage range to which V belongs is used as the output voltage range. Control circuit 299 can control communication circuit 250 to send information indicating the selected output voltage range to power supply device 202. Communication circuit 250, under the control of control circuit 299, can send information indicating the selected output voltage range to power supply device 202 via data terminal 223. Power supply device 202 can determine the voltage value of the power signal to be output to power receiving device 201 within the output voltage range determined by control circuit 299.

[0069] In operation 470, control circuit 299 can set an initial current value and a target current value for the power signal output from power supply device 202 to power receiving device 201. The initial current value can be set when power supply device 202 starts supplying power and can be set to be lower than the target current value. Control circuit 299 can set the target current value based on the maximum current value (e.g., rated current value) that can be output (supplied) by power supply device 202. In an embodiment, control circuit 299 can set the maximum output current value (e.g., rated current value) of power supply device 202 as the target current value. For example, when the output voltage range selected from power specification information is 3.3 to 11 V and the corresponding rated current value is 4.05 A, the target current value can be set to 4.05 A. The target current value can be set in various ways depending on the battery state of power receiving device 201 (e.g., voltage state or temperature state), the range of received current values, and the mode configuration for long battery life.

[0070] In operation 480, control circuit 299 can control communication circuit 250 to communicate with power supply device 202 via data terminal 223 to gradually increase the output current of power supply device 202 from an initial current value (e.g., in increments of approximately 200 mA) to a target current value. In embodiments, the amount of increase in output current can be variable. Communication circuit 250 can perform the operation of increasing the output current of power supply device 202 to the target current value under the control of control circuit 299. For example, control circuit 299 can control communication circuit 250 to output a message to power supply device 202 requesting power supply device 202 to output a power signal with an initial current value (e.g., approximately 1 A when the target current value is 5 A). Communication circuit 250 can output the message to power supply device 202 via data terminal 223. The communication circuit 250 can notify the control circuit 299 that a request message has been output to the power supply device 202, and in response, the control circuit 299 can store the output current value (initial current value) as charging information 271 in the memory 270 (e.g., ...). Figure 1The power supply device 202 can output a power signal with an initial current value to the power receiving device 201 in response to receiving a request message. The first power conversion circuit 241 can receive the power signal via the power supply terminal 221 and charge the battery 210 using the received power. The control circuit 299 can request the communication circuit 250 to output a power signal and then wait for a specified time. After the waiting time, the control circuit 299 can control the communication circuit 250 to output a message to the power supply device 202 requesting that the current value be increased by one step (e.g., 200mA). For example, the control circuit 299 can update the output current value stored in the charging information 271 to the current value of one step increase. The communication and charging information 271 updates used to increase the output current to the target current value can be repeated until the output current reaches the target current value. When the output current reaches the target current value, the control circuit 299 can request the power supply device 202 to maintain the output current of the power supply device 202 at the target current value via the communication circuit 250, and can charge the battery 210 by using the first power conversion circuit 241.

[0071] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the power receiving device 201 to resolve a communication error when a communication error occurs while the battery 210 is being charged using the first power conversion circuit 241, according to an embodiment. When communication is performed between the two devices 201 and 202 (e.g., operation 480), a communication error may occur before the current of the power signal output from the power supply device 202 reaches a target current value. When a communication error occurs, the power supply can be temporarily stopped, and [further actions can be taken]. Figure 5 The operation in [the document / section] will be referenced. Figure 2 describe Figure 5 The operations within.

[0072] In operation 510, control circuit 299 can identify an error in the communication that gradually increases the output current of power supply device 202 from an initial current value to a target current value. For example, power supply device 202 may fail to recognize the content of a message received from power receiving device 201 and may accordingly stop supplying power. Due to this communication error, power supply may be stopped, thus potentially reducing the input current (IBUS). Control circuit 299 can identify that the input current (I-bus) has not reached and remains below the initial current value (e.g., the current is converging to 0A) while monitoring the current (I-bus) and / or battery current (I-battery) input to power supply terminal 221. Control circuit 299 can indirectly identify the occurrence of a communication error by recognizing the decrease in input current (IBUS). As another example, power supply device 202 may send a message to power receiving device 201 requesting a reset of the output current value and / or output voltage value used for power supply, while simultaneously stopping power supply. Communication circuit 250 can output the reset request message received from power supply device 202 via data terminal 223 to control circuit 299. The control circuit 299 can recognize the receipt of the reset request message as an event caused by a communication error.

[0073] In operation 520, control circuit 299 can identify in memory 270 whether a communication error of the same type as the communication error identified in operation 510 has previously occurred.

[0074] According to the embodiment associated with operation 520, when a communication error is identified, control circuit 299 can obtain an output current value from charging information 271 stored in memory 270. Control circuit 299 can identify whether an output current value that is the same as the output current value obtained from charging information 271 within a specified error range is stored in communication error information (e.g., communication error table) 272. For example, when the output current value obtained from charging information 271 is about 2 A and the tolerance is about 0.1 A, and when the output current value stored in the communication error information is in the range of about 1.9 to 2.1 A, control circuit 299 can determine that a communication error of the same type as the communication error identified in operation 510 has previously occurred.

[0075] According to another embodiment associated with operation 520, control circuitry 299 may periodically monitor the current (IBUS) and / or battery current (IBAT) input to power supply terminal 221. When a communication error is identified, control circuitry 299 may identify whether an output current value within a specified error range that is the same as the current value obtained as a monitoring result (e.g., input current value IBUS or battery current value IBAT / N) is stored in communication error information (e.g., communication error table) 272. When the same output current value within the error range is stored in communication error information 272, control circuitry 299 may determine that a communication error of the same type as the communication error identified in operation 510 has previously occurred.

[0076] When the same current value within the error range is not found in the communication error information 272 (e.g., when a communication error is first identified), in operation 530, the control circuit 299 may store the output current value obtained from the charging information 271 (or the current value obtained as a monitoring result) and its corresponding error count "1" in the memory 270 as the communication error information 272. The control circuit 299 may perform an operation to reset the output current value and / or output voltage value after executing operation 530. For example, the control circuit 299 may execute again... Figure 4 Operations 420 to 480 are described above. As another example, the operation can be re-executed from operation 410 or operation 430. When the output current reaches the target current value without communication error as a result of re-executing operation 480, the control circuit 299 can request the power supply device 202 to maintain the output current at the target current value via the communication circuit 250, and the battery 210 can be charged by using the first power conversion circuit 241.

[0077] When the same output current value within the error range exists in the communication error information 272, the control circuit 299 can count the number of errors in operation 540. For example, if the number of errors stored in the communication error information 272 is "1", the control circuit 299 can increment the number of errors by 1 to change the number to "2".

[0078] In operation 550, control circuit 299 can identify whether the number of counted errors is equal to or greater than a specified threshold. For example, when the number of errors is less than the threshold, control circuit 299 can repeat operations 420 to 480. When, as a result of repeating operation 480, the output current reaches the target current value without any communication errors, control circuit 299 can request power supply device 202 to maintain the output current at the target current value via communication circuit 250, and can charge battery 210 using first power conversion circuit 241.

[0079] When the number of errors is equal to or greater than a threshold, in operation 560, control circuit 299 can set an initial current value and set a target current value lower than a previously set value (e.g., the value set in operation 470). For example, control circuit 299 can set the initial current value to be equal to... Figure 4 The initial current value set in operation 470. As another example, control circuit 299 can reset the initial current value to be greater than the value set in operation 470. Figure 4 The initial current value set in operation 470 is used. For example, control circuit 299 can reduce the target current value by one step (e.g., 200mA) from the previously set value. As another example, control circuit 299 can set the target current value to a value lower than the output current value stored in communication error information 272. Thereafter, control circuit 299 can execute operation 480 again. When, as a result of executing operation 480 again, the output current reaches the target current value without any communication errors, control circuit 299 can request power supply device 202 to maintain the output current at the target current value via communication circuit 250, and can charge battery 210 using first power conversion circuit 241.

[0080] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a power receiving device 201 for charging a battery 210 using a first power conversion circuit 241, according to an embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 2 describe Figure 6 The operation within. If Figure 6 Any operation and Figure 4 If operations overlap, the description of the overlapping operations will be omitted or presented briefly.

[0081] In operation 610, the communication circuit 250 can receive identification information from an external device via the data terminal 223 and output the identification information to the control circuit 299.

[0082] In operation 620, control circuit 299 can identify, based on identification information received from communication circuit 250, that an external device connected to connector 220 is power supply device 202 (e.g., TA).

[0083] In operation 630, based on the identification that the device connected to connector 220 is power supply device 202, control circuit 299 can control communication circuit 250 to request power supply device 202 to indicate the specifications or power specifications of the power that power supply device 202 can supply.

[0084] In operation 640, control circuit 299 can receive power specification information from power supply equipment 202 via communication circuit 250.

[0085] In operation 650, control circuit 299 can identify that power supply device 202 is a PPS-supporting device based on power specification information. Based on the identification of power supply device 202 as a PPS-supporting model, control circuit 299 can activate first power conversion circuit 241 and deactivate second power conversion circuit 242. Therefore, first power conversion circuit 241 can charge battery 210 using power received from power supply device 202 via power supply terminal 221.

[0086] In operation 660, control circuit 299 can select a range of output voltage (the voltage of the power signal output from power supply device 202 to power receiving device 201) from power specification information. Control circuit 299 can control communication circuit 250 to send information indicating the selected output voltage range to power supply device 202. Power supply device 202 can determine the voltage value of the power signal to be output to power receiving device 201 within the output voltage range determined by control circuit 299.

[0087] In operation 670, control circuit 299 can set an initial power value and a target power value for the power signal output from power supply device 202 to power receiving device 201. The initial power value is a value set when power supply device 202 starts supplying power and can be set to a value lower than the target power value. The target power value can be set based on the battery voltage (VBAT) and a threshold current value designated to protect battery 210 from overcharging (overvoltage or overcurrent). The target power value can be set based on the maximum current value that power supply device 202 can output (e.g., rated current value), the power conversion ratio of the first power conversion circuit 241, and the full charge voltage. For example, when the output voltage range selected from the power specification information is "3.3 to 11V", the corresponding rated current value is 4.05A, and the power conversion ratio is "2", the target power value can be set to a set current equal to or less than 4.05A. Battery voltage (VBAT) The value of 2.

[0088] In operation 680, control circuit 299 can control communication circuit 250 to communicate with power supply device 202 via data terminal 223 to gradually increase the output power of power supply device 202 from an initial power value (e.g., about 1 W) to a target power value. Communication circuit 250 can perform the operation of increasing the output power of power supply device 202 to the target power value under the control of control circuit 299. For example, control circuit 299 can control communication circuit 250 to output a message to power supply device 202 requesting power supply device 202 to output a power signal with an initial power value to power receiving device 201. Communication circuit 250 can notify control circuit 299 that the request message has been output to power supply device 202, and in response, control circuit 299 can store the output power value (initial power value) in memory 270 as charging information 271. Power supply device 202 can output a power signal with the initial power value to power receiving device 201 in response to receiving the request message. The first power conversion circuit 241 can receive a power signal via the power supply terminal 221 and charge the battery 210 using the received power. The control circuit 299 can request the communication circuit 250 to output a power signal and then wait for a specified time. After the waiting time, the control circuit 299 can control the communication circuit 250 to output a message to the power supply device 202 requesting that the power value be increased by one step (e.g., about 1W). The power supply device 202 can adjust the output voltage and / or output current to increase the output power to the level requested by the power receiving device 201. The control circuit 299 can update the output power value stored in the charging information 271 to the power value of the next step. The communication and updating of the charging information 271 used to increase the output power to the target power value can be repeated until the output power reaches the target power value. When the output power reaches the target power value, the control circuit 299 can request the power supply device 202 to maintain the output power at the target power via the communication circuit 250 and can charge the battery 210 using the first power conversion circuit 241.

[0089] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the power receiving device 201 to resolve a communication error when it occurs during charging of the battery 210 using the first power conversion circuit 241, according to an embodiment. When communication is performed between the two devices 201 and 202 (e.g., operation 680), a communication error may occur before the power output from the power supply device 202 reaches a target power value. When a communication error occurs, the power supply can be temporarily stopped, and [further actions can be taken]. Figure 7 The operation in [the document / section] will be referenced. Figure 2 describe Figure 7 The operations within.

[0090] In operation 710, control circuit 299 can identify an error in the communication used to gradually increase the output power of power supply device 202 from an initial power value to a target power value. For example, power supply device 202 may fail to recognize the content of a message received from power receiving device 201, and may therefore stop supplying power. This is related to monitoring battery power (IBAT). When VBAT is reached, the control circuit 299 can identify the battery power (IBAT). The battery power (VBAT) has not been reached and remains below the initial power value. Control circuit 299 can detect this by identifying the battery power (VBAT). The reduction of VBAT (Volume Values ​​and Voltages) can indirectly identify the occurrence of a communication error. As another example, upon power outage, power supply device 202 can send a message to power receiving device 201 requesting a reset of the output current and / or output voltage values ​​used for power supply. Communication circuit 250 can output the reset request message received from power supply device 202 via data terminal 223 to control circuit 299. Control circuit 299 can recognize the receipt of the reset request message as an event caused by a communication error.

[0091] In operation 720, control circuit 299 can identify in memory 270 whether a communication error of the same type as the communication error identified in operation 710 has previously occurred.

[0092] According to the embodiment associated with operation 720, when a communication error is identified, control circuit 299 can obtain an output power value from charging information 271 stored in memory 270. Control circuit 299 can identify whether an output current value within a specified error range that is the same as the output power value obtained from charging information 271 is stored in communication error information 272. For example, when the output power value obtained from charging information 272 is 20 W and the tolerance is 0.5 W, and when the output power value stored in the communication error information is between 19.5 W and 20.5 W, control circuit 299 can determine that a communication error of the same type as the communication error identified in operation 710 has previously occurred.

[0093] According to another embodiment related to operation 720, control circuit 299 can periodically monitor the power input to power supply terminal 221 (IBUS). VBUS) and / or battery power (IBAT) When a communication error is detected, the control circuit 299 can identify the power value (e.g., input power (IBUS)) within a specified error range as a monitoring result. VBUS) or battery power (IBAT) The control circuit 299 determines whether the same output power value within the error range is stored in the communication error information 272. When the same output power value within the error range is stored in the communication error information 272, the control circuit 299 can determine that a communication error of the same type as the communication error identified in operation 710 has previously occurred.

[0094] When the same output power value within the error range is not found in the communication error information 272, in operation 730, the control circuit 299 can store the output power value obtained from the charging information 271 (or the power value obtained as a monitoring result) and the corresponding error count "1" in the memory 270 as the communication error information 272. After executing operation 730, the control circuit 299 can perform operations to reset the output current value and / or output voltage value. For example, the control circuit 299 can execute again... Figure 6 Operations 620 to 680 are described in the text. As another example, the operation can be re-executed from operation 610 or operation 630. When, as a result of re-executing operation 680, the output power reaches the target power value without any communication errors, the control circuit 299 can request the power supply device 202 to maintain the output power at the target power value via the communication circuit 250, and can charge the battery 210 by using the first power conversion circuit 241.

[0095] When the same output power value within the error range exists in the communication error information 272, in operation 740, the control circuit 299 can count the number of errors. For example, when the number of errors stored in the communication error information 272 is "1", the control circuit 299 can increment the number of errors by 1 to change the number of errors to "2".

[0096] In operation 750, control circuit 299 can identify whether the number of counted errors is equal to or greater than a specified threshold. When the number of errors is less than the threshold, control circuit 299 can repeat operations 620 to 680. When, as a result of repeating operation 680, the output power of power supply device 202 reaches the target power value without any communication errors, control circuit 299 can request power supply device 202 to maintain the output power at the target power value via communication circuit 250, and can charge battery 210 using first power conversion circuit 241.

[0097] For example, when the number of errors is equal to or greater than a threshold, in operation 760, control circuit 299 can set an initial power value and set a target power value lower than a previously set value (e.g., the value set in operation 670). For example, control circuit 299 can set the initial power value equal to... Figure 6The initial power value set in operation 670. As another example, control circuit 299 can set the initial current value to be greater than the value set in operation 670. Figure 6 The initial power value set in operation 670 is used. Control circuit 299 can reduce the target power value from the previously set value by one step (e.g., 1 W). Afterward, control circuit 299 can execute operation 680 again. When, as a result of executing operation 680 again, the output power of power supply device 202 reaches the target power value without any communication errors, control circuit 299 can request power supply device 202 to maintain its output power at the target power value via communication circuit 250, and can charge battery 210 using first power conversion circuit 241.

[0098] Figure 8 This is a graph illustrating the operation of the power supply device 202 and the power receiving device 201 according to an embodiment for resolving communication errors during the charging of the battery 210. (Refer to...) Figure 2 and Figure 3 describe Figure 8 Examples are shown in the text.

[0099] Power supply device 202 can respond to a request from power receiving device 201 by gradually increasing the current value of the power signal output to power receiving device 201. As the output current value increases, the voltage value of the power signal output from power supply device 202 to power receiving device 201 can also continuously increase. Furthermore, due to the IR voltage drop in cable 203, the voltage value between the data terminal 303 and ground terminal 302 of power supply device 202 may also continuously increase. Due to the continuous increase in voltage value, a communication error may occur between the two devices 201 and 202, and power supply device 202 may stop supplying power. For example, the output current of power supply device 202 may not reach the first target current value and may increase to the output current value "A," and then, due to a communication error, power supply may stop at time point t0. Afterward, the output current may rise to "A" at time points t1 and t2, and then power supply may stop due to a communication error. When the phenomenon of the output current increasing to "A" and then stopping power supply is repeated (e.g., three times), power receiving device 201 can reduce the target current value to a second target current value. Since the target current value is set low, no communication errors will occur thereafter. Therefore, the current of the power signal output from the power supply device 202 can reach the second target current value at time t3. For example, the control circuit 299 can send a message to the power supply device 202 via the communication circuit 250 requesting that the output voltage should continuously increase and the output current be maintained at the second target current value until the voltage of the battery 210 reaches the full charge voltage. Therefore, the power supply device 202 can maintain the current of the power signal output to the power receiving device 201 at the second target current value.

[0100] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a power receiving device 201 for resolving communication errors according to an embodiment. The operation can be performed simultaneously by the power receiving device 201 using the first power conversion circuit 241 and charging the battery 210 using power received from the power supply device 202. Figure 9 The operations within.

[0101] In operation 910, control circuit 299 can control communication circuit 250 to communicate with power supply device 202 via data terminal 223 to gradually increase the current of the power signal output by power supply device 202 from a first initial value to a first target current value set as the maximum output current value.

[0102] In operation 920, control circuit 299 can identify that before the current of the power signal reaches a first target current value, it is used to gradually increase the current of the power signal output from power supply device 202 to the first target current value (e.g., ...). Figure 8 The communication error (the first target current value) occurs a specified number of times or more, and the current of the power signal output from the power supply device 202 has the same value within a specified error range each time an error occurs. For example, the first target current value may be 5 A, but the output current may increase to approximately 3.45 to 3.55 A, and the phenomenon of stopping power supply from the power supply device 202 to the power receiving device 201 due to the communication error may repeat. For example, the control circuit 299 may periodically monitor the input current (IBUS) and / or battery current (IBAT) and identify the recurrence of the phenomenon based on the monitoring results. As another example, the control circuit 299 may identify the recurrence of the phenomenon based on the result of updating the communication error information 272. When the phenomenon repeats a specified number of times or more, the control circuit 299 may perform the following operation 930.

[0103] In operation 930, control circuit 299 can set a second target current value, which is lower than the first target current value, to the maximum output current value based on the identification in operation 920. For example, control circuit 299 can set a second target current value, which is lower than the output current value when an error has occurred (e.g., Figure 8 The value of the output current (A) is set to the second target current value.

[0104] In operation 940, control circuit 299 can control communication circuit 250 to communicate with power supply device 202 via data terminal 223 to gradually increase the current of the power signal output from power supply device 202 from a second initial value (e.g., a value equal to or greater than the first initial value) to a second target current value. As a result of executing operation 940, the output current can reach the second target current value without any communication errors. When the output current reaches the second target current value, control circuit 299 can request power supply device 202 via communication circuit 250 to maintain the output current of power supply device 202 at the second target current value, and can charge battery 210 by using first power conversion circuit 241.

[0105] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a power receiving device 201 for resolving communication errors according to an embodiment. The operation can be performed simultaneously by the power receiving device 201 using the first power conversion circuit 241 and charging the battery 210 using power received from the power supply device 202. Figure 10 The operations within.

[0106] In operation 1010, control circuit 299 can control communication circuit 250 to communicate with power supply device 202 via data terminal 223 in order to gradually increase the power output from power supply device 202 from a first initial value to a first target power value set as the maximum output power value.

[0107] In operation 1020, control circuit 299 can identify a specified number or more communication errors that occur before the power output from power supply device 202 reaches the first target power value in a stepwise manner, and each time an error occurs, the power output from power supply device 202 has the same value within a specified error range. For example, the following phenomenon may repeat: the first target current value is 40 W, but the output current increases to approximately 34.5~35.5 W, and then the power supply from power supply device 202 to power receiving device 201 stops due to a communication error. For example, control circuit 299 can periodically monitor the input power (IBUS). VBUS) and / or battery power (IBAT) (VBAT), and identify the recurrence of the phenomenon based on the monitoring results. As another example, the control circuit 299 can identify the recurrence of the phenomenon based on the result of updating the communication error information 272. When the phenomenon repeats a specified number of times or more, the control circuit 299 can perform the following operation 1030.

[0108] In operation 1030, based on the identification in operation 1020, control circuit 299 can set a second target power value that is lower than the first target power value to the maximum output current value. For example, when an error has occurred, control circuit 299 can set a value lower than the output power value to the second target current value.

[0109] In operation 1040, control circuit 299 can control communication circuit 250 to communicate with power supply device 202 via data terminal 223 to gradually increase the power output from power supply device 202 from a second initial value (e.g., a value equal to or greater than the first initial value) to a second target power value. As a result of executing operation 1040, the output power can reach the second target power value without any communication errors. When the output current reaches the second target power value, control circuit 299 can request power supply device 202 to maintain the output current of power supply device 202 at the second target current value via communication circuit 250, and can charge battery 210 by using first power conversion circuit 241.

[0110] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a power receiving device 201 for resolving communication errors according to an embodiment. The operation can be performed simultaneously by the power receiving device 201 using the first power conversion circuit 241 and charging the battery 210 using power received from the power supply device 202. Figure 11 The operations within.

[0111] In operation 1110, control circuit 299 can control communication circuit 250 to communicate with power supply device 202 via data terminal 223 to gradually increase the current of the power signal output from power supply device 202 from a first initial value to a first target current value set as the maximum output current value.

[0112] In operation 1120, the current used to gradually increase the power signal output from the power supply device 202 is increased to a first target current value (e.g., Figure 8 If an error occurs in the communication of the first target current value (in the power supply device 202) before the current reaches the first target current value, the control circuit 299 can identify the current range to which the current of the power signal output from the power supply device 202 belongs within a predetermined current range. For example, a first current range (2.4A ≤ current value < 2.6A), a second current range (2.6A ≤ current value < 2.8A), ..., a third current range (4.8A ≤ current value < 5A) can be set. The control circuit 299 can identify the current range to which the current value belongs within the predetermined current range.

[0113] In operation 1130, control circuit 299 can count the number of errors that occur within the current range identified in operation 1120.

[0114] In operation 1140, control circuit 299 can set a second target current value, which is lower than the first target current value, to the maximum output current value based on the number of counts in operation 1130 being equal to or greater than a threshold. For example, when the number of errors occurring in the third current range reaches a specified threshold, control circuit 299 can reduce the target current value from 5 A to a value equal to or lower than the minimum value in the third current range (e.g., 4.8 A).

[0115] In operation 1150, control circuit 299 can control communication circuit 250 to communicate with power supply device 202 via data terminal 223 to gradually increase the current of the power signal output from power supply device 202 from a second initial value (e.g., a value equal to or greater than the first initial value) to a second target current value. As a result of executing operation 1150, the output current can reach the second target current value without any communication errors. When the output current reaches the second target current value, control circuit 299 can request power supply device 202 via communication circuit 250 to maintain the output current of power supply device 202 at the second target current value, and can charge battery 210 by using first power conversion circuit 241.

[0116] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a power receiving device 201 for resolving communication errors according to an embodiment. The operation can be performed simultaneously by the power receiving device 201 using the first power conversion circuit 241 and charging the battery 210 using power received from the power supply device 202. Figure 12 The operations within.

[0117] In operation 1210, control circuit 299 can control communication circuit 250 to communicate with power supply device 202 via data terminal 223 to gradually increase the power output from power supply device 202 from a first initial value to a first target power value set as the maximum output power value.

[0118] In operation 1220, if a communication error occurs that gradually increases the output power of power supply device 202 to the first target power value before the output power of power supply device 202 reaches the first target power value, the control circuit 299 can identify the power range to which the output power of power supply device 202 belongs within a predetermined power range. For example, a first power range (18W ≤ power value < 20W), a second power range (20W ≤ power value < 22W), ..., and a third power range (38W ≤ power value < 40W) can be set. The control circuit 299 can identify the power range to which the power value belongs within the set power range.

[0119] In operation 1230, control circuit 299 can count the number of errors that occur within the power range identified in operation 1220.

[0120] In operation 1240, control circuit 299 can set a second target power value, which is lower than the first target power value, to the maximum output current value based on the number of counts in operation 1230 being equal to or greater than a threshold. For example, when the number of errors occurring in the third power range reaches a specified threshold, control circuit 299 can reduce the target power value from 40 W to a value equal to or lower than the minimum value of the third power range (e.g., 38 W).

[0121] In operation 1250, control circuit 299 can control communication circuit 250 to communicate with power supply device 202 via data terminal 223 to gradually increase the power output from power supply device 202 from a second initial value (e.g., a value equal to or greater than the first initial value) to a second target power value. As a result of executing operation 1250, the output power can reach the second target power value without any communication errors. When the output current reaches the second target power value, control circuit 299 can request power supply device 202 to maintain the output current at the second target current value via communication circuit 250, and can charge battery 210 using first power conversion circuit 241.

[0122] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 201 may include: a connector 220 including a power supply terminal 221 and a data terminal 223; a communication circuit 250 connected to the data terminal; a power conversion circuit 241 configured to reduce the voltage of a power signal input from the power supply device 202 via the power supply terminal to 1 / N, increase the current of the power signal by N times, and output a power signal; a battery 210 connected to the power conversion circuit; and a control circuit 299 connected to the communication circuit and the power conversion circuit. When charging the battery using the power conversion circuit, the control circuit can control the communication circuit to communicate with the power supply device via the data terminal to gradually increase the current of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device from a first initial value to a first target current value set as the maximum output current value. When a communication error occurs before the current value of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device reaches the first target current value, the control circuit can identify the current range to which the output current value belongs within a predetermined current range. The control circuit can count the number of errors occurring within the identified current range, and based on the count being equal to or greater than a threshold, set a second target current value lower than the first target current value as the maximum output current value. The control circuit can also control the communication circuit to communicate with the power supply equipment via a data terminal to gradually increase the current of the power signal output from the power supply equipment to the electronic device from a second initial value to the second target current value.

[0123] The control circuit can identify the specified data received from the power supply equipment via the communication circuit as a communication error after it stops receiving power signals from the power supply equipment to the power source.

[0124] When an error occurs, the control circuit can set a second target current value to a value lower than the current value of the power signal output from the power supply to the electronic device.

[0125] Control circuitry can include circuitry integrated into a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). Control circuitry can also include circuitry integrated into an application processor. Power conversion circuitry, communication circuitry, and control circuitry can be integrated into a single chip.

[0126] The control circuit can set the second initial value to be equal to the first initial value.

[0127] The control circuit can send a message via the communication circuit to the power supply device requesting the power supply device to maintain the current of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device at the second target current value, based on the fact that the current output from the power supply device to the electronic device has reached the second target current value.

[0128] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 201 may include: a connector 220 including a power supply terminal 221 and a data terminal 223; a communication circuit 250 connected to the data terminal; a power conversion circuit 241 configured to reduce the voltage of a power signal input from the power supply device 202 via the power supply terminal to 1 / N, increase the current of the power signal by N times, and output a power signal; a battery 210 connected to the power conversion circuit; and a control circuit 299 connected to the communication circuit and the power conversion circuit. When charging the battery using the power conversion circuit, the control circuit can control the communication circuit to communicate with the power supply device via the data terminal to gradually increase the power output from the power supply device to the electronic device from a first initial value to a first target power value set as the maximum output power value. When a communication error occurs before the power output from the power supply device reaches the first target power value, the control circuit can identify the power range to which the output power value belongs within a predetermined power range. The control circuit can count the number of errors occurring within the identified power range, and based on the count being equal to or greater than a threshold, can set a second target power value lower than the first target power value as the maximum output power value. The control circuit can control the communication circuit to communicate with the power supply equipment via the data terminal, so as to gradually increase the power output from the power supply equipment to the electronic equipment from the second initial value to the second target power value.

[0129] The control circuit can identify the specified data received from the power supply equipment via the communication circuit as a communication error after it stops receiving power signals from the power supply equipment to the power source.

[0130] When an error occurs, the control circuit can set a value lower than the power output from the power supply to the electronic device as a second target power value.

[0131] The electronic device according to various embodiments can be one of a variety of types of electronic devices. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

[0132] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to the specific embodiments, but rather to include various changes, equivalents, or substitutions to the respective embodiments. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that nouns in the singular form corresponding to terms may include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly indicates 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” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together with the corresponding phrase among the plurality of phrases. As used herein, terms such as “first” and “second” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish one component from another and do not limit the components in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that, whether or not the terms “operably” or “communically” are used, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as “combined with another element (e.g., a second element),” “combined to another element (e.g., a second element),” “connected to another element (e.g., a second element),” or “attached to another element (e.g., a second element)”, it means that the first element can be directly (e.g., wiredly) connected to the second element, wirelessly connected to the second element, or connected to the second element via a third element.

[0133] As used in connection with various embodiments of this disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms such as "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuit." A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions, or the smallest unit or part of such a single integrated component. For example, according to embodiments, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0134] The various embodiments set forth herein can be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) containing one or more instructions readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101) stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138). For example, under the control of a processor, the processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) can invoke and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, with or without one or more other components. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. Machine-readable storage media can be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. The term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but this term does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and data being temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0135] According to embodiments, methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an app store (e.g., the Play Store™), or may be distributed directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). If distributed online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least a portion of the computer program product may be stored at least temporarily in a machine-readable storage medium (such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a forwarding server).

[0136] According to various embodiments, each of the above-described components (e.g., a module or program) may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Optionally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may perform the one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as one or more functions performed by a corresponding component of the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be run in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. An electronic device (201), comprising: The connector (220) includes a power supply terminal (221) and a data terminal (223); A communication circuit (250) connected to the data terminal; A power conversion circuit (241) is configured to reduce the voltage of a power signal input from a power supply device (202) via the power supply terminal to 1 / N, increase the current of the power signal to N times, and output the power signal having a reduced voltage and an increased current. Battery (210) is connected to the power conversion circuit; and Control circuit (299), connected to the communication circuit and the power conversion circuit, The control circuit is configured to charge the battery using the power conversion circuit: The communication circuit is controlled to communicate with the power supply device through the data terminal, so that the current of the power signal output by the power supply device to the electronic device gradually increases from a first initial value to a first target current value set as the maximum output current value; In the event of a communication error occurring before the current value of the power signal output by the power supply device to the electronic device reaches the first target current value, the current range to which the output current value belongs is identified within a predetermined current range. The number of errors occurring within the identified current range is counted. Based on the count being equal to or greater than a threshold, a second target current value lower than the first target current value is set as the maximum output current value; and The communication circuit is controlled to communicate with the power supply device through the data terminal, so that the current of the power signal output by the power supply device to the electronic device gradually increases from the second initial value to the second target current value.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The control circuit is configured to identify a communication error as the receipt of specified data from the power supply device via the communication circuit after the reception of power signals from the power supply device to the power source has been stopped.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The control circuit is configured to, in the event of the error, set a value lower than the current value of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device as the second target current value.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The control circuit is integrated into a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The control circuitry is integrated into the application processor.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The power conversion circuit, the communication circuit, and the control circuit are integrated into a single chip.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The control circuit is configured to set the second initial value to be equal to the first initial value.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The control circuit is configured to: based on the current output from the power supply device to the electronic device reaching the second target current value, send a message via the communication circuit to the power supply device requesting that the current of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device be maintained at the second target current value.

9. An electronic device (201), comprising: The connector (220) includes a power supply terminal (221) and a data terminal (223); A communication circuit (250) is connected to the data terminal; A power conversion circuit (241) is configured to reduce the voltage of a power signal input from a power supply device (202) via the power supply terminal to 1 / N, increase the current of the power signal to N times, and output the power signal having a reduced voltage and an increased current. Battery (210) is connected to the power conversion circuit; and Control circuit (299), connected to the communication circuit and the power conversion circuit, The control circuit is configured to charge the battery using the power conversion circuit: The communication circuit is controlled to communicate with the power supply device through the data terminal, so that the power output by the power supply device to the electronic device gradually increases from a first initial value to a first target power value set as the maximum output power value; In the event of a communication error before the power output of the power supply equipment reaches the first target power value, the power range to which the output power value belongs is identified within a predetermined power range; Count the number of errors that occur within the identified power range; Based on the count being equal to or greater than the threshold, a second target power value that is lower than the first target power value is set as the maximum output power value; and The communication circuit is controlled to communicate with the power supply device through the data terminal, so that the power output by the power supply device to the electronic device gradually increases from the second initial value to the second target power value.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein, The control circuit is configured to identify a communication error as the receipt of specified data from the power supply device via the communication circuit after the reception of power signals from the power supply device to the power source has been stopped.

11. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein, The control circuit is configured to, in the event of the error, set a value lower than the power value output from the power supply device to the electronic device as the second target power value.

12. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein, The control circuit is integrated into a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

13. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein, The control circuitry is integrated into the application processor.

14. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein, The power conversion circuit, the communication circuit, and the control circuit are integrated into a single chip.

15. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein, The control circuit is configured to set the second initial value to be equal to the first initial value.

Images