Adaptive voltage regulation with multiple ports

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to adaptive voltage regulation with multiple ports. Systems and methods for adaptive voltage regulation with multiple ports are described. An apparatus can include a first voltage regulator coupled to a first port and can regulate a voltage between the first port and a battery. The apparatus can also include a second voltage regulator coupled to a second port and can regulate a voltage between the second port and the battery. The apparatus can also include a bypass switch coupled to the first voltage regulator, the first port, the second voltage regulator, and the second port. The apparatus can also include an integrated circuit configured to operate the bypass switch. The first voltage regulator can also be configured to regulate the voltage between the second port and the battery when the bypass switch can be on. The second voltage regulator can also be configured to regulate the voltage between the first port and the battery.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the consumer, industrial and handheld computing fields, and more specifically to battery chargers for systems having two or more Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports.

[0002] Current battery chargers or voltage regulators support systems with multiple USB ports to allow connection between external devices and the charger system. USB ports are standardized to allow the transfer of power and data via USB connections. Various types of USB ports are available, and currently, the USB Type-C port is the most commonly used. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a semiconductor device for implementing adaptive voltage regulation with multiple ports is generally described. The semiconductor device may include a first voltage regulator coupled to a first port. The first voltage regulator may be configured to regulate the voltage between the first port and a battery. The semiconductor device may also include a second voltage regulator coupled to a second port. The second voltage regulator may be configured to regulate the voltage between the second port and the battery. The semiconductor device may further include a bypass switch coupled to the first voltage regulator, the first port, the second voltage regulator, and the second port. The semiconductor device may also include an integrated circuit configured to operate the bypass switch. When the bypass switch is turned on, the first voltage regulator may also be configured to regulate the voltage between the second port and the battery. The second voltage regulator may also be configured to regulate the voltage between the first port and the battery.

[0004] In one embodiment, a system for implementing adaptive voltage regulation with multiple ports is generally described. The system may include a battery, a first port, and a second port. The system may also include a battery charger. The battery charger may include a first voltage regulator coupled to the first port. The first voltage regulator may be configured to regulate the voltage between the first port and the battery. The battery charger may also include a second voltage regulator coupled to the second port. The second voltage regulator may be configured to regulate the voltage between the second port and the battery. The battery charger may also include a bypass switch coupled to the first voltage regulator, the first port, the second voltage regulator, and the second port. The battery charger may also include an integrated circuit configured to operate the bypass switch. When the bypass switch is enabled, the first voltage regulator may also be configured to regulate the voltage between the second port and the battery. The second voltage regulator may also be configured to regulate the voltage between the first port and the battery.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method for implementing adaptive voltage regulation with multiple ports is generally described. The method may include operating a first voltage regulator coupled to a first port to regulate the voltage between the first port and a battery. The method may also include operating a second voltage regulator coupled to a second port to regulate the voltage between the second port and the battery. The method may further include controlling a bypass switch coupled to the first voltage regulator, the first port, the second voltage regulator, and the second port. The method may also include operating the bypass switch. When the bypass switch is available to be turned on, the method may include operating the first voltage regulator to regulate the voltage between the second port and the battery. The method may also include operating the second voltage regulator to regulate the voltage between the first port and the battery. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a system with multiple ports that can implement adaptive voltage regulation in one embodiment;

[0007] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example implementation of adaptive voltage regulation with multiple ports in one embodiment;

[0008] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating another example implementation of adaptive voltage regulation with multiple ports in one embodiment; and

[0009] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a process for implementing adaptive voltage regulation with multiple ports in an example embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0010] In the following description, numerous specific details, such as particular structures, components, materials, dimensions, processing steps, and techniques, are set forth in order to provide an understanding of various embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various embodiments of this application can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures or processing steps have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring this application.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a system with multiple ports that can implement adaptive voltage regulation in one embodiment. Figure 1 The system 100 shown can be a battery charger system that supports a variety of battery applications via multiple Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type-C ports. System 100 can be a battery charger system in a computing device, such as a laptop, tablet, cellular phone such as a smartphone, power bank, or any system that uses a battery and is able to receive power from a power adapter.

[0012] System 100 may include at least one battery cell 101, at least two ports 103a and 103b (hereinafter referred to as "port 103"), at least three switches 105a, 105b, and 105c (which may be back-to-back (B2B) switches or single-sided switches depending on the application of system 100), at least two Type-C port controllers TCPC1 and TCPC2 (hereinafter referred to as "controller TCPC"), a Type-C port manager TCPM (hereinafter referred to as "manager TCPM"), and at least two voltage regulators 107a and 107b (hereinafter referred to as "voltage regulator VR"). The three switches 105a, 105b, and 105c may be collectively referred to herein as "B2B switch 105".

[0013] Port 103 can be configured as a USB Type-C port. External devices can be connected to system 100 via port 103. Both data and power can be transferred between external devices and system 100 via port 103.

[0014] The controller TCPC may include hardware components configured as integrated circuits. The controller TCPC may be configured to detect the presence and type of devices connected to the corresponding port 103, such as controller TCPC1 connected to port 103a and controller TCPC2 connected to port 103b. The controller TCPC may also be configured to control these devices by turning on and off the corresponding B2B switches 105a and 105b, and to communicate with the manager TCPM. In an example embodiment, controller TCPC1 may be configured to monitor and control port 103a and B2B switch 105a. Controller TCPC2 may be configured to monitor and control port 103b and B2B switch 105b.

[0015] The manager TCPM may be an integrated circuit configured to control voltage regulators 107a, 107b and may be configured to manage the power configuration of system 100, such as determining whether a power adapter (e.g., a power supply) is connected to one of the ports 103, or transmitting the battery state of battery cell 101 to the controller TCPC and / or voltage regulators 107a, 107b. Voltage regulators 107a, 107b may be configured to manage the power supply from port 103 to battery cell 101 in modes such as buck mode, boost mode, buck-boost mode, or other voltage regulation modes. For example, each voltage regulator in voltage regulators 107a, 107b may be configured to perform bidirectional voltage conversion. Voltage regulators 107a, 107b may convert the voltage supplied at port 103 to a voltage level suitable for charging battery cell 101, or vice versa, to convert the voltage from battery cell 101 to a voltage level suitable for charging external devices connected to port 103. Each voltage regulator in voltage regulators 107a and 107b can be controlled to implement various feedback loops, such as voltage feedback loops and current feedback loops, to regulate and optimize the pulse width modulation (PWM) signal used to drive the power MOSFETs in voltage regulators 107a and 107b.

[0016] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, each B2B switch in B2B switch 105 may include a switch pair (e.g., two). Figure 1In the example embodiment shown, each B2B switch is configured as a bidirectional switch, arranged back-to-back or in series. In another embodiment, switches 105a and 105b may also be configured as single-sided switches instead of bidirectional switches. Each switch pair in B2B switch 105 may be a P-channel or N-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) or insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) connected in series at its source or drain channel. For example, B2B switch 105 may include two P-channel MOSFETs connected in series at their source channels. When turned on, B2B switch 105 may allow bidirectional current flow. When turned off, bidirectional current flow is blocked. In the example embodiment, when B2B switch 105a is turned on and B2B switch 105b is turned off, a first current path is formed between port 103a and voltage regulator 107a. When B2B switch 105b is turned on and B2B switch 105a is turned off, a second current path is formed between port 103b and voltage regulator 107b. As will be described in more detail below, a third B2B switch 105c can be positioned between the first and second current paths. The third B2B switch 105c is a bidirectional switch and can be a bypass switch controlled by the manager TCPM to be turned on and off upon request, such as based on the power required by one or more external devices connected to port 103. When B2B switch 105c is on, B2B switch 105a is on, and B2B switch 105b is off, a third current path is formed between port 103a and voltage regulator 107b. When B2B switch 105c is on, B2B switch 105a is off, and B2B switch 105b is on, a fourth current path is formed between port 103b and voltage regulator 107a.

[0017] In a conventional two-port system without a third B2B switch 105c, each voltage regulator in the first and second current paths can have different power capacities, such as providing an individual maximum power amount to an external device connected to its respective port. For example, when the first current path is formed, voltage regulator 107a can provide up to X watts of power to an external device connected to port 103a. When the second current path is formed, voltage regulator 107b can provide up to Y watts of power to an external device connected to port 103b, where X and Y can be the same or different. However, to accommodate cases where an external device connected to port 103 requires higher power, voltage regulators 107a and 107b may need to be designed with larger inductors, which may be undesirable. Larger inductors result in larger device size, more expensive bill of materials (BOM), and degraded thermal performance.

[0018] To address the challenge of supporting external devices requiring higher power, a third B2B switch 105c can be added between the first and second current paths. The third B2B switch 105c can be implemented as a bypass circuit, allowing both voltage regulators 107a and 107b to contribute to the total power required by the external device connected to port 103. For example, if the power required by the external device exceeds the power capacity of a single voltage regulator (e.g., one of voltage regulators 107a and 107b), the B2B switch 105c can be turned on to allow both voltage regulators 107a and 107b to supply power to the external device. The inclusion of the B2B switch 105c can allow the use of voltage regulators with lower individual power capacities, thereby reducing component size (e.g., smaller inductors), lowering BOM costs, and improving thermal performance.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example implementation of adaptive voltage regulation with multiple ports in an example embodiment. Figure 2 The description can be found here. Figure 1 The components are shown. In this example embodiment, the three B2B switches 105 may include MOSFET pairs. More specifically, B2B switch 105a may include two p-type MOSFETs Q1 and Q2. B2B switch 105b may include two p-type MOSFETs Q3 and Q4. B2B switch 105c may include two p-type MOSFETs Q5 and Q6. Each MOSFET pair of B2B switches 105 is connected together at its source channel. The drain of MOSFET Q1 may be configured to be connected to port 103a, and the drain of MOSFET Q2 may be configured to be connected to voltage regulator 107a. The gate channels of MOSFETs Q1 and Q2 are connected to controller TCPC1. The drain of MOSFET Q3 may be configured to be connected to port 103b, and the drain of MOSFET Q4 may be configured to be connected to voltage regulator 107b. The gate channels of MOSFETs Q3 and Q4 are connected to controller TCPC2.

[0020] The voltage regulators 107a and 107b in this example embodiment may include inductors, capacitors, and MOSFETs. Voltage regulator 107a may include inductor L1 and four MOSFETs Q7, Q8, Q9, and Q10. Voltage regulator 107b may include inductor L2 and four MOSFETs Q11, Q12, Q13, and Q14. Voltage regulators 107a and 107b may be bidirectional buck-boost converters with four MOSFETs configured as a full-bridge circuit. In one aspect, the bidirectional buck-boost converter may step down or step up the voltage in both the forward direction (from port 103 to battery cell 101) and the reverse direction (from battery cell 101 to port 103).

[0021] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated example embodiment, when a third B2B switch 105c is connected between the first and second current paths of system 100, one or more voltage regulators 107a and 107b can provide power to ports 103a and / or 103b. For example, voltage regulator 107a may have a power capacity of X watts, and voltage regulator 107b may have a power capacity of Y watts. If port 103a requires less than or equal to X watts of power, controller TCPC1 can be configured to turn on B2B switch 105a to allow voltage regulator 107a to support port 103a. If port 103a requires more than X watts of power, controller TCPC1 can be configured to turn on B2B switch 105a, and manager TCPM can be configured to turn on B2B switch 105c to allow both voltage regulators 107a and 107b to support port 103a. In response to turning on switch 105c (B2B), the power supplied by voltage regulators 107a and 107b can be added together at port 103a to provide a power greater than X watts. In another example, voltage regulator 107a can have a power capacity of X, and voltage regulator 107b can have a power capacity of Y, where Y > X. If port 103a requires Y watts of power, controller TCPC1 can be configured to turn on switch 105a (B2B), and manager TCPM can be configured to turn on switch 105c (B2B), and manager TCPM can stop switching voltage regulator 107a, allowing voltage regulator 107b to support port 103a via a third current path. Therefore, the two voltage regulators 107a and 107b can handle up to Z watts of power, where Z = X + Y, without the need for large inductors in voltage regulators 107a and 107b.

[0022] In another example embodiment, when B2B switch 105c is turned on, voltage regulators 107a and 107b can provide unequal amounts of power to the same port to achieve the same total power requirement. For example, if a port requires a total of P watts, where P is less than the sum of X and Y, then the manager TCPM can control voltage regulator 107a to gradually reduce the power capacity by X watts, and the manager TCPM can control voltage regulator 107b to gradually reduce the power capacity by Y watts, where the sum of the gradually reduced power X and Y can be P. The amount of gradual reduction or increase performed by the manager TCPM can depend on feedback information received by the TCPM. By turning on B2B switch 105c to allow each of the voltage regulators 107a and 107b to provide gradually reduced power, the thermal performance of the entire system 100 can be improved because voltage regulators 107a and 107b may not need to operate to provide maximum power.

[0023] In another example embodiment, an external device can be connected to port 103a. When the manager TCPM detects a connection at port 103a and the power required by port 103a is greater than the power capacity of the voltage regulator 107a, the manager TCPM can be configured to turn on the third B2B switch 105c. When a second external device is connected to port 103b and a first external device is connected to port 103a, the manager TCPM can be configured to disconnect the B2B switch 105c, negotiate the power to be delivered to the second external device, and turn on the B2B switch 105b when the negotiation ends. Therefore, the first external device can be connected to the voltage regulator 107a via a first path, and the second external device can be connected to the voltage regulator 107b via a second path.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating another example implementation of adaptive voltage regulation with multiple ports in one embodiment. Figure 3 The description can be found here. Figures 1-2 The components shown. In Figure 3 In the example embodiment shown, each B2B switch in B2B switch 105 may include a switch that can be used with... Figure 2 Back-to-back MOSFETs configured in a similar manner as shown.

[0025] Figure 3In the example embodiments, voltage regulators 107a and 107b may include inductors, capacitors, and MOSFETs. Voltage regulator 107a may include inductor L3, two capacitors C1 and C2, and four MOSFETs Q15, Q16, Q17, and Q18. Voltage regulator 107b may include inductor L4, two capacitors C3 and C4, and four MOSFETs Q19, Q20, Q21, and Q22. Voltage regulators 107a and 107b may be bidirectional three-level buck converters with four MOSFETs in a series configuration. The three-level buck converter can output three constant voltage levels. These three levels may be a high input voltage Vin, a low ground voltage, and an intermediate voltage equal to half the input voltage.

[0026] When the third B2B switch 105c is connected between the first and second current paths of system 100, one or more voltage regulators 107a and 107b can supply power to ports 103a and / or 103b. For example, voltage regulator 107a may have a power capacity of 70 watts, and voltage regulator 107b may also have a power capacity of 70 watts. If port 103a requires less than or equal to 70 watts of power, controller TCPC1 can be configured to turn on B2B switch 105a to allow voltage regulator 107a to support port 103a. If port 103a requires more than 70 watts of power, such as 140 watts, controller TCPC1 can be configured to turn on B2B switch 105a, and manager TCPM can be configured to turn on B2B switch 105c to allow both voltage regulators 107a and 107b to support port 103a. In response to the switching of B2B switch 105c, the power supplied by voltage regulators 107a and 107b can be added together, for example, 70 watts + 70 watts = 140 watts at port 103a, to provide more than 70 watts of power. In another example, voltage regulator 107 can have a power capacity of 70 watts, and voltage regulator 107b can have a power capacity of 100 watts. If port 103a requires 100 watts of power, controller TCPC1 can be configured to switch B2B switches 105a and 105c on, and manager TCPM can stop switching voltage regulator 107a, allowing voltage regulator 107b to support port 103a via a third current path. Therefore, the two voltage regulators 107a and 107b can be able to handle up to 170 watts of power, where 170 = 70 + 100.

[0027] In another example embodiment, voltage regulators 107a and 107b can implement different voltage regulation methods. For example, system 100 may include voltage regulator 107a, which can function as a three-level buck converter, and voltage regulator 107b, which can function as a buck-boost converter. In another example embodiment, system 100 may include three or more ports. For example, first port 103a and second port 103b are ports among a plurality of ports 103, each including at least two ports. Third B2B switch 105c is a bypass switch among a plurality of bypass switches, and each of the plurality of B2B switches 105 is coupled to a port pair among the plurality of ports 103. For example, if system 100 has N ports, then system 100 may have (N-1) bypass switches. In one aspect, for each additional port included in system 100, an additional controller TCPC is connected to the additional port, two additional B2B switches 105, and an additional voltage regulator 107. An additional port is connected to the first additional B2B switch 105 and the additional voltage regulator 107 to form a new fifth path. A second additional B2B switch 105 is connected between the first additional B2B switch 105 and the additional voltage regulator 107 to form a new current path between the second current path and the new fifth path.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a process for implementing adaptive voltage regulation with multiple ports in an example embodiment. Figure 4 Process 400 can be implemented using, for example, system 100 as described above. Process 400 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions, as shown in one or more of blocks 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, and / or 412. Although shown as discrete blocks, depending on the desired implementation, the various blocks may be divided into more blocks, combined into fewer blocks, removed, executed in different orders, or executed in parallel.

[0029] Process 400 can be executed by an integrated circuit. Process 400 can begin at block 402, where the integrated circuit can operate a first voltage regulator coupled to a first port to regulate the voltage between the first port and the battery. Process 400 can continue from block 402 to block 404. At block 404, the integrated circuit can operate a second voltage regulator coupled to a second port to regulate the voltage between the second port and the battery. Process 400 can continue from block 404 to block 406. At block 406, the integrated circuit can control a bypass switch coupled to the first voltage regulator, the first port, the second voltage regulator, and the second port. Process 400 can continue from block 406 to block 408. At block 408, the integrated circuit can operate the bypass switch. When the bypass switch is on, process 400 can continue from block 408 to block 410. At block 410, the integrated circuit can operate the first voltage regulator to regulate the voltage between the second port and the battery. Process 400 can continue from block 410 to block 412. At block 412, the integrated circuit can operate a second voltage regulator to regulate the voltage between the first port and the battery.

[0030] In another embodiment, the integrated circuit can also operate a first switch coupled between the first voltage regulator and the first port, and operate a second switch coupled between the second voltage regulator and the second port. When the bypass switch is open, the integrated circuit can also turn on the first switch and turn off the second switch to form a first current path including the first switch, the first voltage regulator, and the first port. The integrated circuit can turn off the first switch and turn on the second switch to form a second current path including the second switch, the second voltage regulator, and the second port.

[0031] In another embodiment, the integrated circuit can also activate a bypass switch coupled between the first current path and the second current path. When the bypass switch is activated, the integrated circuit can also activate the first switch and deactivate the second switch to form a third current path including the first switch, the second voltage regulator, and the first port. The integrated circuit can deactivate the first switch and activate the second switch to form a fourth current path including the second switch, the first voltage regulator, and the second port.

[0032] In another embodiment, the integrated circuit may also operate a first voltage regulator to generate a first power and operate a second voltage regulator to generate a second power. The integrated circuit may also activate a bypass switch to provide a combination of the first and second power to an external device connected to one of the first and second ports. The external device may require power greater than the first power capacity of the first voltage regulator and greater than the second power capacity of the second voltage regulator.

[0033] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions shown in the blocks may not appear in the order shown in the figures. For example, depending on the function involved, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the block diagram and / or flowchart, can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specified function or action or executes a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions. Example

[0034] Example 1: A semiconductor device includes: a first voltage regulator coupled to a first port, wherein the first voltage regulator is configured to regulate a voltage between the first port and a battery; a second voltage regulator coupled to a second port, wherein the second voltage regulator is configured to regulate a voltage between the second port and the battery; a bypass switch coupled to the first voltage regulator, the first port, the second voltage regulator, and the second port; and a controller configured to operate the bypass switch, wherein when the bypass switch is turned on: the first voltage regulator is further configured to regulate a voltage between the second port and the battery; and the second voltage regulator is further configured to regulate a voltage between the first port and the battery.

[0035] Example 2: The semiconductor device according to Example 1 further includes: a first switch coupled between the first voltage regulator and the first port; a second switch coupled between the second voltage regulator and the second port; and wherein the controller is configured to, when the bypass switch is open: turn on the first switch and turn off the second switch to form a first current path including the first switch, the first voltage regulator and the first port; and turn off the first switch and turn on the second switch to form a second current path including the second switch, the second voltage regulator and the second port.

[0036] Example 3: A semiconductor device according to any one of Examples 1 to 2, wherein: the bypass switch is coupled between the first current path and the second current path, wherein the controller is further configured to: turn on the first switch, turn off the second switch, and turn on the bypass switch to form a third current path including the first switch, the second voltage regulator, and the first port; and turn off the first switch, turn on the second switch, and turn on the bypass switch to form a fourth current path including the second switch, the first voltage regulator, and the second port.

[0037] Example 4: A semiconductor device according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein when the bypass switch is turned on: the first voltage regulator is configured to output regulated power to the first port and the second port; and the second voltage regulator is configured to output regulated power to the first port and the second port.

[0038] Example 5: A semiconductor device according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the first voltage regulator and the second voltage regulator is a bidirectional buck-boost converter.

[0039] Example 6: A semiconductor device according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the first voltage regulator and the second voltage regulator is a bidirectional three-level buck converter.

[0040] Example 7: A semiconductor device according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein: the first port and the second port are ports of a plurality of ports including at least two ports; the bypass switch is a bypass switch of a plurality of bypass switches; and each of the plurality of bypass switches is coupled to a port pair of the plurality of ports.

[0041] Example 8: A semiconductor device according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein: an external device is connected to one of the first port and the second port; the external device requires power greater than a first power capacity of the first voltage regulator and greater than a second power capacity of the second voltage regulator; when the bypass switch is turned on, the first power generated by the first voltage regulator and the second power generated by the second voltage regulator are combined to provide the required power to the external device.

[0042] Example 9: A system comprising: a battery; a first port; a second port; a battery charger comprising: a first voltage regulator coupled to the first port, wherein the first voltage regulator is configured to regulate a voltage between the first port and the battery; a second voltage regulator coupled to the second port, wherein the second voltage regulator is configured to regulate a voltage between the second port and the battery; a bypass switch coupled to the first voltage regulator, the first port, the second voltage regulator, and the second port; and a controller configured to operate the bypass switch, wherein when the bypass switch is turned on: the first voltage regulator is further configured to regulate a voltage between the second port and the battery; and the second voltage regulator is further configured to regulate a voltage between the first port and the battery.

[0043] Example 10: According to the system of Example 9, the battery charger further includes: a first switch coupled between the first voltage regulator and the first port; a second switch coupled between the second voltage regulator and the second port; and wherein the controller is configured to, when the bypass switch is open: turn on the first switch and turn off the second switch to form a first current path including the first switch, the first voltage regulator and the first port; and turn off the first switch and turn on the second switch to form a second current path including the second switch, the second voltage regulator and the second port.

[0044] Example 11: A system according to any one of Examples 9 to 10, wherein: the bypass switch is coupled between the first current path and the second current path, wherein the controller is further configured to: turn on the first switch, turn off the second switch, and turn on the bypass switch to form a third current path including the first switch, the second voltage regulator, and the first port; and turn off the first switch, turn on the second switch, and turn on the bypass switch to form a fourth current path including the second switch, the first voltage regulator, and the second port.

[0045] Example 12: A system according to any one of Examples 9 to 11, wherein when the bypass switch is turned on: the first voltage regulator is configured to output regulated power to the first port and the second port; and the second voltage regulator is configured to output regulated power to the first port and the second port.

[0046] Example 13: The system according to any one of Examples 9 to 12, wherein at least one of the first voltage regulator and the second voltage regulator is a bidirectional buck-boost converter.

[0047] Example 14: The system according to any one of Examples 9 to 13, wherein at least one of the first voltage regulator and the second voltage regulator is a bidirectional three-level buck converter.

[0048] Example 15: A system according to any one of Examples 9 to 14, wherein: the first port and the second port are ports in a plurality of ports including at least two ports; the bypass switch is a bypass switch in a plurality of bypass switches; and each of the plurality of bypass switches is coupled to a port pair in the plurality of ports.

[0049] Example 16: A semiconductor device according to any one of Examples 9 to 15, wherein: an external device is connected to one of the first port and the second port; the external device requires power greater than a first power capacity of the first voltage regulator and greater than a second power capacity of the second voltage regulator; when the bypass switch is turned on, the first power generated by the first voltage regulator and the second power generated by the second voltage regulator are combined to provide the required power to the external device.

[0050] Example 17: A method comprising: operating a first voltage regulator coupled to a first port to regulate a voltage between the first port and a battery; operating a second voltage regulator coupled to a second port to regulate a voltage between the second port and the battery; controlling a bypass switch coupled to the first voltage regulator, the first port, the second voltage regulator, and the second port; operating the bypass switch, wherein when the bypass switch is closed: the first voltage regulator is operated to regulate a voltage between the second port and the battery; and the second voltage regulator is operated to regulate a voltage between the first port and the battery.

[0051] Example 18: The method according to Example 17 further includes: operating a first switch coupled between the first voltage regulator and the first port; operating a second switch coupled between the second voltage regulator and the second port; and wherein when the bypass switch is open, the method further includes: turning on the first switch and turning off the second switch to form a first current path including the first switch, the first voltage regulator and the first port; and turning off the first switch and turning on the second switch to form a second current path including the second switch, the second voltage regulator and the second port.

[0052] Example 19: The method according to any one of Examples 17 to 18 further includes: turning on the bypass switch coupled between the first current path and the second current path, wherein when the bypass switch is turned on, the method further includes: turning on the first switch and turning off the second switch to form a third current path including the first switch, the second voltage regulator and the first port; and turning off the first switch and turning on the second switch to form a fourth current path including the second switch, the first voltage regulator and the second port.

[0053] Example 20: The method according to any one of Examples 17 to 19 further includes: operating the first voltage regulator to generate a first power; operating the second voltage regulator to generate a second power; and turning on the bypass switch to provide a combination of the first power and the second power to an external device connected to one of the first port and the second port, wherein the external device requires power greater than the first power capacity of the first voltage regulator and greater than the second power capacity of the second voltage regulator.

[0054] The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” used herein also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that when the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” are used in this specification, the presence of the stated feature, integral, step, operation, element, and / or component is specified, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof is not excluded.

[0055] The corresponding structures, materials, actions, and equivalents of all components or steps plus functional elements (if any) in the following claims are intended to include any structure, material, or action that performs the function in combination with other elements specifically claimed. The description of the invention is for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it limited to the invention as disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application of the invention and to enable those skilled in the art to understand various embodiments of the invention with various modifications suited to the intended particular purpose.

Claims

1. A semiconductor device, comprising: A first voltage regulator is coupled to a first port, wherein the first voltage regulator is configured to regulate the voltage between the first port and the battery; A second voltage regulator is coupled to a second port, wherein the second voltage regulator is configured to regulate the voltage between the second port and the battery; A bypass switch is coupled to the first voltage regulator, the first port, the second voltage regulator, and the second port; as well as An integrated circuit is configured to operate the bypass switch, wherein when the bypass switch is turned on: The first voltage regulator is also configured to regulate the voltage between the second port and the battery; and The second voltage regulator is also configured to regulate the voltage between the first port and the battery.

2. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, further comprising: A first switch is coupled between the first voltage regulator and the first port; as well as A second switch is coupled between the second voltage regulator and the second port. The integrated circuit is configured to, when the bypass switch is open: Turn on the first switch and turn off the second switch to form a first current path including the first switch, the first voltage regulator and the first port; as well as Disconnect the first switch and connect the second switch to form a second current path including the second switch, the second voltage regulator, and the second port.

3. The semiconductor device according to claim 2, wherein: The bypass switch is coupled between the first current path and the second current path, wherein the integrated circuit is further configured to: Turn on the first switch, turn off the second switch, and turn on the bypass switch to form a third current path including the first switch, the second voltage regulator, and the first port; as well as Disconnect the first switch, connect the second switch, and connect the bypass switch to form a fourth current path including the second switch, the first voltage regulator, and the second port.

4. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein when the bypass switch is turned on: The first voltage regulator is configured to output regulated power to both the first port and the second port; and The second voltage regulator is configured to output regulated power to the first port and the second port.

5. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first voltage regulator and the second voltage regulator is a bidirectional buck-boost converter.

6. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first voltage regulator and the second voltage regulator is a bidirectional three-level buck converter.

7. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein: The first port and the second port are ports among a plurality of ports, including at least two ports; The bypass switch is one of a plurality of bypass switches; and Each of the plurality of bypass switches is coupled to a port pair in the plurality of ports.

8. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein: An external device is connected to one of the first port and the second port; The external device requires power greater than the first power capacity of the first voltage regulator and greater than the second power capacity of the second voltage regulator; and When the bypass switch is turned on, the first power generated by the first voltage regulator and the second power generated by the second voltage regulator are combined to provide the required power to the external device.

9. A system comprising: Battery; First port; Second port; as well as Battery charger, including: A first voltage regulator is coupled to the first port, wherein the first voltage regulator is configured to regulate the voltage between the first port and the battery; A second voltage regulator is coupled to the second port, wherein the second voltage regulator is configured to regulate the voltage between the second port and the battery; A bypass switch is coupled to the first voltage regulator, the first port, the second voltage regulator, and the second port; and An integrated circuit is configured to operate the bypass switch, wherein when the bypass switch is turned on: The first voltage regulator is also configured to regulate the voltage between the second port and the battery; and The second voltage regulator is also configured to regulate the voltage between the first port and the battery.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the battery charger further comprises: A first switch is coupled between the first voltage regulator and the first port; as well as A second switch is coupled between the second voltage regulator and the second port. The integrated circuit is configured to, when the bypass switch is open: Turn on the first switch and turn off the second switch to form a first current path including the first switch, the first voltage regulator and the first port; as well as Disconnect the first switch and connect the second switch to form a second current path including the second switch, the second voltage regulator, and the second port.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The bypass switch is coupled between the first current path and the second current path, wherein the integrated circuit is further configured to: Turn on the first switch, turn off the second switch, and turn on the bypass switch to form a third current path including the first switch, the second voltage regulator, and the first port; as well as Disconnect the first switch, connect the second switch, and connect the bypass switch to form a fourth current path including the second switch, the first voltage regulator, and the second port.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein when the bypass switch is turned on: The first voltage regulator is configured to output regulated power to both the first port and the second port; and The second voltage regulator is configured to output regulated power to the first port and the second port.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein at least one of the first voltage regulator and the second voltage regulator is a bidirectional buck-boost converter.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein at least one of the first voltage regulator and the second voltage regulator is a bidirectional three-level buck converter.

15. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The first port and the second port are ports among a plurality of ports, including at least two ports; The bypass switch is one of a plurality of bypass switches; and Each of the plurality of bypass switches is coupled to a port pair in the plurality of ports.

16. The system according to claim 9, wherein: An external device is connected to one of the first port and the second port; The external device requires power greater than the first power capacity of the first voltage regulator and greater than the second power capacity of the second voltage regulator; and When the bypass switch is turned on, the first power generated by the first voltage regulator and the second power generated by the second voltage regulator are combined to provide the required power to the external device.

17. A method comprising: Operate a first voltage regulator coupled to the first port to regulate the voltage between the first port and the battery; Operate a second voltage regulator coupled to the second port to regulate the voltage between the second port and the battery; Control the bypass switch coupled to the first voltage regulator, the first port, the second voltage regulator, and the second port; as well as Operate the bypass switch, wherein when the bypass switch is turned on: Operate the first voltage regulator to adjust the voltage between the second port and the battery; as well as Operate the second voltage regulator to adjust the voltage between the first port and the battery.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: The first switch, coupled between the first voltage regulator and the first port, is operated. as well as The second switch, coupled between the second voltage regulator and the second port, is operated. When the bypass switch is disconnected, the method further includes: Turn on the first switch and turn off the second switch to form a first current path including the first switch, the first voltage regulator and the first port; as well as Disconnect the first switch and connect the second switch to form a second current path including the second switch, the second voltage regulator, and the second port.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: Turning on the bypass switch coupled between the first current path and the second current path, wherein when the bypass switch is turned on, the method further includes: Turning on the first switch and turning off the second switch creates a third current path including the first switch, the second voltage regulator, and the first port; and Disconnect the first switch and connect the second switch to form a fourth current path including the second switch, the first voltage regulator, and the second port.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: Operate the first voltage regulator to generate the first power; Operate the second voltage regulator to generate second power; as well as The bypass switch is turned on to provide a combination of the first power and the second power to an external device connected to one of the first port and the second port, wherein the external device requires power greater than the first power capacity of the first voltage regulator and greater than the second power capacity of the second voltage regulator.

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