bidirectional converter

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of bidirectional converter, comprising: bidirectional power converter is configured as between ethernet interface and USB interface bidirectional transmission power;Bidirectional data converter is configured as between the ethernet interface and the USB interface bidirectional transmission data;Control unit is configured to detect the interface state of the ethernet interface and the USB interface, and according to the interface state control the bidirectional power converter carries out power conversion and power transmission, and / or according to the interface state control the bidirectional data converter carries out data conversion and data transmission.The bidirectional converter of the utility model not only can realize to long-distance Type-C equipment for power and data transmission, also can realize the interconnection of power and data between Type-C equipment and PoE equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to electronic technology, and in particular to a bidirectional converter. Background Technology

[0002] Today, many consumer, enterprise, and industrial devices use USB Type-C interfaces as their power input option, but this requires AC outlets to be within 3 meters, which is not feasible in some situations. To address the limitation of USB cable length, Power over Ethernet (PoE) can be used, enabling power and data delivery over long distances. However, PoE and USB Type-C interfaces use different power supply voltages and data protocols, thus requiring a converter to interconnect them.

[0003] In addition, traditional PoE devices using RJ45 interfaces often require a PoE power supply, while USB Type-C interfaces that support the PD (Power Delivery) protocol can also transmit power and data. Thus, the two can be interconnected by using an adapter.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a bidirectional converter that can enable bidirectional power and data transfer between PoE and USB interfaces (especially Type-C interfaces). Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a bidirectional converter that can effectively solve at least one defect of the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a bidirectional converter, comprising: a bidirectional power converter configured to bidirectionally transmit power between an Ethernet interface and a USB interface; a bidirectional data converter configured to bidirectionally transmit data between the Ethernet interface and the USB interface; and a control unit configured to detect the interface status of the Ethernet interface and the USB interface, and to control the bidirectional power converter to perform power conversion and power transmission according to the interface status, and / or control the bidirectional data converter to perform data conversion and data transmission according to the interface status.

[0007] In some embodiments of this utility model, the control unit is configured to detect which of the Ethernet interface and the USB interface is the power supply interface; when the Ethernet interface is the power supply interface, the control unit controls the bidirectional power converter to convert the first input voltage of the Ethernet interface into a first output voltage that meets the voltage requirements of the USB interface; when the USB interface is the power supply interface, the control unit controls the bidirectional power converter to convert the second input voltage of the USB interface into a second output voltage that meets the voltage requirements of the Ethernet interface.

[0008] In some embodiments of this utility model, the bidirectional power converter is a Buck-Boost converter, which includes: a first bridge arm consisting of a first switch and a second switch connected in series; and a second bridge arm consisting of a third switch and a fourth switch connected in series.

[0009] In some embodiments of this utility model, when the Ethernet interface is a power supply interface, and

[0010] When the first input voltage is greater than the first threshold voltage, the Buck-Boost converter operates in Buck mode, wherein the fourth switch is normally off, the third switch is normally on, and the first and second switches are alternately turned on.

[0011] When the first input voltage is less than the second threshold voltage, the Buck-Boost converter operates in Boost mode, wherein the first switch is normally open, the second switch is normally off, and the third and fourth switches are alternately turned on.

[0012] When the first input voltage is within a first voltage range that is greater than or equal to the first threshold voltage and less than or equal to the second threshold voltage, the Buck-Boost converter operates in Buck-Boost mode, wherein the first switch and the fourth switch are simultaneously turned on or off, the second switch and the third switch are simultaneously turned on or off, and the second switch and the third switch are alternately turned on with the first switch and the fourth switch.

[0013] In some embodiments of this utility model, the first threshold voltage is Vo1-ΔV1, and the second threshold voltage is Vo1+ΔV1, where Vo1 is the first output voltage of the USB interface, and ΔV1 is 1 volt.

[0014] In some embodiments of this utility model, when the USB interface is a power supply interface, and

[0015] When the second input voltage is less than the third threshold voltage, the Buck-Boost converter operates in Boost mode, wherein the third switch is normally open, the fourth switch is normally off, and the first and second switches are turned on alternately.

[0016] When the second input voltage is greater than the fourth threshold voltage, the Buck-Boost converter operates in Buck mode, wherein the second switch is normally off, the first switch is normally on, and the third and fourth switches are alternately turned on.

[0017] When the second input voltage is in a second voltage range that is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold voltage and less than or equal to the third threshold voltage, the Buck-Boost converter operates in Buck-Boost mode, wherein the third switch and the second switch are simultaneously turned on or off, the fourth switch and the first switch are simultaneously turned on or off, and the fourth switch and the first switch are alternately turned on with the third switch and the second switch.

[0018] In some embodiments of this utility model, the third threshold voltage is Vo2+ΔV2, and the fourth threshold voltage is Vo2-ΔV2, where Vo2 is the second output voltage of the Ethernet interface, and ΔV2 is 1 volt.

[0019] In some embodiments of this utility model, the Ethernet interface includes a first Ethernet interface and a second Ethernet interface. The first Ethernet device performs power transmission and data transmission through the first Ethernet interface, and the second Ethernet device performs data transmission through the second Ethernet interface; the USB device performs power transmission and data transmission through the USB interface.

[0020] In some embodiments of this utility model, the first Ethernet interface is an interface with PoE function, and the second Ethernet interface is an interface without PoE function.

[0021] In some embodiments of this utility model, the Ethernet interface is an RJ45 interface and the USB interface is a Type-C interface.

[0022] This utility model's bidirectional converter can not only transmit power and data to long-distance devices (such as Type-C devices), but also enable power and data interconnection between USB devices (such as Type-C devices) and PoE devices.

[0023] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The above and other features and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from a detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred bidirectional converter of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2A It is an illustrative representation of the use Figure 1 The bidirectional converter shown enables applications that transfer power and / or data from Ethernet devices to USB devices.

[0027] Figure 2B It is an illustrative representation of the use Figure 1 The bidirectional converter shown enables applications that transfer power and / or data from a USB device to an Ethernet device.

[0028] Figure 3 The Buck-Boost converter is used as an example to illustrate this. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a bidirectional power converter, wherein port P1 is electrically connected to an Ethernet interface, for example, and port P2 is electrically connected to a USB interface, for example.

[0029] Figure 4 It is shown schematically. Figure 3 The Buck-Boost converter shown has three operating modes when the Ethernet interface is the power supply interface: Boost mode, Buck mode, and Buck-Boost mode.

[0030] Figure 5A , Figure 5B ,as well as Figure 5C These are schematically shown separately. Figure 3 The switch states of the Buck-Boost converter in Buck mode, Boost mode, and Buck-Boost mode when the Ethernet interface is the power supply interface are shown.

[0031] Figure 6 It is shown schematically. Figure 3 The Buck-Boost converter shown has three operating modes when the USB interface is the power supply interface: Boost mode, Buck mode, and Buck-Boost mode.

[0032] Figure 7A , Figure 7B ,as well as Figure 7C These are schematically shown separately. Figure 3The switch states of the Buck-Boost converter in Boost mode, Buck mode, and Buck-Boost mode when the USB interface is the power supply interface are shown.

[0033] Figure 8 Taking the RJ45 interface and Type-C interface as examples, the diagram illustrates... Figure 1 The bidirectional converter shown demonstrates the process of achieving bidirectional power supply between the two interfaces;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another preferred bidirectional converter of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 10 It is an illustrative representation of the use Figure 9 The bidirectional converter shown enables application scenarios for bidirectional transmission of power and / or data. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore their detailed description will be omitted.

[0037] In describing the elements / components / etc. described and / or illustrated herein, the terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” and “at least one” are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements / components / etc. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are used to indicate an open-ended inclusion and to mean that additional elements / components / etc. may exist in addition to those listed. Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., in the claims are used only as designations and are not intended to limit the number of objects to which they pertain.

[0038] It should be understood that the wording or terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes and not for limitation, so that those skilled in the art can interpret the terms or wording of this specification based on the teachings herein.

[0039] Different embodiments or examples are provided below for implementing different features of the subject matter provided by this utility model. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the following description of "a first feature forming on or above a second feature" may, in embodiments, include direct contact between the first and second features, and may also include the formation of an additional feature between the first and second features such that the first and second features do not have direct contact. Furthermore, element symbols and / or letters may be repeated in various embodiments or examples of this utility model. This repetition is for simplicity and clarity and does not in itself limit the relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0040] Furthermore, spatial relative terms, such as “above,” “over,” “above,” “upper,” “under,” “below,” “lower,” “lower,” and similar expressions, are used herein to simplify the description of the relationship between one element or feature structure and another, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. In addition to the orientations depicted in the figures, spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0041] like Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates the structure of a preferred bidirectional converter 100 of this invention. This bidirectional converter 100 preferably includes a bidirectional power converter 10, a bidirectional data converter 20, and a control unit 30. The bidirectional power converter 10 is configured to transmit power bidirectionally between an Ethernet interface 40 and a USB interface 50. The bidirectional data converter 20 is configured to transmit data bidirectionally between the Ethernet interface 40 and the USB interface 50. The control unit 30 is configured to detect the interface status of the Ethernet interface 40 and the USB interface 50, and control the bidirectional power converter 10 to perform power conversion and power transmission based on the interface status, and / or control the bidirectional data converter 20 to perform data conversion and data transmission based on the interface status.

[0042] For ease of explanation, in Figure 1 In the preferred bidirectional converter 100 shown, only one RJ45 interface and one Type-C interface are used as examples to schematically illustrate the structure of the Ethernet interface 40 and USB interface 50 in this utility model and their connection relationship with the bidirectional power converter 10, bidirectional data converter 20 and control unit 30, respectively. Figure 1In the diagram, Ethernet interface 40 and USB interface 50 are respectively connected to bidirectional power converter 10, bidirectional data converter 20, and control unit 30, and control unit 30 is also connected to bidirectional power converter 10 and bidirectional data converter 20. However, it is understood that in this invention, Ethernet interface 40 and USB interface 50 in bidirectional converter 100 can also be other interfaces that support bidirectional power and data transmission, and the number of these interfaces is not limited to one shown in the diagram. These are not intended to limit the invention.

[0043] In this invention, an Ethernet device (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "PoE device") can perform power transmission and / or data transmission through an Ethernet interface 40 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "PoE interface"); a USB device (including but not limited to, for example, a "Type-C device") can perform power transmission and / or data transmission through a USB interface 50 (including but not limited to, for example, a "Type-C interface").

[0044] In this invention, the control unit 30 can detect the interface status of interfaces such as the Ethernet interface 40 and the USB interface 50 to obtain information including, but not limited to, protocol information (e.g., power transmission protocols, data transmission protocols) supported by the corresponding interfaces, device information of the devices connected to the corresponding interfaces, and voltage requirement information of the devices connected to the corresponding interfaces. Based on this information, the control unit 30 can determine which interface, the Ethernet interface 40 or the USB interface 50, is the power supply interface, and the other interface is the power receiving interface. The device connected to the power supply interface can be called a "power supply device," and the device connected to the power receiving interface can be called a "power receiving device." Based on this information, the control unit 30 can also determine the voltage requirement and / or supported data protocols of the power receiving device, thereby controlling the bidirectional power converter 10 to perform power conversion and power transmission, and / or controlling the bidirectional data converter 20 to perform data conversion and data transmission. In other words, the control unit 30 can negotiate voltage and current with the power supply equipment and the power receiving equipment, and give instructions to the bidirectional power converter 10 and the bidirectional data converter 20 to control the bidirectional power converter 10 to perform power conversion and power transmission, and to control the bidirectional data converter 20 to perform data conversion and power transmission.

[0045] More specifically, in conjunction with references Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2BIn some embodiments, the control unit 30 can be configured to detect which of the Ethernet interface 40 and the USB interface 50 is the power supply interface. When the Ethernet interface 40 is the power supply interface, the control unit 30 can control the bidirectional power converter 10 to convert the first input voltage of the Ethernet interface 40 (voltage range, for example, 42–57 Vdc, but not limited thereto) into a first output voltage (voltage range, for example, 5–48 Vdc, but not limited thereto) that meets the voltage requirements of the USB interface 50. When the USB interface 50 is the power supply interface, the control unit 30 can control the bidirectional power converter 10 to convert the second input voltage of the USB interface 50 (voltage range, for example, 5–48 Vdc, but not limited thereto) into a second output voltage (voltage range, for example, 42–57 Vdc, but not limited thereto) that meets the voltage requirements of the Ethernet interface 40. In other words, bidirectional conversion between the voltage of the Ethernet interface 40 and the voltage of the USB interface 50 can be achieved through the bidirectional power converter 10.

[0046] More specifically, in conjunction with references Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B In some embodiments, the control unit 30 may also be configured to detect the interface status of the Ethernet interface 40 and the USB interface 50 to obtain information such as the data transmission protocols supported by the PoE device 200 connected to the Ethernet interface 40 and the data transmission protocols supported by the USB device 300 connected to the USB interface 50. Based on this information, the control unit 30 can control the bidirectional data converter 20 to perform corresponding data conversion and data transmission. For example, the control unit 30 can control the bidirectional data converter 20 to achieve bidirectional conversion and bidirectional transmission of data from the PoE device 200 (e.g., data conforming to the IEEE 802.3af protocol, but not limited thereto) and data from the USB device 300 (e.g., a Type-C device) (e.g., data conforming to the USB PD Type-C protocol, but not limited thereto).

[0047] like Figure 2A As shown, it schematically illustrates the use Figure 1 The bidirectional converter 100 shown enables applications that transfer power and / or data from a PoE device to a USB device. Figure 2AIn this embodiment, PoE device 200 is a PoE interface 40 connected to bidirectional converter 100. Examples of PoE device 200 include PoE switches with PoE functionality and ordinary switches equipped with PoE power supply devices (but this invention is not limited to these examples). USB device 300 is a USB interface 50 connected to bidirectional converter 100. Examples of USB device 300 include Type-C devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops with Type-C interfaces (but this invention is not limited to these examples). The bidirectional converter 100 enables the transmission of power and / or data from PoE device 200 to USB device 300.

[0048] like Figure 2B As shown, it schematically illustrates the use Figure 1 The bidirectional converter 100 shown enables applications that transfer power and / or data from a USB device to a PoE device. Figure 2B In this embodiment, PoE device 200 is connected to PoE interface 40 of bidirectional converter 100, and PoE device 200 is, for example, an IP phone, an AP (Access Point), an IP camera, etc. (but this invention is not limited thereto); while USB device 300 is connected to USB interface 50 of bidirectional converter 100, and USB device 300 is, for example, a Type-C device with a Type-C interface (such as a laptop computer) (but this invention is not limited thereto). The bidirectional converter 100 enables the transmission of power and / or data from USB device 300 to PoE device 200.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, it schematically illustrates the use of a Buck-Boost converter as an example. Figure 1 The structure of the bidirectional power converter 10. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the bidirectional power converter 10 may include a first bridge arm 11 and a second bridge arm 12. The first bridge arm 11 may be composed of a first switch Q1 and a second switch Q2 connected in series. The second bridge arm 12 may be composed of a third switch Q3 and a fourth switch Q4 connected in series. In some embodiments, the first switch Q1 and the second switch Q2 may be driven, for example, by an IC 13. The third switch Q3 and the fourth switch Q4 may be driven, for example, by another IC 14. IC 13 and IC 14 may be further controlled by a master control IC 15. However, it is understood that in some other embodiments, IC 13, IC 14, and the master control IC 15 may also be integrated into a single integrated chip, which is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0050] In some embodiments, Figure 3 Port P1 of the Buck-Boost converter in the middle can be electrically connected, for example, to Figure 1 Ethernet interface 40, wherein the voltage of port P1 is indicated by "V1"; while port P2 may be electrically connected, for example, to Figure 1 The USB interface 50 in the example has a voltage of port P2 represented by "V2". However, it is understood that in some other embodiments, port P1 may also be electrically connected to... Figure 1 USB interface 50, and electrically connect port P2. Figure 1 The Ethernet interface 40 in the present invention is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, it schematically illustrates Figure 3 The Buck-Boost converter shown has three operating modes when the Ethernet interface is the power supply interface: Boost mode, Buck mode, and Buck-Boost mode. Figure 4 In the text, "V1" corresponds to... Figure 3 The voltage at port P1, "V2" corresponds to Figure 3 The voltage at port P2 in the circuit.

[0052] like Figure 5A , Figure 5B ,as well as Figure 5C As shown, they schematically illustrate respectively. Figure 3 The Buck-Boost converter shown is located at the Ethernet interface (i.e., corresponding to...). Figure 3 When port P1 is the power supply interface, this describes the switching states of the Buck-Boost converter in Boost mode, Buck mode, and Buck-Boost mode. Figure 4 as well as Figures 5A-5C In the embodiment shown, Figure 3 Port P1, connected to Ethernet interface 40, serves as the power supply, while port P2, connected to USB interface 50, serves as the power receiving end. Figure 3 The Buck-Boost converter shown operates in different modes such as Boost mode, Buck mode, and Buck-Boost mode. It can convert the first input voltage of the Ethernet interface 40 (the voltage range may be, for example, 42 to 57 Vdc, but this invention is not limited thereto) into a first output voltage that meets the voltage requirements of the USB interface 50 (the voltage range may be, for example, 5 to 48 Vdc, but this invention is not limited thereto).

[0053] More specifically, such as Figure 5A As shown, and in conjunction with reference Figure 3 and Figure 4When the Ethernet interface is 40 (see reference) Figure 1 The Ethernet interface 40 is a power supply interface. When the first input voltage of the Ethernet interface 40 (i.e., the voltage V1 corresponding to port P1) is greater than the first threshold voltage Vth1 (i.e., V1 > Vth1), it indicates that the voltage at the power supply end is greater than the voltage at the power receiving end. Figure 3 The Buck-Boost converter shown can operate in Buck mode (i.e., step-down mode) to reduce the voltage at the power supply end to meet the voltage requirements of the receiving end. The first threshold voltage Vth1 can be, for example, "Vo1 - ΔV1", where "Vo1" is, for example, the first output voltage that meets the voltage requirements of the USB interface 50, and "ΔV1" is, for example, 1 volt. However, it is understood that "ΔV1" can also be other values, which is not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, in this Buck mode, the fourth switch Q4 is normally off, the third switch Q3 is normally on, and the first switch Q1 and the second switch Q2 are alternately turned on. When the first switch Q1 is turned on, the current path in the Buck-Boost converter is as follows... Figure 5A As shown by the solid line; when the second switch Q2 is turned on, the current path in the Buck-Boost converter is as follows. Figure 5A As shown by the dashed line. Preferably, in some embodiments, the first switch Q1 may be controlled to conduct with a duty cycle "D", while the second switch Q2 may be controlled to conduct with a duty cycle "1-D".

[0054] More specifically, such as Figure 5B As shown, and in conjunction with reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 When the Ethernet interface is 40 (reference) Figure 1 The Ethernet interface 40 is a power supply interface. When the first input voltage of the Ethernet interface 40 (i.e., the voltage V1 corresponding to port P1) is less than the second threshold voltage Vth2 (i.e., V1 < Vth2), it indicates that the voltage at the power supply end is less than the voltage at the power receiving end. Figure 3 The Buck-Boost converter shown can operate in Boost mode to increase the voltage at the supply end to meet the voltage requirements of the receiving end. The second threshold voltage Vth2 can be, for example, "Vo1 + ΔV1". Furthermore, in this Boost mode, the first switch Q1 is normally open, the second switch Q2 is normally off, and the third and fourth switches Q3 and Q4 are alternately turned on. When the third switch Q3 is turned on, the current path in the Buck-Boost converter is as follows... Figure 5B As shown by the solid line; when the fourth switch Q4 is turned on, the current path in the Buck-Boost converter is as follows. Figure 5BAs shown by the dashed line. Preferably, in some embodiments, the fourth switch Q4 may be controlled to conduct with a duty cycle "D", while the third switch Q3 may be controlled to conduct with a duty cycle "1-D".

[0055] More specifically, such as Figure 5C As shown, and in conjunction with reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 When the Ethernet interface is 40 (reference) Figure 1 The Ethernet interface 40 is a power supply interface. When the first input voltage of the Ethernet interface 40 (i.e., the voltage V1 corresponding to port P1) is within the first voltage range (i.e., Vth1≤V1≤Vth2) that is greater than or equal to the first threshold voltage Vth1 and less than or equal to the second threshold voltage Vth2, it indicates that the voltage at the power supply end and the voltage at the power receiving end are not significantly different. Figure 3 The Buck-Boost converter shown can operate in Buck-Boost mode (i.e., step-up / step-down mode) to increase or decrease the supply voltage to meet the voltage requirements of the receiving end. In this Buck-Boost mode, the first switch Q1 and the fourth switch Q4 are simultaneously turned on or off, and the second switch Q2 and the third switch Q3 are simultaneously turned on or off, with the second and third switches Q2 and Q3 alternating with the first and fourth switches Q1 and Q4. Specifically, when the first and fourth switches Q1 and Q4 are simultaneously turned on, the second and third switches Q2 and Q3 are simultaneously turned off. The current path in the Buck-Boost converter is as follows: Figure 5C As shown by the solid line; when the first switch Q1 and the fourth switch Q4 are both turned off, the second switch Q2 and the third switch Q3 are both turned on. The current path in the Buck-Boost converter is as follows: Figure 5C As shown by the dashed line. Preferably, in some embodiments, the first switch Q1 and the fourth switch Q4 may be controlled to conduct with a duty cycle "D", while the second switch Q2 and the third switch Q3 may be controlled to conduct with a duty cycle "1-D".

[0056] like Figure 6 As shown, it schematically illustrates Figure 3 The Buck-Boost converter shown has three operating modes when the USB interface is the power supply interface: Boost mode, Buck mode, and Buck-Boost mode. Figure 6 In the text, "V1" corresponds to... Figure 3 The voltage at port P1, "V2" corresponds to Figure 3 The voltage at port P2 in the circuit.

[0057] like Figure 7A , Figure 7B ,as well as Figure 7C The diagram shows, schematically, the following. Figure 3 The Buck-Boost converter shown has a USB interface (i.e., corresponding to...) Figure 3 When port P2 is the power supply interface, this describes the switching states of the Buck-Boost converter in Boost mode, Buck mode, and Buck-Boost mode. Figure 6 as well as Figures 7A-7C In the embodiment shown, Figure 3 Port P2, connected to USB interface 50, serves as the power supply, while port P1, connected to Ethernet interface 40, serves as the power receiving end. Figure 3 The Buck-Boost converter shown operates in different modes such as Boost mode, Buck mode, and Buck-Boost mode. It can convert the second input voltage of the USB interface 50 (the voltage range can be, for example, 5 to 48Vdc, but this invention is not limited thereto) into a second output voltage (the voltage range can be, for example, 42 to 57Vdc, but this invention is not limited thereto) that meets the voltage requirements of the Ethernet interface 40.

[0058] More specifically, such as Figure 7A As shown, and in conjunction with reference Figure 3 and Figure 6 When USB port 50 is the power supply port (see reference) Figure 1 Furthermore, when the second input voltage of the USB interface 50 (i.e., the voltage V2 corresponding to port P2) is less than the third threshold voltage Vth3 (i.e., V2 < Vth3), it indicates that the voltage at the power supply end is less than the voltage at the power receiving end. Figure 3 The Buck-Boost converter shown can operate in Boost mode to increase the voltage at the power supply end to meet the voltage requirements of the receiving end. The third threshold voltage Vth3 can be, for example, "Vo2 + ΔV2", where "Vo2" is, for example, the second output voltage that meets the voltage requirements of the Ethernet interface 40, and "ΔV2" is, for example, 1 volt. However, it is understood that "ΔV2" can also be other values, which is not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, in this Boost mode, the third switch Q3 is normally open, the fourth switch Q4 is normally off, and the first switch Q1 and the second switch Q2 are alternately turned on. When the second switch Q2 is turned on, the current path in the Buck-Boost converter is as follows... Figure 7A As shown by the solid line; when the first switch Q1 is turned on, the current path in the Buck-Boost converter is as follows. Figure 7A As shown by the dashed line. Preferably, in some embodiments, the second switch Q2 may be controlled to conduct with a duty cycle "D", while the first switch Q1 may be controlled to conduct with a duty cycle "1-D".

[0059] More specifically, such as Figure 7B As shown, and in conjunction with reference Figure 3 and Figure 6 When USB port 50 is the power supply port (see reference) Figure 1 Furthermore, when the second input voltage of the USB interface 50 (i.e., the voltage V2 corresponding to port P2) is greater than the fourth threshold voltage Vth4 (i.e., V2 > Vth4), it indicates that the voltage at the power supply end is greater than the voltage at the power receiving end. Figure 3 The Buck-Boost converter shown can operate in Buck mode to reduce the supply voltage to meet the voltage requirements of the receiving end. The fourth threshold voltage Vth4 can be, for example, "Vo2 - ΔV2". In this Buck mode, the second switch Q2 is normally off, the first switch Q1 is normally on, and the third and fourth switches Q3 and Q4 are alternately turned on. When the third switch Q3 is on, the current path in the Buck-Boost converter is as follows... Figure 7B As shown by the solid line; when the fourth switch Q4 is turned on, the current path in the Buck-Boost converter is as follows. Figure 7B As shown by the dashed line. Preferably, in some embodiments, the third switch Q3 may be controlled to conduct with a duty cycle "D", while the fourth switch Q4 may be controlled to conduct with a duty cycle "1-D".

[0060] More specifically, such as Figure 7C As shown, and in conjunction with reference Figure 3 and Figure 6 When USB port 50 is the power supply port (see reference) Figure 1 When the second input voltage of the USB interface 50 (i.e., the voltage V2 corresponding to port P2) is in the second voltage range (i.e., Vth4≤V2≤Vth3) which is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold voltage Vth4 and less than or equal to the third threshold voltage Vth3, it indicates that the voltage at the power supply end and the voltage at the power receiving end are not significantly different. Figure 3 The Buck-Boost converter in the diagram can operate in Buck-Boost mode to increase or decrease the supply voltage to meet the voltage requirements of the receiving end. In this Buck-Boost mode, the third switch Q3 and the second switch Q2 are simultaneously turned on or off, and the fourth switch Q4 and the first switch Q1 are simultaneously turned on or off. The fourth switch Q4 and the first switch Q1 are turned on alternately with the third switch Q3 and the second switch Q2. Specifically, when the third switch Q3 and the second switch Q2 are both turned on, the fourth switch Q4 and the first switch Q1 are both turned off. The current path in the Buck-Boost converter is as follows: Figure 7CAs shown by the solid line; when the third switch Q3 and the second switch Q2 are both turned off, the fourth switch Q4 and the first switch Q1 are both turned on simultaneously. The current path in the Buck-Boost converter is as follows: Figure 7C As shown by the dashed line. Preferably, in some embodiments, the third switch Q3 and the second switch Q2 may be controlled to conduct with a duty cycle "D", while the fourth switch Q4 and the first switch Q1 may be controlled to conduct with a duty cycle "1-D".

[0061] Although the above description, using the Buck-Boost converter as an example, details a preferred structure and control method of the bidirectional power converter 10 of this invention, it is understood that the bidirectional power converter 10 of this invention may also employ other feasible converter structures and control methods, which are not intended to limit this invention.

[0062] Figure 8 Taking the RJ45 interface and Type-C interface as examples, the diagram illustrates... Figure 1 The bidirectional converter shown demonstrates the process of bidirectional power supply between two interfaces. For example... Figure 8 As shown, process 800 may include the following processes S801 to S810:

[0063] First, establish the interface connection (i.e., process S801). For example, connect the RJ45 interface (e.g., the corresponding...). Figure 1 The Ethernet interface 40 in the middle is connected to the PoE device via a PoE cable, and the Type-C interface (e.g., the corresponding...) is connected to the PoE device via a PoE cable. Figure 1 The USB interface 50 in the middle is connected to a Type-C device via a Type-C cable.

[0064] Next, the bidirectional converter can detect the interface status (i.e., process S802). For example, it can detect the interface status of the RJ45 interface and the Type-C interface, and determine which interface is the power supply interface based on the detected interface status.

[0065] When the bidirectional converter determines that the RJ45 interface is the power supply interface (i.e., process S803), processes S804 to S806 can continue. In process S804, the bidirectional converter can negotiate the voltage and current required by the Type-C device; in process S805, the bidirectional converter converts the voltage of the RJ45 interface (e.g., 42-57V) into the voltage required by the Type-C interface (e.g., 5-48V); in process S806, the power supply from the RJ45 interface to the Type-C interface is completed.

[0066] When the bidirectional converter determines that the Type-C interface is the power supply interface (i.e., process S807), processes S808 to S810 can continue. In process S808, the bidirectional converter can negotiate the voltage and current that the Type-C device can provide; in process S809, the bidirectional converter converts the voltage of the Type-C interface (e.g., 5-48V) into the voltage required by the RJ45 interface (e.g., 42-57V); in process S810, the power supply from the Type-C interface to the RJ45 interface is completed.

[0067] like Figure 9 As shown, this illustrates the structure of another preferred bidirectional converter 100-1 of this invention. Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, with Figure 1 The difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the Ethernet interface includes a first Ethernet interface 41 and a second Ethernet interface 42. The first Ethernet device (not shown) can perform power transmission and data transmission through the first Ethernet interface 41, and the second Ethernet device (not shown) can perform data transmission through the second Ethernet interface 42. The USB device can perform power transmission and data transmission through the USB interface 50. Preferably, the first Ethernet interface 41 may be, for example, an interface with PoE functionality, and the second Ethernet interface 42 may be, for example, an interface without PoE functionality.

[0068] like Figure 10 As shown, it schematically illustrates the use Figure 9 The bidirectional converter shown enables applications involving bidirectional power and / or data transmission. Figure 10In this invention, the first Ethernet device 200-1 is connected to the first Ethernet interface 41 of the bidirectional converter 100-1. The first Ethernet device 200-1 is exemplified by an IP phone, an APS (Access Point), or an IP camera (but this invention is not limited thereto), and it can perform power transmission and / or data transmission through the first Ethernet interface 41. The second Ethernet device 200-2 is connected to the second Ethernet interface 42 of the bidirectional converter 100-1. The second Ethernet device 200-2 is exemplified by a regular switch (but this invention is not limited thereto), and it can perform data transmission through the second Ethernet interface 42. The USB device 300 is connected to the USB interface 50 of the bidirectional converter 100-1. The USB device 300 is exemplified by a Type-C device with a Type-C interface (e.g., a charger) (but this invention is not limited thereto), and it can perform power transmission through the USB interface 50. In other embodiments, the USB device 300 may also be other USB devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. These USB devices 300 can perform power transmission and / or data transmission through the USB interface 50 of the bidirectional converter 100-1, which are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0069] This utility model's bidirectional converter can not only transmit power and data to long-distance devices (such as Type-C devices), but also enable power and data interconnection between USB devices (such as Type-C devices) and PoE devices.

[0070] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been specifically shown and described above. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments; rather, the present invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements contained within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bidirectional converter, characterized in that, include: A bidirectional power converter is configured to transfer power bidirectionally between an Ethernet interface and a USB interface; A bidirectional data converter is configured to transmit data bidirectionally between the Ethernet interface and the USB interface; The control unit is configured to detect the interface status of the Ethernet interface and the USB interface, and to control the bidirectional power converter to perform power conversion and power transmission based on the interface status, and / or to control the bidirectional data converter to perform data conversion and data transmission based on the interface status.

2. The bidirectional converter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to detect which of the Ethernet interface and the USB interface is the power supply interface; When the Ethernet interface is a power supply interface, the control unit controls the bidirectional power converter to convert the first input voltage of the Ethernet interface into a first output voltage that meets the voltage requirements of the USB interface; When the USB interface is a power supply interface, the control unit controls the bidirectional power converter to convert the second input voltage of the USB interface into a second output voltage that meets the voltage requirements of the Ethernet interface.

3. The bidirectional converter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bidirectional power converter is a Buck-Boost converter, which includes: The first bridge arm consists of a first switching transistor and a second switching transistor connected in series; and The second bridge arm is composed of the third and fourth switching transistors connected in series.

4. The bidirectional converter according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the Ethernet interface is a power supply interface, and When the first input voltage is greater than the first threshold voltage, the Buck-Boost converter operates in Buck mode, wherein the fourth switch is normally off, the third switch is normally on, and the first and second switches are alternately turned on. When the first input voltage is less than the second threshold voltage, the Buck-Boost converter operates in Boost mode, wherein the first switch is normally open, the second switch is normally off, and the third and fourth switches are alternately turned on. When the first input voltage is within a first voltage range that is greater than or equal to the first threshold voltage and less than or equal to the second threshold voltage, the Buck-Boost converter operates in Buck-Boost mode, wherein the first switch and the fourth switch are simultaneously turned on or off, the second switch and the third switch are simultaneously turned on or off, and the second switch and the third switch are alternately turned on with the first switch and the fourth switch.

5. The bidirectional converter according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first threshold voltage is Vo1-ΔV1, and the second threshold voltage is Vo1+ΔV1, where Vo1 is the first output voltage of the USB interface and ΔV1 is 1 volt.

6. The bidirectional converter according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the USB interface is a power supply interface, and When the second input voltage is less than the third threshold voltage, the Buck-Boost converter operates in Boost mode, wherein the third switch is normally open, the fourth switch is normally off, and the first and second switches are turned on alternately. When the second input voltage is greater than the fourth threshold voltage, the Buck-Boost converter operates in Buck mode, wherein the second switch is normally off, the first switch is normally on, and the third and fourth switches are alternately turned on. When the second input voltage is in a second voltage range that is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold voltage and less than or equal to the third threshold voltage, the Buck-Boost converter operates in Buck-Boost mode, wherein the third switch and the second switch are simultaneously turned on or off, the fourth switch and the first switch are simultaneously turned on or off, and the fourth switch and the first switch are alternately turned on with the third switch and the second switch.

7. The bidirectional converter according to claim 6, characterized in that, The third threshold voltage is Vo2 + ΔV2, and the fourth threshold voltage is Vo2 - ΔV2, where Vo2 is the second output voltage of the Ethernet interface and ΔV2 is 1 volt.

8. The bidirectional converter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Ethernet interface includes a first Ethernet interface and a second Ethernet interface. The first Ethernet device performs power transmission and data transmission through the first Ethernet interface, and the second Ethernet device performs data transmission through the second Ethernet interface. USB devices transmit power and data through the USB interface.

9. The bidirectional converter according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first Ethernet interface is a PoE-enabled interface, while the second Ethernet interface is not a PoE-enabled interface.

10. The bidirectional converter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Ethernet interface is an RJ45 interface, and the USB interface is a Type-C interface.

Images