A multi-output circuit and power adapter

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of multi-output circuit and power adapter, it is related to circuit control technical field.In the utility model, multi-output circuit includes power input module, multi-control module, multiple voltage generating module and multiple power output module, multiple voltage generating module and multiple power output module one to one correspondence;Power input module is used to handle alternating current input, generates first direct current voltage;Multi-control module is used to determine at least one voltage generating module for generating different output voltages from multiple voltage generating modules based on the voltage output demand of multiple power output modules, and generates at least one voltage generating module respectively corresponding voltage generation signal;At least one voltage generating module is used to generate at least one second direct current voltage based on at least one voltage generation signal and first direct current voltage;Multiple power output modules are used to access and output at least one second direct current voltage.In this way, the circuit loss of power adapter is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of circuit control technology, and in particular to a multi-output circuit and power adapter. Background Technology

[0002] In power supply circuits, power adapters typically have multiple power output interfaces to meet the charging needs of different devices. While different control methods (such as continuous conduction mode (CCM), discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), or boundary conduction mode (BCM)) can be employed to reduce circuit losses based on the load conditions (e.g., output current) of the power output circuits at different interfaces, the integrated circuit (IC) control module in each output circuit remains active when multiple power outputs are required. This results in relatively high circuit losses for the power adapter. Therefore, further reducing the circuit losses of power adapters is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model provides a multi-output circuit and a power adapter to further reduce the circuit loss of the power adapter.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a multi-output circuit, the multi-output circuit comprising: a power input module, a multi-control module, multiple voltage generating modules and multiple power output modules, wherein the multiple voltage generating modules and the multiple power output modules correspond one-to-one. The power input module is used to process AC input and generate a first DC voltage; The multi-channel control module is used to determine, based on the voltage output requirements of the multiple power output modules, at least one voltage generating module from the multiple voltage generating modules to generate different output voltages, and to generate voltage generation signals corresponding to at least one voltage generating module respectively. At least one of the voltage generation modules is configured to generate at least one second DC voltage based on at least one of the voltage generation signals and the first DC voltage; Multiple power output modules are used to connect to and output at least one of the second DC voltages.

[0005] Secondly, this utility model embodiment also provides a power adapter, which includes the multi-output circuit as described in the first aspect.

[0006] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: In the multi-output circuit provided in this embodiment of the invention, after the power input module processes the AC input and generates a first DC voltage, the multi-channel control module can determine at least one voltage generating module from among the multiple voltage generating modules to generate different output voltages based on the voltage output requirements of multiple power output modules. It then generates voltage generation signals corresponding to each of the at least one voltage generating module, enabling the at least one voltage generating module to generate at least one second DC voltage based on the at least one voltage generation signal and the first DC voltage. Therefore, when there are voltage output requirements from multiple power output modules, it is not necessary for each voltage generating module corresponding to a power output module to be in a working state (i.e., used to generate a second DC voltage). Only at least one voltage generating module used to generate different output voltages needs to generate the second DC voltage, reducing circuit losses in the multi-output circuit and further reducing circuit losses in the power adapter.

[0007] Furthermore, other features and advantages of this invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of this invention can be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the written description, claims, and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of this utility model, constitute a part of this utility model, and do not constitute an improper limitation of this utility model. In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the composition structure of a multi-output circuit provided for an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the composition structure of another multi-output circuit provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a multi-output circuit provided for an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another multi-output circuit provided for an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power adapter provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0009] Reference numerals: 1. Multi-output circuit; 11. Power input module; 12. Multi-control module; 13-1 ~ 13-n. Voltage generation module; 13-11 ~ 13-1n. Control unit; 13-21 ~ 13-2n. Voltage generation unit; 13-211 ~ 13-2n1. Third switch; 13-212 ~ 13-2n2. Fourth switch; 13-213 ~ 13-2n3. Energy storage inductor; 13-214 ~ 13-2n4. Energy storage capacitor; 14-1 ~ 14-n. Power output module; 14-11 ~ 14-1n. Current detection unit; 14-21 ~ 14-2n. Power output unit; 14-31 ~ 14-3n. Second switch; 15-1 ~ 15-k. First switch. Detailed Implementation

[0010] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0011] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solutions of this utility model, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0012] In this embodiment of the present invention, it should be noted that relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations.

[0013] Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0014] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, the words "example" or "for example" are used to indicate illustration, explanation, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "example" or "for example" in the embodiments of this utility model is not to be construed as being more preferred or having more advantages than another embodiment or design. The use of the words "example" or "for example" is intended to present relative concepts in a clear manner.

[0015] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this utility model, "multiple" refers to two or more. Therefore, in the embodiments of this utility model, "multiple" can also be understood as "at least two". "At least one" can be understood as one or more, for example, one, two, or more. For example, including at least one means including one, two, or more, and it does not limit which ones are included. For example, including at least one of A, B, and C, then it could include A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C.

[0016] It should be noted that in this embodiment of the invention, "and / or" describes the relationship between the associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / ", unless otherwise specified, generally indicates that the preceding and following associated objects have an "or" relationship. It should be pointed out that in this embodiment of the invention, "connection" can be understood as an electrical connection. The connection between two electrical components can be a direct or indirect connection between the two electrical components. For example, the connection between A and B can be a direct connection between A and B, or an indirect connection between A and B through one or more other electrical components.

[0017] In the circuit structure provided by the embodiments of this utility model, nodes such as the first node and the second node do not represent actual existing components, but rather represent the junction points of related couplings in the circuit diagram. That is, these nodes are equivalent to the junction points of related couplings in the circuit diagram. Furthermore, the names of the messages or information exchanged between multiple devices in the embodiments of this utility model are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of these messages or information.

[0018] The design concept of this utility model embodiment is briefly introduced below: In power supply circuits (such as DC-DC converters), the efficiency of a power adapter is primarily affected by the components used, its topology, and the control method. The losses introduced by the components in the power adapter can include, but are not limited to: conduction losses and switching losses of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), losses of synchronous rectifier diodes (such as diodes), inductor losses, capacitor losses, controller losses, and parasitic parameter losses.

[0019] Without changing the components used in the power adapter, different control methods (such as CCM, DCM, or BCM) can be employed depending on the load conditions of the power output circuit (e.g., output current) to reduce circuit losses. For example, when the power output circuit is under heavy load (or high load), MOSFET conduction losses dominate. CCM's inductor design optimizes current distribution and reduces peak current, resulting in higher voltage conversion efficiency for the power adapter under these conditions. However, when the power output circuit is under light load, if the power adapter still uses CCM, a fixed switching frequency must be maintained, leading to increased switching losses and a significant decrease in conversion efficiency. In DCM, the inductor current returns to zero in each switching cycle, and the synchronous rectifier has no reverse recovery process, avoiding the resulting losses. Therefore, using DCM when the power output circuit is under light load can improve the voltage conversion efficiency and reduce circuit losses.

[0020] However, when multiple power outputs are required, the IC control module in each power output circuit is active (i.e., all are used to generate output voltage), which results in relatively high circuit losses in the power adapter. Therefore, to solve or improve the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a multi-output circuit for a power adapter, see below. Figure 1 As shown, the multi-output circuit 1 may include: a power input module 11, a multi-channel control module 12, multiple voltage generation modules (i.e., voltage generation modules 13-1 to 13-n), and multiple power output modules (i.e., power output modules 14-1 to 14-n). The multiple voltage generation modules and the multiple power output modules correspond one-to-one. In other words, each voltage generation module has a corresponding power output module.

[0021] The power input module 11 is used to receive AC input (which can be represented as AC.Input) and process the AC input to generate a first DC voltage. The aforementioned first DC voltage can be represented as V1, for example, the first DC voltage V1 = 40V. As an optional implementation, the power input module 11 may include: a quasi-resonant (QR) unit, an active clamp flyback (ACF) unit / asymmetric half-bridge (AHB) unit, or an inductor-inductor-capacitor (LLC) resonant unit.

[0022] It should be noted that if the power input module 11 includes a QR unit or an ACF / AHB unit, then the power input module 11 can achieve a wide voltage DC output, but it is only suitable for low-power power adapters. If the power input module 11 includes an LLC resonant unit, then although it is difficult to achieve a wide voltage output, it can be used for higher power (e.g., 300 watts or more) power adapters. Therefore, in order to improve the power utilization range of the multi-output circuit 1, the power input module 11 can be an LLC resonant unit.

[0023] The multiplexing control module 12 is used to determine at least one voltage generating module (e.g., voltage generating module 13-1 to voltage generating module 13-m) from multiple voltage generating modules based on the voltage output demand (Vol.Require) of multiple power output modules, and to generate voltage generation signals (i.e., Vol.signal 1 to Vol.signal m) corresponding to each of the at least one voltage generating module. It should be understood that the aforementioned voltage output demand can characterize the voltage requirement of the electrical equipment (or the device to be charged) connected to the multiple power output modules respectively.

[0024] For example, assuming there are five power output modules, the aforementioned voltage output requirement can be characterized as the required voltage of the electrical devices connected to each of the five power output modules. If there are three different required voltages among the five electrical devices (e.g., 5V, 10V, and 15V), the multiplexing module 12 can select three voltage generation modules from the five voltage generation modules (i.e., the five voltage generation modules) to generate the different required voltages. At this time, the multiplexing module 12 can also generate voltage generation signals corresponding to the three voltage generation modules. Each voltage generation signal indicates that the corresponding voltage generation module generates a second DC voltage with a voltage magnitude equal to the corresponding required voltage based on a first DC voltage.

[0025] At least one voltage generation module is used to generate at least one second DC voltage (which can be represented as: V) based on at least one voltage generation signal and a first DC voltage. 2,1 ~ V 2,m The aforementioned at least one second DC voltage satisfies the voltage output requirements of multiple power output modules. The first of the at least one second DC voltage... i The second DC voltage can be expressed as: V 2,i .

[0026] Optionally, at least one of the aforementioned second DC voltages is less than the aforementioned first DC voltage. In this case, at least one voltage generating module can be considered as a step-down module for the first DC voltage.

[0027] Multiple power output modules are used to connect to and output at least one second DC voltage. In this way, the multiple power output modules (or multi-output circuit 1) can charge the electrical devices connected to each of the multiple power output modules. Taking the example of three voltage generating modules producing three types of second DC voltages, if the first type of second DC voltage is required by two power output modules, then the input terminals of the aforementioned two power output modules are respectively connected to the output terminals of the voltage generating module producing the first type of second DC voltage. If the second type of second DC voltage is required by one power output module, then the input terminal of that power output module is connected to the output terminal of the voltage generating module producing the second type of second DC voltage. If the third type of second DC voltage is required by two power output modules, then the input terminals of the aforementioned two power output modules are respectively connected to the output terminals of the voltage generating module producing the third type of second DC voltage.

[0028] In the above embodiments, based on Figure 1The multi-output circuit 1 shown can determine at least one voltage generating module for generating different output voltages from multiple voltage generating modules that correspond one-to-one with the multiple power output modules based on the voltage output requirements of multiple power output modules, and then generate a voltage generation signal for instructing at least one voltage generating module to generate a second DC voltage respectively.

[0029] In this way, during the process of generating the second DC voltage (i.e. the required voltage) corresponding to the multiple power output modules, only at least one voltage generation module needs to generate at least one second DC voltage based on the first DC voltage and at least one voltage generation signal. It is not necessary for each of the multiple voltage generation modules to be used for generating the second DC voltage, thereby reducing the circuit loss of the multi-output circuit 1 and further reducing the circuit loss of the power adapter.

[0030] In one optional implementation, the multiplexing control unit 12 can also be used to identify the charging protocol types used by the devices (or devices to be charged) corresponding to the multiple power output modules, and determine the voltage output requirements based on the charging protocol types used by the multiple devices. For example, the aforementioned charging protocol types may include, but are not limited to: Universal Serial Bus (USB) power delivery (PD) protocol, Qualcomm quick charge (QC) protocol, and programmable power supply (PPS) protocol. Since there is usually a correspondence between different charging protocol types and required voltages, after identifying the charging protocol types used by the devices corresponding to the multiple power output modules, the multiplexing control unit 12 can quickly determine the required voltages corresponding to the multiple power output modules, and thus obtain the voltage output requirements of the multiple power output modules.

[0031] To avoid overloading each voltage generating module in at least one voltage generating module, the multiplexer control module 12 can determine at least one voltage generating module for generating different second DC voltages from among the multiple voltage generating modules corresponding to the multiple power output modules, based on the voltage output requirements of the multiple power output modules and the output current of each power output module during the process of connecting to the corresponding second DC voltage.

[0032] In one alternative implementation, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2As shown, each power output module may include: a current detection unit (i.e., current detection units 14-11 to 14-1n) and a power output unit (i.e., power output units 14-21 to 14-2n). The two ends of the current detection unit are connected to the output terminal of the corresponding voltage generation module and the input terminal of the power output unit, respectively. The current detection unit can be used to detect the output current of the corresponding power output module during the process of connecting to the corresponding second DC voltage. For example, the multiplexing control module 12 can determine the output current of the aforementioned power output module during the process of connecting to the corresponding second DC voltage by detecting the voltage across the current detection unit. The power output unit can be used to output the second DC voltage. At this time, the multiplexing control module 12 can also be used to determine at least one voltage generation module from the multiple voltage generation modules based on the voltage output requirements of the multiple power output modules and the corresponding output currents of the multiple power output modules.

[0033] As an optional implementation, the output terminals of any two adjacent voltage generating modules among the multiple voltage generating modules can be connected through at least one first switch (i.e., first switch 15-1 ~ first switch 15-k). At least two voltage generating modules corresponding to at least two power output modules that output the same second DC voltage are considered adjacent voltage generating modules. The multiplexing control module 12 can be used to generate a first control signal Con.signal.1 for turning on at least one first switch when the total output current of at least two power output modules is less than or equal to an output current threshold. That is, the aforementioned first control signal can be used to turn on at least one first switch. Optionally, the aforementioned first control signal can be the turn-on voltage of the first switch. Furthermore, this embodiment of the invention does not limit the type of the first switch; for example, the first switch can be an N-type MOSFET.

[0034] For example, the output terminals of any two adjacent voltage generating modules can be connected through two first switches. Terminal 1 of the two first switches is used to receive a first control signal from the multiplexing control module 12, and terminals 2 and 3 of the two first switches are used to connect the output terminals of the two adjacent voltage generating modules.

[0035] Optionally, the aforementioned output current threshold can be the maximum output current of the voltage generation module. If the output current of the voltage generation module is equal to the output current threshold (which can be expressed as: I...), then... th If the voltage generation module is in a heavy-load state (i.e., a high-load state), then it can be determined that the voltage generation module is in a heavy-load state. For example, if the output current of the voltage generation module is I... th If the voltage generation module is I, then it can be determined that the voltage generation module is in a medium-load state. thIf the value is 4, it can be determined that the voltage generation module is in a light-load state.

[0036] For example, assuming the aforementioned output current threshold is 6.6A and the total output current of the at least two power output modules is 3.3A, it can be determined that the total output current of the at least two power output modules is less than the aforementioned output current threshold. In this case, the multiplexing control module 12 can generate a first control signal to turn on at least one first switch. That is, the at least two power output modules can connect to the second DC voltage generated by the same voltage generating module through the conduction of the first switch, thereby enabling the charging of the electrical devices connected to the at least two power output modules respectively.

[0037] If at least two power output modules that output the same second DC voltage have the same output current, then the multiplexing control module 12 can generate a first control signal to turn on at least one first switch when it is determined that the output current of any power output module is less than a sub-output current threshold. The aforementioned sub-output circuit threshold is determined based on the output current threshold and the number of power output modules outputting the same second DC voltage.

[0038] Still using the above-mentioned output current threshold of 6.6A, if the number of power output modules that output the same second DC voltage is 3, then the above-mentioned sub-output current threshold can be determined to be 2.2A. Thus, when the multiplex control module 12 determines that the output current of any power output module (e.g., 2A) is less than the sub-output current threshold (i.e., 2.2A), it can generate a first control signal for turning on at least one first switch.

[0039] In another optional implementation, the multiplexing control module 12 can also be used to designate multiple first voltage generating modules from at least two voltage generating modules as voltage generating modules for generating a corresponding second DC voltage when the total output current of at least two power output modules exceeds an output current threshold. Specifically, the total output current of at least one power output module corresponding to each first voltage generating module is less than or equal to the output current threshold. Thus, by checking whether the total output current of power output modules outputting the same second DC voltage exceeds the output current threshold, the number of voltage generating modules generating the corresponding second DC voltage is determined, ensuring that each voltage generating module does not operate under overload.

[0040] To protect the circuit between the voltage generation module and the power output module, each current detection unit and each power output unit are connected via a second switch (i.e., second switch 14-31 ~ second switch 14-3n). The multiplexer module 12 can be used to generate a second control signal Con.signal.2 for turning on the second switch when the voltage generation module corresponding to the second switch generates a second DC voltage.

[0041] In one alternative implementation, it is still as follows Figure 2 As shown, each voltage generation module in at least one voltage generation module may include: a control unit (i.e., control units 13-11 to 13-1n) and voltage generation units (i.e., voltage generation units 13-21 to 13-2n). The control unit is connected to the input terminal of the voltage generation unit and the output terminal of the multiplexing control module 12, respectively. The control unit can be used to receive the voltage generation signal generated by the multiplexing control module 12, and generate a charging signal Char.signal and a discharging signal Disc.signal for the voltage generation unit based on the voltage generation signal. The voltage generation unit can be used to charge according to the charging signal and a first DC voltage, and after the voltage generation unit has completed charging, output a corresponding second DC voltage according to the discharging signal.

[0042] Still Figure 2 As shown, each voltage generating unit may include: a third switch (i.e., third switch 13-211 ~ third switch 13-2n1), a fourth switch (i.e., fourth switch 13-212 ~ third switch 13-2n2), an energy storage inductor (i.e., energy storage inductor 13-213 ~ energy storage inductor 13-2n3), and an energy storage capacitor (i.e., energy storage capacitor 13-214 ~ energy storage capacitor 13-2n4). The first input terminal of the third switch can be used to receive a first DC voltage. The second input terminal of the third switch is connected to the first output terminal of the control unit and can be used to receive a charging signal to turn on the third switch. The output terminal of the third switch can be used to output the first DC voltage. The fourth switch, the energy storage inductor, and the energy storage capacitor form an energy storage circuit. The first input terminal of the fourth switch and the output terminal of the third switch are connected to one end of the energy storage inductor. The second input terminal of the fourth switch is connected to the second output terminal of the control unit and can be used to receive a discharge signal to turn off the fourth switch.

[0043] Based on the above-described structure of the multi-output circuit 1, refer to... Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of a multi-output circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multi-output circuit 1 includes: one power input module 11, one multi-channel control module 12, two voltage generation modules (e.g., voltage generation module 13-1 and voltage generation module 13-2), and two power output modules (e.g., voltage output module 14-1 and voltage output module 14-2). The power input module 11 may include: Figure 3The LLC resonant unit shown is an LLC resonant unit. The LLC resonant unit may include: 4 capacitors, 4 switches (e.g., N-type MOSFETs), and 1 LLC transformer. One end (positive terminal) of the first capacitor C1 is connected to the AC input VIN, and the other end (negative terminal) of the first capacitor C1 is grounded to GND. Switches Q1 and Q2 form a first circuit with the first capacitor C1. The LLC transformer includes a primary winding, a secondary winding, and an auxiliary winding. Terminals 1 and 2 of the primary winding are of the same name; terminals A, B, and C of the secondary winding are of the same name; and terminals 3 and 4 of the auxiliary winding are of the same name. Terminal 1 of the primary winding is connected to the first node a between switches Q1 and Q2 through the second capacitor C2, and terminal 2 of the primary winding is connected to the source (S) terminal of switch Q2. The secondary winding forms a second circuit with switches Q3 and Q4. Terminal A of the secondary winding is connected to the source (S) terminal of switch Q3, terminal B of the secondary winding is connected to the source (S) terminal of switch Q4, and terminal C of the secondary winding is grounded to GND. The second node b between switches Q3 and Q4 is used to output the AC-to-DC voltage V. out (i.e., the first DC voltage V1), the second node b between switches Q3 and Q4 can also be grounded to GND through the third capacitor C3. The third circuit formed by the auxiliary winding and the fourth capacitor C4 can be used as an auxiliary power supply for the LLC resonant unit. Terminal 3 of the auxiliary winding and the positive terminal of the fourth capacitor C4 are connected to VCC, and terminal 4 of the auxiliary winding and the negative terminal of the fourth capacitor C4 are grounded to GND. The multiplexing module 12 is a microcontroller unit (MCU). Of course, the multiplexing module 12 can also be other computers or processors with a selected voltage generation module, and this embodiment of the present invention does not limit this.

[0044] The control unit (U1 or U2) in each voltage generation module can be connected to the MCU via the SCK, SDA, and EN pins. U1 or U2 receives the voltage generation signal generated by the MCU via the SDA pin and generates charging and discharging signals for the voltage generation unit based on this signal. The G1 pin (first output) of U1 or U2 is used to output the charging signal, and the G2 pin (second output) of U1 or U2 is used to output the discharging signal. Each voltage generation unit includes: switch Q5 (third switch), switch Q6 (fourth switch), fifth capacitor C5 (energy storage capacitor), and inductor L (energy storage inductor). The gate (G) of switch Q5 is connected to the G1 pin of U3 or U4, and the gate (G) of switch Q6 is connected to the G2 pin of U3 or U4. Switch Q6, fifth capacitor C5, and inductor L form a fourth circuit. The third node c between the drain of switch Q6 and inductor L is connected to the source of switch Q5 and the drain of switch Q6, respectively. The fourth node d between inductor L and the positive terminal of fifth capacitor C5 is used to output the second DC voltage V2 generated by U3 or U4. The fifth node E between the source of switch Q6 and the negative terminal of fifth capacitor C5 can be used to ground GND.

[0045] The outputs of the two power output modules can be connected via switches Q7 and Q8 (i.e., the two first switches), with the source (S) terminal of switch Q7 connected to the source (S) terminal of switch Q8. The gate (G1) terminal of switch Q7 can be connected to the G1 pin of the MCU, and the gate (G2) terminal of switch Q8 can be connected to the G2 pin of the MCU. Thus, the gates of switches Q7 and Q8 can be used to receive the first control signal generated by the multiplexer module 12. The drain (D) terminals of switches Q7 and Q8 are connected to the outputs of the two power output modules.

[0046] The current sensing units of the two power output modules can be sampling resistors R1 and R2, respectively. The MCU can detect the output current of sampling resistors R1 and R2 through pins V1, V2, V3, and V4. The power output units of the two power output modules can be Type-C1 and Type-C2, respectively. Type-C1 and Type-C2 can be used to output a second DC voltage. The current sensing unit and the power output unit are connected through switch Q9 (i.e., the second switch). The drain (D) terminal of switch Q9 is connected to the output terminal of sampling resistor R1 or R2, and the source (S) terminal of switch Q9 is connected to the power input pin (VBUS pin) of the power output unit.

[0047] In addition, the MCU can also connect to Type-C1 and Type-C2 via the data positive signal pin (i.e., DP pin), the data negative signal pin (i.e., DM pin), the first configuration channel pin (i.e., CC1 pin), and the second configuration channel pin (i.e., CC2 pin) to identify the charging protocol type of the power supply connected to Type-C1 and Type-C2.

[0048] Based on the above Figure 3 The two output circuits shown assume that the maximum output current of each DC-DC circuit (i.e., one voltage generation module and one power output module) is 6.6A. When the MCU detects that the output current of the corresponding DC-DC circuit is less than 3.3A through sampling resistor R1 or sampling resistor R2, the MCU can determine that the corresponding DC-DC circuit is in a medium-load state. When the output current of the corresponding DC-DC circuit is less than 1.6A, the MCU can determine that the corresponding DC-DC circuit is in a light-load state. When the second DC voltages output by the two DC-DC circuits are the same, the MCU simultaneously detects the output current of the two DC-DC circuits. When it determines that the output current is less than 3.3A (i.e., both DC-DC circuits are in a light-load or medium-load state), it turns off U2 and keeps U1 generating the second DC voltage. At this time, the MCU turns on switches Q7, Q8, and Q9. Due to the reduction of U2's losses, Figure 3 The voltage conversion efficiency of the two output circuits shown is significantly improved. If the MCU detects that one DC-DC circuit is under heavy load and the other is under light load, the MCU will calculate the total output current of the two DC-DC circuits and determine whether the total output current is less than the maximum output inductor current of one DC-DC circuit (i.e., the output current threshold). If the total output current is less than the maximum output inductor current, the MCU will turn on switches Q7, Q8, and Q9 to improve the voltage conversion efficiency.

[0049] It should be noted that the switches Q5 to Q9 mentioned above are all N-type MOSFETs. Furthermore, the multiplexer module 12 dynamically adjusts switches Q7 and Q8 of the voltage generation module 13-1 and the voltage output module 14-2 by judging the magnitude of the current, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the voltage generation module 13-1 under light load conditions. This allows it to power the voltage output module (i.e., voltage output module 14-2) other than the voltage output module 14-1.

[0050] For example, see Figure 4The diagram shown illustrates the circuit structure of another multi-output circuit provided in this embodiment of the present invention. This multi-output circuit 1 may include: one power input module 11, one multi-channel control module 12, four voltage generation modules (e.g., voltage generation modules 13-1, 13-2, 13-3, and 13-4), and four power output modules (e.g., voltage output modules 14-1, 14-2, 14-3, and 14-4). Therefore, this multi-output circuit 1 can also be referred to as a four-output circuit. Figure 4 The specific circuit connection shown is Figure 3 The specific circuit connections shown are largely the same, and will not be repeated here. Based on the foregoing Figure 4 The four-output circuit shown in the diagram operates as follows: When the second DC voltages output by the four DC-DC circuits are consistent, the MCU simultaneously detects the output current of all four DC-DC circuits. If the output current is less than 1.65A, U1 continues to generate the second DC voltage, while U2, U3, and U4 are turned off. Simultaneously, switches Q7, Q8, and Q9 are turned on. If the DC-DC circuit containing U1 is at full load (i.e., the total output current corresponding to U1 is 6.6A), the MCU can turn on U2, making U2 the voltage generation unit for the second DC voltages required by Type-C2, Type-C3, and Type-C4. When the second DC voltages output by the four DC-DC circuits are inconsistent (e.g., Type-C1 requires 28V while Type-C2, Type-C3, and Type-C4 all require 5V), the MCU can turn on U1 and U2. U1 generates the second DC voltage corresponding to Type-C1, and U2 generates the second DC voltages corresponding to Type-C2, Type-C3, and Type-C4. When the total output current of the three DC-DC circuits corresponding to Type-C2, Type-C3, and Type-C4 is less than the output current threshold (e.g., 6.6A), the MCU shuts down U3 and U4. When the DC-DC circuit containing U2 is under full load, the MCU can use U3 as a voltage generation unit to generate the second DC voltage corresponding to Type-C3 and Type-C4.

[0051] In summary, in the multi-output circuit provided in this utility model embodiment, after the power input module processes the AC input and generates the first DC voltage, the multi-channel control module can determine at least one voltage generating module for generating different output voltages from the multiple voltage generating modules based on the voltage output requirements of the multiple power output modules, and generate voltage generation signals corresponding to the at least one voltage generating module respectively, so that the at least one voltage generating module generates at least one second DC voltage based on the at least one voltage generating signal and the first DC voltage.

[0052] Therefore, when there are voltage output requirements from multiple power output modules, it is not necessary for each power output module to generate a second DC voltage (i.e., reducing the number of ICs that generate a second DC voltage in the power adapter). Only at least one voltage generation module used to generate different output voltages needs to generate a second DC voltage, which reduces the circuit loss of the multi-output circuit and further reduces the circuit loss of the power adapter.

[0053] This utility model embodiment provides a power adapter. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power adapter provided in an embodiment of the present utility model, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the power adapter X includes a multi-output circuit 1. This embodiment of the invention provides a multi-output circuit 1 for a power adapter used to charge electrical devices (or devices to be charged).

[0054] For example, the aforementioned electrical devices may include, but are not limited to: laptops, mobile phones, tablets, power banks (e.g., portable chargers), smart electronic devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart bracelets, smart glasses, robot vacuums), and small electronic devices (e.g., wireless headphones, Bluetooth speakers, electric toothbrushes, and rechargeable wireless mice).

[0055] Furthermore, it should be understood that the above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present utility model. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the content of the technical solution described in the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A multi-output circuit, characterized in that, include: The power input module, the multi-channel control module, the multiple voltage generation modules and the multiple power output modules are one-to-one correspondences; The power input module is used to process AC input and generate a first DC voltage; The multi-channel control module is used to determine, based on the voltage output requirements of the multiple power output modules, at least one voltage generating module for generating different output voltages from the multiple voltage generating modules, and generate voltage generation signals corresponding to at least one voltage generating module respectively. At least one of the voltage generation modules is configured to generate at least one second DC voltage based on at least one of the voltage generation signals and the first DC voltage; Multiple power output modules are used to connect to and output at least one of the second DC voltages.

2. The circuit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the power output modules includes: A current detection unit is used to detect the output current of the corresponding power output module when it is connected to the corresponding second DC voltage. A power output unit is used to output the second DC voltage; The multi-channel control module is further configured to determine at least one voltage generating module based on the voltage output requirement and the output current corresponding to the multiple power output modules.

3. The circuit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The output terminals of any two adjacent voltage generating modules among the plurality of voltage generating modules are connected through at least one first switch, and at least two voltage generating modules corresponding to at least two power output modules that output the same second DC voltage are adjacent voltage generating modules; The multiplexing control module is configured to generate a first control signal for turning on at least one of the first switches when the total output current of at least two of the power output modules is less than or equal to the output current threshold of the power output module.

4. The circuit as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The multi-channel control module is further configured to, when the total output current of at least two of the power output modules is greater than the output current threshold, use a plurality of the first voltage generating modules among the at least two voltage generating modules as the voltage generating modules that generate the corresponding second DC voltage. Wherein, the total output current of at least one of the power output modules corresponding to each of the first voltage generating modules is less than or equal to the output current threshold.

5. The circuit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The current detection unit and the power output unit are connected by a second switch; The multiplex control module is used to generate a second control signal for turning on the second switch when the voltage generation module corresponding to the second switch generates a second DC voltage.

6. The circuit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the voltage generation modules, each of the voltage generation modules includes: The control unit is used to receive the voltage generation signal generated by the multiplex control module, and generate the charging signal and discharging signal of the voltage generation unit based on the voltage generation signal; The voltage generating unit is used to charge according to the charging signal and the first DC voltage, and to output a corresponding second DC voltage according to the discharge signal after the voltage generating unit has finished charging.

7. The circuit as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The voltage generating unit includes: a third switch, a fourth switch, an energy storage inductor, and an energy storage capacitor; wherein, The first input terminal of the third switch is used to connect to the first DC voltage, the second input terminal of the third switch is connected to the first output terminal of the control unit and is used to connect to the charging signal that turns on the third switch, and the output terminal of the third switch is used to output the first DC voltage; The fourth switch, the energy storage inductor, and the energy storage capacitor form an energy storage circuit. The first input terminal of the fourth switch, the output terminal of the third switch, and one end of the energy storage inductor are connected. The second input terminal of the fourth switch is connected to the second output terminal of the control unit and is used to receive the discharge signal that turns off the fourth switch.

8. The circuit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-channel control unit is also used to identify the charging protocol type adopted by the electrical devices corresponding to the multiple power output modules, and to determine the voltage output requirement based on the charging protocol type adopted by the multiple electrical devices.

9. The circuit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The power input module includes: An inductor-inductor-capacitor LLC resonant unit is used to convert the AC input to DC to generate the first DC current.

10. A power adapter, characterized in that, Includes a multi-output circuit as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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