Technique for wireless charging negotiation

Abstract

To relate generally to a power system, and more particularly to a wireless power system for charging an electronic device.SOLUTION: A wireless power transfer system can include a power transmitting device for transmitting wireless power to a power receiving device. The power transmitting device can include control circuitry configured to negotiate a power level with the power receiving device and detect whether the power level exceeds a threshold, is equal to one of a plurality of power levels, or is within one of a plurality of ranges of power levels. On the basis of the results of such determination, the power transmitting device can selectively adjust a power adapter coupled to the power transmitting device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 968,874, filed December 4, 2024, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 550,469, filed February 6, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 644,129, filed May 8, 2024, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION This application relates generally to power systems, and more particularly to wireless power systems for charging electronic devices. [Background technology]

[0003] In a wireless charging system, a wireless power transmitting device, such as a charging pack, may transmit wireless power to a wireless power receiving device, such as a battery-powered portable electronic device. The wireless power transmitting device has a coil that forms an electromagnetic flux. The wireless power receiving device has a coil and a rectifier that uses the electromagnetic flux formed by the power transmitter to form direct current power that can be used to power an electrical load in the battery-powered portable electronic device.

[0004] The wireless power transmitting device can transmit wireless power to the wireless power receiving device at a given power level. It may be inefficient to always transmit wireless power from the wireless power transmitting device to the wireless power receiving device at a given power level. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an electronic device including a wireless power transmission coil configured to transmit wireless power to a wireless power receiving device, a power transmitting circuit configured to receive an input voltage from a power adapter and drive a corresponding alternating current (AC) signal through the wireless power transmitting coil, and a control circuit. The control circuit can be configured to negotiate a power level with the wireless power receiving device, detect whether the negotiated power level exceeds a threshold level (e.g., whether the power level falls below the threshold level), and instruct the power adapter to switch from operating in a first power supply mode to operating in a second power supply mode in response to detecting that the negotiated power level exceeds the threshold level. The input voltage received by the power transmitting circuit can have a first voltage level when the power adapter is operated in the first power supply mode and can have a second voltage level different from the first voltage level when the power adapter is operated in the second power supply mode. The power transmitting circuit can be operable in a plurality of different power modes, and the negotiated power level indicates different values corresponding to the plurality of different power modes. The power adapter may be capable of operating in three or more different power supply modes, with the input voltage having different voltage levels.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for operating an electronic device removably coupled to a power adapter, the method including: negotiating a power level with a wireless powered device, detecting whether the negotiated power level is equal to a first power level or within a first range of power levels, instructing the power adapter to operate in a first power supply mode that supplies a first voltage to one or more inputs of the electronic device in response to detecting that the negotiated power level is equal to the first power level or within the first range of power levels, and transmitting wireless power to the wireless powered device in accordance with the negotiated power level. The method may further include detecting whether the negotiated power level is equal to a second power level or within a second range of power levels, and in response to detecting that the negotiated power level is equal to the second power level or within the second range of power levels, instructing the power adapter to operate in a second power supply mode to supply a second voltage, different from the first voltage, to one or more inputs of the electronic device. The method may further include detecting whether the negotiated power level is equal to a third power level or within a third range of power levels, and in response to detecting that the negotiated power level is equal to the third power level or within the third range of power levels, instructing the power adapter to operate in the third power supply mode to supply a third voltage, different from the first voltage and the second voltage, to one or more inputs of the electronic device.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a wireless power transmission system. The system can include a power receiving device, a power adapter, and a power transmitting device coupled to the power adapter. The power transmitting device can include a wireless power transmission coil configured to transmit wireless power to the power receiving device, a power transmitting circuit configured to receive an input voltage from the power adapter and drive a corresponding alternating current (AC) signal through the wireless power transmission coil, and a control circuit. The control circuit can be configured to negotiate a power level with the power receiving device, determine whether the power level exceeds a threshold, is equal to one of a plurality of power levels, or is within one of a plurality of ranges of power levels, and control or adjust the power adapter based on such determination.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a power transmitting device, the power transmitting device including: a wireless power transmission coil configured to transmit wireless power to a power receiving device; a power transmitting circuit configured to receive an input voltage from a power adapter and drive a corresponding alternating current (AC) signal through the wireless power transmission coil; and a control circuit configured to negotiate target operating characteristics with the power receiving device and instruct the power adapter to adjust the input voltage based on the target operating characteristics.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for operating a power transmitting device removably coupled to a power adapter, the method including negotiating target operating characteristics with a power receiving device, instructing the power adapter to provide an input voltage having a voltage level based on the target operating characteristics, the input voltage provided to one or more inputs of the power transmitting device, and transmitting wireless power to the power receiving device while the input voltage is provided to the one or more inputs of the power transmitting device.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure comprises a system including a power receiving device, a power adapter, and a power transmitting device coupled to the power adapter. The power transmitting device may include a wireless power transmission coil configured to transmit wireless power to the power receiving device, a power transmitting circuit configured to receive an input voltage from the power adapter and drive a corresponding alternating current (AC) signal through the wireless power transmission coil, and a control circuit configured to receive information from the power receiving device and direct the power adapter to adjust the input voltage based on the information received from the power receiving device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary wireless power transfer system including a wireless power transmitting device and a wireless power receiving device, according to some embodiments.

[0012] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless power transmitting and receiving circuit, according to some embodiments.

[0013] [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary wireless power transmitting device, such as a wireless charging pack connected to a power adapter via a cable, according to some embodiments.

[0014] [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart of exemplary steps for operating a wireless power transfer system of the type shown in FIGS. 1-3, according to some embodiments.

[0015] [Figure 5] 10A-10C illustrate how different power levels can trigger the use of different power transmitting device input voltages, according to some embodiments.

[0016] [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart of exemplary steps for operating a wireless power transfer system of the type shown in FIGS. 1-3, according to some embodiments.

[0017] [Figure 7] 10A-10C illustrate how different power modes can trigger the use of different power transmitting device input voltages, according to some embodiments.

[0018] [Figure 8] 10A-10C illustrate how different rectifier voltage levels can trigger the use of different power transmitting device input voltages, according to some embodiments.

[0019] [Figure 9] 10A-10C illustrate how different rectifier power levels can trigger the use of different power transmitting device input voltages, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] An exemplary wireless power transmission system, sometimes referred to as a wireless power system or a wireless charging system, is shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, a wireless power transmission system 8 may include one or more wireless power transmitting devices, such as a wireless power transmitting device 12, and one or more wireless power receiving devices, such as a wireless power receiving device 24. The wireless power transmitting device 12 may also be referred to herein as a power transmitter (PTX) device 12 or simply PTX 12. The wireless power receiving device 24 may also be referred to herein as a power receiver (PRX) device 24 or simply PRX 24.

[0021] The PTX device 12 includes a control circuit 16. The control circuit 16 is mounted within a housing 30. The PRX device 24 includes a control circuit 38 mounted within a corresponding housing 52 for the PRX device 24. The exemplary control circuit 16 and control circuit 38 are used in controlling the operation of the wireless power transfer (WPT) system 8. This control circuit may include processing circuitry including one or more processors, such as a microprocessor, a power management unit, a baseband processor, a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), an application specific integrated circuit having processing circuitry, and / or other processing circuitry. The processing circuitry performs the desired control and communication functions within the PTX device 12 and the PRX device 24. For example, the processing circuitry may be used to control power to one or more coils, determine and / or set transmission power levels, generate and / or process sensor data (e.g., to detect foreign objects and / or external electromagnetic signals or fields), process user input, handle negotiation between the PTX device 12 and the PRX device 24, send and receive in-band and out-of-band data, take measurements, and / or control the operation of the wireless power transfer system 8.

[0022] Control circuitry within system 8 (e.g., control circuitry 16 and / or 38) may be configured to perform operations within system 8 using hardware (e.g., dedicated hardware or circuitry), firmware, and / or software. Software code for performing operations within WPT system 8 is stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a tangible computer-readable storage medium) within the control circuitry of WPT system 8. The software code may be referred to as software, data, program instructions, instructions, or code. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may include non-volatile memory such as non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM), one or more hard drives (e.g., magnetic drives or solid-state drives), one or more removable flash drives, or other removable media. Software stored on the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be executed on processing circuitry within control circuitry 16 and / or 38.

[0023] PTX device 12 may be a wireless charging mat or puck connected by a cable to a power adapter or other device, and may optionally include power adapter circuitry; it may be an electronic device (e.g., a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a computer monitor with an embedded computer, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a media player, or other handheld or portable electronic device, a small device such as a wristwatch device, a pendant device, a headphone or earphone device, a device incorporated into eyeglasses, goggles, or other equipment worn on a user's head, or other wearable or miniature device, a television, a computer display without an embedded computer, a gaming device, a navigation device, a wireless Internet-connected voice-controlled speaker, a home entertainment device, a remote control device, a gaming controller, a peripheral user input device, a wireless base station or access point, a device that implements the functions of two or more of these devices, or other electronic device); a device incorporated into furniture, a vehicle, or other system; a removable battery case; or other wireless power transmission device.

[0024] The PRX device 24 may be an electronic device such as a laptop computer, desktop computer, computer monitor including an embedded computer, tablet computer, cellular telephone, media player, or other handheld or portable electronic device, a small device such as a wristwatch device, pendant device, headphone or earphone device, eyeglasses, a device embedded in goggles or other equipment worn on a user's head, or other wearable or miniature device, a wireless tracking tag, a television, a computer display without an embedded computer, a gaming device, a navigation device, a voice-controlled wireless speaker connected to the Internet, a home entertainment device, a remote control device, a gaming controller, a peripheral user input device, a wireless base station or access point, a device implementing the functionality of two or more of these devices, or other electronic equipment.

[0025] The PTX device 12 may be connected to a wall outlet (e.g., an AC power source), may be coupled to the wall outlet via an external power adapter, may have a battery for providing power, and / or may have another power source. In implementations in which the PTX device 12 is coupled to a wall outlet via an external power adapter, the adapter may have an AC-DC power converter that converts alternating current (AC) power from the wall outlet or other power source to direct current (DC) power. If necessary, the PTX device 12 may include a DC-DC power converter, such as a boost converter, for converting the DC power between different DC voltages. The DC-DC power converter may be considered part of the power transmission circuitry 22. Additionally or alternatively, the PTX device 12 may include an AC-DC power converter that generates DC power from AC power provided by the wall outlet (e.g., in implementations in which the PTX device 12 is connected to a wall outlet without an external power adapter). The DC power may be used to power the control circuitry 16. During operation, a controller within the control circuitry 16 transmits wireless power to the power receiving circuitry 46 of the PRX device 24 using the power transmission circuitry 22.

[0026] The power transmission circuitry 22 may include switching circuits (e.g., inverter circuits 26 formed from transistors) that are turned on and off based on control signals provided by the control circuitry 16 to generate AC current signals through one or more wireless power transmission coils, such as the wireless power transmission coil(s) 32. These coil drive signals cause the coil(s) 32 to transmit or transfer wireless power. In implementations in which the coil(s) 32 include multiple coils, the coils may be disposed on a ferromagnetic structure, arranged in a planar coil array, or arranged to form a cluster of coils (e.g., two or more coils, 5-10 coils, at least 10 coils, 10-30 coils, less than 35 coils, less than 25 coils, or any other suitable number of coils). In some implementations, the PTX device 12 includes only a single coil 32.

[0027] When AC current flows through one or more coils 32, it generates an alternating electromagnetic field (e.g., magnetic field) (wireless power signal 44) that is received by one or more corresponding receiving coils, such as coil(s) 48 in the PRX device 24. In other words, one or more of the coils 32 is inductively coupled to one or more of the coils 48. The PRX device 24 may have a single coil 48, at least two coils 48, at least three coils 48, at least four coils 48, or another suitable number of coils 48. When the AC electromagnetic field is received by the coil(s) 48, a corresponding alternating current is induced in the coil(s) 48. The AC signal used in transmitting wireless power may have any suitable frequency (e.g., 100-400 kHz, 1-100 MHz, 1.7 MHz-1.8 MHz, less than 2 MHz, 100 kHz-2 MHz, etc.). A rectifier circuit such as rectifier circuit 50, which includes rectifying components such as synchronous rectifier transistors arranged in a bridge network, converts the received AC signal (the received alternating current signal associated with the wireless power signal 44) into a DC voltage signal for powering the PRX device 24 from one or more coils 48. The wireless power signal 44 may be referred to herein as wireless power 44 or a wireless charging signal 44. The coil 32 may be referred to herein as a wireless power transmission coil 32, a wireless charging coil 32, or a wireless power transmitting coil 32. The coil 48 may be referred to herein as a wireless power transmission coil 48, a wireless charging coil 48, or a wireless power receiving coil 48.

[0028] The DC voltage produced by rectifier circuit 50 (sometimes referred to as rectifier output voltage Vrect) may be used to charge a battery, such as battery 34, or to power other components within PRX device 24, such as control circuit 38 and input / output (I / O) device 54. PTX device 12 may also include input / output devices, such as input / output device 28. I / O device 54 and / or I / O device 28 may include input devices for collecting user input and / or making environmental measurements, and may include output devices for providing output to a user.

[0029] By way of example, input / output device 28 and / or input / output device 54 may include a display (screen) for generating visual output, a speaker for presenting output as an audio signal, light-emitting diode status indicator lights and other light-emitting components for emitting light that provides status and / or other information to a user, tactile devices for generating vibrations and other tactile output, and / or other output devices. Input / output device 28 and / or input / output device 54 may also include sensors for gathering input from a user and / or for taking measurements around WPT system 8.

[0030] 1 of the PRX device 24 including a battery 34 is merely illustrative. If desired, the electronic device may include a supercapacitor to store charge instead of a battery. For example, the PRX device 24 may include a supercapacitor instead of the battery 34. Thus, the battery 34 may also be referred to as a power storage device 34 or a supercapacitor 34.

[0031] The PTX device 12 and the PRX device 24 can communicate wirelessly using in-band or out-of-band communication. Implementations using in-band communication can utilize, for example, frequency shift keying (FSK) and / or amplitude shift keying (ASK) techniques to communicate in-band data between the PTX device 12 and the PRX device 24. Wireless power and in-band data transmissions can be carried simultaneously using coils 32 and 48. When the PTX 12 transmits in-band data to the PRX 24, the wireless transceiver (TX / RX) circuit 20 can modulate the wireless charging signal 44 to provide FSK or ASK communication, and the wireless transceiver circuit 40 can demodulate the wireless charging signal 44 to obtain the communicated data. When the PRX 24 transmits in-band data to the PTX 12, the wireless transceiver (TX / RX) circuit 40 can modulate the wireless charging signal 44 to provide FSK or ASK communication, and the wireless transceiver circuit 20 can demodulate the wireless charging signal 44 to obtain the communicated data.

[0032] Implementations using out-of-band communication may utilize, for example, a hardware antenna structure and a communication protocol such as Bluetooth or NFC to communicate out-of-band data between the PTX device 12 and the PRX device 24. Power may be transferred wirelessly between the coils 32 and 48 concurrently with the out-of-band data transmission. The wireless transceiver circuit 20 may use an antenna such as antenna 56 to wirelessly transmit and / or receive out-of-band signals to and / or from the PRX device 24. The wireless transceiver circuit 40 may use an antenna such as antenna 58 to wirelessly transmit and / or receive out-of-band signals to and / or from the PRX device 12.

[0033] The control circuitry 16 within the PTX device 12 includes measurement circuitry 18 that can be used to perform measurements of one or more characteristics external to the PTX device 12. For example, the measurement circuitry 18 may detect external objects on or adjacent to the charging surface of the housing of the PTX device 12. Although shown in FIG. 1 as separate from the transmission circuitry 22 for clarity, the measurement circuitry 18 may form part of the transmission circuitry 22 if desired.

[0034] The measurement circuitry 18 may detect foreign objects such as coils, paper clips, and other metal objects, may detect the presence of the PRX device 24 (e.g., the circuitry 18 may detect the presence of one or more coils 48 and / or magnetic core material associated with the coils 48), and / or may detect the presence of other power transmitting devices in the vicinity of the PTX device 12 and / or WPT system 8. The measurement circuitry 18 may also be used to make sensor measurements using capacitive sensors, to make temperature measurements, and / or otherwise be used in collecting information indicative of whether a foreign object, power transmitting device, power receiving device, or other external object (e.g., the PRX device 24) is present on or adjacent to the coil(s) 32 of the PTX device 12. Optionally, the PRX device 24 may include a measurement circuitry 42. The measurement circuitry 42 may perform one or more of the measurements performed by the measurement circuitry 18 (e.g., for or using the coil(s) 48 on the PRX device 24).

[0035] Each of housing 30 and housing 52 may be formed from plastic, metal, fiber composite materials such as carbon fiber materials, wood and other natural materials, glass, other materials, and / or combinations of two or more of these materials.

[0036] 1, in which PTX 12 transmits wireless power and PRX 24 receives wireless power, is merely illustrative. PTX 12 can optionally receive wireless power signals using coil(s) 32, and PRX 24 can optionally transmit wireless power signals using coil(s) 48. When a device is capable of both transmitting and receiving wireless power signals, the device may include both an inverter and a rectifier.

[0037] 2 is a circuit diagram of an exemplary wireless power transmission circuit for system 8. As shown in FIG. 2, switching circuit 22 may include one or more inverter circuits, such as inverters 26, or other drive circuits, that generate a wireless power signal that is transmitted through an output circuit that includes one or more coils 32 and a capacitor, such as capacitor 70. In some embodiments, PTX device 12 may include multiple individually controlled inverters 26, each providing a drive signal to a respective coil 32. In other embodiments, inverters 26 may be shared among multiple coils 32 using switching circuitry.

[0038] During operation, control signals for the inverter(s) 26 are provided by the control circuit 16 at one or more control inputs 74. As an example, the control inputs 74 may receive an input voltage V from a power adapter. The input voltage V received at one or more control inputs 74 of the PTX device 12 from a separate power adapter (e.g., an external wall adapter) may be referred to and defined herein as the “power transmitting device input voltage.” While a single inverter 26 and a single coil 32 are shown in the example of FIG. 2 , multiple inverters 26 and multiple coils 32 may be used if desired. In a multiple-coil configuration, switching circuitry (e.g., a multiplexer circuit) may be used to couple a single inverter 26 to multiple coils 32 and / or to couple each coil 32 to a separate inverter 26. During wireless power transmission operation, transistors within one or more selected inverters 26 are driven by AC control signals from the control circuit 16. The relative phase between the inverters may be dynamically adjusted (e.g., a pair of inverters 26 may generate in-phase or out-of-phase output signals).

[0039] Applying a drive signal using inverter(s) 26 (e.g., a transistor or other switch in circuit 22) causes an output circuit formed from selected coils 32 and capacitors 70 to generate an alternating electromagnetic field (signal 44) that is received by wireless power receiving circuit 46 using a wireless power receiving circuit formed from one or more coils 48 and one or more capacitors 72 in device 24.

[0040] The rectifier circuit 50 is coupled to the one or more coils 48 and converts the received power from AC to DC and provides a corresponding DC output voltage Vrect across the rectifier output terminals 76 for powering load circuits within the device 24 (e.g., for charging the battery 34, for powering the display and / or other input / output devices 54, and / or for powering other components).

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates how measurement circuitry 18 in PTX 12 can include one or more voltage sensors, such as voltage sensor 18A, and one or more current sensors, such as current sensor 18B. Additionally, measurement circuitry 42 in PRX 24 may include one or more voltage sensors, such as voltage sensor 42A, and one or more current sensors, such as current sensor 42B. The voltage and current sensors in system 8 can be used to determine power levels within the system. The specific locations of sensors 18A, 18B, 42A, and 42B in FIG. 2 (on the DC sides of inverter 26 and rectifier 50, respectively) are merely exemplary. In general, voltage and current sensors may be placed in any desired positions within transmitting circuit 22 and receiving circuit 46 (e.g., on the AC sides of inverter 26 and rectifier 50, as needed).

[0042] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of system 8. As shown in FIG. 3, device 12 has a device housing 30 (e.g., a disk-shaped puck housing formed from a polymer, other dielectric material, and / or other material). Device housing 30 can house a device microcontroller for communicating with plug 94, DC-DC power converter circuitry such as a step-down voltage converter (e.g., a buck converter) or a step-up voltage converter (e.g., a boost converter), a voltage regulator circuitry such as a low-dropout (LDO) regulator, wireless power transmitting circuitry such as inverter 26 (see FIG. 2), coil(s) 32, capacitor 70, and foreign object detection circuitry for detecting the presence of a foreign object (e.g., a metal coin or other object that may interfere with wireless charging of power receiving device 24), near-field communication (NFC) circuitry for communicating with power receiving device 24, over-temperature protection (OTP) circuitry such as a temperature sensor, debug circuitry, filter circuitry, a magnetic alignment structure such as a magnet for attracting device 24 during charging operations, and / or other power transmitting device components.

[0043] The cable 92 is coupled to the device housing 30 and supplies power to the coil(s) 32. One end of the cable 92 may be pigtailed to the housing 30. The opposite end of the cable 92 is terminated using a plug 94. The plug 94 has a boot portion 98, which may be referred to as the "boot" of the plug. The cable 92 and plug 94 may be considered part of the PTX 12 or may be considered separate components from the PTX 12. The boot 98, which may be referred to as a connector boot, may be formed from a polymer, metal, and / or other material and may have an interior region configured to accommodate electrical components (e.g., integrated circuits, discrete components such as transistors, printed circuits, etc.). The boot 98 has a first end connected to the cable 92 and a second end connected to the connector portion 96 (which may be referred to as the "connector" of the plug). Connector 96 may include 24 pins, 10-30 pins, 10 or more pins, 20 or more pins, 30 or more pins, 40 or more pins, 50 or more pins, or any suitable number of pins supported within a connector housing. The pins within connector 96 are configured to mate with corresponding pins within port 102 of an external device, such as device 100.

[0044] Device 100 may be a standalone power adapter that converts alternating current (AC) power to direct current (DC) power, an electronic device such as a computer, or other equipment that supplies DC power to plug 94 via port 102. Port 102 may be, for example, a USB port (e.g., a USB Type-A port, a USB Type-C port, a USB 4.0 port, a USB 3.0 port, a USB 2.0 port, a micro USB port, etc.) or a Lightning connector port. Device 100 may also be a USB adapter configured to convert AC power from a wall outlet (e.g., a 110-120V or 220-240V outlet) to DC power (e.g., a 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, or 20V DC input) to power a USB-type device. Plug 96, having a connector protruding from boot 98, may be referred to as a male plug. Plug 96 may be a reversible plug (i.e., a plug that can mate with a corresponding connector port in at least two different, symmetrical orientations).

[0045] During operation of system 8, power receiving device 24 may be placed on the charging surface of power transmitting device 12. Device 24 and device 12 may have magnets (and / or magnetic materials such as iron). For example, device 24 may have a magnet and device 12 may have a corresponding mating magnet. The magnets attract each other, thereby holding devices 12 and 24 together during charging.

[0046] The boot 98 may have a boot housing that houses various electrical components. The boot housing may house a boot microcontroller for communicating with the device microcontroller in the housing 30, a DC-DC power converter circuit such as a step-up voltage converter (e.g., a boost converter), a voltage regulator circuit such as a low dropout (LDO) regulator, an electronic fuse circuit such as an e-fuse or fuse to provide overcurrent protection upon detecting a short circuit, an overload, an unmatched load, or other device fault event, a filter circuit, and / or other boot components. In one exemplary configuration, the inverter 26 may be formed in the boot 98 rather than in the housing 30.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the power transmitting device 12 may be operable to transmit wireless power to the power receiving device 24 by using one of several different power modes. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of exemplary steps for operating a wireless power transfer system 8 of the type described in connection with FIGS. 1-3. During the operation of block 110, the power transmitting device 12 may operate in a foreign object detection (FOD) mode and detect the presence of the power receiving device 24 on its charging surface. As one example, the power transmitting device 12 may use low-power foreign object detection or analog ping to detect the presence of a foreign object. As another example, the power transmitting device 12 may perform impedance measurements, impulse response measurements, and / or other suitable foreign object detection techniques to detect when the device 24 is placed on the device 12's charging surface.

[0048] In response to detecting the presence of a valid power receiving device 24 on its charging surface, the power transmitting device 12 may perform a power negotiation operation with the power receiving device 24 (see operation of block 112). In some embodiments, the power receiving device 24 may negotiate a desired amount of power with the power transmitting device 12 based on its power requirements (e.g., based on its current battery level or based on a current load condition). The power transmitting device 12 may be configured to output wireless power to the power receiving device 24 by operating in one of a number of different power modes. For example, the power transmitting device 12 may be capable of operating in n different power modes, where n represents an integer greater than or equal to 2, greater than or equal to 3, greater than or equal to 4, between 5 and 10, or greater than 10.

[0049] When power transmitting device 12 is configured to operate in a first power mode (e.g., to provide a first power level profile), device 12 may be configured to output wireless power to power receiving device 24 at a first negotiated power level (or at a power level less than the first maximum power level). When power transmitting device 12 is configured to operate in a second power mode (e.g., to provide a second power level profile), device 12 may be configured to output wireless power to power receiving device 24 at a second negotiated power level that is different from the first negotiated power level (or at a power level less than the second maximum power level). When power transmitting device 12 is configured to operate in a third power mode (e.g., to provide a third power level profile), device 12 may be configured to output wireless power to power receiving device 24 at a third negotiated power level that is different from the first and second negotiated power levels (or at a power level less than the third maximum power level). During the operations of block 112, the power transmitting device 12 and the power receiving device 24 may negotiate a selected one of a plurality (n) of power modes that provide a negotiated wireless power transmission power level. The power mode that provides a relatively low power level may be referred to as a low power mode, and the power mode that provides a relatively high power level may be referred to as a high power mode.

[0050] During the operation of block 114, the power transmitting device 12 may monitor the negotiated power level and monitor the negotiated power level with respect to a threshold power level. For example, the power transmitting device 12 may determine whether the negotiated power level is below or above a certain threshold. The power transmitting device 12 may determine the negotiated power level based on measurement data (e.g., using the measurement circuitry 18 of FIG. 1 or the sensors 18A and 18B of FIG. 2) or based on knowledge of the currently selected power mode (i.e., not based on measurement or sensor data). For example, the device 12 may infer that the negotiated power level is at a first power level based on a priori knowledge that the device 12 is operating in a first power mode. As another example, the device 12 may infer that the negotiated power level is at a second power level based on a priori knowledge that the device 12 is operating in a second power mode. As another example, device 12 may infer that the negotiated power level is at the third power level based on a priori knowledge that device 12 is operating in a third power mode, and so on.

[0051] In response to determining that the negotiated power level is less than (or falls below) the threshold level, the power transmitting device 12 may configure or instruct the power adapter 100 to generate a lower power transmitting device input voltage Vin. For example, the power transmitting device 12 may transmit a USB Power Delivery compliant message to the power adapter 100. As described above in connection with FIG. 2 , the voltage Vin represents the voltage received at one or more inputs of the power transmitting device 12. Exemplary threshold levels are 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 watts (W). As another example, the threshold level may be any value between 2 W and 7 W. As other examples, the threshold level may be any power value less than 4 W, less than 5 W, less than 6 W, less than 7 W, less than 8 W, less than 9 W, or less than 10 W. The threshold level, sometimes referred to as the threshold power level, may be fixed or adjustable.

[0052] According to some embodiments, power adapter 100 may be capable of operating in different power adapter (power delivery) modes to generate different Vin levels. In an exemplary device configuration in which power adapter 100 has a USB port 102 (e.g., a USB Type-C port, a USB 4.0 port, a USB 3.0 port, a USB 2.0 port, a micro-USB port, etc.), power adapter 100 may be configured to provide one or more voltage levels in accordance with the USB Power Delivery (PD) specification. For example, power adapter 100 may be configured to operate in a first power adapter mode that generates or provides a Vin of 9V, a second power adapter mode that generates or provides a reduced Vin of 5V, and a third power adapter mode that generates or provides an elevated Vin of 13V. Accordingly, the various power adapter modes may be referred to herein as power delivery modes. This example is merely illustrative. In general, power adapter 100 may be capable of operating in multiple power supply modes configured to generate two or more Vin levels, three or more Vin levels, four or more Vin levels, between five and ten Vin levels, or more than ten Vin levels. In the example of Figure 4, in response to power transmitting device 12 detecting that the negotiated power level falls below a threshold level of 4 W, power transmitting device 12 may instruct the power adapter to switch from generating a Vin of 9 V to a reduced Vin of 5 V to accommodate the lower power profile. This is by way of example.

[0053] During the operation of block 116, the power transmitting device 12 may begin transmitting wireless power to the power receiving device 24 according to the negotiated power level. In other words, the power transmitting device 12 may operate in an active wireless power transmission mode. During the active wireless power transmission mode, the device 12 may simultaneously perform in-band communication with the device 24 (e.g., the device 12 may use the transmitter in the transceiver 20 to transmit FSK packets to the receiver in the transceiver 40, while the device 24 may use the data transmitter in the transceiver 40 to transmit ASK packets to the receiver in the transceiver 20 while wireless power is being transferred from the device 12 to the device 24).

[0054] The power transmitting device 12 may be operated in an active wireless power transfer mode to charge the battery 34 of the device 24 until the state of charge (SOC) or battery level of the battery 34 is deemed full. Power transfer operations may be stopped when the state of charge of the battery 34 exceeds a target charge threshold, when the temperature of the battery 34 exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold, or when the device 12 otherwise determines that power transmission should be stopped. The target charge threshold may be equal to, for example, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or other suitable target threshold to indicate that the battery 58 is near the end of charge or is fully charged. Pausing or stopping power transfer operations when the battery 34 is fully charged can help reduce power consumption in the device 12 while preventing unnecessary charging in the device 24 (e.g., constantly topping off the battery 34 to a 100% state of charge may be excessive, especially when the device 24 is idle).

[0055] The operations of FIG. 4 are exemplary. The operations of power transmitting device 12 may be performed or orchestrated at least in part by control circuitry 16 (see FIG. 1 ) of device 12. Operating system 8 in this manner by dynamically changing power adapter (supply) modes to selectively reduce V based on the negotiated wireless power transfer level may be technically advantageous and beneficial to allow a DC-DC converter (e.g., a boost converter) within power transmitting device 12 to more efficiently boost V, which alleviates the need for lossy phase-shift modulation operations to step down excessively high V while reducing electromagnetic interference and power consumption. In some embodiments, one or more of the described operations may be modified, substituted, or omitted. In some embodiments, one or more of the described operations may be performed in parallel. In some embodiments, additional processes may be added or inserted between the described operations. If desired, the order of some operations may be reversed or changed, and / or the timing of the described operations may be adjusted so that they occur at slightly different times. In some embodiments, the described operations may be distributed across a larger system.

[0056] The operation of Figure 4 in which power transmitting device 12 negotiates a different power supply mode with power adapter 100 when the monitored / negotiated power level falls below a threshold level is exemplary. In other embodiments, the monitored power level can be compared to two or more different threshold levels to determine / detect whether power adapter 100 should be configured into one of multiple different power supply modes. According to another embodiment, Figure 5 illustrates how different power levels can trigger the use of different voltages Vin output by power adapter 100. As shown in Figure 5, in response to power transmitting device 12 determining that the negotiated power level is equal to (corresponding to) a first power level P1 or within a first range of power levels between a lower limit P1a and an upper limit P1b, power adapter 100 can be configured to generate or supply a power transmitting device input voltage of Vin1. The first range of power levels can optionally include a single power level (e.g., when P1a is equal to P1b).

[0057] In response to power transmitting device 12 determining that the negotiated power level is equal to (corresponding to) a second power level P2 different from P1 or is within a second range of power levels between a lower limit P2a and an upper limit P2b, power adapter 100 may be configured to generate or supply a power transmitting device input voltage Vin2 different from Vin1. The second range of power levels may not overlap with the first range of power levels (i.e., there is no intersection between the two ranges). The second range of power levels may optionally include a single power level (e.g., when P2a is equal to P2b).

[0058] In response to the power transmitting device 12 determining that the negotiated power level is equal to (corresponding to) a third power level P3 different from P1 and P2 or within a third range of power levels between a lower limit P3a and an upper limit P3b, the power adapter 100 may be configured to generate or supply a power transmitting device input voltage Vin3 different from Vin1 and Vin2. The third range of power levels may not overlap with the first and second ranges of power levels (i.e., there is no intersection between the three ranges). The third range of power levels may optionally include a single power level (e.g., when P3a is equal to P3b). The example of FIG. 5 in which the power transmitting device 12 can negotiate with the power adapter 100 to supply three different Vin levels based on at least three different power level ranges is illustrative. In general, system 8 may be configured to provide two or more different Vin levels based on a comparison of the negotiated power level to a single threshold power level, two or more threshold power levels, a single range of power levels, or two or more ranges of power levels.

[0059] According to another embodiment, the power transmitting device 12 may be operable to transmit wireless power to the power receiving device 24 by using one of several different power modes. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of exemplary steps for operating a wireless power transfer system 8 of the type described in connection with FIGS. 1-3. During the operation of block 210, the power transmitting device 12 may operate in a foreign object detection (FOD) mode and detect the presence of the power receiving device 24 on its charging surface. As one example, the power transmitting device 12 may use low-power foreign object detection or analog pings to detect the presence of a foreign object. As another example, the power transmitting device 12 may perform impedance measurements, impulse response measurements, and / or other suitable foreign object detection techniques to detect when the device 24 is placed on the charging surface of the device 12.

[0060] In response to detecting the presence of a valid power receiving device 24 on its charging surface, the power transmitting device 12 may perform a power negotiation operation with the power receiving device 24 (see operation of block 212). In some embodiments, the power receiving device 24 may negotiate a desired amount of power with the power transmitting device 12 based on its power requirements (e.g., based on its current battery level or based on a current load condition). During this negotiation phase, the power receiving device 24 may transmit, via in-band communication, one or more messages, optionally in the form of packets, that include specific target operating characteristics or parameters for subsequent wireless power transfer operation. Such types of message(s) or packet(s) transmitted during the negotiation phase may be referred to as negotiation messages / packets or wireless power transfer negotiation messages / packets.

[0061] In one embodiment, the negotiation packet may indicate or specify a target power mode currently desired by the powered device 24. The target power mode may be selected from a plurality of n different power modes, where n represents an integer greater than or equal to 2, greater than or equal to 3, greater than or equal to 4, between 5 and 10, or greater than 10. For example, the power transmitting device 12 may be operable in at least a low (light) power mode, a nominal (medium or intermediate) power mode, and a high power mode. When operating in the low power mode, the power transmitting device 12 may be configured to supply a first amount of wireless power to the powered device 24, which may be approximately 5 W, less than 5 W, less than 6 W, less than 7 W, or some other low power level.

[0062] When operating in the high power mode, power transmitting device 12 may be configured to supply a second amount of wireless power to power receiving device 24, where the second amount of wireless power may be approximately 12 W, approximately 15 W, approximately 20 W, greater than 10 W, 10-15 W, 15-20 W, 20-25 W, or some other high power level. When operating in the nominal power mode, power transmitting device 12 may be configured to supply a third amount of wireless power to power receiving device 24, where the third amount of power is at a level between the first amount of wireless power generated by the low power mode and the second amount of wireless power generated by the high power mode.

[0063] In some embodiments, the nominal power mode may be used when the power transmitting device 12 first begins transmitting wireless power to the power receiving device 24. The low power mode may be negotiated by the power receiving device 24 when the battery level in the power receiving device exceeds a first battery threshold (e.g., when the state of charge of the battery 34 of FIG. 1 is high or nearly full). The high power mode may be negotiated by the power receiving device 24 when the battery level in the power receiving device falls below a second battery threshold (e.g., when the state of charge of the battery 34 is low or when the power receiving device otherwise requires more power transfer). The first battery threshold may be greater than the second battery threshold.

[0064] In another embodiment, not mutually exclusive with the foregoing embodiment, the negotiation packet may indicate or specify a target operating parameter, such as a target rectifier voltage Vrect, currently desired by the powered device 24. The rectifier voltage Vrect refers to the voltage detected at the output of the rectifier 50 (measured by voltage sensor 42A, see FIG. 2 ) and may be defined as such herein. The current at the output of the rectifier 50, measured by current sensor 42B, may be defined as the rectifier current or rectifier output current Irect. The voltage Vrect may be referred to as the rectified voltage or the powered circuit output voltage. The target rectifier voltage may be selected from a plurality of m different Vrect voltages, where m represents an integer greater than or equal to 2, greater than or equal to 3, greater than or equal to 4, between 5 and 10, or greater than 10. For example, the powered device 24 may desire to target a low Vrect level, a nominal (mid or intermediate) Vrect level, or a high Vrect level. The low Vrect level may be approximately 12.5V, less than 13V, less than 10-15V, less than 15V, less than 10V, or other suitable low voltage level. The high Vrect level may be approximately 18V, 18-20V, 20-25V, greater than 20V, greater than 25V, greater than 30V, or other suitable high voltage level. The nominal Vrect level may be greater than the low Vrect level and less than the high Vrect level.

[0065] In another embodiment, not mutually exclusive with the foregoing embodiment, the negotiation packet may indicate or specify target operating parameters, such as a target rectifier power Prect, currently desired by the powered device 24. The rectifier power Prect refers to the power detected at the output of the rectifier 50 (measured by the voltage sensor 42A and the current sensor 42B, see FIG. 2 ) and may be defined as such herein. The power Prect may also be referred to as the rectified power or the powered circuit output power. The target rectifier power may be selected from a plurality of p different Prect levels, where p represents an integer greater than or equal to 2, greater than or equal to 3, greater than or equal to 4, between 5 and 10, or greater than 10. For example, the powered device 24 may desire to target a low Prect level, a nominal (mid or intermediate) Prect level, or a high Prect level. The low Prect level may be approximately 5 W, less than 5 W, less than 6 W, less than 7 W, or some other low power level. The high Prect level can be about 12 W, about 15 W, about 20 W, greater than 10 W, 10-15 W, 15-20 W, 20-25 W, or other suitable high power levels. The nominal Prect level can be higher than the low Prect level and lower than the high Prect level.

[0066] These examples of powered device 24 negotiating target operating characteristics, such as a target power mode, a target rectifier voltage, and / or a target rectifier power, are illustrative. If desired, powered device 24 can negotiate or request other target operating characteristics, including, but not limited to, a target output current (e.g., as measured by current sensor 42B of FIG. 2), a target wireless power transfer efficiency, a target wireless charging standard, a target wireless charging standard version number, a target electromagnetic compliance standard, a target electromagnetic noise or interference standard, and / or other target standards desired during subsequent wireless power transfer operation.

[0067] During the operation of block 214, the power transmitting device 12 may negotiate with the power adapter 100 to generate a corresponding power transmitting device input voltage Vin based on the one or more goals identified during block 212. For example, the power transmitting device 12 may send a USB Power Delivery compliance message to the power adapter 100 (e.g., to instruct the power adapter 100 to adjust Vin to a new voltage level). As discussed above in connection with FIG. 2, the voltage Vin represents the voltage received at one or more inputs of the power transmitting device 12.

[0068] In a scenario in which the power receiving device 24 targets a particular power mode, the power transmitting device 12 can negotiate a corresponding Vin with the power adapter 100. FIG. 7 illustrates how different power modes can trigger the use of different power transmitting device input voltages. As shown in FIG. 7, if a first power mode M1 is targeted, the power transmitting device 12 can request the power adapter 100 to generate a first power transmitting device input voltage Vin1. The first power mode M1 can represent a low power mode, where Vin1 can be 5 V, 4 to 6 V, 3 to 7 V, less than 6 V, less than 7 V, less than 8 V, or other suitable low voltage. If a second power mode M2 is targeted, the power transmitting device 12 can request the power adapter 100 to generate a second power transmitting device input voltage Vin2. The second power mode M2 may represent a high power mode, where Vin2 may be 15V, 14-16V, 13-17V, greater than 10V, greater than 13V, 10-20V, greater than 20V, or other suitable high voltage. If the third power mode M3 is targeted, the power transmitting device 12 may request the power adapter 100 to generate a third power transmitting device input voltage Vin3. The third power mode M3 may represent a nominal power mode, where Vin3 may be greater than Vin1 and less than Vin2. The example of FIG. 7 showing three different target power modes is illustrative. In general, the power transmitting device 12 may be capable of operating in any number of power modes, and each power mode may correspond to a different Vin level.

[0069] In a scenario in which the power receiving device 24 targets a specific Vrect, the power transmitting device 12 can negotiate a corresponding Vin with the power adapter 100. FIG. 8 illustrates how different Vrect levels can trigger the use of different power transmitting device input voltages. As shown in FIG. 8, when a first rectifier voltage Vrect1 is targeted, the power transmitting device 12 can request the power adapter 100 to generate a first power transmitting device input voltage VinA. VinA can be 5V, 4-6V, 3-7V, less than 6V, less than 7V, less than 8V, or any other suitable low voltage. The voltage VinA can be equal to or different from Vin1, as described in connection with FIG. 7. When a second rectifier voltage Vrect2 is targeted, the power transmitting device 12 can request the power adapter 100 to generate a second power transmitting device input voltage VinB. The voltage VinB may be 15V, 14-16V, 13-17V, greater than 10V, greater than 13V, 10-20V, greater than 20V, or other suitable high voltage. The voltage VinB may be the same as or different from Vin2 described in connection with FIG. 7. If a third rectifier voltage Vrect3 is targeted, the power transmitting device 12 may request the power adapter 100 to generate a third power transmitting device input voltage VinC. The voltage VinC may be greater than VinA and less than VinB. The voltage VinC may be the same as or different from Vin3 described in connection with FIG. 7. The example of FIG. 8 showing three different target rectifier voltages is illustrative. In general, the power transmitting device 12 may be operable to provide any number of rectifier voltages, and each target Vrect may correspond to a different Vin level.

[0070] In a scenario in which the power receiving device 24 targets a specific Prect, the power transmitting device 12 can negotiate a corresponding Vin with the power adapter 100. FIG. 9 illustrates how different Prect levels can trigger the use of different power transmitting device input voltages. As shown in FIG. 9, if a first rectifier power Prect1 is targeted, the power transmitting device 12 can request the power adapter 100 to generate a first power transmitting device input voltage VinX. VinX can be 5V, 4-6V, 3-7V, less than 6V, less than 7V, less than 8V, or other suitable low voltages. The voltage VinX can be the same as or different from Vin1 in FIG. 7 and VinA in FIG. 8. If a second rectifier power Prect2 is targeted, the power transmitting device 12 can request the power adapter 100 to generate a second power transmitting device input voltage VinY. The voltage VinY may be 15V, 14-16V, 13-17V, greater than 10V, greater than 13V, 10-20V, greater than 20V, or other suitable high voltages. The voltage VinY may be the same as or different from Vin2 in FIG. 7 or VinB in FIG. 8. If a third rectifier power Prect3 is targeted, the power transmitting device 12 may request the power adapter 100 to generate a third power transmitting device input voltage VinZ. The voltage VinZ may be greater than VinX and less than VinY. The voltage VinZ may be the same as or different from Vin3 in FIG. 7 or VinC in FIG. 8. The example in FIG. 9 showing three different target rectifier powers is illustrative. In general, the power transmitting device 12 may be operable to supply any number of rectifier power levels, and each target Prect may correspond to a different Vin level. These examples are illustrative.

[0071] During the operation of block 216, the power transmitting device 12 may begin transmitting wireless power to the power receiving device 24 according to the negotiated parameters. In other words, the power transmitting device 12 may operate in an active wireless power transmission mode. During the active wireless power transmission mode, the device 12 may simultaneously perform in-band communication with the device 24 (e.g., the device 12 may use the transmitter in the transceiver 20 to transmit FSK packets to the receiver in the transceiver 40, while the device 24 may use the data transmitter in the transceiver 40 to transmit ASK packets to the receiver in the transceiver 20 while wireless power is being transferred from the device 12 to the device 24).

[0072] The power transmitting device 12 may be operated in an active wireless power transfer mode to charge the battery 34 of the device 24 until the state of charge (SOC) or battery level of the battery 34 is deemed full. Power transfer operations may be stopped when the state of charge of the battery 34 exceeds a target charge threshold, when the temperature of the battery 34 exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold, or when the device 12 otherwise determines that power transmission should be stopped. The target charge threshold may be equal to, for example, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or other suitable target threshold to indicate that the battery 58 is near the end of charge or is fully charged. Pausing or stopping power transfer operations when the battery 34 is fully charged can help reduce power consumption in the device 12 while preventing unnecessary charging in the device 24 (e.g., constantly topping off the battery 34 to a 100% state of charge may be excessive, especially when the device 24 is idle).

[0073] The operations of FIG. 6 are exemplary. The operations of power transmitting device 12 may be performed or orchestrated at least in part by control circuitry 16 (see FIG. 1 ) of device 12. In this manner, operating system 8 dynamically changing power adapter (supply) modes to selectively adjust Vin based on one or more negotiated wireless power transfer operating characteristics or criteria may be technically advantageous and beneficial to enable a DC-DC converter (e.g., a boost converter) within power transmitting device 12 to more efficiently boost Vin, which may help reduce electromagnetic interference and power consumption. In some embodiments, one or more of the described operations may be modified, substituted, or omitted. In some embodiments, one or more of the described operations may be performed in parallel. In some embodiments, additional processes may be added or inserted between the described operations. If desired, the order of some operations may be reversed or changed, and / or the timing of the described operations may be adjusted so that they occur at slightly different times. In some embodiments, the described operations may be distributed across a larger system.

[0074] According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided, the electronic device including: a wireless power transmission coil that transmits wireless power to a wireless power receiving device; a power transmitting circuit configured to receive an input voltage from a power adapter and drive a corresponding alternating current (AC) signal through the wireless power transmitting coil; and a control circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to negotiate a power level with the wireless power receiving device, detect whether the negotiated power level is below a threshold level, and in response to detecting that the negotiated power level is below the threshold level, instruct the power adapter to switch from operating in a first power supply mode to operating in a second power supply mode, wherein the input voltage received by the power transmitting circuit has a first voltage level when the power adapter is operating in the first power supply mode, and has a second voltage level different from the first voltage level when the power adapter is operating in the second power supply mode.

[0075] According to another embodiment, the control circuitry may be further configured to detect whether the negotiated power level drops from a higher power level to below a threshold level, and in response to detecting that the negotiated power level has dropped below the threshold level, instruct the power adapter to switch from operating in the first power supply mode to operating in a second power supply mode, wherein the second voltage level may be less than the first voltage level.

[0076] According to another embodiment, the electronic device may further include a boost converter configured to boost a received input voltage to generate a corresponding boosted voltage for generating the AC signal via the wireless power transmission coil.

[0077] According to another embodiment, the power transmitting circuit may be capable of operating in a plurality of different power modes, and the negotiated power level may have different values corresponding to the plurality of different power modes.

[0078] According to another embodiment, the power adapter may be operable in a third power supply mode, and the input voltage received by the power transmitting circuit may have a third voltage level different from the first and second voltage levels when the power adapter is operating in the third power supply mode.

[0079] According to another embodiment, the threshold level may be a selected one of 3W, 4W, 5W, and 6W.

[0080] According to another embodiment, the power adapter can be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) adapter configured to convert alternating current (AC) mains electricity to an input voltage, the input voltage comprising direct current (DC) electricity. Instructing the power adapter to switch from operating in the first power delivery mode to operating in the second power delivery mode can include sending, by the electronic device, a USB Power Delivery compliant message to the power adapter.

[0081] According to another embodiment, the electronic device may further include a boost converter coupled between the power adapter and the power transmitting circuit and configured to boost an input voltage from the power adapter and provide the boosted voltage to drive a corresponding alternating current (AC) signal through the wireless power transmission coil while the power adapter is operating in the second power supply mode.

[0082] According to one embodiment, a method is provided for operating an electronic device removably coupled to a power adapter, the method including: negotiating a power level with a wireless powered device; detecting whether the negotiated power level is equal to a first power level or within a first range of power levels; in response to detecting that the negotiated power level is equal to the first power level or within the first range of power levels, instructing the power adapter to operate in a first power supply mode that supplies a first voltage to one or more inputs of the electronic device; and using a power transmitting circuit to transmit wireless power to the wireless powered device in accordance with the negotiated power level.

[0083] According to another embodiment, the method may further include detecting whether the negotiated power level is equal to a second power level or within a second range of power levels, and in response to detecting that the negotiated power level is equal to the second power level or within the second range of power levels, instructing the power adapter to operate in a second power supply mode that supplies a second voltage, different from the first voltage, to one or more inputs of the electronic device.

[0084] According to another embodiment, the method may further include detecting whether the negotiated power level is equal to a third power level or within a third range of power levels, and in response to detecting that the negotiated power level is equal to the third power level or within the third range of power levels, instructing the power adapter to operate in a third power supply mode that supplies a third voltage, different from the first voltage and the second voltage, to one or more inputs of the electronic device.

[0085] According to another embodiment, the second power level can be less than the first power level, the second power level range can be less than the first power level range, and the second voltage can be less than the first voltage.

[0086] According to another embodiment, the method may further include using a boost converter to boost the second voltage to generate a corresponding boosted voltage for transmitting wireless power at the negotiated power level.

[0087] According to another embodiment, the method may further include detecting whether the negotiated power level is equal to a second power level or within a second range of power levels, and in response to detecting that the negotiated power level is equal to the second power level or within the second range of power levels, reducing electromagnetic interference or power loss by instructing the power adapter to operate in a second power supply mode that supplies a second voltage that is less than the first voltage.

[0088] According to one embodiment, a system is provided that includes a power receiving device, a power adapter, and a power transmitting device coupled to the power adapter. The power transmitting device includes a wireless power transmission coil configured to transmit wireless power to the power receiving device, a power transmitting circuit configured to receive an input voltage from the power adapter and drive a corresponding alternating current (AC) signal through the wireless power transmission coil, and a control circuit configured to negotiate a power level with the power receiving device, determine whether the power level exceeds a threshold, equals a first power level, or is within a first range of power levels, and control the power adapter based on whether the power level exceeds the threshold, equals the first power level, or is within the first range of power levels.

[0089] According to another embodiment, the control circuitry may be further configured to determine whether the power level has fallen below a threshold and, in response to determining that the power level has fallen below the threshold, adjust the power adapter such that the power adapter supplies a reduced voltage to one or more inputs of the power transmitting device.

[0090] According to another embodiment, the power transmitting device may further include a boost converter configured to step up a reduced voltage received at one or more inputs.

[0091] According to another embodiment, the control circuitry can be further configured to, in response to determining that the power level is equal to the first power level or within a first range of power levels, direct the power adapter to supply a first voltage to one or more inputs of the power transmitting device.

[0092] According to another embodiment, the control circuitry may be further configured to determine whether the power level is equal to a second power level or within a second range of power levels, and in response to determining that the power level is equal to the second power level or within the second range of power levels, instruct the power adapter to supply a second voltage, different from the first voltage, to one or more inputs of the power transmitting device.

[0093] According to another embodiment, the control circuitry may be further configured to determine whether the power level is equal to a third power level or within a third range of power levels, and in response to determining that the power level is equal to the third power level or within the third range of power levels, instruct the power adapter to supply a third voltage, different from the first and second voltages, to one or more inputs of the power transmitting device.

[0094] According to one embodiment, a power transmitting device is provided, the power transmitting device including: a wireless power transmission coil configured to transmit wireless power to a power receiving device; a power transmitting circuit configured to receive an input voltage from a power adapter and drive a corresponding alternating current (AC) signal through the wireless power transmission coil; and a control circuit configured to negotiate target operating characteristics with the power receiving device and instruct the power adapter to adjust the input voltage based on the target operating characteristics.

[0095] According to another embodiment, the control circuitry is optionally further configured to receive one or more messages from the powered device indicating target operating characteristics.

[0096] According to another embodiment, the power transmission circuit is optionally configured to receive an input voltage that is regulated based on target operating characteristics and to drive an AC signal through the wireless power transmission coil with the regulated input voltage.

[0097] According to another embodiment, the power transmitting device optionally includes target operating parameters including a target power mode selected from a plurality of power modes, a first power mode of the plurality of power modes including a power mode to be used when the power transmitting device begins transmitting wireless power to the power receiving device, and a second power mode of the plurality of power modes including a power mode to be negotiated by the power receiving device when a battery level in the power receiving device exceeds a first battery threshold.

[0098] According to another embodiment, a third power mode of the plurality of power modes optionally includes a power mode negotiated by the powered device when the battery level in the powered device falls below a second battery threshold.

[0099] According to another embodiment, the power transmitting device optionally includes a rectifier coupled to the wireless power transmission coil, the target operating characteristics including a target rectifier voltage generated by the rectifier, and the control circuitry is further configured to regulate the input voltage to a first voltage level when the target rectifier voltage includes a first value, and to regulate the input voltage to a second voltage level different from the first voltage level when the target rectifier voltage includes a second value.

[0100] According to another embodiment, the power transmitting device optionally includes a rectifier coupled to the wireless power transmission coil, the target operating characteristics including a target rectifier power generated by the rectifier, and the control circuitry is further configured to adjust the input voltage to a first voltage level when the target rectifier power includes a first value, and to adjust the input voltage to a second voltage level different from the first voltage level when the target rectifier power includes a second value.

[0101] According to another embodiment, the power transmitting device optionally includes a boost converter coupled between the power adapter and the power transmitting circuit and configured to boost an input voltage from the power adapter and provide the boosted voltage to drive a corresponding alternating current (AC) signal through the wireless power transmission coil.

[0102] According to another embodiment, the power adapter optionally includes a Universal Serial Bus (USB) adapter configured to convert alternating current (AC) mains electricity to an input voltage, the input voltage optionally including direct current (DC) electricity, and the power transmitting device optionally configured to send USB Power Delivery compliant messages to the power adapter to instruct the power adapter to adjust the input voltage based on target operating characteristics.

[0103] According to one embodiment, there is provided a method for operating a power transmitting device coupled to a power adapter, the method including: negotiating target operating characteristics with a power receiving device; instructing the power adapter to supply an input voltage having a voltage level based on the target operating characteristics, the input voltage being supplied to one or more inputs of the power transmitting device; and transmitting wireless power to the power receiving device using a transmitting circuit while the input voltage is supplied to the one or more inputs of the power transmitting device.

[0104] According to another embodiment, negotiating the target operational characteristic with the powered device includes receiving a packet from the powered device, the packet optionally including the target operational characteristic.

[0105] According to another embodiment, the target operating characteristics optionally include one or more of a target power mode, a target rectifier voltage, a target rectifier power, and a target rectifier current.

[0106] According to another embodiment, the target power mode is selected from a plurality of power modes, a first power mode of the plurality of power modes optionally including a power mode to be used when the power transmitting device begins transmitting wireless power to the power receiving device, and a second power mode of the plurality of power modes optionally including a power mode to be negotiated by the power receiving device in response to detecting a first condition at the power receiving device.

[0107] According to another embodiment, a third power mode of the plurality of power modes optionally includes a power mode negotiated by the powered device in response to detecting a second state at the powered device that is different from the first state.

[0108] According to another embodiment, the method optionally includes, in response to determining that the target rectifier voltage has a first value, instructing the power adapter to adjust a voltage level of the input voltage to a first voltage level, and in response to determining that the target rectifier voltage has a second value, instructing the power adapter to adjust the voltage level of the input voltage to a second voltage level different from the first voltage level.

[0109] According to another embodiment, the method optionally includes, in response to determining that the target rectifier power has a first value, instructing the power adapter to adjust a voltage level of the input voltage to a first voltage level, and in response to determining that the target rectifier power has a second value, instructing the power adapter to adjust a voltage level of the input voltage to a second voltage level different from the first voltage level.

[0110] According to one embodiment, a system is provided that includes a power receiving device, a power adapter, and a power transmitting device coupled to the power adapter, wherein the power transmitting device includes a wireless power transmission coil configured to transmit wireless power to the power receiving device, a power transmitting circuit configured to receive an input voltage from the power adapter and drive a corresponding alternating current (AC) signal through the wireless power transmission coil, and a control circuit configured to receive information from the power receiving device and instruct the power adapter to adjust the input voltage based on the information received from the power receiving device.

[0111] According to another embodiment, the information received from the power receiving device optionally includes target operating characteristics selected from one or more of a target power mode, a target rectifier voltage, a target rectifier power, and a target rectifier current.

[0112] According to another embodiment, the target power mode is selected from among a plurality of power modes, a first power mode of the plurality of power modes optionally including a power mode to be used when the power transmitting device begins transmitting wireless power to the power receiving device, a second power mode of the plurality of power modes optionally including a power mode negotiated by the power receiving device in response to detecting a first state in the power receiving device, and a third power mode of the plurality of power modes optionally including a power mode negotiated by the power receiving device in response to detecting a second state in the power receiving device that is different from the first state.

[0113] According to another embodiment, the power adapter optionally includes a Universal Serial Bus (USB) adapter configured to convert alternating current (AC) mains electricity to an input voltage, the input voltage comprising direct current (DC) electricity, and the power transmitting device is configured to send a USB Power Delivery compliant message to the power adapter to instruct the power adapter to adjust the input voltage based on information received from the powered device.

[0114] The above is merely exemplary and various modifications may be made to the described embodiments. The above embodiments may be implemented individually or in any combination.

Claims

1. A power transmitting device, a wireless power transmission coil for transmitting wireless power to a power receiving device; a power transmission circuit configured to receive an input voltage from a power adapter and drive a corresponding alternating current (AC) signal through the wireless power transmission coil; a control circuit, wherein the control circuit negotiating target operating characteristics with the powered device; and a power transmitting device configured to instruct the power adapter to adjust the input voltage based on the target operating characteristic.

2. The power transmitting device of claim 1 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured to receive one or more messages from the power receiving device indicating the target operating characteristics.

3. 2. The power transmitting device of claim 1, wherein the power transmitting circuit is configured to receive the input voltage regulated based on the target operating characteristic and to drive the AC signal through the wireless power transmission coil with the regulated input voltage.

4. the target operating parameters include a target power mode selected from a plurality of power modes; a first power mode of the plurality of power modes including a power mode used when the power transmitting device starts transmitting wireless power to the power receiving device; a second power mode of the plurality of power modes comprising a power mode negotiated by the powered device when a battery level in the powered device exceeds a first battery threshold; The power transmitting device according to claim 2 .

5. 5. The power transmitting device of claim 4, wherein a third power mode of the plurality of power modes comprises a power mode negotiated by the power receiving device when the battery level in the power receiving device falls below a second battery threshold.

6. the control circuit further comprises a rectifier coupled to the wireless power transmission coil, wherein the target operating characteristic comprises a target rectifier voltage generated by the rectifier, and the control circuit adjusts the input voltage to a first voltage level when the target rectifier voltage comprises a first value, and adjusts the input voltage to a second voltage level different from the first voltage level when the target rectifier voltage comprises a second value. The power transmitting device of claim 1 , further configured as follows:

7. the control circuit further comprises a rectifier coupled to the wireless power transmission coil, the target operating characteristic including a target rectifier power generated by the rectifier, and the control circuit adjusts the input voltage to a first voltage level when the target rectifier power includes a first value, and adjusts the input voltage to a second voltage level different from the first voltage level when the target rectifier power includes a second value. The power transmitting device of claim 1 , further configured as follows:

8. a boost converter coupled between the power adapter and the power transmitting circuit, configured to boost the input voltage from the power adapter and provide the boosted voltage to drive the corresponding alternating current (AC) signal through the wireless power transmission coil; The power transmitting device of claim 1 , further comprising:

9. 10. The power transmitting device of claim 1, wherein the power adapter comprises a Universal Serial Bus (USB) adapter configured to convert alternating current (AC) mains electricity to the input voltage, the input voltage comprising direct current (DC) electricity, and the power transmitting device is configured to send a USB Power Delivery compliant message to the power adapter to instruct the power adapter to adjust the input voltage based on the target operating characteristics.

10. 1. A method of operating a power transmitting device coupled to a power adapter, the method comprising: negotiating target operating characteristics with the powered device; directing the power adapter to provide an input voltage having a voltage level based on the target operating characteristic, the input voltage provided to one or more inputs of the power transmitting device; transmitting wireless power to the power receiving device using a power transmitting circuit while the input voltage is provided to the one or more inputs of the power transmitting device; A method comprising:

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein negotiating the target operational characteristic with the powered device includes receiving a packet from the powered device, the packet including the target operational characteristic.

12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the target operating characteristics include one or more of a target power mode, a target rectifier voltage, a target rectifier power, and a target rectifier current.

13. the target power mode is selected from a plurality of power modes; a first power mode of the plurality of power modes including a power mode used when the power transmitting device starts transmitting wireless power to the power receiving device; a second power mode of the plurality of power modes comprising a power mode negotiated by the powered device in response to detecting a first condition at the powered device; The method of claim 11.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein a third power mode of the plurality of power modes comprises a power mode negotiated by the powered device in response to detecting a second state at the powered device that is different from the first state.

15. in response to determining that the target rectifier voltage has a first value, instructing the power adapter to adjust the voltage level of the input voltage to a first voltage level; in response to determining that the target rectifier voltage has a second value, instructing the power adapter to adjust the voltage level of the input voltage to a second voltage level different from the first voltage level; The method of claim 12 further comprising:

16. in response to determining that the target rectifier power has a first value, instructing the power adapter to adjust the voltage level of the input voltage to a first voltage level; in response to determining that the target rectifier power has a second value, instructing the power adapter to adjust the voltage level of the input voltage to a second voltage level different from the first voltage level; The method of claim 12 further comprising:

17. 1. A system comprising: a powered device; A power adapter and a power transmitting device coupled to the power adapter, the power transmitting device comprising: a wireless power transmission coil for transmitting wireless power to the power receiving device; a power transmission circuit configured to receive an input voltage from the power adapter and drive a corresponding alternating current (AC) signal through the wireless power transmission coil; a control circuit, wherein the control circuit receiving information from the power receiving device; and instructing the power adapter to adjust the input voltage based on the information received from the powered device.

18. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the information received from the powered device includes target operating characteristics selected from one or more of a target power mode, a target rectifier voltage, a target rectifier power, and a target rectifier current.

19. the target power mode is selected from a plurality of power modes; a first power mode of the plurality of power modes including a power mode used when the power transmitting device starts transmitting wireless power to the power receiving device; a second power mode of the plurality of power modes comprising a power mode negotiated by the powered device in response to detecting a first condition at the powered device; a third power mode of the plurality of power modes comprising a power mode negotiated by the powered device in response to detecting a second state at the powered device that is different from the first state; 20. The system of claim 17.

20. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the power adapter comprises a Universal Serial Bus (USB) adapter configured to convert alternating current (AC) mains electricity to the input voltage, the input voltage comprising direct current (DC) electricity, and the power transmitting device is configured to send a USB Power Delivery compliant message to the power adapter to instruct the power adapter to adjust the input voltage based on the information received from the powered device.

Images