Adaptive Multi-Mode Charging

Abstract

An apparatus for adaptive multi-mode charging is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one charger having a first node and a second node. The at least one charger is configured to accept an input voltage at the first node. The at least one charger is also configured to selectively operate in a first mode to generate a first output voltage at the second node that is greater than or less than the input voltage, or to operate in a second mode to generate a second output voltage at the second node that is substantially equal to the input voltage.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to battery charging, and more particularly to a charger that can operate in multiple modes. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] Batteries are reliable portable energy sources used by a wide range of electronic devices, including mobile phones, laptops, toys, power tools, medical device implants, electronic vehicles, and satellites. However, batteries store a fixed amount of charge that is depleted during mobile operation of the electronic device. Instead of requiring the purchase of a replacement, many batteries are rechargeable via another power source. Thus, the same battery can be used multiple times.

[0003]

[0003] An electronic device may include a charger for recharging a battery. The charger is designed to provide a specific voltage or current appropriate for charging the battery. Thus, the charger allows the transfer of power between, for example, an adapter plugged into a wall socket and the battery. By including a charger within the device, it becomes easier for the user to recharge the battery during the day when the user is on the move. Unfortunately, it is difficult to incorporate a charger into an electronic device that can handle different charging scenarios. <Prior art documents> [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0257360 [Patent Document 2] China Patent Application Publication No. 106787055 [Patent Document 3] Canadian Patent Application Publication No. 3052242 [Patent Document 4] US Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0294807 [Patent Document 5] European Patent Application Publication No. 3252915 [Patent Document 6] US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0115025 [Patent Document 7] International Publication No. 2018 / 099257 [Patent Document 8] European Patent Application Publication No. 3462565 [Patent Document 9] US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0386516 Summary of the Invention

[0004]

[0004] Apparatus and techniques for implementing adaptive multi-mode charging are disclosed. In particular, an exemplary single charger may selectively operate as a charge pump (e.g., a voltage-divider-type charge pump or a voltage-multiplier-type charge pump), as a direct charger (e.g., a pass-through charger or a bypass charger), or as another type of charger with a different conversion ratio. The charger may also selectively provide forward charging or reverse charging. With the ability to operate in different modes, the charger may support both wired charging and wireless charging. The charger may also be used to charge a single-cell battery or a multi-cell battery.

[0005]

[0005] In some situations, a multi-mode charger dynamically switches between different modes to optimize efficiency for different operating temperatures and loads. Chargers can also be implemented to support different types of adapters. The use of an exemplary multi-mode charger eliminates the need to implement an additional charger in the device, which can save space and reduce the cost of the device. Additionally, any protection functions or features can be active for the different modes of the charger. Some devices can include multiple multi-mode chargers to support multi-phase charging or multi-cell battery charging.

[0006] In an exemplary aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one charger having a first node and a second node. The at least one charger is configured to accept an input voltage at the first node. The at least one charger is also configured to selectively operate in a first mode to generate a first output voltage at the second node that is greater than or less than the input voltage, or to operate in a second mode to generate a second output voltage at the second node that is substantially equal to the input voltage.

[0007]

[0007] In an exemplary aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a supply means for providing an input voltage and a load means for accepting an output voltage. The apparatus also includes a charging means for transferring power from the supply means to the load means by selectively providing a first voltage as the output voltage according to a first mode or a second voltage as the output voltage according to a second mode. The first voltage is greater than or less than the input voltage, and the second voltage is substantially equal to the input voltage.

[0008] In an exemplary aspect, a method for adaptive multi-mode charging is disclosed. The method includes operating a charger as a voltage divider type charge pump or a voltage multiplier type charge pump during a first time interval. Operating the charger during the first time interval comprises accepting a first input voltage at a first node of the charger and generating a first output voltage at a second node of the charger based on the first input voltage. The first output voltage is less than or greater than the input voltage based on the charger operating as a voltage divider type charge pump or a voltage multiplier type charge pump, respectively. The method also includes operating the charger as a direct charger during a second time interval. Operating the charger during the second time interval comprises accepting a second input voltage at a first node of the charger and generating a second output voltage at a second node of the charger based on the second input voltage. The second output voltage is substantially equal to the second input voltage based on the charger operating as a direct charger.

[0009]

[0009] In an exemplary aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one power supply circuit, at least one load, at least one battery, a switching circuit coupled to the at least one power supply circuit and the at least one load, and at least one charger. The at least one charger comprises a first node coupled to the switching circuit and a second node coupled to the at least one battery. The at least one charger is configured to selectively transfer power from the at least one power supply circuit to the at least one battery based on the switching circuit connecting the at least one power supply circuit to the first node, or transfer power from the at least one battery to the at least one load based on the switching circuit connecting the at least one load to the first node. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example environment for adaptive multi-mode charging. [Diagram 2]

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates an example power transfer circuitry for adaptive multi-mode charging. [Diagram 3]

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an example charger for adaptive multi-mode charging. [Figure 4-1]

[0013] FIG. 4-1 illustrates an example voltage-divider forward-charging mode of a charger for adaptive multi-mode charging. [Figure 4-2]

[0014] FIG. 4-2 illustrates an example direct forward-charging mode of a charger for adaptive multi-mode charging. [Figure 4-3]

[0015] FIG. 4-3 illustrates an example voltage-multiplier reverse-charging mode of a charger for adaptive multi-mode charging. [Figure 4-4]

[0016] FIG. 4-4 illustrates an example direct reverse-charging mode of a charger for adaptive multi-mode charging. [Diagram 5]

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates an example implementation of a switching circuit and charger for adaptive multi-mode charging. [Figure 6]

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates an example power transfer circuit with multiple chargers coupled in parallel to each other for adaptive multi-mode charging. [Figure 7]

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates an example power transfer circuit with multiple chargers to provide adaptive multi-mode charging for multi-cell batteries. [Figure 8]

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates another example charger for adaptive multi-mode charging. [Figure 9]

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates an example protection circuit for adaptive multi-mode charging. [Figure 10]

[0022] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for performing adaptive multi-mode charging. Detailed Description

[0011]

[0023] An electronic device may include a charger for recharging a battery. The charger is designed to provide a specific voltage or current appropriate for charging the battery. Thus, the charger allows the transfer of power between, for example, an adapter plugged into a wall socket and the battery. Including a charger within the device makes it easier for a user to recharge the battery during the day when the user is on the move. Unfortunately, it is difficult to incorporate a charger into an electronic device that can handle different charging scenarios.

[0012]

[0024] Different types of chargers may be designed to function under different operating conditions. For example, some chargers operate at high efficiency while providing a large charging current to the battery, while other chargers operate at high efficiency while providing a small charging current to the battery. In addition, some chargers may be used with different types of adapters or may accept a wide range of input voltages.

[0013]

[0025] Each of these different types of chargers is designed for specific operating conditions. As a result, each individual charger type cannot dynamically adapt to changes in operating conditions. To address this, some techniques may implement multiple chargers within an electronic device and then enable the appropriate charger according to the current operating conditions. However, including multiple chargers may increase the size and cost of the electronic device.

[0014]

[0026] To address this, an apparatus is disclosed that implements adaptive multi-mode charging. In particular, the apparatus includes a multi-mode charger that can selectively operate as a charge pump (e.g., a voltage divider type charge pump or a voltage multiplier type charge pump), as a direct charger (e.g., a pass-through charger or a bypass charger), or as another type of charger with different conversion ratios. The charger can also selectively provide forward or reverse charging. With the ability to operate in different modes, the charger can support both wired and wireless charging. The charger can also be used to charge single-cell or multi-cell batteries.

[0015]

[0027] In some situations, the multi-mode charger dynamically switches between different modes to optimize efficiency for different operating temperatures and loads. The charger may also be implemented to support different types of adapters. The use of the charger eliminates the need to implement an additional charger in the device, which may save space and reduce the cost of the device. Additionally, any protection functions or features may be active for the different modes of the charger. Some devices may include multiple multi-mode chargers to support multi-phase charging or multi-cell battery charging.

[0016]

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an example environment 100 for adaptive multi-mode charging. In the example environment 100, an example computing device 102 receives power from a power source 104 or provides power to an external load 105. The power source 104 may represent any type of power source, including a power outlet, a solar charger, a portable charging station, a wireless charger, another battery, etc. The external load 105 may represent an external peripheral, such as a headset or another computing device (e.g., another smartphone). In this example, the computing device 102 is illustrated as a smartphone. However, the computing device 102 may be implemented as any suitable computing or electronic device, such as a modem, a cellular base station, a broadband router, an access point, a cellular telephone, a gaming device, a navigation device, a media device, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, a server, a network-attached storage (NAS) device, a smart appliance or other Internet of Things (IoT) device, a medical device, a vehicle-based communication system, a radar, a wireless device, etc.

[0017]

[0029] As illustrated, the computing device 102 may include at least one power supply circuit 106, at least one load 108, and a power transmission circuit 110. Exemplary types of power supply circuit 106 include a wireless power receiver 112, a power adaptor 114, or a battery 116. By way of example, the power adaptor 114 may include a universal serial bus (USB) adaptor. Depending on the type of computing device 102, the battery 116 may comprise a lithium ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a lead acid battery, or the like. The battery 116 may also include a single cell battery, a multi-cell battery (e.g., a two-cell battery), or multiple batteries, such as a main battery and an auxiliary battery.

[0018]

[0030] In some cases, the power delivery circuitry 106 operates in conjunction with an external power source 104 to provide power to the computing device 102. For example, the wireless power receiver 112 provides wireless charging using the external power source 104, which may include a wireless power transmitter of another device. As another example, the power adapter 114 provides wired charging using the external power source 104, which may include a power outlet.

[0019]

[0031] The load 108 is internal to the computing device 102. Exemplary types of loads include a power adapter 114, a battery 116, or a wireless power transmitter 118. Other exemplary loads 108 include fixed loads, variable loads, or loads associated with components of the computing device 102, such as an application processor, an amplifier in a wireless transceiver, or a display (not shown in FIG. 1). In some cases, the load 108 provides power to an external load 105. For example, the wireless power transmitter 118 provides wireless charging for the external load 105, which may include a wireless power receiver of another device. As another example, the power adapter 114 provides wired charging for the external load 105, which may include a battery of another device.

[0020]

[0032] The power delivery circuitry 110 of the computing device 102 includes one or more power paths 120-1 through 120-N, at least one switching circuit 122, and at least one charger 124. The variable N represents a positive integer. The power delivery circuitry 110 may deliver power from one or more power sources (e.g., the external power source 104 or the power supply circuitry 106) to one or more loads (e.g., the external load 105 or the load 108). The power is delivered along one or more power paths 120-1 through 120-N that couple the one or more power sources or the one or more loads to the switching circuitry 122.

[0021]

[0033] The switching circuit 122 may provide isolation for the individual power paths 120-1-120-N. For example, the switching circuit 122 may isolate one of the power paths 120-1-120-N from the battery 116 to prevent leakage current from the battery 116 from flowing into one of the power paths 120-1-120-N. For implementations including multiple power paths 120-1-120-N, the switching circuit 122 may enable an individual power path 120 to be connected to the charger 124 and provide isolation between the power paths 120-1-120-N.

[0022]

[0034] Charger 124 implements, at least in part, adaptive multi-mode charging. Charger 124 includes at least one flying capacitor 126 and switches 128-1 through 128-S, where S represents a positive integer. Flying capacitor 126 and switches 128-1 through 128-S are further described with respect to Figures 3 and 8. Charger 124 may be implemented on a stand-alone integrated circuit or as part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), which implements additional functions.

[0023]

[0035] Charger 124 may operate in different modes, which allows charger 124 to operate as a charge pump (e.g., a voltage divider type charge pump or a voltage multiplier type charge pump) or a direct charger. In some cases, the conversion ratio of charger 124 may be different for different modes. For example, the charge pump may implement a divide-by-two charge pump providing a 2:1 conversion ratio, a multiply-by-two charge pump providing a 1:2 conversion ratio, or a direct charger providing a 1:1 conversion ratio.

[0024]

[0036] In general, the charger 124 may implement a divide-by-N charge pump or a multiply-by-N charge pump, where N represents a positive integer (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4). Some types of chargers 124 may operate with additional conversion ratios, such as a 1:3 conversion ratio, a 3:1 conversion ratio, a 2:3 conversion ratio, a 3:2 conversion ratio, a 1:4 conversion ratio, a 4:1 conversion ratio, a 2:4 conversion ratio, a 4:2 conversion ratio, etc. Some modes may enable the charger 124 to perform forward charging, and other modes may enable the charger 124 to perform reverse charging. These modes are described further below.

[0025]

[0037] The power delivery circuit 110 also includes at least one mode-control circuit 130 and at least one protection circuit 132. The mode-control circuit 130 may include a bias voltage generator (not shown in FIG. 1 ), which generates different bias voltages based on software or hardware commands. These bias voltages, which may establish different switch states, control the mode of the charger 124 and the configuration of the switching circuit 122. By providing different bias voltages, the mode-control circuit 130 may dynamically change the mode of the charger 124 as operating conditions change.

[0026]

[0038] The protection circuits 132 may provide various protections including input under-voltage lockout, input over-voltage lockout, surge protection, input current limit regulation, input peak current limit, battery over-voltage, battery over-current, programmable die and / or skin thermal regulation, die thermal shutdown, reverse current protection, input short circuit protection, output short circuit protection, input to output voltage ratio monitoring, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, thresholds associated with the protection circuits 132 may be adjusted based on the operating mode of the charger 124. For example, the input to output voltage ratio monitoring may have an expected voltage ratio that is adjusted based on whether the charger 124 operates as a voltage divider type charge pump or a voltage multiplier type charge pump. The expected voltage ratio may also be adjusted as the charger 124 operates in different modes that provide different conversion ratios. Some protection circuits 132 may be designed to provide protection during both forward charging and reverse charging. In this case, the protection circuit 132 may be designed to sense current flowing in the forward direction from the power path 120 to the battery 116 and current flowing in the reverse direction from the battery 116 to the power path 120. Various types of protection circuits 132 are further described with respect to FIG.

[0027]

[0039] In some implementations, the power transfer circuitry 110 includes a master charger (not shown), which may be implemented in parallel with the charger 124. In this case, the charger 124 may act as a slave charger, while the master charger may act as a master charger. The power transfer circuitry 110 is further described with respect to FIG.

[0028]

[0040] 2 illustrates an example power transfer circuit 110 for adaptive multi-mode charging. In the configuration shown, the power transfer circuit 110 is coupled to a wireless power receiver 112, a power adapter 114, a wireless power transmitter 118, and a battery 116. Although not explicitly shown, the power transfer circuit 110 may also include an output capacitor coupled in parallel with the battery 116.

[0029]

[0041] The power transfer circuit 110 includes a first power path 120-1, a second power path 120-2, and a third power path 120-3. The first power path 120-1 couples the wireless power receiver 112 to the switching circuit 122. The second power path 120-2 couples the power adapter 114 to the switching circuit 122. The third power path 120-3 couples the wireless power transmitter 118 to the switching circuit 122.

[0030]

[0042] The switching circuit 122 is coupled between the power paths 120-1 to 120-3 and the charger 124. The switching circuit 122 includes a first switch 202-1, a second switch 202-2, and a third switch 202-3. The first switch 202-1 selectively connects or disconnects the wireless power receiver 112 to the charger 124. Similarly, the second switch 202-2 selectively connects or disconnects the power adapter 114 to the charger 124. The third switch 202-3 selectively connects or disconnects the wireless power transmitter 118 to the charger 124. The charger 124 is coupled between the switching circuit 122 and the loads 108-1 and 108-2.

[0031]

[0043] Mode control circuit 130 is coupled to switching circuit 122 and charger 124. In operation, mode control circuit 130 generates a power-path control signal 204, which controls the state of switches 202-1 through 202-3. Using power-path control signal 204, mode control circuit 130 may enable power to be transferred between charger 124 and any one of power paths 120-1 through 120-3. Mode control circuit 130 also generates a mode-control signal 206, which controls the mode of charger 124.

[0032]

[0044] As described above, each mode may be associated with a particular conversion ratio and charging direction. A mode supporting forward charging 208 allows power to be transferred from one of the power paths 120-1 or 120-2 to the charger 124. Another mode supporting reverse charging 210 allows power to be transferred from the charger 124 to one of the power paths 120-2 or 120-3. For example, power may be transferred from the wireless power receiver 112 or the power adapter 114 to the battery 116 during forward charging 208. In contrast, power may be transferred from the battery 116 to the power adapter 114 or the wireless power transmitter 118 during reverse charging 210. As described above, the battery 116 may function as the load 108 during forward charging 208 or as the power supply circuit 106 during reverse charging 210. Similarly, the power adapter 114 may function as the power delivery circuit 106 during forward charging 208 or as the load 108 during reverse charging 210. Both the power path control signal 204 and the mode control signal 206 may include a number of bias voltages that bias the gate voltages of the transistors implementing the switches 202-1 through 202-3 and the switches 128-1 through 128-S of the charger 124 (shown in FIG. 1). The charger 124 is further described with respect to FIG.

[0033]

[0045] 3 illustrates an example charger 124 for adaptive multi-mode charging. In the configuration shown, the charger 124 is implemented as a divide-by-2 charge pump or a 2x charge pump, which may provide a conversion ratio of 2:1 or 1:2, respectively. Other implementations may include a divide-by-3 charge pump, a divide-by-4 charge pump, or a divide-by-N charge pump.

[0034]

[0046] The charger 124 includes a node 302, another node 304, and a ground node 306. The node 302 is coupled to the switching circuit 122. The other node 304 is coupled to the battery 116. In the case of forward charging 208, the node 302 acts as an input node and the node 304 acts as an output node. Alternatively, in the case of reverse charging 210, the node 304 acts as an input node and the node 302 acts as an output node.

[0035]

[0047] The charger 124 includes a flying capacitor 126 (C Fly 126), which is a positive node 308 (C P 308) and the negative node 310 (C N 310). The charger 124 also includes four switches 128-1 through 128-4. The switches 128-1 through 128-4 may be implemented using transistors, such as metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), junction field effect transistors (JFETs), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), diodes, etc. An example implementation of the switches 128-1 through 128-4 is further described with respect to FIG.

[0036]

[0048] A first switch 128-1 (S1 128-1) is coupled between the positive node 308 and the node 302. A second switch 128-2 (S2 128-2) is coupled between the negative node 310 and the node 304. The first switch 128-1 and the second switch 128-2 may operate together to form a charging circuit that charges the flying capacitor 126.

[0037]

[0049] A third switch 128-3 (S3 128-3) is coupled between the ground node 306 and the negative node 310. A fourth switch 128-4 (S4 128-4) is coupled between the positive node 308 and the node 304. The third switch 128-3 and the fourth switch 128-4 may operate together to form a discharge circuit that discharges the flying capacitor 126. The charger 124 of FIG. 3 may operate as a divide-by-two charge pump, a double charge pump, or a direct charger to support forward charging 208 or reverse charging 210, as further described with respect to FIGS. 4-1-4-4.

[0038]

[0050] FIG. 4-1 illustrates an example voltage divider forward charging mode 400-1 of the charger 124 for adaptive multi-mode charging. During the voltage divider forward charging mode 400-1, the charger 124 operates as a voltage divider type charge pump to support forward charging 208. In the illustrated configuration, the switches 128-1 through 128-4 are active. In particular, the switches 128-1 and 128-2 open and close according to a charging phase signal, while the switches 128-3 and 128-4 open and close according to a discharging phase signal. During this mode, the charger 124 provides a 2:1 conversion ratio. In other words, the charger 124 generates an output voltage 404 at the node 304 that is half the input voltage 402 at the node 302. In this mode, the output current flowing into the battery 116 is twice the input current flowing into the node 302. By increasing the output current relative to the input current, the charger 124 may reduce the amount of time it takes to charge the battery 116.

[0039]

[0051] In operation, the switching circuit 122 may connect the wireless power receiver 112 or the power adapter 114 to the node 302. In particular, switch 202-1 (of FIG. 2) may be closed and switches 202-2 and 202-3 (of FIG. 2) may be opened to connect the wireless power receiver 112 to the node 302 and isolate both the power adapter 114 and the wireless power transmitter 118 from the node 302. Alternatively, switches 202-1 and 202-3 may be opened and switch 202-2 may be closed to connect the power adapter 114 to the node 302 and isolate both the wireless power receiver 112 and the wireless power transmitter 118 from the node 302.

[0040]

[0052] The voltage divider forward charging mode 400-1 allows the charger 124 to operate with high efficiency while providing high current to the battery 116. The voltage divider forward charging mode 400-1 may be used while the power delivery circuit 110 is operating within a certain thermal or current threshold. To manage temperature, the charger 124 may dynamically switch to a direct forward charging mode 400-2, as further described in FIG. 4-2.

[0041]

[0053] FIG. 4-2 illustrates an example direct forward charging mode 400-2 of the charger 124 for adaptive multi-mode charging. During the direct forward charging mode 400-2, the charger 124 operates as a direct charger to support forward charging 208. In the illustrated configuration, the first switch 128-1 and the fourth switch 128-4 are closed (e.g., in a closed state), while the second switch 128-2 and the third switch 128-3 are open (e.g., in an open state). During this mode, the charger 124 provides a 1:1 conversion ratio. In other words, the charger 124 generates an output voltage 404 at the node 304 that is substantially equal to (e.g., within about 90% of) the input voltage 402 at the node 302. In this mode, the output current flowing into the battery 116 is substantially equal to the input current flowing into the node 302. In operation, the switching circuit 122 may connect the wireless power receiver 112 or the power adapter 114 to the node 302.

[0042]

[0054] The direct forward charging mode 400-2 allows the charger 124 to operate with high efficiency while providing a small current to the battery 116. This may increase the time it takes to charge the battery 116, but the temperature within the power delivery circuitry 110 may be reduced. In general, the charger 124 may dynamically switch between the direct forward charging mode 400-2 and the voltage divider forward charging mode 400-1 of FIG. 4-1 to manage the temperature of the power delivery circuitry 110 while decreasing charging times.

[0043]

[0055] For example, the mode control circuit 130 may monitor a temperature associated with the computing device 102, such as a temperature associated with the power supply circuit 106, the load 108, or the power delivery circuit 110. If the monitored temperature exceeds a first threshold, the mode control circuit 130 transitions the charger 124 from the voltage divider forward charging mode 400-1 to the direct forward charging mode 400-2 to allow the temperature to decrease. If the monitored temperature falls below a second threshold, the mode control circuit 130 transitions the charger 124 from the direct forward charging mode 400-2 to the voltage divider forward charging mode 400-1.

[0044]

[0056] FIG. 4-3 illustrates an example voltage multiplier reverse charging mode 400-3 of the charger 124 for adaptive multi-mode charging. During the voltage multiplier reverse charging mode 400-3, the charger 124 operates as a voltage multiplier type charge pump to support reverse charging 210. In the illustrated configuration, the switches 128-1 through 128-4 are active. In particular, the switches 128-1 and 128-2 open and close according to the charge phase signal, while the switches 128-3 and 128-4 open and close according to the discharge phase signal. During this mode, the charger 124 provides a 1:2 conversion ratio. In other words, the charger 124 generates an output voltage 404 at the node 302 that is twice the input voltage 402 at the node 304. In this mode, the output current flowing into the switching circuit 122 is half the input current flowing into the node 304 from the battery 116.

[0045]

[0057] This mode allows power to be transferred from the battery 116 to the external load 105 using the power adapter 114 on power path 120-2 or the wireless power transmitter 118 on power path 120-3. In operation, the switching circuit 122 may connect the power adapter 114 or the wireless power transmitter 118 to the node 302. The voltage multiplier reverse charging mode 400-3 allows the charger 124 to support high power reverse wireless or wired charging without relying on additional components or chargers.

[0046]

[0058] FIG. 4-4 illustrates an example direct reverse charging mode 400-4 of the charger 124 for adaptive multi-mode charging. During the direct reverse charging mode 400-4, the charger 124 operates as a direct charger to support reverse charging 210. In the illustrated configuration, the first switch 128-1 and the fourth switch 128-4 are closed, while the second switch 128-2 and the third switch 128-3 are open. During this mode, the charger 124 provides a 1:1 conversion ratio. In other words, the charger 124 generates an output voltage 404 at the node 302 that is substantially equal to the input voltage 402 at the node 304. In this mode, the output current flowing through the switching circuit 122 is substantially equal to the input current flowing from the battery 116 to the node 304. In operation, the switching circuit 122 may connect the power adapter 114 on power path 120-2 or the wireless power transmitter 118 on power path 120-3 to the node 302. The direct reverse charging mode 400-4 enables the charger 124 to support low power reverse wireless or wired charging without relying on additional components or chargers.

[0047]

[0059] In some cases, the computing device 102 may send a command to the power transfer circuit 110 or the mode control circuit 130 to enable one of the reverse charging modes 400-3 or 400-4. In other cases, the power transfer circuit 110 (or the mode control circuit 130) may automatically activate reverse charging. As an example, the power transfer circuit 110 may activate one of the reverse charging modes 400-3 or 400-4 in response to determining that there is no input power and determining that the battery voltage is sufficient for reverse charging. In the case of reverse wireless charging, the power transfer circuit 110 may activate one of the reverse charging modes 400-3 or 400-4 in response to receiving a wireless signal from a wireless receiver of another device.

[0048]

[0060] In general, the charger 124 may dynamically switch between the direct reverse charging mode 400-4 and the voltage multiplier reverse charging mode 400-3 of FIG. 4-3 to manage the temperature of the power delivery circuitry 110 while decreasing the charging time. To switch between the different modes 400-1-400-4, the power delivery circuitry 110 may implement a soft-start process that gradually adjusts the voltage in one of the power paths 120-1-120-3 to avoid providing a large initial current.

[0049]

[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates an example implementation of the switching circuit 122 and the charger 124 for adaptive multi-mode charging. In the illustrated configuration, the switches 202-1 and 202-3 (of FIG. 2) and the switches 128-1 through 128-4 (of FIG. 3) are implemented using MOSFETs. The MOSFETs are common-gate configurations that allow power to be transferred in either direction across the other terminals (e.g., across the source and drain terminals). The switches 202-1 through 202-3 and 128-1 through 128-4 also include respective diodes coupled between the source and drain terminals. The mode control circuit 130 is coupled to the gates of these MOSFETs and provides respective bias voltages to the gates. These bias voltages cause the switches 202-1 through 202-3 to connect the power paths 120-1 through 120-3 to the charger 124, respectively. Other bias voltages cause switches 128-1 through 128-4 to open or close according to one of the modes 400-1 through 400-4 described above.

[0050]

[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates an example power delivery circuit 110 with multiple chargers 124-1 and 124-2 for adaptive multi-mode charging. In the illustrated configuration, the chargers 124-1 and 124-2 are coupled in parallel with each other. The mode control circuit 130 provides a first mode control signal 206-1 to the charger 124-1 and a second mode control signal 206-2 to the charger 124-2. The chargers 124-1 and 124-2 may operate in any of the modes 400-1 through 400-4 described above. In some cases, the chargers 124-1 and 124-2 operate in different phases to provide dual-phase charging. Other implementations may include more than two chargers 124 to support multi-phase charging.

[0051]

[0063] 7 illustrates an example power transfer circuit 110 with multiple chargers 124-1-124-2 to provide adaptive multi-mode charging for a multi-cell battery 116. In the illustrated configuration, the power transfer circuit 110 includes a master charger 702, which may be coupled to the wireless power receiver 112 and / or the power adapter 114.

[0052]

[0064] 7, the chargers 124-1 and 124-2 are implemented in different orientations. For example, the node 302 (shown as 302-1) of the charger 124-1 is coupled to the switching circuit 122, and the node 304 (shown as 304-1) of the charger 124-1 is coupled to the battery 116. In contrast, the node 302 (shown as 302-2) of the charger 124-2 is coupled to the battery 116, and the node 304 (shown as 304-2) of the charger 124-2 is coupled to the master charger 702 and the load 108. By having opposing nodes 304-1 and 302-2 coupled to the battery 116, the charger 124-1 can operate as a voltage divider type charge pump for forward charging 208, and the charger 124-2 can operate as a voltage divider type charge pump for reverse charging 210. In addition, charger 124-1 may operate as a voltage multiplier type charge pump for reverse charging 210, and charger 124-2 may operate as a voltage multiplier type charge pump for forward charging 208. Charger 124-2 may also operate in a direct forward charging mode 400-3 or a direct reverse charging mode 400-4 (of FIGS. 4-3 and 4-4).

[0053]

[0065] In some implementations, charger 124-1 implements a different type of charge pump than charger 124-2. This allows chargers 124-1 and 124-2 to provide different conversion ratios. Although not shown, battery 116 may include two or more cells connected in series with each other.

[0054]

[0066] During operation, power may be transferred between either one of the power paths 120-1 and 120-2 and the battery 116 using the charger 124-1 or the charger 124-2. The master charger 702 may provide another conversion ratio to allow the charger 124-2 to support different types of power adapters 114 or different types of wireless power receivers 112. The charger 124-2 may also transfer power from the battery 116 to the load 108, which may include the wireless power transmitter 118.

[0055]

[0067] 8 illustrates another example charger 124 for adaptive multi-mode charging. In the configuration shown, the charger 124 may operate as a divide-by-4 charge pump, a divide-by-2 charge pump, a 4x charge pump, a 2x charge pump, or a direct charger to provide conversion ratios of 4:1, 2:1 (or 4:2), 1:4, 1:2 (or 2:4), or 1:1, respectively.

[0056]

[0068] Charger 124 includes (in FIG. 3) node 302, node 304, and ground node 306. As explained above, in the case of forward charging 208, node 302 acts as an input node and node 304 acts as an output node. Alternatively, in the case of reverse charging 210, node 304 acts as an input node and node 302 acts as an output node.

[0057]

[0069] The charger 124 includes a plurality of flying capacitors 126-1 to 126-5 (C FlyThe network includes a plurality of nodes 802-1 to 802-7, each of which is connected to a pair of switches 128-1 to 128-8. In particular, node 802-1 is coupled between a first switch 128-1 (S1 128-1) and a second switch 128-2 (S2 128-2), node 802-2 is coupled between the second switch 128-2 and a third switch 128-3 (S3 128-3), node 802-3 is coupled between the third switch 128-3 and a fourth switch 128-4 (S4 128-4), node 802-4 is coupled between the fourth switch 128-4 and a fifth switch 128-5 (S5 128-5), and node 802-5 is coupled between the fifth switch 128-5 and a sixth switch 128-6 (S6 128-6). 128-6), node 802-6 is coupled between the sixth switch 128-6 and the seventh switch 128-7 (S7 128-7), and node 802-7 is coupled between the seventh switch 128-7 and the eighth switch 128-8 (S8 128-8). Node 802-6 is the same as node 304.

[0058]

[0070] The flying capacitors 126-1 to 126-5 are coupled between different pairs of nodes 802-1 to 802-7. In particular, the first flying capacitor 126-1 is coupled between the node 802-1 and the node 802-3. The flying capacitor 126-2 is coupled between the node 802-3 and the node 802-5. The flying capacitor 126-3 is coupled between the node 802-5 and the node 802-7. The flying capacitor 126-4 is coupled between the node 802-2 and the node 802-4. The flying capacitor 126-5 is coupled between the node 802-4 and the node 802-6.

[0059]

[0071] The charger 124 of FIG. 8 may operate according to a voltage divider forward charging mode 400-1. During the voltage divider forward charging mode 400-1, the switches 128-1-128-8 alternate between open and closed states to provide a 4:1 conversion ratio between the node 302 and the node 304. In this mode, the charger 124 may also provide a 2:1 conversion ratio between the node 302 and the node 802-4. In this case, the node 802-4 may be coupled to the load 108 within the computing device 102. Alternatively, the charger 124 may provide a 2:1 conversion ratio between the node 302 and the node 802-4 by operating the switches 128-3 and 128-4 in a closed state and alternating the switches 128-1, 128-2, 128-7, and 128-8 between an open and closed state.

[0060]

[0072] Additionally or alternatively, charger 124 may operate according to a direct forward charging mode 400-2 or a direct reverse charging mode 400-3 to provide a 1:1 conversion ratio between node 302 and node 304. During either of these modes, switches 128-1 through 128-6 are in a closed state and switches 128-7 and 128-8 are in an open state.

[0061]

[0073] Additionally or alternatively, the charger 124 may operate according to a voltage multiplier reverse charging mode 400-4 to provide a 1:4 conversion ratio between the node 304 and the node 302. During this mode, the switches 128-1 to 128-8 alternate between an open state and a closed state. In this mode, the charger 124 may also provide a 1:2 conversion ratio between the node 802-4 and the node 302. In this case, the node 802-4 may be coupled to the power supply circuit 106 in the computing device 102. Alternatively, the charger 124 may provide a 1:2 conversion ratio between the node 304 and the node 302 by operating the switches 128-3 and 128-4 in a closed state and alternating the switches 128-1, 128-2, 128-7, and 128-8 between an open state and a closed state.

[0062]

[0074] 9 illustrates an example protection circuit 132 for adaptive multi-mode charging. In the illustrated configuration, the protection circuit 132 may include an input under-voltage lockout circuit 902, an input over-voltage lockout circuit 904, a surge protection circuit 906, an input current limit regulation circuit 908, an input peak current limit circuit 910, a battery over-voltage circuit 912, a battery over-current circuit 914, a thermal regulation circuit 916, a thermal shutdown circuit 918, a reverse current protection circuit 920, an input short-circuit protection circuit 922, an output short-circuit protection circuit 922, or some combination thereof.

[0063]

[0075] The input under-voltage lockout circuit 902 and the input over-voltage lockout circuit 904 are coupled to the node 302 of the charger 124 and to the mode control circuit 130. Each of these circuits 902 and 904 may be implemented using a comparator (e.g., an operational amplifier). The input under-voltage lockout circuit 902 and the input over-voltage lockout circuit 904 collectively control the operation of the mode control circuit 130 based on the input voltage at the node 302. For example, the input under-voltage lockout circuit 902 compares the input voltage at the node 302 to an under-voltage lockout threshold, and the input over-voltage lockout circuit 904 compares the input voltage to an over-voltage lockout threshold. When the input voltage is between the under-voltage lockout threshold and the over-voltage lockout threshold, the input under-voltage lockout circuit 902 and the input over-voltage lockout circuit 904 enable the mode control circuit 130 to operate the charger 124 (e.g., enable the charger 124 to charge and discharge the flying capacitor 126). Alternatively, if the input voltage is less than the under-voltage lockout threshold or greater than the over-voltage lockout threshold, the associated input under-voltage lockout circuit 902 or input over-voltage lockout circuit 904 prevents mode control circuit 130 from enabling charger 124 (e.g., prevents mode control circuit 130 from operating switches 128-1 to 128-S of charger 124).

[0064]

[0076] The surge protection circuit 906 is coupled to one of the power paths 120-1 through 120-N. For example, the surge protection circuit 906 is coupled to the power path 120-2 of FIG. 2. The surge protection circuit 906 may include a diode, such as a transient-voltage-suppression (TVS) diode. Using the diode, the surge protection circuit 906 absorbs energy during a surge event. This allows additional time for the input overvoltage lockout circuit 904 to detect the overvoltage event.

[0065]

[0077] The input current limit adjustment circuit 908 is coupled to the node 302 of the charger 124 and includes a current sensor and a comparator. Using the current sensor, the input current limit adjustment circuit 908 monitors the input current and compares the average value of the input current to an average current threshold. If the average value of the input current is greater than or equal to the average current threshold, the input current limit adjustment circuit 908 limits the input current to the charger 124 to protect the power adapter 114.

[0066]

[0078] The input peak current limit circuit 910 is coupled to the node 302 of the charger 124 and to the mode control circuit 130. In an example implementation, the input peak current limit circuit 910 includes a current sensor and a comparator. Using the current sensor, the input peak current limit circuit 910 monitors the input current and compares the peak of the input current to a peak current threshold. If the peak of the input current is equal to or greater than the peak current threshold, the input peak current limit circuit 910 instructs the mode control circuit 130 to power down the charger 124. In some cases, the input peak current limit circuit 910 may delay powering down the charger 124 until the peak current threshold is exceeded a predetermined number of times.

[0067]

[0079] The battery overvoltage circuit 912 and the battery overcurrent circuit 914 are coupled to the battery 116 and the mode control circuit 130, respectively. The battery overvoltage circuit 912 includes a voltage sensor and a comparator to monitor the voltage across the battery 116. In operation, the battery overvoltage circuit 912 may instruct the mode control circuit 130 to stop charging the flying capacitor 126 of the charger 124 if the voltage across the battery 116 is equal to or greater than an overvoltage threshold. By disabling the charging cycle, the battery overvoltage circuit 912 may prevent the battery 116 from being overcharged.

[0068]

[0080] The battery overcurrent circuit 914 includes a current sensor and a comparator to monitor the input current to the battery 116. In response to the current being equal to or greater than an overcurrent threshold, the battery overcurrent circuit 914 instructs the mode control circuit 130 to limit the current provided to the battery 116. This ensures safe charging of the battery 116.

[0069]

[0081] A thermal regulation circuit 916 is coupled to the power adapter 114. During operation, the thermal regulation circuit 916 monitors the skin thermal of the power adapter 114. If the skin thermal becomes greater than a thermal window, the thermal regulation circuit 916 instructs the power adapter 114 to reduce the current provided to the charger 124 to allow the temperature to decrease. Alternatively, if the skin heat falls below the thermal window, the thermal regulation circuit 916 instructs the power adapter 114 to increase the current to increase charging efficiency.

[0070]

[0082] A thermal shutdown circuit 918 is coupled to the charger 124 and to the mode control circuit 130. The thermal shutdown circuit 918 monitors the temperature of a die associated with the charger 124. If the die temperature is above a threshold, the thermal shutdown circuit 918 instructs the mode control circuit 130 to power down the charger 124 until the die temperature drops below a predetermined level.

[0071]

[0083] The reverse current protection circuit 920 includes switch 202-2 of the switching circuit 122, which is implemented between the power adapter 114 and the charger 124. The reverse current protection circuit 920 detects when the power adapter 114 is disconnected from the external power source 104 or the external load 105, and causes switch 202-2 to be in an open state to disconnect the power adapter 114 from the charger 124. In this manner, the reverse current protection circuit 920 may prevent power from being transferred from the battery 116 to the power adapter 114.

[0072]

[0084] The input short-circuit protection circuit 922 may include the switch 202-2. During operation, the input short-circuit protection circuit 922 detects a short-circuit event in which the power adapter 114 or the power path 120-2 is shorted to ground. In this situation, the input short-circuit protection circuit 922 causes the switch 202-2 to be in an open state to prevent the battery 116 from discharging.

[0073]

[0085] The output short protection circuit 924 detects a short circuit event in which the node 304 is shorted to ground. The output short protection circuit 924 includes a comparator to monitor the voltage at the node 304. If the voltage at the node 304 is less than a threshold, such as 2 volts, the output short protection circuit 924 instructs the mode control circuit 130 to power down the charger 124. This prevents the charger 124 from delivering a large current that could damage the battery 116.

[0074]

[0086] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process 1000 for adaptive multi-mode charging. The process 1000 is described in the form of a set of blocks 1002-1004 that specify operations that may be performed. However, the operations are not necessarily limited to the order shown in FIG. 10 or described herein, as the operations may be implemented in alternative orders or in a fully or partially overlapping manner. The operations represented by the illustrated blocks of the process 1000 may be performed by the power delivery circuitry 110 (e.g., of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2). More particularly, the operations of the process 1000 may be performed by a charger 124 such as those shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, or FIG. 8.

[0075]

[0087] In block 1002, the charger operates as a voltage divider type charge pump or a voltage multiplier type charge pump during a first time interval. For example, the charger 124 operates as a voltage divider type charge pump or a voltage multiplier type charge pump during a first time interval to support forward charging 208 as shown in FIG.

[0076]

[0088] In block 1004, a first input voltage is received at a first node of the charger. For example, the charger 124 receives the input voltage 402 at node 302 as shown in FIG.

[0077]

[0089] In block 1006, a first output voltage is generated at a second node of the charger. The first output voltage is based on a first input voltage. The first output voltage is less than or greater than the input voltage based on the charger operating as a voltage divider type charge pump or a voltage multiplier type charge pump, respectively. For example, the charger 124 generates an output voltage 404 at node 304 that is less than or greater than the input voltage 402. As an example, the charger 124 may operate according to the voltage divider forward charging mode 400-1 of FIG. 4-1.

[0078]

[0090] In block 1008, the charger operates as a direct charger during the second time interval. For example, the charger 124 operates as a direct charger during the second time interval to support forward charging 208 as shown in FIG.

[0079]

[0091] In block 1010, a second input voltage is received at a first node of the charger. For example, the charger 124 receives the input voltage 402 at node 302 as shown in FIG.

[0080]

[0092] In block 1012, a second output voltage is generated at a second node of the charger. The second output voltage is based on a second input voltage and is substantially equal to the second input voltage based on the charger operating as a direct charger. For example, the charger 124 generates an output voltage 404 at the node 304 that is substantially equal to (e.g., within 90% of) the input voltage 402 at the node 302. As an example, the charger 1002 may operate according to the direct forward charging mode 400-2 of FIG. 4-2.

[0081]

[0093] Additionally or alternatively, the charger may selectively operate as a voltage divider type charge pump, a voltage multiplier type charge pump, or a direct charger to support reverse charging 210 as shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4-3, or FIG. 4-4. In this case, the charger 124 may generate an output voltage 404 at node 302 that is less than, greater than, or substantially equal to the input voltage 402 at node 304. As an example, the charger 124 may operate according to a voltage multiplier reverse charging mode 400-3 or a direct reverse charging mode 400-4 of FIG. 4-3 and FIG. 4-4, respectively.

[0082]

[0094] Unless otherwise indicated by context, use of the word "or" herein may be deemed to be "inclusive or," i.e., use of a term permitting the inclusion or application of one or more items connected by the word "or" (e.g., the phrase "A or B" may be interpreted as permitting only "A," permitting only "B," or permitting both "A" and "B"). Additionally, items depicted in the accompanying drawings and terms described herein may refer to one or more items or terms, and thus reference may be made interchangeably herein to the singular or plural forms of the items and terms. Finally, although subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features or methodological operations, it will be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the particular features or operations described above, including not necessarily limited to the mechanism in which features are arranged or the order in which operations are performed. The invention as described in the claims of the original application is set forth below. [C1] An apparatus comprising: At least one charger having a first node and a second node, the at least one charger comprising: accepting an input voltage at the first node; and Selectively, operating in a first mode to generate a first output voltage at the second node that is greater than or less than the input voltage; or operating in a second mode to generate a second output voltage at the second node substantially equal to the input voltage; An apparatus configured to: [C2] The at least one charger, operating as a divide-by-n charge pump or an n-fold charge pump according to said first mode; or operating as a direct charger according to said second mode; The apparatus of C1, configured to selectively perform the following: [C3] The first output voltage is smaller than the input voltage; The apparatus further comprises a mode control circuit coupled to the at least one charger, the mode control circuit comprising: monitoring a temperature associated with the device; transitioning the at least one charger from operating in the first mode to operating in the second mode in response to the temperature being greater than a first threshold; The apparatus of C1, configured to: [C4] The apparatus of C3, wherein the mode control circuit is configured to transition the at least one charger from operating in the second mode to operating in the first mode in response to the temperature being less than a second threshold, the second threshold being less than the first threshold. [C5] The device comprises: at least one power supply circuit coupled to the first node of the at least one charger; at least one load coupled to the second node of the at least one charger; Equipped with The apparatus of C1, wherein the at least one charger is configured to transfer power from the at least one power delivery circuit to the at least one load based on the first mode or the second mode. [C6] The at least one power supply circuit is Wireless power receiver, Power adapter, or Battery, At least one of the following: The at least one load is The power adapter, Another battery, Wireless power transmitter, a display of said device; or a wireless transceiver of the device; The apparatus of C5, further comprising at least one of: [C7] The at least one power supply circuit comprises a first power supply circuit and a second power supply circuit; The apparatus further comprises a switching circuit coupled to the first power supply circuit, the second power supply circuit, and the first node of the at least one charger, the switching circuit comprising: connecting the first power supply circuit to the first node of the at least one charger; or connecting the second power supply circuit to the second node of the at least one charger; The apparatus of C5, configured to selectively perform the following: [C8] The at least one charger positive and negative nodes; A ground node; at least one capacitor coupled between the positive node and the negative node; a first switch coupled between the first node and the positive node; a second switch coupled between the negative node and the second node; a third switch coupled between the negative node and the ground node; a fourth switch coupled between the positive node and the second node; The apparatus described in C1, comprising: [C9] The at least one charger actively switching states of the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch between an open state and a closed state for the first mode; placing the first switch and the fourth switch in the closed state for the second mode; placing the second switch and the third switch in the open state for the second mode; The apparatus of C8, configured to: [C10] The at least one charger accepting a different input voltage at the second node; and Selectively, operating in a third mode to generate a third output voltage at the first node that is greater than or less than the further input voltage; or operating in a fourth mode to generate a fourth output voltage at the first node equal to the further input voltage; The apparatus of C1, further configured to: [C11] The apparatus comprises: a first power supply circuit; a first load coupled to the second node of the at least one charger; a second power supply circuit coupled to the second node of the at least one charger; A second load; a switching circuit coupled to the first power supply circuit, the second load, and the first node of the at least one charger; Equipped with The switching circuit includes: connecting the first power supply circuit to the first node of the at least one charger; or connecting the second load to the first node of the at least one charger; and selectively performing The at least one charger transmitting power from the first power supply circuit to the first load based on the first mode or the second mode; or transmitting power from the second power supply circuit to the second load based on the third mode or the fourth mode; The apparatus of C10, configured to selectively perform the following: [C12] The first power supply circuit comprises a wireless power receiver or a power adapter; the first load comprises a battery, a display of the device, or a wireless transceiver of the device; the second power supply circuit includes the battery; The apparatus of C11, wherein the second load comprises a wireless power transmitter or the power adapter. [C13] The at least one charger comprises a first charger and a second charger coupled in parallel to each other; the first charger is configured to provide a first conversion ratio for the first mode; The apparatus of C1, wherein the second charger is configured to provide a second conversion ratio for the first mode, the second conversion ratio being different from the first conversion ratio. [C14] The at least one charger comprises a first charger and a second charger coupled in parallel to each other; the first charger is configured to operate according to a first phase; the second charger is configured to operate according to a second phase different from the first phase; The apparatus of C1, wherein the first charger and the second charger are configured to operate together to provide dual phase charging. [C15] The at least one charger comprises a first charger and a second charger; the first charger is configured to operate in the first mode or the second mode to support forward charging; The apparatus of C1, wherein the second charger is configured to operate in the first mode or the second mode to support reverse charging. [C16] An apparatus comprising: supply means for providing an input voltage; a load means for receiving the output voltage; charging means for transferring power from said supplying means to said load means by selectively providing a first voltage as said output voltage according to a first mode or a second voltage as said output voltage according to a second mode, said first voltage being greater than or less than said input voltage and said second voltage being substantially equal to said input voltage; An apparatus comprising: [C17] The first voltage is smaller than the input voltage; The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising control means for instructing the charging means to selectively provide the first voltage in response to a temperature associated with the apparatus being greater than a first threshold or provide the second voltage in response to the temperature being less than a second threshold, the second threshold being less than the first threshold. [C18] Further comprising another supply means for providing said input voltage, The apparatus of C16, further comprising switching means for selectively connecting the supplying means to the charging means or the other supplying means to the charging means. [C19] The charging means is a first node coupled to said supply means; a second node coupled to the load means; a ground node coupled to ground; a capacitive means for selectively storing or releasing energy; switching means for selectively connecting the capacitive means between the first node and the second node or connecting the capacitive means between the ground node and the second node; The apparatus of C16, comprising: [C20] another supply means for providing another input voltage, said another supply means being coupled to said second node; another load means for receiving another output voltage, said another load means being coupled to said first node; Further equipped with The apparatus of C19, wherein the charging means is configured to transfer power from the other supply means to the other load means by selectively providing a third voltage as the other output voltage according to a third mode or a fourth voltage as the other output voltage according to a fourth mode, the third voltage being greater than or less than the other input voltage and the fourth voltage being equal to the other input voltage. [C21] The apparatus of C20, further comprising means for selectively functioning as said loading means or said other supply means. [C22] operating a charger as a voltage divider type charge pump or a voltage multiplier type charge pump for a first time interval; and said operating the charger for the first time interval comprises: accepting a first input voltage at a first node of the charger; generating a first output voltage at a second node of the charger based on the first input voltage, the first output voltage being less than or greater than the input voltage based on the charger operating as the voltage divider type charge pump or the voltage multiplier type charge pump, respectively; Equipped with Operating the charger as a direct charger during a second time interval; and operating the charger during the second time interval. accepting a second input voltage at the first node of the charger; generating a second output voltage at the second node of the charger based on the second input voltage, the second output voltage being substantially equal to the second input voltage based on the charger operating as the direct charger; Equipped with A method for providing the above. [C23] transmitting power from a first power supply circuit coupled to the first node of the charger to a first load coupled to the second node of the charger during the first time interval and the second time interval; operating the charger as the voltage divider type charge pump or the voltage multiplier type charge pump during a third time interval; and said operating the charger during the third time interval includes: accepting a third input voltage at the second node of the charger; generating a third output voltage at the first node of the charger based on the third input voltage, the third output voltage being less than or greater than the third input voltage based on the charger operating as the voltage divider type charge pump or the voltage multiplier type charge pump, respectively; Equipped with transferring power from a second power delivery circuit coupled to the second node of the charger to a second load coupled to the first node of the charger during the third time interval; The method of C22, further comprising: [C24] Operating the charger as the direct charger during a fourth time interval; and operating the charger during the fourth time interval includes: accepting a fourth input voltage at the second node of the charger; generating a fourth output voltage at the first node of the charger based on the fourth input voltage, the fourth output voltage being substantially equal to the fourth input voltage based on the charger operating as the direct charger; Equipped with transmitting power from the second power delivery circuit to the second load during the fourth time interval; The method of C23, further comprising: [C25] An apparatus comprising: at least one power supply circuit; At least one load; At least one battery; a switching circuit coupled to the at least one power supply circuit and the at least one load; a first node coupled to the switching circuit; a second node coupled to the at least one battery; At least one charger comprising: Equipped with The at least one charger transmitting power from the at least one power supply circuit to the at least one battery based on the switching circuit connecting the at least one power supply circuit to the first node; or transferring power from the at least one battery to the at least one load based on the switching circuit connecting the at least one load to the first node; The apparatus is configured to selectively: [C26] The apparatus of C25, wherein the at least one charger is configured to selectively operate as a voltage divider type charge pump, a voltage multiplier type charge pump, or a direct charger. [C27] The at least one charger operating as the voltage multiplier type charge pump to transfer power from the at least one power supply circuit to the at least one battery; or operating as said voltage divider type charge pump to transfer power from said at least one battery to said at least one load; The apparatus of C26, configured to selectively perform the following: [C28] The at least one charger operating as the direct charger to transfer power from the at least one power supply circuit to the at least one battery; or operating as the direct charger to transfer power from the at least one battery to the at least one load; The apparatus of C26, configured to: [C29] The at least one power supply circuit comprises: A wireless power receiver, or Power adapter, At least one of the following: The at least one load is the power adapter; or Wireless power transmitter, The apparatus of C25, comprising at least one of: [C30] The at least one charger positive and negative nodes; A ground node; at least one capacitor coupled between the positive node and the negative node; a first switch coupled between the first node and the positive node; a second switch coupled between the negative node and the second node; a third switch coupled between the negative node and the ground node; a fourth switch coupled between the positive node and the second node; The apparatus of C25, comprising:

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: at least one charger having a first node and a second node, the at least one charger comprising: accepting an input voltage at the first node; and Selectively, operating in a first mode to generate a first output voltage at the second node that is greater than or less than the input voltage; or operating in a second mode to generate a second output voltage at the second node that is within 90% of the input voltage; configured to: The at least one charger comprises: accepting a different input voltage at the second node; and Selectively, operating in a third mode to generate a third output voltage at the first node that is greater than or less than the further input voltage; or operating in a fourth mode to generate a fourth output voltage at the first node that is within 90% of the further input voltage; The apparatus is further configured to:

2. The at least one charger comprises: operating as a divide-by-n charge pump or an n-fold charge pump according to said first mode; or operating as a direct charger according to the second mode; The apparatus of claim 1 , configured to selectively:

3. the first output voltage is less than the input voltage; The apparatus further comprises a mode control circuit coupled to the at least one charger, the mode control circuit comprising: monitoring a temperature associated with the device; transitioning the at least one charger from operating in the first mode to operating in the second mode in response to the temperature being greater than a first threshold; The apparatus of claim 1 configured to:

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the mode control circuit is configured to transition the at least one charger from operating in the second mode to operating in the first mode in response to the temperature being less than a second threshold, the second threshold being less than the first threshold.

5. The apparatus comprises: at least one power supply circuit coupled to the first node of the at least one charger; at least one load coupled to the second node of the at least one charger; Equipped with 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one charger is configured to transfer power from the at least one power delivery circuit to the at least one load based on the first mode or the second mode.

6. The at least one power supply circuit comprises: Wireless power receiver, Power adapter, or Battery, At least one of The at least one load is The power adapter, Another battery, Wireless power transmitter, a display of said device; or a wireless transceiver of the device; The apparatus of claim 5 , comprising at least one of:

7. the at least one power supply circuit comprises a first power supply circuit and a second power supply circuit; The apparatus further comprises a switching circuit coupled to the first power supply circuit, the second power supply circuit, and the first node of the at least one charger, the switching circuit comprising: connecting the first power supply circuit to the first node of the at least one charger; or connecting the second power supply circuit to the first node of the at least one charger; The apparatus of claim 5 , configured to selectively:

8. The at least one charger comprises: positive and negative nodes; A ground node; at least one capacitor coupled between the positive node and the negative node; a first switch coupled between the first node and the positive node; a second switch coupled between the negative node and the second node; a third switch coupled between the negative node and the ground node; a fourth switch coupled between the positive node and the second node; The apparatus of claim 1 , comprising:

9. The at least one charger comprises: actively switching states of the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch between an open state and a closed state for the first mode; placing the first switch and the fourth switch in the closed state for the second mode; placing the second switch and the third switch in the open state for the second mode; The apparatus of claim 8 , configured to:

10. The apparatus comprises: a first power supply circuit; a first load coupled to the second node of the at least one charger; a second power supply circuit coupled to the second node of the at least one charger; A second load; and a switching circuit coupled to the first power supply circuit, the second load, and the first node of the at least one charger; Equipped with The switching circuit includes: connecting the first power supply circuit to the first node of the at least one charger; or connecting the second load to the first node of the at least one charger; and selectively performing The at least one charger comprises: transmitting power from the first power supply circuit to the first load based on the first mode or the second mode; or transmitting power from the second power supply circuit to the second load based on the third mode or the fourth mode; The apparatus of claim 1 , configured to selectively:

11. the first power supply circuit comprises a wireless power receiver or a power adapter; the first load comprises a battery, a display of the device, or a wireless transceiver of the device; the second power supply circuit includes the battery; The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the second load comprises a wireless power transmitter or the power adapter.

12. the at least one charger comprises a first charger and a second charger coupled in parallel with each other; the first charger is configured to provide a first conversion ratio for the first mode; 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second charger is configured to provide a second conversion ratio for the first mode, the second conversion ratio being different from the first conversion ratio.

13. the at least one charger comprises a first charger and a second charger coupled in parallel with each other; the first charger is configured to operate according to a first phase; the second charger is configured to operate according to a second phase different from the first phase; 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first charger and the second charger are configured to operate together to provide dual phase charging.

14. the at least one charger comprises a first charger and a second charger; the first charger is configured to operate in the first mode or the second mode to support forward charging; 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second charger is configured to operate in the third mode or the fourth mode to support reverse charging.

15. operating a charger as a voltage divider type charge pump or a voltage multiplier type charge pump during a first time interval; and said operating the charger during the first time interval includes: accepting a first input voltage at a first node of the charger; generating a first output voltage at a second node of the charger based on the first input voltage, the first output voltage being less than or greater than the input voltage based on the charger operating as the voltage divider type charge pump or the voltage multiplier type charge pump, respectively; Equipped with Operating the charger as a direct charger during a second time interval; and operating the charger during the second time interval. accepting a second input voltage at the first node of the charger; generating a second output voltage at the second node of the charger based on the second input voltage, the second output voltage being within 90% of the second input voltage based on the charger operating as the direct charger. Equipped with transferring power from a first power delivery circuit coupled to the first node of the charger to a first load coupled to the second node of the charger during the first time interval and the second time interval; operating the charger as the voltage divider type charge pump or the voltage multiplier type charge pump during a third time interval; and said operating the charger during the third time interval includes: accepting a third input voltage at the second node of the charger; generating a third output voltage at the first node of the charger based on the third input voltage, the third output voltage being less than or greater than the third input voltage based on the charger operating as the voltage divider type charge pump or the voltage multiplier type charge pump, respectively; Equipped with transferring power from a second power delivery circuit coupled to the second node of the charger to a second load coupled to the first node of the charger during the third time interval; Operating the charger as the direct charger during a fourth time interval; and operating the charger during the fourth time interval. accepting a fourth input voltage at the second node of the charger; generating a fourth output voltage at the first node of the charger based on the fourth input voltage, the fourth output voltage being within 90% of the fourth input voltage based on the charger operating as the direct charger. Equipped with transferring power from the second power supply circuit to the second load during the fourth time interval; A method for providing the above.

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