Multi-purpose charger

Abstract

To provide a charger and a charging system suitable for use in a vehicle application.SOLUTION: A circuit 100 for a charging system, a power delivery module, or a charger includes a first port 156 and a second port 158 supported by a single power supply 140 which supports Universal Serial Bus (USB) Power Delivery (PD) power levels. Controllers 162, 164 provide a negotiated PD power level from the single power supply to the first port when, in operation, only a single first device is connected to the charging system via the first port. The controllers further reduce power available to the first and second ports to a preset level from the single power supply when, in operation, a second device is connected to the charging system via the second port such that the first and second devices are both connected to the charging system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 283,534, filed November 29, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates to the field of chargers, and more particularly to chargers suitable for use in vehicle applications. [Background technology]

[0003] Chargers located in vehicles are known to provide multiple ports (e.g., two or more ports) supporting various charging capabilities. One such charging specification is known as Universal Serial Bus (USB) Power Delivery (PD). PD modes are available to support a range of different charging rates. Chargers can also negotiate with the device attempting to charge to determine the appropriate voltage and current compatible with the device and charging system. However, one problem exists: while it would be desirable for multiple ports to provide the desired PD mode, doing so requires the use of multiple power feeds, one for each port, making existing solutions excessively expensive. This necessitates the use of multiple power supplies, one for each port. In addition to cost, the need to design a system capable of adequately supporting the total voltage and current levels delivered by both ports necessitates the use of larger diameter conductors, increasing weight and cost. Therefore, certain individuals would appreciate further improvements to existing charger designs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This section provides a general overview of the disclosure, but is not an exhaustive disclosure of its entire scope or all of its features.

[0005] The charging system includes first and second ports supported by a single power source (power supply, power distribution system) configured to support Universal Serial Bus (USB) Power Delivery (PD) power levels. The controller is configured, during operation, to provide a negotiated PD power level to the first port from the single power source when only a single first device is connected to the charging system via the first port. The controller is further configured, during operation, to reduce the power available to the first and second ports to a preset level from the single power source when a second device is connected to the charging system via the second port such that both the first and second devices are connected to the charging system.

[0006] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] This application is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a circuit for a charging system, power delivery module, or charger configured to be operable to provide power to multiple ports (e.g., a first and a second USB Type-C port, etc.), according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a circuit for a charging system, power delivery module, or charger configured to be operable to provide power to multiple ports (e.g., a first and a second USB Type-C port, etc.), according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 3 illustrates a multi-port module connected to power and that may include the circuitry shown in FIG. 1 and / or the circuitry shown in FIG. 2, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the multi-port module shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the multi-port module shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a front view of the multi-port module shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the multi-port module shown in FIG. 3 with the first and second portions of the housing or mechanical enclosure removably removed and separated from one another, thereby exposing the internal components of the multi-port module. [Figure 8] 3 illustrates a multi-port module connected to power and that may include the circuitry shown in FIG. 1 and / or the circuitry shown in FIG. 2, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 9 is an exploded perspective view of the multi-port module shown in FIG. 8, with the upper and lower portions of the housing or mechanical enclosure removably removed and separated from one another, thereby exposing the internal components of the multi-port module. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for providing power to a plurality of ports, including a first port and a second port, from a single power source configured to support Universal Serial Bus (USB) Power Delivery (PD) power levels, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following detailed description describes exemplary embodiments, and the disclosed features are not intended to be limited to the combinations expressly disclosed. Thus, unless otherwise specified, features disclosed herein may be combined together to form additional combinations not otherwise shown for purposes of brevity.

[0010] Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of charging systems, power delivery modules, and chargers configured to be operable to provide power to multiple ports from a single power source. In the exemplary embodiments, the charging system, power delivery module, or charger is configured to be operable to provide power from a single power source to at least a first port and a second port of a multi-port module, such as a multiple port module 304 for a vehicle panel-mount charging system ( FIGS. 3-7 ) or a multiple port module 804 for a vehicle-embedded charging system ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ). While two ports are shown, additional ports can be provided as needed (e.g., three or four ports can be provided on the module). Each of the ports can have its own desired configuration; for example, without limitation, each port can be a USB Type-A configuration, a USB Type-C configuration, or some other desired configuration. By way of background, a USB Type-C port is a 24-pin USB connector system with a rotationally symmetric connector. In contrast, a USB Type-A port offers either 4 or 9 pins (depending on the version) and mates with a rectangular connector in a single orientation.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the charger is configured to be operable from a single power source to provide USB Power Delivery (PD) power at approximately the power source's rated maximum power delivery capability to a single first device connected to one of the ports when only the first device is connected to the charger. When an additional device is also connected to the charger through another port, such that there are two devices connected to the charger through corresponding ports, the charger can be configured to controllably switch the power source to a reduced, shared voltage for the first and second ports for each of the two connected devices. For example, the charger can supply the same voltage to both the first and second ports while limiting the current to a predetermined or preset level.

[0012] Referring to the figures, Figure 1 illustrates an example circuit 100 that can be used to provide the desired functionality disclosed herein for a charging system, power delivery module, or charger (e.g., USB panel mount charger 302 shown in Figure 3, USB embedded charger 802 shown in Figure 8, etc.). As disclosed herein, the charging system, power delivery module, or charger is configured to be operable to provide power to multiple ports from a single power source.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1 , exemplary circuit 100 includes a voltage source 120, a substrate 130, and a power supply 140. Voltage source 120 is electrically coupled to power supply 140. Substrate 130 supports power supply 140. Power supply 140 can be any suitable power supply design responsive to the voltage provided by voltage source 120. For example, power supply 140 can include a buck amplifier, a boost amplifier, a buck / boost amplifier, or any other desired amplifier, but is generally a DC-to-DC power supply. Generally speaking, the power supply can be configured to support various maximum levels of power, such as 30 watts (e.g., 1.5 A at 20 V), 60 watts (e.g., 3 A at 20 V), or 100 watts (e.g., 5 A at 20 V), and is compliant with the USB PD specification.

[0014] Exemplary circuit 100 further includes first and second controllers 162, 164 electrically coupled to first and second ports 156, 158, respectively. First and second ports 156, 158 can be individually configured as USB Type-C or USB Type-A ports to provide multiport module 150 (which may be provided by multiport module 304 (FIG. 3) or multiport module 804 (FIG. 8), etc.).

[0015] The first controller 162 may be provided on the substrate 130 adjacent to the power supply 140. Alternatively, the first controller 162 may be located adjacent to the first port 156, or may be located elsewhere. Similarly, the second controller 164 may be provided on the substrate 130 adjacent to the power supply 140. Alternatively, the second controller 164 may be located adjacent to the second port 158, or may be located elsewhere.

[0016] In operation, the first controller 162 is configured to negotiate a power delivery level with a first device connected to the first port 156. The second controller 164 is also configured to negotiate a power delivery level with a second device connected to the second port 158. The first and second controllers 162, 164 are configured to communicate to ensure that appropriate power levels are provided to the first and second ports 156, 158 depending on the number of devices connected to the charging system via the first and second ports 156, 158. It should be noted that the first and second controllers 162, 164 may be combined into a single controller.

[0017] As long as only one device is connected to the charging system through either the first port 156 or the second port 158, the corresponding first controller 162 or second controller 164 negotiates a power delivery level corresponding to the highest level received by the connected device and capable of being provided by the power source 140. For example, if the power source 140 is configured to provide a maximum of 30 watts when only a single device is connected to the charging system through the first port 156 or the second port 158, the voltage can be set to 20 volts and the current to 1.5 amps (as provided in the USB PD specification). This is often beneficial when there is only a single user with a single device to be charged while in a vehicle. Using the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, a user can plug a single device into either the first port 156 or the second port 158 ​​and continue to receive the desired 30 watt PD level of power delivered to the single connected device while avoiding the need to include two power sources in the charging system (one for each port 156, 158).

[0018] If a second device is also connected to the charging system via the other port 156 or 158, the controller (e.g., first or second controller 162, 164, a single controller, etc.) is configured to determine that both ports 156, 158 are each connected to a respective device attempting to charge. Because there is a single power source 140 supporting both ports 156, 158, the charging system can be configured to reduce the power so that the total power provided does not exceed the power rating of the power source 140. In one embodiment, the power can be reduced to the maximum standard charging power level approved for all USB charging applications (such as, but not limited to, 3 amps at 5 volts).

[0019] 2 illustrates an example circuit 200 that can be used to provide the desired functionality disclosed herein for a charging system, power delivery module, or charger (e.g., the USB panel mount charger 302 shown in FIG. 3, the USB embedded charger 802 shown in FIG. 8, etc.) according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. As disclosed herein, the charging system, power delivery module, or charger is configured to be operable to provide power to multiple ports from a single power source.

[0020] 2, the example circuit 200 includes an input connector 222 configured for connection to a voltage source and ground. The voltage source may include any suitable voltage supply design, such as 9V to 19V Operation Support Start-Stop and Pulse 5b, etc. The input connector 222 is also electrically coupled to an input filter 224 (e.g., via a VBAT line, etc.), for example, reverse polarity protection, etc.

[0021] Circuit 200 further includes power supply 240, which may be any suitable power supply design that responds to the voltage provided by a voltage source via input connector 222. In the illustrated embodiment shown in Figure 2, power supply 240 includes a buck and a buck / boost amplifier (e.g., a buck / boost amplifier for amplifying a 3V voltage source to a 21V voltage output, etc.). Alternatively, power supply 240 may include any other desired amplifier, but is generally a DC to DC power supply.

[0022] The power supply 240 is electrically coupled to the input filter 224 (eg, via a VBATT_F line, etc.). The power supply 240 is also electrically coupled to an inductor capacitor 242 and a thermistor 244.

[0023] The example circuit 200 further includes first and second power delivery controllers 266, 268. The first power delivery controller 266 is electrically coupled to the first port 256 (e.g., via CC1 / CC2, etc.). The second power delivery controller 268 is electrically coupled to the second port 258 (e.g., via CC1 / CC2, etc.). The first and second ports 256, 258 may be in a desired USB configuration and may define a multiport module 250 (e.g., multiport module 304 (FIG. 3) or multiport module 804 (FIG. 8), etc.).

[0024] The first and second power delivery controllers 266, 268 are electrically coupled to each other and to the power source 240. The first and second power delivery controllers 266, 268 are electrically coupled to first and second switches 270, 272 (e.g., Vbus switches, etc.), respectively.

[0025] The first and second switches 270, 272 are electrically coupled to each other and to the power supply 240. The first switch 270 is also electrically coupled to the first port 256 (e.g., via VBUS, etc.), and the second switch 272 is also electrically coupled to the second port 258 (e.g., via VBUS, etc.).

[0026] 2 also shows first and second controllers 274, 276, which are electrically coupled (e.g., via DP / DM) to the first and second ports 256, 258, respectively. The first controller 274 may include electronic circuitry for the first port 256 to terminate DP / DM lines from an end-user device. The second controller 276 may include electronic circuitry for the second port 258 to terminate DP / DM lines from an end-user device. In this example, the first and second controllers 274, 276 include USB BC1.2 / MFi (battery charging USB1.2 / made for iPhone / iPod / iPad) controllers, which may include or incorporate BC1.2 termination and a USB Type-C connector for the multi-port module 250.

[0027] 2, the first power delivery controller 266, the Vbus switch 270, and the first USB BC1.2 / MFi controller 274 may be collectively referred to as the first controller 262. Similarly, the second power delivery controller 268, the Vbus switch 272, and the second USB BC1.2 / MFi controller 276 may be collectively referred to as the second controller 264. Additionally, the first and second controllers 262 and 264 may be electrically connected to the multi-port module 250, including the first and second ports 256, 258, via the vehicle harness (Vbus, CC1, CC2, DP, DM).

[0028] In operation, the first controller 262 is configured to negotiate a power delivery level with a first device connected to the first port 256. The second controller 264 is configured to negotiate a power delivery level with a second device connected to the second port 258. The first and second controllers 262, 264 are configured to communicate to ensure that appropriate power levels are provided to the first and second ports 256, 258 depending on the number of devices connected to the charging system via the first and second ports 256, 258. It should be noted that the first and second controllers 262, 264 may be combined into a single controller.

[0029] As long as only one device is connected to the charging system through either the first port 256 or the second port 258, the corresponding first controller 262 or second controller 264 negotiates a power delivery level corresponding to the highest level received by the connected device and capable of being provided by the power source 240. For example, if the power source 240 is configured to provide a maximum of 30 watts when only a single device is connected to the charging system through the first port 256 or the second port 258, the voltage can be set to 20 volts and the current to 1.5 amps (as provided in the USB PD specification). This is often beneficial when there is only a single user with a single device to be charged while in a vehicle. Using the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, a user can plug a single device into either the first port 256 or the second port 258 and still receive the desired 30 watt PD level of power supplied to the single connected device while avoiding the need to include two power sources in the charging system (one for each port 256, 258).

[0030] If a second device is also connected to the charging system via the other port 256 or 258, the controller (e.g., first or second controller 262, 264, a single controller, etc.) is configured to determine that both ports 256, 258 are connected to the two respective devices attempting to charge. Because there is a single power source 240 supporting both ports 256, 258, the charging system is configured to reduce the power so that the total power delivery does not exceed the power rating of the power source 240. In one embodiment, the power can be set to the maximum standard charging power level approved for all USB charging applications (such as, but not limited to, 3 amps at 5 volts).

[0031] The circuit 200 shown in FIG. 2 can be connected to a multi-port module (USB hub with charging and data) or a multi-port module (PD charger only) via the vehicle harness. The circuit 200 includes or incorporates an input connector 222 for receiving control signals (as needed for each application) and power lines (battery + / -) from the vehicle. The circuit 200 is configured to convert the input voltage to the voltage required for USB power delivery. The circuit 200 includes circuitry for protecting electronic components. The circuit 200 also includes an input filter 224 for EMC noise generated by the conversion circuit. The circuit 200 further includes a USB power delivery controller and output connectors (e.g., Vbus, ground, CC1, CC2 per port).

[0032] 3 illustrates a USB panel mount charger 302 including a multi-port module 304 that may include circuit 100 shown in FIG. 1 and / or circuit 200 shown in FIG. 2, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, a vehicle harness including a battery cable 306 is connected to the multi-port module 304 (e.g., via input connector 322 (FIG. 4) or the like). The charger 302 is configured to be operable to provide power to first and second ports 356, 358 of the multi-port module 304. The first and second ports 356, 358 can each be individually configured as a USB Type-A or USB Type-C port.

[0033] 7, multi-port module 304 includes a housing or mechanical enclosure having first and second (or front and rear) portions 380, 382 that are removably attachable to one another. When removably attached to one another, first and second portions 380, 382 cooperatively define an internal compartment configured to receive internal components of multi-port module 304 therein.

[0034] In this exemplary embodiment, the multi-port module 304 includes a substrate 384 that includes or supports electronic circuits and components thereon. The substrate 384 can be formed in any desired manner, including, but not limited to, using conventional printed circuit board techniques, i.e., via additive manufacturing. The substrate 384 is revealed in FIG. 7 after the first and second portions 380, 382 of the housing or mechanical enclosure have been removably detached (e.g., unlatched, etc.) and separated from one another. As shown in FIG. 7, the substrate 384 includes or supports the first and second ports 356, 358, as well as other electronic circuits and components, such as input connectors and integrated circuits 386, capacitors 388, RF shielding enclosures 390 (e.g., Faraday cages over power supplies, etc.), input filters, thermistors, switches, etc.

[0035] 8 illustrates a USB embedded charger 802 including a multi-port module 804 that may include the circuit 100 shown in FIG. 1 and / or the circuit 200 shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, the vehicle harness includes a battery cable 806 that mates with a connector 822. Vbus PD, Data+, Data-, Ground, CC1, and CC2 are signals for first and second USB Type-C ports 856, 858. The charger 802 is configured to be operable to provide power to the first and second USB Type-C ports 856, 858 of the multi-port module 804.

[0036] 9, multi-port module 804 includes a housing or mechanical enclosure having first and second (or upper and lower) portions 880, 882 that are removably attachable to one another. When removably attached to one another, first and second portions 880, 882 cooperatively define an internal compartment configured to receive internal components of multi-port module 804 therein.

[0037] In this exemplary embodiment, multi-port module 804 includes a substrate 884 that includes or supports electronic circuits and components thereon. Substrate 884 may be formed similarly to substrate 384. Substrate 884 is revealed in FIG. 9 after first and second portions 880, 882 of a housing or mechanical enclosure have been removably detached (e.g., unlatched, etc.) and separated from one another. As shown in FIG. 9, substrate 884 includes or supports first and second ports 856, 858, as well as other electronic circuits and components such as input connectors and integrated circuits 886, capacitors 888, RF shielding enclosure 890 (e.g., a Faraday cage over a power supply, etc.), input filters, thermistors, switches, etc.

[0038] 10 illustrates an example method 1002 for providing power to multiple ports, including a first port and a second port, from a single power source configured to support Universal Serial Bus (USB) Power Delivery (PD) power levels. At 1004, the method 1002 includes determining or detecting whether only a single device or multiple devices are connected to the single power source via the ports.

[0039] If at 1004 it is determined that only a single first device is connected to the single power source via the first port, method 1002 proceeds to 1006, where a negotiated PD power level is provided to the first port from the single power source. Providing the negotiated PD power level at 1006 may include providing a negotiated power delivery level received by the connected first device that corresponds to the highest level that can be provided by the single power source.

[0040] However, if it is determined at 1004 that the first and second devices are both connected to a single power source via corresponding first and second ports, method 1002 proceeds to 1008, where the power available at the first and second ports is reduced to a preset level from the single power source. Reducing the power available to the first and second ports to a preset level at 1008 may include providing a total amount of power substantially equal to the power delivery that could be provided to the first port or the second port individually. For example, reducing the power available to the first and second ports to a preset level at 1008 may include reducing the power to a maximum standard charging power level approved for USB charging applications, such that the total power delivery does not exceed the power rating of the single power source.

[0041] Additionally, at 1008, reducing the power available at the first and second ports to a preset level may include communicating between first and second controllers connected to the first and second ports, respectively, to provide an appropriate power level depending on the number of connected devices.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the charging system includes first and second ports, both supported by a single power source, configured to support Universal Serial Bus (USB) Power Delivery (PD) power levels. The first and second ports can be configured to receive a shared voltage from the single power source. The controller is configured, during operation, to provide a negotiated PD power level to the first port from the single power source when only a single, first device is connected to the charging system through the first port. The controller is further configured, during operation, to reduce the power available to the first and second ports to a preset level from the single power source when a second device is connected to the charging system through the second port, such that both the first and second devices are connected to the charging system.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the preset level provides a total amount of power substantially equal to the power delivery that can be provided to the first port individually.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the controller includes a first controller and a second controller. The first controller is connected to the first port. The second controller is connected to the second port. The first controller is configured to negotiate a power delivery level for a device connected to the first port. The second controller is configured to negotiate a power delivery level for a device connected to the second port. The first and second controllers are configured to communicate to ensure the charging system provides an appropriate power level depending on the number of devices connected to the charging system via the first port and the second port.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the charging system is configured to be operable with a single power source such that when only a first device is connected to the charging system through the first port, the first controller is configured to negotiate a power delivery level corresponding to the highest level received by the connected first device and capable of being provided by the single power source. When a second device is connected to the charging system through the second port such that both the first and second devices are connected to the charging system, the charging system is configured to reduce power to a maximum standard charging power level approved for USB charging applications such that the total power delivery does not exceed the power rating of the single power source.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the single power source is configured to provide up to 30 watts of power. The controller is configured to set the voltage to 20 volts and the current to 1.5 amps for the first device when only the first device is connected to the charging system via the first port. The controller is configured to set the voltage to 5 volts and the current to 3 amps for each of the first and second devices when the second device is connected to the charging system via the second port, such that both the first and second devices are connected to the charging system.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the charging system is configured to be operable with a single power source to provide PD power substantially equal to the rated maximum power delivery capability of the single power source to a first device connected to the first port when only the first device is connected to the charging system. The charging system is further configured to controllably switch the single power source to a reduced, shared voltage to the first and second ports, supplying the same voltage to both the first and second ports while limiting current to a preset level, when a second device is connected to the charging system via the second port such that both the first and second devices are connected to the charging system.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second ports comprise USB Type-C or USB Type-A ports supported by the same single power source.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, a single power supply is electrically coupled to the controller, the input filter, the one or more inductor-capacitors, and the thermistor, and the input filter is electrically coupled between the single power supply and an input connector configured to connect to a voltage source.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the controller includes first and second power delivery controllers. The first power delivery controller is electrically coupled to the first port and the single power source. The second power delivery controller is electrically coupled to the second port, the single power source, and the first power delivery controller. First and second switches (e.g., Vbus switches, etc.) may be electrically coupled to the first and second power delivery controllers, respectively. First and second controllers (e.g., USB BC1.2 / MFI controllers, etc.) may be electrically coupled to the first and second ports, respectively. The first controller may include electronic circuitry for the first port to terminate DP / DM lines from the end-user device. The second controller may include electronic circuitry for the second port to terminate DP / DM lines from the end-user device.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the charging system includes a multi-port module including first and second ports and a controller.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the multi-port module includes a printed circuit board assembly or other substrate with one or more electronic circuits and components thereon, including the first and second ports and the controller. The multi-port module also includes a mechanical enclosure configured to protect the one or more electronic circuits and components of the printed circuit board assembly.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the charging system includes a power block including a single power source. The charging system also includes a harness configured to interconnect the power block with the multi-port module.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the multi-port module includes an input connector for receiving Vbus, ground, CC1, and CC2 lines per port from the power block. The multi-port module can also include a USB Type-C or Type-A connector per port for interfacing with an end-user device.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the multi-port module includes input connectors for high-speed USB data lines and electronic circuitry including circuitry for providing USB hub and USB functionality. Additionally or alternatively, the multi-port module includes per-port electronic circuitry for terminating DP / DM lines from end-user devices.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the power block includes one or more input connectors for receiving power, control, and / or communication lines from the vehicle; an input filter for supporting vehicle transients and cleaning electromagnetic noise generated by the power block; a switching mode DC-DC converter for generating the voltages required by USB power delivery (PD); a per-port USB power delivery (PD) controller for driving the switching mode DC-DC converter and communicating with end-user devices over the CC1 and CC2 lines; electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection for the signal and power lines (Vbus, ground, CC1, and CC2) per port; and an output connector for connecting to a harness.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the power block is embedded within a vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU). For example, the power block may be embedded within a vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU) that includes a wireless charger. Alternatively, the power source may include a stand-alone power module.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the charging system includes a high-speed data cable configured to connect the multi-port module with a host for a USB hub application.

[0059] Also disclosed is an exemplary method for providing power to a plurality of ports, including a first port and a second port, from a single power source configured to support Universal Serial Bus (USB) Power Delivery (PD) power levels. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes providing a negotiated PD power level to the first port from the single power source after determining that only a single, first device is connected to the single power source through the first port. The method also includes reducing the power available to the first and second ports to a preset level from the single power source after determining that a second device is connected to the single power source through the second port, such that the first and second devices are both connected to the single power source through corresponding first and second ports.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, reducing the power available to the first and second ports to a preset level includes providing a total amount of power substantially equal to the power delivery that can be provided to the first port or to the second port individually.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the first port is connected to a first controller and the second port is connected to a second controller, and a method step for reducing power includes communicating between the first and second controllers to provide an appropriate power level depending on the number of devices connected to a single power source through the multiple ports.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes, after determining that only a first device is connected to the single power source through the first port, providing a negotiated power delivery level received by the connected first device corresponding to the highest level that can be provided by the single power source. The method also includes, after determining that a second device is connected to the single power source through the second port, such that the first and second devices are both connected to the single power source through corresponding first and second ports, reducing power to a maximum standard charging power level approved for USB charging applications such that the total power delivery does not exceed the power rating of the single power source.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes, after determining that only a first device is connected to the single power source through the first port, providing PD power substantially equal to the rated maximum power delivery capability of the single power source to a first device connected to the first port. The method also includes, after determining that a second device is connected to the single power source through the second port such that both the first and second devices are connected to the single power source through corresponding first and second ports, controllably switching the single power source to a reduced, shared voltage to the first and second ports, supplying the same voltage to both the first and second ports while limiting current to a preset level.

[0064] The disclosure provided herein describes features in terms of preferred and exemplary embodiments thereof. Many other embodiments, modifications, and variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims will occur to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A charging system, a single power supply configured to support Universal Serial Bus (USB) Power Delivery (PD) power levels; a first port and a second port, both of which are supported by the single power supply, and which are configured to receive a shared voltage from the single power supply; a controller, upon determining that only a single first device is connected to the charging system through the first port, negotiating a PD power level corresponding to the highest level that can be received by the connected first device and provided to the first port by the single power source; a controller configured to, when a second device is connected to the charging system through the second port, thereby determining that the first device and the second device are both connected to the charging system, reduce the power available to the first port and the second port to a preset level from the single power source that is a maximum standard charging power level approved for USB charging applications, such that a total PD power level does not exceed a power rating of the single power source.

2. 2. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the preset level provides a total amount of power substantially equal to the power delivery that can be provided to either the first port or the second port.

3. The controller: a first controller connected to the first port; 10. The charging system of claim 1, further comprising: a second controller connected to the second port.

4. the first controller is configured to negotiate a power delivery level for a device connected to the first port; the second controller is configured to negotiate a power delivery level for a device connected to the second port; 4. The charging system of claim 3, wherein the first controller and the second controller are configured to communicate to ensure the charging system provides an appropriate power level depending on the number of devices connected to the charging system via the first port and the second port.

5. The charging system comprises: when it is determined that only the first device is connected to the charging system via the first port, the first controller is configured to negotiate a power delivery level received by the connected first device that corresponds to a highest level that can be provided by the single power source; 4. The charging system of claim 3, wherein the charging system is configured to operate with the single power source such that when the second device is connected to the charging system via the second port such that it determines that the first device and the second device are both connected to the charging system, the charging system is configured to reduce the power to a maximum standard charging power level approved for USB charging applications so that total power delivery does not exceed a power rating of the single power source.

6. the single power supply is configured to provide up to 30 watts of power; the controller is configured to set a voltage of 20 volts and a current of 1.5 amps for the first device when it is determined that only the first device is connected to the charging system through the first port; 2. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to set the voltage to 5 volts and the current to 3 amperes for each of the first device and the second device when it determines that the second device is connected to the charging system via the second port such that both the first device and the second device are connected to the charging system.

7. The charging system comprises: providing PD power to the first device connected to the first port substantially equal to a rated maximum power delivery capability of the single power source when it is determined that only the first device is connected to the charging system; 2. The charging system of claim 1, configured to operate using the single power source such that when the second device is connected to the charging system via the second port such that it is determined that the first device and the second device are both connected to the charging system, the single power source is controllably switched to a reduced shared voltage to the first port and the second port, thereby causing the charging system to supply the same voltage to both the first port and the second port while limiting current to the preset level.

8. the single power supply is electrically coupled to the controller, the input filter, the one or more inductor-capacitors, and the thermistor; 2. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the input filter is electrically coupled between the single power source and an input connector configured to connect to a voltage source.

9. The controller: a first power delivery controller electrically coupled to the first port and the single power source; The charging system of claim 1 , comprising: a second power delivery controller electrically coupled to the second port, the single power source, and the first power delivery controller.

10. The charging system comprises: a first switch electrically coupled to the first power delivery controller and a second switch electrically coupled to the second power delivery controller; and / or 10. The charging system of claim 9, comprising: a first controller electrically coupled to the first port including electronic circuitry for the first port to terminate DP / DM lines from an end user device; and a second controller electrically coupled to the second port including electronic circuitry for the second port to terminate DP / DM lines from an end user device.

11. The charging system of claim 1 , wherein the charging system comprises a multi-port module including the first and second ports and the controller.

12. The charging system comprises: a power supply block including the single power supply; 12. The charging system of claim 11, comprising: a harness configured to interconnect the power block with the multi-port module.

13. the multi-port module: an input connector for receiving bus, ground, CC1, and CC2 lines per port from the power block; 13. The charging system of claim 12, comprising: a USB Type-C or Type-A connector per port for interfacing with an end-user device.

14. the multi-port module includes an input connector for high-speed USB data lines and electronic circuitry including a USB hub and circuitry for providing USB functionality; 14. The charging system of claim 13, wherein the multi-port module includes per-port electronic circuitry for terminating DP / DM lines from end-user devices.

15. The power supply block is one or more input connectors for receiving power, control, and / or communication lines from the vehicle; an input filter for supporting vehicle transients and clean electromagnetic noise generated by the power block; a switching mode DC-DC converter for generating the voltage required by USB power delivery (PD); a per-port USB power delivery (PD) controller for driving the switching-mode DC-DC converter and communicating with an end-user device via CC1 and CC2 lines; Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection for signal and power lines (Vbus, ground, CC1, and CC2) per port; 13. The charging system of claim 12, further comprising: an output connector for connecting to the harness.

16. The power block is embedded within a vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU); or The charging system of claim 12 , wherein the power block comprises a stand-alone power module.

17. 1. A method for providing power to multiple ports, including a first port and a second port, from a single power source configured to support Universal Serial Bus (USB) Power Delivery (PD) power levels to the multiple ports, the method comprising: After determining that a single first device is connected to the charging system via the first port, negotiating a PD power level corresponding to the highest level received by the connected first device and that can be provided to the first port from the single power source; after determining that a second device is connected to a charging system via the second port such that the first device and the second device are both connected to the charging system, reducing the power available to the first port and the second port to a preset level from the single power source that is a maximum standard charging power level approved for USB charging applications, such that a total PD power level does not exceed a power rating of the single power source.

18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein reducing the power available to the first port and the second port to a preset level comprises providing a total amount of power substantially equal to a power delivery that can be provided to the first port or to the second port individually.

19. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the first port is connected to a first controller and the second port is connected to a second controller, and wherein the step of reducing power includes communicating between the first controller and the second controller to provide an appropriate power level depending on the number of connected devices.

20. The method comprises: after determining that only the first device is connected to the single power source via the first port, providing a negotiated power delivery level received by the connected first device that corresponds to the highest level that can be provided by the single power source; 18. The method of claim 17, comprising: after determining that the second device is connected to the single power source via the second port such that the first device and the second device are both connected to the single power source via corresponding first and second ports, reducing the power to a maximum standard charging power level approved for USB charging applications such that total power delivery does not exceed a power rating of the single power source.

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