Wireless charger for changing output voltage

Abstract

Provided is a wireless charger for providing power received from a power supply device to a power receiving device. In the wireless charger, a control circuit may control a communication circuit of the wireless charger so as to, on the basis that the communication circuit of the wireless charger receives a first request message for requesting the lowering of an output voltage of a power signal outputted to the power receiving device through a coil of the wireless charger, output, to the power supply device through a data terminal of the wireless charger, a second request message for requesting the lowering of an input voltage of a power signal inputted from the power supply device through a power terminal of the wireless charger. The control circuit may control the communication circuit so as to, on the basis that the communication circuit receives a third request message for requesting the raising of the output voltage, output, to the power supply device through the data terminal, a fourth request message for requesting the raising of the input voltage.

Description

Wireless charger for changing output voltage

[0001] An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a wireless charger for changing an output voltage of a power signal output to a power receiving device.

[0002] A wireless charger can receive a power signal from a power supply device (e.g., a travel adapter (TA)), convert the current of the received power signal from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) using an inverter, and transmit it to a power receiving device (e.g., a smartphone, a wireless earphone charging case) through a coil.

[0003] The above information is provided as background information to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] A wireless charger can fix the voltage value of a power signal to be transmitted from a power supply device to the wireless charger through power delivery (PD) communication with the power supply device. The wireless charger can receive a power signal having a fixed voltage value from the power supply device. The wireless charger can include a power conversion circuit configured to convert the voltage value of the received power signal into a voltage value required by the power receiving device and output the converted power signal to an inverter. The power conversion circuit can include a buck-boost converter configured with a combination of an inductor having a characteristic of charging current, a capacitor having a characteristic of charging voltage, and a switch for controlling a ratio of an output voltage output to the inverter to an input voltage input from the power supply device.

[0005] While the power conversion circuit converts the voltage value of the power signal to be transmitted to the power receiving device, heat may be generated in the inductor. The greater the input current value of the power signal input from the power supply device, the more severe the heat generation in the inductor may be.

[0006] The thicker the inductor wire, the lower the inductor resistance (e.g., Ron resistance). This can reduce heat loss in the inductor and increase charging efficiency (e.g., the ratio of the output power output to the power receiving device to the input power input from the power supply device). However, thicker inductor wires can also result in a thicker wireless charger. For example, the thickness of the inductor mounted on the wireless charger's printed board assembly (PBA) can affect the thickness of the wireless charger. For example, to provide 15 W of power to the power receiving device, an inductor with a thickness of approximately 3 mm or more can be configured in the power conversion circuit.

[0007] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a wireless charger that minimizes energy loss due to heat when power received from a power supply device is supplied to a power receiving device. Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a thin wireless charger. The technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a wireless charger may include a coil; a connector including a power terminal and a data terminal; a power transmission circuit connected to the power terminal and configured to convert a current of a power signal received from a power supply device through the power terminal from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) and output the converted current to the coil; a communication circuit connected to the data terminal and the coil and configured to communicate with the power supply device through the data terminal and with a power receiving device through the coil; a control circuit configured to control the power transmission circuit and the communication circuit; and a power supply circuit connected to the power terminal and configured to supply a power signal received from the power supply device through the power terminal to the communication circuit and the control circuit. According to one embodiment, the control circuit may control the communication circuit to output a second request message to the power supply device through the data terminal, requesting to lower the input voltage of the power signal input from the power supply device through the power terminal, based on the communication circuit receiving a first request message requesting to lower the output voltage of the power signal output to the power receiving device through the coil. The control circuit may control the communication circuit to output a fourth request message to the power supply device through the data terminal, requesting to increase the input voltage, based on the communication circuit receiving a third request message requesting to increase the output voltage.According to one embodiment, the control circuit may control the communication circuit to output a second request message requesting to lower the input voltage of the power signal input from the power supply device through the power terminal to the power supply device through the data terminal as a result of the communication circuit receiving a first request message requesting to lower the output voltage of the power signal output to the power receiving device through the coil. The control circuit may control the communication circuit to output a fourth request message requesting to increase the input voltage to the power supply device through the data terminal as a result of the communication circuit receiving a third request message requesting to increase the output voltage.

[0009] According to one embodiment, a method of operating a wireless charger may include receiving a message requesting to change an output voltage of a power signal output to a power receiving device through a coil of the wireless charger. The method may include outputting a message requesting to change an input voltage of a power signal input from a power supply device through a power terminal of the wireless charger to the power supply device through a data terminal of the wireless charger based on the reception of the message requesting to change the output voltage. The outputting of the message requesting to change the input voltage may include: outputting a second request message requesting to lower the input voltage to the power supply device through the data terminal based on the reception of a first request message requesting to lower the output voltage; and outputting a fourth request message requesting to increase the input voltage to the power supply device through the data terminal based on the reception of a third request message requesting to increase the output voltage.

[0010] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a wireless charger can minimize energy loss due to heat when supplying power received from a power supply device to a power receiving device. This can also reduce the thickness of the wireless charger. In addition, various other benefits, directly or indirectly identified through this document, can be provided.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wireless charging system according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating operations for supplying power from a power supply device to a power receiving device through a wireless charger, according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a wireless charger for changing a voltage value of a power signal input from a power supply device based on a request from a power receiving device, according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a wireless charger for lowering an output voltage of the wireless charger based on a request from a power receiving device, according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a wireless charger for increasing an output voltage of the wireless charger based on a request from a power receiving device, according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a wireless charger for lowering an output voltage of the wireless charger based on a request from a power receiving device, according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a wireless charger for increasing an output voltage of the wireless charger based on a request from a power receiving device, according to one embodiment.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0021] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor)) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0022] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0023] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0024] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0025] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0026] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0027] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0028] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0029] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0030] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0031] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0032] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0033] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0034] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0035] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0036] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0037] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0038] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0039] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0040] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0041] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wireless charging system according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, the wireless charging system may include a power supply device (201), a power reception device (202) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1), and a wireless charger (203). The wireless charger (203) may include a connector (210), a power transmission circuit (220), a coil (230), a first communication circuit (240), a second communication circuit (250), a power supply circuit (260), and a control circuit (299). The wireless charger (203) may receive power from the power supply device (201) through a cable (e.g., a USB Type-C cable) (204) and transmit the power to the power reception device (202) through the coil (230). The wireless charger (203) may perform data communication with the power supply device (201) for receiving power through the connector (210). The wireless charger (203) can perform data communication with a power receiving device (202) for power transmission through a coil (230).

[0043] A power supply device (e.g., a travel adapter) (201) (e.g., an electronic device (102) of FIG. 1) can convert the current characteristics of a power signal input from an external power source from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and adjust the voltage of the power signal to a specified voltage value. The power supply device (201) can be electrically connected to a wireless charger (203) via a cable (204). The power supply device (201) can transmit a power signal whose voltage has been adjusted and whose current characteristics have been converted to DC to the wireless charger (203) via the cable (204).

[0044] The power supply device (201) may support a programmable power supply (PPS) function that adjusts the voltage value of the power signal according to a request from the external device while transmitting the power signal to the external device. For example, the power supply device (201) may transmit a power signal having a voltage value requested by the wireless charger (203) within a specified voltage range (e.g., 3.3 to 11 V, 3.3 to 16 V, or 3.3 to 21 V) to the wireless charger (203). The power supply device (201) may transmit a power signal having a fixed voltage value to the external device. For example, the power supply device (201) may transmit a list of power data objects (PDOs) to the wireless charger (203) via a cable (210). The power supply device (201) can transmit a power signal having a fixed voltage value (e.g., 5 V, 9 V, 15 V, or 20 V) selected from the PDO list to the wireless charger (203). Here, the fixed voltage value can mean that the voltage is fixed when the power supply device (201) supplies power to the wireless charger (203).

[0045] In the wireless charger (203), the connector (210) may include a data terminal (211) for data communication with the power supply device (201) and a power terminal (213) for receiving a power signal from the power supply device (201). For example, the connector (210) may include a socket according to USB (universal serial bus) Type-C. The socket may be coupled with a plug of a cable (204). Among the pins of the USB Type-C socket, the VBUS pin may be used as a power terminal (213), and the CC (configuration channel) pin and / or the differential signal pin (DP (D+), DN (D-)) may be used as a data terminal (211).

[0046] The power transmission circuit (220) may be electrically connected to the power terminal (213) and configured to convert the current of the power signal received from the power supply device (201) through the power terminal (213) from DC to AC in order to wirelessly transmit the power signal through the coil (230). In the present disclosure, the expression 'connection' may not only mean a direct connection between components but may also mean that there is another component (e.g., a resistor, an inductor, etc.) between the components and that the electrical connection is made. The power transmission circuit (220) may include an inverter (e.g., a full bridge circuit) (221) configured to periodically change the direction of the current. For example, the inverter (221) may include four switches (S1, S2, S3, S4). One end (a1) of S1 and one end (b1) of S2 may be connected to a power terminal (213), and one end (c1) of S3 and one end (d1) of S4 may be connected to the other end (a2) of S1 and the other end (b2) of S2, respectively. The other end (c2) of S3 and the other end (d2) of S4 may be connected to ground (e.g., a GND pin in a connector (210)). The other end (a2) of S1 and one end (c1) of S3 may be connected to one end (230a) of a coil (230). The other end (b2) of S2 and one end (d1) of S4 may be connected to the other end (230b) of the coil (230). When S1 and S4 are in a closed state (or an ON state), conversely, S2 and S3 may be in an open state (or an OFF state) (hereinafter, a first switching state). When S1 and S4 are in an open state, S2 and S3 may be in a closed state (hereinafter, a second switching state). The control circuit (299) may control the inverter (221) so that the first switching state and the second switching state are periodically repeated according to a wireless charging standard (e.g., in accordance with a frequency band (e.g., about 110 to 148 kHz) specified in a national standard (e.g., EN 300-330-1)).Accordingly, the current of the power signal received by the power transmission circuit (220) can be converted from DC to AC by the inverter (221) and transmitted to the power receiving device (202) through the coil (230). Each switch may include, for example, a field effect transistor (FET). The drain terminal and the source terminal of the FET may correspond to the one end and the other end described above. The control circuit (299) can close the switch by outputting a first control signal (e.g., a signal having a designated first voltage level) to the gate terminal of the FET. The control circuit (299) can open the switch by outputting a second control signal (e.g., a signal having a designated second voltage level lower than the first voltage level) to the gate terminal of the FET.

[0047] The power transmission circuit (220) can change the voltage value of the power signal output from the power transmission circuit (220) to the power reception device (202) through the coil (230) based on the control of the control circuit (229). For example, the control circuit (299) can increase the frequency of the power signal output from the inverter (221) to the coil (230) by shortening the period of the first switching state and the second switching state. When the frequency of the power signal increases, the resistance of the coil (230) increases, and thus the voltage of the power signal output from the inverter (221) to the coil (230) can decrease. Conversely, the control circuit (299) can decrease the frequency of the power signal output from the inverter (221) to the coil (230) by lengthening the period of the first switching state and the second switching state. As the frequency of the power signal decreases, the resistance of the coil (230) decreases, and accordingly, the voltage of the power signal output from the inverter (221) to the coil (230) may increase.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the coil (230) may be a spiral-type coil wound several times clockwise or counterclockwise around an axis perpendicular to a plane on which the power receiving device (202) is placed on the charging pad of the wireless charger (203). A power signal may be supplied from the wireless charger (203) to the power receiving device (202) by electrical coupling between the coil (230) and the coil (201a) of the power receiving device (202). In addition to power transmission, the coil (230) may be used as an antenna for data communication (e.g., in-band communication) between the wireless charger (203) and the power receiving device (202).

[0049] A first communication circuit (e.g., a USB controller) (240) is connected to a data terminal (211) and can identify the type of an external device connected to a connector (210) based on data received from the external device through the data terminal (211). The first communication circuit (240) can transmit identification information indicating the type of the external device to a control circuit (299). Based on the identification information, the control circuit (299) can perform an operation of negotiating a source that supplies power and a sink that receives power among the external device and the wireless charger (203) by performing communication according to a protocol specified for PD (power delivery) communication with the external device through the communication circuit (350). For example, when the external device is recognized as a power supply device (e.g., a travel adapter (TA)) (201), the power supply device (201) can be determined as a source and the wireless charger (203) can be determined as a sink. After such negotiation, the control circuit (299) may perform an operation of negotiating a voltage value of a power signal to be transmitted from the power supply device (201) by performing communication with the power supply device (201) through the first communication circuit (240) according to a PD communication protocol (e.g., power data objects (PDO) or programmable power supply (PPS)). The control circuit (299) may control the first communication circuit (240) to transmit a message requesting that the power supply device (201) transmit a power signal having a voltage value determined by the negotiation result.

[0050] The second communication circuit (250) is connected to the coil (230) and can perform data communication with the power receiving device (202) through the coil (230). For example, the second communication circuit (250) can receive a data signal from the control circuit (299), load the received data signal onto a power signal transmitted to the power receiving device (202), and transmit the data signal to the power receiving device (202). For example, a technique of modulating the amplitude and / or frequency of the power signal can be used as a method of loading the data signal onto the power signal. The second communication circuit (250) can receive the data signal from the power receiving device (202) through the coil (230). For example, the second communication circuit (250) can obtain a data signal transmitted by the power receiving device (202) to the wireless charger (203) through its coil (201a) by demodulating a power signal transmitted from the coil (230) of the wireless charger (203) to the coil (201a) of the power receiving device (202). The second communication circuit (250) can transmit the data signal obtained from the power signal to the control circuit (299).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the power supply circuit (260) may be connected to the power terminal (213) and driven by a power signal received from the power supply device (201) through the power terminal (213). The power supply circuit (260) may be configured to output the power signal received from the power supply device (201) through the power terminal (213) to the first communication circuit (240), the second communication circuit (250), and the control circuit (299) as driving power for driving the first communication circuit (240), the second communication circuit (250), and the control circuit (299). The power supply circuit (260) may include a DC-DC converter for adjusting a voltage (output voltage) of the power signal output from the power supply circuit (260). For example, the power supply circuit (260) may include a buck converter that lowers the output voltage compared to the voltage (input voltage) of a power signal received from the power supply device (201) via the power terminal (213). The power supply circuit (260) may include a boost converter that increases the output voltage compared to the input voltage. When receiving a power signal having an input voltage higher than a specified voltage value (e.g., 5 V), the power supply circuit (260) may lower the output voltage to the specified voltage value using the buck converter and output the power signal having the lowered output voltage to the first communication circuit (240), the second communication circuit (250), and the control circuit (299). When receiving a power signal having an input voltage lower than a specified voltage value (e.g., 5 V), the power supply circuit (260) can increase the output voltage to the specified voltage value using a boost converter and output the power signal having the increased output voltage to the first communication circuit (240), the second communication circuit (250), and the control circuit (299).

[0052] The control circuit (299) can be woken up by the driving power supplied from the power supply circuit (260) and can perform data communication with the power supply device (201) using the first communication circuit (240). The control circuit (299) can identify whether the power supply device (201) is a PPS (programmable power supply) supporting model through data communication with the power supply device (201). For example, the control circuit (299) can receive information indicating the specifications of the power that the power supply device (302) can supply from the power supply device (201) through the first communication circuit (240). Based on the fact that the received information includes PPS information indicating the voltage range (e.g., 3.3 to 11 V, 3.3 to 16 V, or 3.3 to 21 V) that the power supply device (201) can supply, the control circuit (299) can identify the power supply device (201) as a PPS supporting model. The received information may include, for example, a list of power data objects (PDOs) indicating a fixed voltage value and a corresponding rated current value. For example, the received PDO list may include information indicating “15W (5V*3A), 27W (9V*3A), 45W (15V*3A), 60W (20V*3A), or 65W (20V*3.25A)” as the supplyable power. The control circuit (299) may identify the power supply device (201) as a model that does not support PPS based on the fact that the information received from the power supply device (201) includes only a PDO list without PPS information.

[0053] The control circuit (299) may receive a feedback signal for controlling power supply from the power receiving device (202) through the coil (230) while a power signal is transmitted from the wireless charger (203) to the power receiving device (202) through the coil (230) through the second communication circuit (250). The feedback signal may include a control error packet (CEP) defined in the WPC standard. The control error packet may include a control error value (CEV). For example, the CEV may be an integer between -127 and +128.

[0054] The control circuit (299) can change the voltage (output voltage) of the power signal output from the power transmitting circuit (220) to the power receiving device (202) through the coil (230) based on the CEV received from the power receiving device (202) while the power transmitting circuit (220) outputs the power signal to the power receiving device (202) through the coil (230). The CEV may include a value determined by the difference between a rectified voltage value obtained by the power receiving device (202) by rectifying the power signal received through the coil (201a) and a target voltage value designated by the power receiving device (302). Here, the target voltage value may be, for example, the voltage of the battery of the power receiving device (202) when it is fully charged. A full charge may mean a state of charge (SOC) when the charge amount of the battery reaches 100%, which is a set maximum capacity, without concern of burnout or explosion. For example, if the difference between the rectified voltage and the target voltage is within a specified error range, the CEV may be set to “0” by the power receiving device (202). In the wireless charger (203), the control circuit (299) may maintain the output voltage without change when a CEP with a CEV of ‘0’ is received from the power receiving device (202) through the second communication circuit (250). The power receiving device (202) may transmit a CEP including a negative CEV to the wireless charger (203) in order to lower the power value for charging the battery. When the CEV is negative, the control circuit (299) may control the power supply device (201) and / or the power transmission circuit (220) to lower the output voltage. The power receiving device (202) may transmit a CEP including a positive CEV to the wireless charger (203) in order to increase the power value for charging the battery. When CEV is positive, the control circuit (299) can control the power supply device (201) and / or the power transmission circuit (220) to increase the output voltage.The control circuit (299) can control the power transmission circuit (220) to stop outputting the power signal to the coil (230) when a termination signal (e.g., a packet (e.g., CS 100 Packet) transmitted by the power reception device (302) due to completion of battery charging) is received from the power reception device (202) through the second communication circuit (250). For example, the control circuit (299) can stop outputting the power signal by maintaining the voltage level of the control signal output to the switches (S1, S2, S3, S4) at the second voltage level.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (299), the first communication circuit (240), and the second communication circuit (250) may be integrated into a single wireless charging integrated circuit (IC) (205). For example, the wireless charging IC (205) may be configured to perform wired communication with the power supply device (201) via the data terminal (211). The wireless charging IC (205) may be configured to perform wireless communication with the power receiving device (202) via the coil (230). The wireless charging IC (205) may be configured to control the power supply device (201) and / or the power transmission circuit (220) based on wired or wireless communication.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the wireless charger (203) may further include a matching circuit (270) to minimize return loss of a power signal. For example, the matching circuit (270) may be inserted into a transmission line between the coil (230) and the power transmission circuit (220), thereby allowing the transmission line to be matched to a specific impedance. The matching circuit (270) may be a lumped element, and may include at least one of a resistor, an inductor, or a capacitor. The matching circuit (270) may further include a strip line, and may be a distributed element.

[0057] According to the configuration of the wireless charger (203) of FIG. 2, the power conversion circuit can be omitted from the power line between the power terminal (213) and the power transmission circuit (220). Accordingly, when a power signal is transmitted from the power supply device (201) to the power reception device (202) via the wireless charger (203), heat generation due to the inductor of the power conversion circuit is not generated. In addition, the thickness of the wireless charger (203) can be reduced due to the omission of the inductor between the power terminal (213) and the power transmission circuit (220).

[0058] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating operations for supplying power from a power supply device (e.g., power supply device (201) of FIG. 2) to a power receiving device (e.g., power receiving device (202) of FIG. 2) through a wireless charger (e.g., wireless charger (203) of FIG. 2), according to one embodiment.

[0059] In operation 310, the control circuit (299) can receive data from a power supply device (e.g., 201 in FIG. 2) via the first communication circuit (240).

[0060] In operation 320, the control circuit (299) can determine, based on data received from the power supply device (201), that the power supply device (201) is a device that supports PPS. For example, if the data received from the power supply device (201) includes information indicating one or more voltage ranges (e.g., 3.3 to 11 V, 3.3 to 16 V, or 3.3 to 21 V), the control circuit (299) can recognize the power supply device (201) as a PPS-supporting model.

[0061] In operation 330, the control circuit (299) may control the power transmission circuit (220) to transmit a power signal for the purpose of identifying the power reception device (202) based on the power supply device (201) being identified as a device supporting PPS. According to one embodiment, the control circuit (299) may select one of the voltage ranges. For example, when a TA supporting 25 W as the power supply device (201) is connected to the connector (210), the control circuit (299) may receive information from the power supply device (201) indicating that it can support PPS in a voltage range of 3.3-5.9 V or 3.3-11 V. The control circuit (299) may select 3.3-11 V from the voltage ranges as the range of the input voltage (voltage of the power signal input from the power supply device (201) via the power terminal (213). When a TA supporting 45W is connected to the connector (210), the control circuit (299) can receive information from the power supply device (201) indicating that PPS can be supported in a voltage range of 3.3-11V, 3.3-16V, or 3.3-21V. The control circuit (299) can select 3.3-21V from the voltage range as the range of the input voltage. The control circuit (299) can set the input voltage (e.g., 5V) in the selected voltage range. The control circuit (299) can transmit data representing the selected voltage range and the input voltage determined in the range to the power supply device (201) through the first communication circuit (240). The power supply device (201) can determine the range of the input voltage based on the data received from the wireless charger (203). The power supply device (201) can determine an output voltage based on data received from the wireless charger (203) and output a power signal having the determined output voltage to the wireless charger (203). The control circuit (299) can output a power signal received from the power supply device (201) through the power terminal (213) at a specified frequency (e.g., 127.The power transmission circuit (220) can be controlled to convert the power signal having a frequency of 7 kHz into a power signal and output it to the coil (230). The control circuit (299) can identify the power reception device (202) based on a response (e.g., signal strength packet (SSP)) to the transmission of the power signal received from the second communication circuit (250).

[0062] In operation 340, the control circuit (299) may control the power transmission circuit (220) to transmit a power signal for the purpose of charging the battery of the power reception device (202) based on the power reception device (202) being identified. For example, the control circuit (299) may set an input voltage within the selected voltage range through data communication with the power reception device (202). The control circuit (299) may control the power transmission circuit (220) to convert a power signal received from the power supply device (201) through the power terminal (213) into a power signal having a specified frequency (e.g., 127.7 kHz) and output the converted power signal to the coil (230).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the wireless charger (203) may include a display device for visually providing information related to wireless charging. For example, the wireless charger (203) may include a light emitting diode (LED) (e.g., an orange LED) to indicate that the power supply device (201) connected to the connector (210) is a device that does not support PPS. If there is no voltage range in the data received from the power supply device (201), the control circuit (299) may recognize the power supply device (201) as a device that does not support PPS. If the power supply device (201) is recognized as a device that does not support PPS, the control circuit (299) may turn on or blink the LED provided in the wireless charger (203) to indicate that wireless charging is not possible.

[0064] According to one embodiment, when the power supply device (201) is recognized as a device that does not support PPS, the control circuit (299) can adjust the output voltage of the power transmission circuit (220) (the voltage of the power signal output from the power transmission circuit (220) to the power reception device (202) through the coil (230) by fixing the input voltage to one in the PDO list and adjusting the frequency of the power signal output from the inverter (221) to the coil (230).

[0065] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a wireless charger (203) for changing a voltage value of a power signal input from a power supply device (201) based on a request from a power receiving device (202), according to one embodiment.

[0066] In operation 410, the control circuit (299) can receive data from the power receiving device (202) while a power signal is transmitted from the power transmitting circuit (220) to the power receiving device (202) through the coil (230) (e.g., while operation 340 is performed).

[0067] In operation 420, the control circuit (299) can identify a request for a change in the output voltage (voltage of a power signal output from the power transmission circuit (220) to the power reception device (202) through the coil (230)) in the received data.

[0068] At operation 430, the control circuit (299) may transmit a message requesting a change in the voltage value to the power supply device (201) through the first communication circuit (240) based on the fact that a request for a change in the output voltage is identified in the received data. The control circuit (299) may transmit a second request message requesting a decrease in the input voltage to the power supply device (201) through the second communication circuit (240) based on the fact that the control circuit (299) received a first request message requesting a decrease in the output voltage (e.g., a CEP including a negative CEV) from the power receiving device (202). The control circuit (299) may transmit a fourth request message requesting a decrease in the input voltage to the power supply device (201) through the second communication circuit (250) based on the fact that the control circuit (299) received a third request message requesting a decrease in the output voltage (e.g., a CEP including a positive CEV) from the power receiving device (202).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (299) can check the control error value (CEV) from the received data, and based on the checked CEV, request the power supply device (201) to change the input voltage value. As a PPS function of the power supply device (201), the voltage resolution can be several mV (e.g., about 20 mV). For example, the control circuit (299) can transmit the checked CEV to the power supply device (201). The power supply device (201) can stepwise increase or decrease the voltage output to the wireless charger (203) n times (the absolute value of CEV) by several mV. When the CEV is -8, the power supply device (201) can stepwise decrease the voltage output to the wireless charger (203) by several mV eight times.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a wireless charger (203) for lowering an output voltage of the wireless charger (203) based on a request of a power receiving device (202), according to one embodiment.

[0071] In operation 510, the control circuit (299) can receive data from the power receiving device (202) while a power signal is transmitted from the power transmitting circuit (220) to the power receiving device (202) through the coil (230) (e.g., while operation 340 is performed).

[0072] At operation 520, the control circuit (299) may identify a request in the received data to lower the output voltage (e.g., a CEP containing a negative CEV value).

[0073] In operation 530, the control circuit (299) may transmit a message requesting to lower the input voltage to the power supply device (201) via the first communication circuit (240) based on the request to lower the output voltage being confirmed in the received data.

[0074] In operation 540, the control circuit (299) can check that the output voltage of the power terminal (213) corresponding to the input voltage (the voltage of the power signal output from the power supply device (201) to the power transmission circuit (220) via the power terminal (213; see FIG. 2)) is less than or equal to a specified minimum value. Here, the minimum value may correspond to a minimum value (e.g., 3.3 V) in a selected voltage range (e.g., a voltage range selected for performing operation 340).

[0075] In operation 550, the control circuit (299) may transmit a message requesting that the input voltage be fixed to the minimum value to the power supply device (201) through the first communication circuit (240) based on the input voltage being confirmed to be lower than the minimum value, and control the power transmission circuit (220) to increase the frequency of the power signal output from the wireless charger (203) to the power receiving device (202). As the frequency of the power signal output from the wireless charger (203) to the power receiving device (202) increases, the voltage of the power signal output from the wireless charger (203) to the power receiving device (202) may decrease.

[0076] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a wireless charger (203) for increasing an output voltage of the wireless charger (203) based on a request from a power receiving device (202), according to one embodiment.

[0077] In operation 610, the control circuit (299) can receive data from the power receiving device (202) while a power signal is transmitted from the power transmitting circuit (220) to the power receiving device (202) through the coil (230) (e.g., while operation 340 is performed).

[0078] At operation 620, the control circuit (299) may identify a request to increase the output voltage in the received data (e.g., a CEP containing a positive CEV value).

[0079] At operation 630, the control circuit (299) may transmit a message requesting to increase the input voltage to the power supply device (201) via the first communication circuit (240) based on the request to increase the output voltage being confirmed in the received data.

[0080] At operation 640, the control circuit (299) can determine that the input voltage (VCC; see FIG. 2) is greater than or equal to a specified maximum value. Here, the maximum value may correspond to a maximum value (e.g., 11 V) in a selected voltage range (e.g., a voltage range selected for performing operation 340).

[0081] In operation 650, the control circuit (299) may transmit a message requesting that the input voltage be fixed to the maximum value to the power supply device (201) through the first communication circuit (240) based on the input voltage being confirmed to be higher than the maximum value, and control the power transmission circuit (220) to lower the frequency of the power signal output from the wireless charger (203) to the power receiving device (202). As the frequency of the power signal output from the wireless charger (203) to the power receiving device (202) is lowered, the voltage of the power signal output from the wireless charger (203) to the power receiving device (202) may increase.

[0082] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a wireless charger (203) for lowering an output voltage of the wireless charger (203) based on a request of a power receiving device (202), according to one embodiment.

[0083] In operation 710, the control circuit (299) can periodically check the input voltage (VCC; see FIG. 2) while a power signal is transmitted from the power transmission circuit (220) to the power reception device (202) through the coil (230) (e.g., while operation 340 is performed).

[0084] In operation 720, the control circuit (299) can check whether the input voltage is below the minimum value.

[0085] If the input voltage is greater than the minimum value, the control circuit (299) may perform the first voltage variable mode in operation 730. For example, the control circuit (299) may check for a negative CEV in data received from the power receiving device (202). Based on the check for a negative CEV in the received data, the control circuit (299) may transmit a message requesting to lower the input voltage to the power supply device (201) through the first communication circuit (240). After transmitting the message, the control circuit (299) may check the CEV in the data received from the power receiving device (202). If the checked CEV is '0', the control circuit (299) may terminate the first voltage variable mode. If the checked CEV is still negative, the control circuit (299) may transmit a message requesting to further lower the input voltage to the power supply device (201) through the first communication circuit (240). The control circuit (299) can repeatedly perform the operation of checking the CEV in the received data and requesting the power supply device (201) to lower the input voltage until the CEV converges to '0'.

[0086] If the input voltage is less than or equal to the minimum value, the control circuit (299) may perform the first frequency variable mode in operation 740. For example, the control circuit (299) may transmit a message requesting that the input voltage be fixed to the minimum value to the power supply device (201) through the first communication circuit (240). The control circuit (299) may check a negative CEV in data received from the power receiving device (202). Based on the check of the negative CEV in the received data, the control circuit (299) may control the power transmitting circuit (220) to increase the frequency of the power signal output from the wireless charger (203) to the power receiving device (202). The control circuit (299) may check the CEV in the data received from the power receiving device (202) after increasing the frequency. If the checked CEV is '0', the control circuit (299) may terminate the first frequency variable mode. If the confirmed CEV is still negative, the control circuit (299) can control the power transmission circuit (220) to further increase the frequency of the power signal output to the power reception device (202). The control circuit (299) can repeatedly perform the operation of checking the CEV in the received data and gradually increasing the frequency until the CEV converges to '0' or the frequency reaches a maximum value (e.g., 145 kHz).

[0087] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a wireless charger (203) for increasing an output voltage of the wireless charger (203) based on a request from a power receiving device (202), according to one embodiment.

[0088] In operation 810, the control circuit (299) can periodically check the input voltage (VCC; see FIG. 2) while a power signal is transmitted from the power transmission circuit (220) to the power reception device (202) through the coil (230) (e.g., while operation 340 is performed).

[0089] In operation 820, the control circuit (299) can check whether the input voltage is greater than the maximum value. Operation 810 corresponds to, for example, operation 710, and operation 820 can be performed simultaneously with operation 720.

[0090] If the input voltage is less than the maximum value, the control circuit (299) may perform the second voltage variable mode in operation 830. For example, the control circuit (299) may check for a positive CEV in the data received from the power receiving device (202). Based on the positive CEV being checked in the received data, the control circuit (299) may transmit a message requesting to increase the input voltage to the power supply device (201) through the first communication circuit (240). After transmitting the message, the control circuit (299) may check the CEV in the data received from the power receiving device (202). If the checked CEV is '0', the control circuit (299) may terminate the second voltage variable mode. If the checked CEV is still positive, the control circuit (299) may transmit a message requesting to further increase the input voltage to the power supply device (201) through the first communication circuit (240). The control circuit (299) can repeatedly perform the operation of checking the CEV in the received data and requesting the power supply device (201) to increase the input voltage until the CEV converges to '0'.

[0091] If the input voltage is greater than the maximum value, the control circuit (299) may perform the second frequency variable mode in operation 840. For example, the control circuit (299) may transmit a message requesting that the input voltage be fixed to the maximum value to the power supply device (201) through the first communication circuit (240). The control circuit (299) may check a positive CEV in data received from the power receiving device (202). Based on the positive CEV being checked in the received data, the control circuit (299) may control the power transmitting circuit (220) to lower the frequency of the power signal output from the wireless charger (203) to the power receiving device (202). The control circuit (299) may check the CEV in data received from the power receiving device (202) after lowering the frequency. If the checked CEV is '0', the control circuit (299) may terminate the second frequency variable mode. If the verified CEV is still positive, the control circuit (299) can control the power transmission circuit (220) to further lower the frequency of the power signal output to the power reception device (202). The control circuit (299) can repeatedly perform the operation of checking the CEV in the received data and stepwise lowering the frequency until the CEV converges to '0' or the frequency reaches a minimum value (e.g., 110 kHz).

[0092] The time required to change the voltage in the power supply device (201) may be shorter than the period in which the power receiving device (202) transmits the CEP to the wireless charger (203). For example, when the absolute value of the CEV is less than 8, the CEP transmission period is about 150 ms, and when the absolute value of the CEV is 8 or more (for example, the absolute value of the CEV may be 8 or more when the alignment between the coils (230, 201a) is uneven), the CEP transmission period is about 55 ms, and the time required for the voltage change may be about 32 ms. Accordingly, the wireless charger (203) can control the power supply device (201) to quickly respond to changes in the CEV.

[0093] The voltage resolution of the power supply device (201) can satisfy the voltage resolution required by the power reception device (202). For example, if the range of the CEV is 256 steps (-127 to +128) and the selected voltage range (e.g., the voltage range selected for performing operation 340) is 3.3 to 10 V, the voltage resolution required by the power reception device (202) can be 30 mV. If the voltage resolution of the power supply device (201) is smaller than the voltage resolution of 30 mV, the CEV can converge to 0. After the CEV converges to 0, stable power can be supplied from the power supply device (201) to the power reception device (202) through the relay of the wireless charger (203) without fluctuation in the output voltage.

[0094] In the above description of the present disclosure, the wireless charger (203) may be expressed by other names, such as a power relay device or a wireless charging relay device.

[0095] According to one embodiment, a wireless charger (e.g., 203 of FIG. 2) may include a coil; a connector including a power terminal and a data terminal; a power transmission circuit connected to the power terminal and configured to convert a current of a power signal received from a power supply device (e.g., 201 of FIG. 2) through the power terminal from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) and output the converted current to the coil; a communication circuit (e.g., 240 and 250 of FIG. 2) connected to the data terminal and the coil and configured to communicate with the power supply device through the data terminal and with a power receiving device (e.g., 202 of FIG. 2) through the coil; a control circuit configured to control the power transmission circuit and the communication circuit; and a power supply circuit connected to the power terminal and configured to supply a power signal received from the power supply device through the power terminal to the communication circuit and the control circuit. The control circuit may control the communication circuit to output a second request message requesting to lower the input voltage of the power signal input from the power supply device through the power terminal to the power supply device through the data terminal based on the communication circuit receiving a first request message requesting to lower the output voltage of the power signal output to the power receiving device through the coil. The control circuit may control the communication circuit to output a fourth request message requesting to increase the input voltage to the power supply device through the data terminal based on the communication circuit receiving a third request message requesting to increase the output voltage.

[0096] The control circuit may control the communication circuit to output the second request message to the power supply device through the data terminal based on the CEV (control error value) included in the first request message being negative. The control circuit may control the communication circuit to output the fourth request message to the power supply device through the data terminal based on the CEV included in the third request message being positive. The control circuit may set the input voltage in proportion to the CEV.

[0097] The control circuit can increase the frequency of a power signal output from the power transmission circuit to the coil based on the communication circuit receiving a message requesting to lower the output voltage while the input voltage is fixed at a minimum value.

[0098] The control circuit can lower the frequency of a power signal output from the power transmission circuit to the coil based on the communication circuit receiving a message requesting to increase the output voltage while the input voltage is fixed at a maximum value.

[0099] The above communication circuit and the above control circuit may be included in a single chip. The control circuit may include an MCU (microcontroller unit).

[0100] The power supply circuit may include a converter configured to convert a voltage of a power signal received from the power supply device through the power terminal into a voltage specified for driving the communication circuit and the control circuit.

[0101] The control circuit may perform an operation of controlling the power transmission circuit to transmit a power signal for identifying the power receiving device based on the fact that the power supply device is a device that supports a PPS (programmable power supply) function for adjusting the input voltage, as confirmed through the communication circuit.

[0102] The above control circuit can turn on or blink an LED (light emitting diode) provided in the wireless charger based on the fact that the power supply device does not support the PPS function as determined through the communication circuit.

[0103] According to one embodiment, a method of operating a wireless charger (e.g., 203 of FIG. 2) may include receiving a message requesting to change an output voltage of a power signal output to a power receiving device (e.g., 202 of FIG. 2) through a coil of the wireless charger. The method may include outputting, to the power supply device through a data terminal of the wireless charger, a message requesting to change an input voltage of a power signal input from a power supply device (e.g., 201 of FIG. 2) through a power terminal of the wireless charger, based on the reception of the message requesting to change the output voltage. The outputting of the message requesting to change the input voltage may include: outputting, to the power supply device through the data terminal, a second request message requesting to lower the input voltage, based on the reception of a first request message requesting to lower the output voltage; And based on the receipt of a third request message requesting to increase the output voltage, an action of outputting a fourth request message requesting to increase the input voltage to the power supply device through the data terminal may be included.

[0104] The operation of outputting the second request message may be performed based on the CEV (control error value) included in the first request message being negative. The operation of outputting the fourth request message may be performed based on the CEV included in the third request message being positive.

[0105] The method may further include: an operation of checking the input voltage; an operation of outputting a message to the power supply device through the data terminal, requesting that the input voltage be fixed to the minimum value based on the input voltage being lower than or equal to a specified minimum value; and an operation of increasing the frequency of a power signal output from the coil to the power receiving device based on receiving a message from the power receiving device, requesting that the output voltage be lowered while the input voltage is fixed to the minimum value.

[0106] The method may further include: an operation of checking the input voltage; an operation of outputting a message to the power supply device through the data terminal, requesting that the input voltage be fixed to the maximum value based on the input voltage being equal to or greater than a specified maximum value; and an operation of increasing the frequency of a power signal output from the coil to the power receiving device based on receiving a message from the power receiving device, requesting that the output voltage be increased while the input voltage is fixed to the maximum value.

[0107] The method may further include an operation of transmitting a power signal for identifying the power receiving device through the coil based on confirmation that the power supply device supports a PPS (programmable power supply) function for adjusting the input voltage.

[0108] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0109] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0110] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. In one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0111] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0113] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0114] Any of the features described herein may be combined, in any combination, with any other features described herein.

Claims

1. In the wireless charger (203), coil (230); A connector (210) including a power terminal (213) and a data terminal (211); A power transmission circuit (220) connected to the power terminal and configured to convert the current of a power signal received from a power supply device (201) through the power terminal from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) and output it to the coil; A communication circuit (240, 250) connected to the data terminal and the coil and configured to communicate with the power supply device through the data terminal and to communicate with the power receiving device (202) through the coil; A control circuit (299) configured to control the power transmission circuit and the communication circuit; and A power supply circuit (260) is connected to the power terminal and configured to supply a power signal received from the power supply device through the power terminal to the communication circuit and the control circuit. The above control circuit, Based on the communication circuit receiving a first request message requesting to lower the output voltage of the power signal output to the power receiving device through the coil, the communication circuit is controlled to output a second request message requesting to lower the input voltage of the power signal input from the power supply device through the power terminal to the power supply device through the data terminal. A wireless charger configured to control the communication circuit to output a fourth request message requesting to increase the input voltage to the power supply device through the data terminal based on the communication circuit receiving a third request message requesting to increase the output voltage.

2. In the first paragraph, the control circuit, Controlling the communication circuit to output the second request message to the power supply device through the data terminal based on the CEV (control error value) included in the first request message being negative, A wireless charger configured to control the communication circuit to output the fourth request message to the power supply device through the data terminal based on the CEV included in the third request message being positive.

3. In the second paragraph, the control circuit, A wireless charger configured to set the input voltage in proportion to the CEV.

4. In the first paragraph, the control circuit, A wireless charger configured to increase the frequency of a power signal output from the power transmission circuit to the coil based on a message received by the communication circuit requesting to lower the output voltage while the input voltage is fixed to a minimum value.

5. In the first paragraph, the control circuit, A wireless charger configured to lower the frequency of a power signal output from the power transmission circuit to the coil based on a message received by the communication circuit requesting to increase the output voltage while the input voltage is fixed to a maximum value.

6. In paragraph 1, A wireless charger wherein the above communication circuit and the above control circuit are included in a single chip.

7. In the 6th paragraph, the control circuit is a wireless charger including an MCU (microcontroller unit).

8. In the first paragraph, the power supply circuit, A wireless charger including a converter configured to convert a voltage of a power signal received from the power supply device through the power terminal into a voltage specified for driving the communication circuit and the control circuit.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, the control circuit, A wireless charger configured to perform an operation of controlling the power transmission circuit to transmit a power signal for identifying the power receiving device based on the confirmation through the communication circuit that the power supply device supports a PPS (programmable power supply) function for adjusting the input voltage.

10. In the 9th paragraph, the control circuit is based on the fact that the power supply device is a device that does not support the PPS function as confirmed through the communication circuit. A wireless charger configured to turn on or blink an LED (light emitting diode) provided in the wireless charger.

11. In a method of operating a wireless charger (230), An operation of receiving a message requesting to change the output voltage of a power signal output to a power receiving device (202) through a coil (230) of the wireless charger; and An operation of outputting a message requesting to change the input voltage of a power signal input from a power supply device (201) through a power terminal (213) of the wireless charger to the power supply device through a data terminal (211) of the wireless charger based on the reception of a message requesting to change the output voltage, The action of outputting a message requesting a change in the above input voltage is: An operation of outputting a second request message requesting to lower the input voltage to the power supply device through the data terminal based on the reception of a first request message requesting to lower the output voltage; and A method comprising the action of outputting a fourth request message requesting to increase the input voltage to the power supply device through the data terminal based on receipt of a third request message requesting to increase the output voltage.

12. In paragraph 11, The operation of outputting the second request message is performed based on the CEV (control error value) included in the first request message being negative, A method in which the operation of outputting the fourth request message is performed based on the CEV included in the third request message being positive.

13. In paragraph 11, An operation to check the above input voltage; An operation of outputting a message to the power supply device through the data terminal, requesting that the input voltage be fixed to the minimum value, based on the input voltage being less than or equal to a specified minimum value; and A method further comprising: increasing the frequency of a power signal output from the coil to the power receiving device based on receiving a message from the power receiving device requesting to lower the output voltage while the input voltage is fixed to the minimum value.

14. In paragraph 11, An operation to check the above input voltage; An action of outputting a message to the power supply device through the data terminal, requesting that the input voltage be fixed to the maximum value, based on the input voltage being greater than or equal to a specified maximum value; and A method further comprising an action of increasing the frequency of a power signal output from the coil to the power receiving device based on receiving a message from the power receiving device requesting to increase the output voltage while the input voltage is fixed to the maximum value.

15. In paragraph 11, A method further comprising the action of transmitting a power signal for identifying the power receiving device through the coil, based on determining that the power supply device supports a PPS (programmable power supply) function for adjusting the input voltage.

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