Electronic device for charging battery by using power input from power supply device

Abstract

This electronic device includes: a connector including a power terminal and a data terminal; a communication circuit connected to the data terminal; a power conversion circuit configured to lower a voltage of a power signal input from a power supply device through the power terminal by 1 / N times and increase a current thereof by N times to output the lowered voltage and the increased current; a battery connected to the power conversion circuit; and a control circuit connected to the communication circuit and the power conversion circuit. While the battery is being charged by using the power conversion circuit, the control circuit may perform the operations of: controlling the communication circuit to perform communication with the power supply device through the data terminal so as to gradually increase the current of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device from a first initial value to a first target current value set as a maximum output current value; when a communication error occurs before the current value of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device reaches the first target current value, identifying to which current section the output current value belongs among set current sections; counting the number of occurrences of errors in the identified current section; setting a second target current value less than the first target current value as the maximum output current value on the basis of the counted number of times being equal to or greater than a threshold value; and controlling the communication circuit to perform, with the power supply device through the data terminal, communication for gradually increasing the current of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device from a second initial value to the second target current value.

Description

An electronic device for charging a battery using power input from a power supply.

[0001] An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an electronic device configured to charge a battery using power input from a power supply device.

[0002] A power supply device (e.g., a travel adapter (TA)) can perform power delivery (PD) communication with an electronic device via a cable and supply power to a power receiving device (e.g., a smartphone). The power receiving device (e.g., a smartphone) can charge the battery of the power receiving device using the power input from the power supply device and supply power to the system (in other words, the load circuit) of the power receiving device. For example, the power input from the power supply device to the power receiving device can be distributed to the battery and the system through the charging circuit of the power receiving device.

[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] If the cable connecting the power supply and power receiver is old or not of the specified quality, PD communication errors may occur between the two devices. Due to cable resistance, the input voltage of the power receiver (the voltage of the power signal input from the cable to the power receiver) is relatively lower than the output voltage of the power supply (the voltage of the power signal output from the power supply to the cable). This voltage drop due to cable resistance is referred to as IR Drop (or V Drop).

[0005] The allowable IR drop is defined by USB Power Delivery (USB PD). USB PD (Power Delivery) is a communications protocol for supplying power between electronic devices connected via a USB cable. For example, if the output current of a power supply device (the current of the power signal output from the power supply device to the cable) is set to a maximum of 5A, the IR drop between the power pins of two devices connected via a USB Type-C cable can be up to approximately 500mV, and the IR drop between the ground pins can be up to approximately 250mV. If the cable is aged or not of the specified authenticity, the IR drop may exceed the specified tolerance.

[0006] An IR drop exceeding the allowable limit can cause errors in PD communication between two devices. For example, a power receiver may communicate with a power supply to adjust the output voltage and / or output current of the power supply. During PD communication, the power supply may not be able to identify the data transmitted by the power receiver. As a result, the power supply may stop supplying power to the power receiver. Subsequently, power supply may be resumed through PD communication between the two devices. However, power supply may be interrupted again. Repeated power interruptions and resumptions can delay battery charging and lead to frequent voice of customers (VOC) complaints (e.g., user complaints about slow or no charging).

[0007] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a communication error occurs due to the electronic device being connected to the power supply through an abnormal cable, the electronic device can prevent further communication errors by lowering the output current of the power supply, thereby charging the battery more quickly.

[0008] The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a connector including a power terminal and a data terminal; a communication circuit connected to the data terminal; a power conversion circuit configured to lower the voltage of a power signal input from a power supply device through the power terminal by 1 / N times and increase the current by N times and output it; a battery connected to the power conversion circuit; and a control circuit connected to the communication circuit and the power conversion circuit. While charging the battery using the power conversion circuit, the control circuit controls the communication circuit to perform communication with the power supply device through the data terminal to gradually increase the current of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device from a first initial value to a first target current value set as a maximum output current value; an operation of determining which current section among set current sections an output current value belongs to when an error in the communication occurs before the current value of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device reaches the first target current value; an operation of counting the number of occurrences of an error in the determined current section; An operation of setting a second target current value lower than the first target current value as the maximum output current value based on the counted number being greater than or equal to a threshold value; and an operation of controlling the communication circuit to perform communication with the power supply device through the data terminal to gradually increase the current of a power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device from a second initial value to the second target current value.

[0010] According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a connector including a power terminal and a data terminal; a communication circuit connected to the data terminal; a power conversion circuit configured to lower the voltage of a power signal input from a power supply device through the power terminal by 1 / N times and increase the current by N times and output it; a battery connected to the power conversion circuit; and a control circuit connected to the communication circuit and the power conversion circuit. While charging the battery using the power conversion circuit, the control circuit controls the communication circuit to perform communication with the power supply device through the data terminal to gradually increase power output from the power supply device to the electronic device from a first initial value to a first target power value set as a maximum output power value; an operation of determining which power section among preset power sections an output power value belongs to when an error in the communication occurs before the power output from the power supply device reaches the first target power value; an operation of counting the number of occurrences of an error in the determined power section; An operation of setting a second target power value lower than the first target power value as the maximum output power value based on the counted number being greater than or equal to a threshold value; and an operation of controlling the communication circuit to perform communication with the power supply device through the data terminal to gradually increase the power output from the power supply device to the electronic device from a second initial value to the second target power value.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide an electronic device configured to prevent further communication errors and charge a battery more quickly by reducing the output current of a power supply when a communication error occurs due to being connected to the power supply via an abnormal cable. Furthermore, various other benefits can be directly or indirectly identified through this document.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a power receiving device configured to charge a battery using power received from a power supply device, according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 is a drawing for explaining a communication error due to IR Drop.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a power receiving device for charging a battery using a first power conversion circuit according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a power receiving device for resolving a communication error when a communication error occurs while charging a battery using a first power conversion circuit according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a power receiving device for charging a battery using a first power conversion circuit according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a power receiving device for resolving a communication error when a communication error occurs while charging a battery using a first power conversion circuit according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating operations of a power supply device and a power receiving device to resolve communication errors during battery charging, according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a power receiving device for resolving a communication error according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a power receiving device for resolving a communication error according to one embodiment.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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)).

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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).

[0028] 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).

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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).

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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).

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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).

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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).

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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)).

[0044] 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.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a power receiving device (201) configured to charge a battery using power received from a power supply device (202), according to one embodiment. The power receiving device (201) may be connected to the power supply device (202) via a cable (e.g., a USB Type-C cable) (203) that supports data communication and power reception.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, a power receiving device (201) (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a battery (210), a connector (220), a charging circuit (240), a communication circuit (250), a memory (270), and a control circuit (299).

[0047] A connector (220) (e.g., a connection terminal (178) of FIG. 1) may include a power terminal (221) for receiving a power signal from a power supply device (202), a ground terminal (222) connected to the ground of a power receiving device (201), and a data terminal (223) for data communication with the power supply device (202). For example, the connector (220) may include a socket according to a universal serial bus (USB) Type-C. The socket of the connector (220) may be coupled with a plug of a cable (203). For example, among the pins of the USB Type-C socket, the VBUS pin may be used as a power terminal (221), and the CC (configuration channel) pin and / or the differential signal pin (DP (D+), DN (D-)) may be used as a data terminal (223).

[0048] The charging circuit (240) can support constant current (CC) and constant voltage (CV) charging based on the control of the control circuit (299). For example, while the charging mode is set to the CC mode, the charging circuit (240) can maintain the current of the power signal output from the charging circuit (240) at a constant charging current value set by the control circuit (299) when the voltage of the battery (210) (e.g., the voltage difference between the anode and cathode of the battery) is lower than a specified target voltage value. For example, the target voltage value may refer to the voltage of the battery (210) when the battery is fully charged. A full charge may refer to 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. As another example, the target voltage value may be a specified voltage (e.g., a voltage corresponding to 98% of the maximum capacity). When the voltage (VBAT) of the battery (210) reaches the target voltage value during battery charging, the charging mode may be switched to CV mode. When the voltage (VBAT) of the battery (210) reaches the target voltage value and the charging mode is switched from CC mode to CV mode, the charging circuit (240) may, based on the control of the control circuit (299), lower the current value of the power signal output from the charging circuit (240) so that the input voltage (VBAT) of the battery module (210) is maintained at the target voltage value. When the current (IBAT) of the power signal input from the charging circuit (240) to the battery (210) while the battery module (210) is being charged in CV mode drops to a current value (e.g., topoff current value) specified for completion of charging, the charging circuit (240) can complete charging of the battery (210) by stopping the output of the power signal to the battery (210) based on the control of the control circuit (299).

[0049] For example, the charging circuit (240) may include a first power conversion circuit (in other words, a direct charging circuit) (241) and a second power conversion circuit (in other words, a switching charging circuit) (242).

[0050] The first power conversion circuit (241) includes a first terminal (241a) and a second terminal (241b) through which power is input and output. The first terminal (241a) may be electrically connected to a power terminal (221) of a connector (220). The second terminal (241b) may be electrically connected to a positive pole of a battery (210). A negative pole of the battery (210) may be connected to a ground of a power receiving device (201). The first power conversion circuit (241) may be configured to convert a voltage value of a power signal input from the first terminal (241a) into a fixed voltage conversion ratio (a ratio of a voltage value of an output power signal to a voltage value of an input power signal) and output the converted voltage to the second terminal (241b). The first power conversion circuit (241) may include a circuit (e.g., a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD)) configured such that the ratio of the input power to the output power is '1'. For example, the first power conversion circuit (241) can convert the voltage value of a power signal received from the power terminal (221) through the first terminal (241a) to N to 1 (e.g., 1 / N times step-down), convert the current value to 1 to N (e.g., N times increase), and output the power signal to the battery (210) through the second terminal (241b).

[0051] A second power conversion circuit (e.g., a buck boost converter) (242) includes a third terminal (242a) and a fourth terminal (242b) through which power is input and output. Here, “third” and “fourth” are only prefixes used to distinguish them from the terminals (241a, 241b) configured in the first power conversion circuit (241), and do not limit the second power conversion circuit (242) in other aspects. The third terminal (242a) may be electrically connected to a power terminal (221) of a connector (220). The fourth terminal (242b) may be electrically connected to a positive electrode of a battery (210). The second power conversion circuit (242) may convert a voltage value and / or a current value of a power signal input from the third terminal (242a) and output the converted power to the fourth terminal (242b). For example, the second power conversion circuit (242) can step down or up the voltage value of a power signal received from the power terminal (221) through the third terminal (242a) and output the power signal to the battery (210) through the fourth terminal (242b).

[0052] A communication circuit (e.g., a USB controller) (250) can identify the type of an external device connected to a connector (220) based on data received from the external device through a data terminal (223). The communication circuit (250) 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 determining a source that supplies power and a sink that receives power among two devices (201, 202) by performing communication with the external device through the communication circuit (250) according to a power delivery (PD) communication protocol. For example, since the power supply device (202) is recognized as a TA (travel adapter), the power supply device (202) can be determined as a source and the power receiving device (201) can be determined as a sink. After such negotiation, the control circuit (299) may perform an operation of negotiating the current value and / or voltage value of the power signal to be transmitted from the power supply device (202) by performing communication with the power supply device (201) through the communication circuit (250) according to a PD communication protocol (e.g., power data objects (PDO) or programmable power supply (PPS)). The control circuit (299) may control one of the power conversion circuits (241, 242) to output a power signal having a voltage value and a current value determined by the negotiation result. For example, when the power supply device (202) is identified as a PPS supporting model, the control circuit (299) may deactivate the second power conversion circuit (242), activate the first power conversion circuit (241), and supply power to the battery (210) using the activated first power conversion circuit (241).As another example, if the power supply device (202) is identified as a model that does not support PPS, the control circuit (299) can deactivate the first power conversion circuit (241), activate the second power conversion circuit (242), and supply power to the battery (210) using the activated second power conversion circuit (242).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (299) may be a component (e.g., a microcontroller unit (MCU)) of a PMIC (e.g., a power management module (188)) or a component (e.g., an application processor) of a processor (e.g., a processor (120)).

[0054] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first power conversion circuit (241), the second power conversion circuit (242), the communication circuit (250), and the control circuit (299) may be a component integrated into a specific chip (e.g., an interface-integrated (IF) PMIC).

[0055] Figure 3 is a drawing for explaining a communication error due to IR Drop.

[0056] When power is supplied from the power supply device (202) to the power receiving device (201), current (304) flows from the power terminal (301) of the power supply device (202) to the power terminal (221) of the power receiving device (201), and returns to the ground terminal (302) of the power supply device (202) via the ground terminal (222) of the power receiving device (201). While the current (304) flows in the power supply device (202) and the power receiving device (201), communication can be made between the two devices (201, 202) for adjusting the current value. For example, data (305) can be output from the data terminal (223) of the power receiving device (201) to the data terminal (202) of the power supply device (202).

[0057] The power receiving device (201) has a first voltage (310) between the data terminal (223) and the ground terminal (222). The power supply device (202) has a second voltage (320) between the data terminal (303) and the ground terminal (302). When the current (304) does not flow (e.g., when the power supply from the power supply device (202) to the power receiving device (201) is cut off), the first voltage (310) and the second voltage (320) may be substantially the same. While the current (304) flows in the power supply device (202) and the power receiving device (201), the second voltage (320) has a different value from the first voltage (310) due to the IR drop in the cable (203). For example, the first voltage (310) may be a low voltage level of data (305) with respect to ground (GND) in the power receiving device (201). The second voltage (320) may be a low voltage level of data (305) with respect to ground (GND) in the power supply device (202). Accordingly, the low voltage level of data (305) received by the power supply device (202) may be different from the low voltage level of data (305) transmitted by the power receiving device (201). As the current value of the power signal output from the power supply device (202) to the power receiving device (201) increases, the gap between the first voltage (310) and the second voltage (320) becomes larger, and accordingly, the low voltage level in the data (305) received by the power supply device (202) may float, and the power supply device (202) may not be able to identify the data (305). If the power supply device (202) fails to identify the data (305), the power supply device (202) may stop supplying power and then restart communication for power supply with the power receiving device (201).

[0058] For example, if the cable (203) is old or not a designated genuine product, the IR Drop may exceed the specified tolerance. Then, before the current value (or power value) of the power signal output from the power supply device (202) reaches the set target value, an error may occur in the communication between the two devices (201, 202) and the power supply may be temporarily interrupted. The communication error may be repeated, and thus the charging of the battery (210) may be relatively delayed. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when the same type of communication error is repeated, operations may be performed in the power receiving device (201) to prevent the communication error from occurring any more by lowering the target value and to quickly charge the battery (210). Here, the same type of communication error may mean a communication error that is repeated when the current value (or power value) of the power signal output from the power supply device (202) is within a specific range. For example, a communication error may recur when the output current increases stepwise but fails to reach the target current value (e.g., 5 A) and remains within a specific current range (e.g., 3.4 to 3.6 A). Another example may be when the output power increases stepwise but fails to reach the target power value (e.g., 40 W) and remains within a specific power range.

[0059] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a power receiving device (201) for charging a battery (210) using a first power conversion circuit (241) according to one embodiment. The operations of FIG. 4 are described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0060] In operation 410, the communication circuit (250) can receive identification information from an external device through a data terminal (223) and output the identification information to the control circuit (299).

[0061] In operation 420, the control circuit (299) can recognize that the external device connected to the connector (220) is a power supply device (202) (e.g., TA) based on identification information received from the communication circuit (250).

[0062] In operation 430, the control circuit (299) may control the communication circuit (250) to request power specification information (in other words, a charging profile) indicating the specifications or capabilities of power that the power supply device (202) can supply, to the power supply device (202), based on the recognition that the device connected to the connector (220) is the power supply device (202). The communication circuit (250) may transmit a message requesting the power specification information to the power supply device (202) through the data terminal (223), based on the control of the control circuit (299). The power supply device (202) may provide the power specification information to the communication circuit (250) in response to the request of the communication circuit (250).

[0063] In operation 440, the control circuit (299) can receive power specification information from the power supply device (202) via the communication circuit (250).

[0064] In operation 450, the control circuit (299) can determine, based on the power specification information, that the power supply device (202) is a device that supports PPS. For example, the control circuit (299) can identify that the power supply device (202) is a power data object (PDO) or a travel adapter (TA) that supports PPS, based on the fact that the power specification information includes information indicating a 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 (202) can supply. Based on the fact that the power supply device (202) is identified as a PPS-supporting model, the control circuit (299) can activate the first power conversion circuit (241) and deactivate the second power conversion circuit (242). Accordingly, the first power conversion circuit (241) can charge the battery (210) using the power received from the power supply device (202) through the power terminal (221). Meanwhile, the power specification information may further include a rated current value. For example, when the maximum output of the power supply device (202) is about 45 W, information indicating “3.3~11 V / 4.05 A, 3.3~16 V / 2.8 A, and 3.3~21 V / 2.1 A” as rated current values ​​corresponding to each voltage range may be included in the received power specification information. When the power supply device (202) is a model that supports a maximum output of about 60 W, information indicating “3.3~12 V / 5 A” may be included in the power specification information. The rated current value may mean a current value that the power supply device (202) can output at maximum. For example, if the current value of a power signal output from a power supply device (202) to a power receiving device (201) is greater than the rated current value for a certain period of time, the power supply device (202) may stop outputting the power signal.

[0065] In operation 460, the control circuit (299) may select a range of the output voltage (the voltage of the power signal that the power supply device (202) outputs to the power reception device (201)) from the power specification information. In one embodiment, the range of the output voltage may be set based on a voltage value when the battery (210) is fully charged and a power conversion ratio of the first power conversion circuit (241). In one embodiment, when the power conversion ratio of the first power conversion circuit (241) is 2, the output voltage may be set to about twice the voltage of the battery (210). For example, when the voltage of the battery (210) is 5 V and the power conversion ratio is 2 when the battery (210) is fully charged, the control circuit (299) may select a voltage range to which 10 (5*2) V belongs from the specification information as the output voltage range. The control circuit (299) may control the communication circuit (250) to transmit information representing the range of the selected output voltage to the power supply device (202). The communication circuit (250) can transmit information indicating the range of the selected output voltage to the power supply device (202) through the data terminal (223) based on the control of the control circuit (299). The power supply device (202) can determine the voltage value of the power signal to be output to the power receiving device (201) within the range of the output voltage determined by the control circuit (299).

[0066] In operation 470, the control circuit (299) can set an initial current value and a target current value of a power signal to be output from the power supply device (202) to the power receiving device (201). The initial current value is set when the power supply device (202) starts supplying power and can be set lower than the target current value. The control circuit (299) can set the target current value based on a current value (e.g., a rated current value) that can be maximumly output (supplied) by the power supply device (202). In one embodiment, the control circuit (299) can set the maximum output current value (e.g., a rated current value) of the power supply device (202) as the target current value. For example, when the range of the output voltage selected in the power specification information is “3.3 to 11 V” and the corresponding rated current value is 4.05 A, the target current value can be set to 4.05 A. The target current value can be set in various ways depending on the battery status (e.g., voltage status or temperature status) of the power receiving device (201), the range of the receiving current value, the mode setting for extending the battery life, etc.

[0067] At operation 480, the control circuit (299) may control the communication circuit (250) to perform communication with the power supply device (202) via the data terminal (223) to gradually increase the output current of the power supply device (202) from an initial current value to a target current value (e.g., in steps of about 200 mA). In one embodiment, the amount of increase in the output current may be variable. The communication circuit (250) may perform an operation to increase the output current of the power supply device (202) to the target current value based on the control of the control circuit (299). For example, the control circuit (299) may control the communication circuit (250) to output a message to the power supply device (202) requesting that the power receiving device (201) output a power signal having an initial current value (e.g., about 1 A when the target current value is 5 A). The communication circuit (250) can output the corresponding message to the power supply device (202) through the data terminal (223). The communication circuit (250) can notify the control circuit (299) that the request message has been output to the power supply device (202), and in response, the control circuit (299) can store the output current value (initial current value) as charging information (271) in the memory (270) (e.g., the volatile memory (132) or the non-volatile memory (134) of FIG. 1). In response to receiving the request message, the power supply device (202) can output a power signal having the initial current value to the power receiving device (201). The first power conversion circuit (241) can receive the power signal through the power terminal (221) and charge the battery (210) using the received power. The control circuit (299) can wait for a specified time after requesting the communication circuit (250) to output the power signal. After the waiting time has elapsed, the control circuit (299) can control the communication circuit (250) to output a message to the power supply (202) requesting that the current value be increased by one step (e.g., 200 mA).For example, the control circuit (299) can update the output current value stored in the charging information (271) to a current value that is one level higher. The communication for increasing the output current to the target current value and the update of the charging information (271) described above can be repeated until the output current reaches the target current value. When the output current reaches the target current value, the control circuit (299) can request the power supply device (202) through the communication circuit (250) to maintain the output current of the power supply device (202) at the target current value and charge the battery (210) using the first power conversion circuit (241).

[0068] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a power receiving device (201) for resolving a communication error when a communication error occurs while charging a battery (210) using a first power conversion circuit (241) according to one embodiment. The communication error may occur before the current of a power signal output from a power supply device (202) reaches a target current value while communication (e.g., operation 480) is performed between two devices (201, 202). When a communication error occurs, power supply may be temporarily interrupted and the operations of FIG. 5 may be performed. The operations of FIG. 5 are described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0069] In operation 510, the control circuit (299) may recognize that there is an error in the communication for gradually increasing the output current of the power supply device (202) from the initial current value to the target current value. For example, the power supply device (202) may not recognize the content of the message received from the power receiving device (201) and may therefore stop supplying power. Such a communication error may cause the power supply to be stopped, thereby lowering the input current (IBUS). The control circuit (299) may monitor the current (IBUS) and / or the battery current (IBAT) input to the power terminal (221) and determine that the input current (IBUS) falls below the initial current value (e.g., the current converges close to 0 A). The control circuit (299) may indirectly recognize the occurrence of a communication error through the determination of a decrease in the input current (IBUS). As another example, the power supply device (202) may transmit a message to the power receiving device (201) requesting that the output current value and / or the output voltage value be reset for power supply along with the interruption of power supply. The communication circuit (250) may output the reset request message received from the power supply device (202) to the control circuit (299) via the data terminal (223). The control circuit (299) may recognize the reception of the reset request message as an event caused by a communication error.

[0070] In operation 520, the control circuit (299) can check in the memory (270) whether a communication error of the same type as the communication error recognized in operation 510 has occurred previously.

[0071] According to one embodiment related to operation 520, when a communication error is recognized, the control circuit (299) can obtain an output current value from charging information (271) stored in the memory (270). The control circuit (299) can check whether an output current value that is the same as the output current value obtained from the charging information (271) within a specified error range is stored in the communication error information (e.g., communication error table) (272). For example, when the output current value obtained from the charging information (271) is about 2 A and the allowable error is about 0.1 A, if the output current value stored in the communication error information is between about 1.9 and 2.1 A, the control circuit (299) can determine that a communication error of the same type as the communication error recognized in operation 510 has occurred previously.

[0072] According to another embodiment related to operation 520, the control circuit (299) can periodically monitor the current (IBUS) and / or the battery current (IBAT) input to the power terminal (221). When a communication error is recognized, the control circuit (299) can check whether the current value obtained as a result of the monitoring (e.g., input current value (IBUS) or battery current value (IBAT) / N) and the same output current value within a specified error range are stored in the communication error information (e.g., communication error table) (272). If the same output current value within the error range is stored in the communication error information (272), the control circuit (299) can determine that a communication error of the same type as the communication error recognized in operation 510 has occurred previously.

[0073] If the same output current value does not exist within the error range in the communication error information (272) (e.g., if a communication error is recognized for the first time), the control circuit (299) may store the output current value obtained from the charging information (271) (or the current value obtained as a monitoring result) and the corresponding error count '1' as the communication error information (272) in the memory (270) in operation 530. The control circuit (299) may perform an operation to reset the output current value and / or the output voltage value after performing operation 530. For example, the control circuit (299) may perform again from operation 420 to operation 480 of FIG. 4. As another example, the operation may be performed again from operation 410 or operation 430. As a result of performing operation 480 again, if the output current reaches the target current value without a communication error, the control circuit (299) requests the power supply device (202) through the communication circuit (250) to maintain the output current of the power supply device (202) at the target current value, and the battery (210) can be charged using the first power conversion circuit (241).

[0074] If the same output current value exists within the error range in the communication error information (272), the control circuit (299) can count the number of errors in operation 540. For example, if the number of errors stored in the communication error information (272) is '1', the control circuit (299) can increase the number of errors by one and change it to the number '2'.

[0075] In operation 550, the control circuit (299) can check whether the counted number of errors is greater than or equal to a specified threshold value. For example, if the number of errors is less than the threshold value, the control circuit (299) can perform operations 420 to 480 again. If operation 480 is performed again and the output current reaches the target current value without a communication error, the control circuit (299) can request the power supply device (202) through the communication circuit (250) to maintain the output current of the power supply device (202) at the target current value and charge the battery (210) using the first power conversion circuit (241).

[0076] If the number of errors is greater than or equal to the threshold value, in operation 560, the control circuit (299) may set the initial current value and set the target current value lower than a previously set value (e.g., the value set in operation 470). For example, the control circuit (299) may set the initial current value to the same value as the initial current value set in operation 470 of FIG. 4. As another example, the control circuit (299) may reset the initial current value to be greater than the initial current value set in operation 470 of FIG. 4. For example, the control circuit (299) may lower the target current value by one step (e.g., 200 mA) than the previously set value. As another example, the control circuit (299) may set the target current value lower than the output current value stored in the communication error information (272). Thereafter, the control circuit (299) may perform operation 480 again. As a result of performing operation 480 again, if the output current reaches the target current value without a communication error, the control circuit (299) requests the power supply device (202) through the communication circuit (250) to maintain the output current of the power supply device (202) at the target current value, and the battery (210) can be charged using the first power conversion circuit (241).

[0077] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a power receiving device (201) for charging a battery (210) using a first power conversion circuit (241) according to one embodiment. The operations of FIG. 6 are described with reference to FIG. 2. Among the operations of FIG. 6, any content that overlaps with the operations of FIG. 4 is omitted or briefly described.

[0078] In operation 610, the communication circuit (250) can receive identification information from an external device through a data terminal (223) and output the identification information to the control circuit (299).

[0079] In operation 620, the control circuit (299) can recognize that the external device connected to the connector (220) is a power supply device (202) (e.g., TA) based on the identification information received from the communication circuit (250).

[0080] In operation 630, the control circuit (299) may control the communication circuit (250) to request power specification information from the power supply device (202) indicating the specification or capability of the power that the power supply device (202) can supply, based on the device connected to the connector (220) being recognized as the power supply device (202).

[0081] In operation 640, the control circuit (299) can receive power specification information from the power supply device (202) via the communication circuit (250).

[0082] In operation 650, the control circuit (299) can determine, based on the power specification information, that the power supply device (202) supports PPS. Based on the determination that the power supply device (202) is a PPS-supporting model, the control circuit (299) can activate the first power conversion circuit (241) and deactivate the second power conversion circuit (242). Accordingly, the first power conversion circuit (241) can charge the battery (210) using the power received from the power supply device (202) through the power terminal (221).

[0083] In operation 660, the control circuit (299) can select a range of output voltage (voltage of a power signal that the power supply device (202) outputs to the power receiving device (201)) from the power specification information. The control circuit (299) can control the communication circuit (250) to transmit information indicating the range of the selected output voltage to the power supply device (202). The power supply device (202) can determine a voltage value of a power signal to be output to the power receiving device (201) within the range of the output voltage determined by the control circuit (299).

[0084] In operation 670, the control circuit (299) can set an initial power value and a target power value of a power signal to be output from the power supply device (202) to the power receiving device (201). The initial power value is set when the power supply device (202) starts supplying power and can be set lower than the target power value. The target power value can be set based on a threshold current value specified to protect the battery (210) from overcharge (overvoltage or overcurrent) and a battery voltage (VBAT). The target power value can also be set based on a maximum current value (e.g., a rated current value) that the power supply device (202) can output, a power conversion ratio of the first power conversion circuit (241), and a full charge voltage. For example, if the range of the output voltage selected in the power specification information is “3.3~11V” and the corresponding rated current value is 4.05A and the power conversion ratio is “2”, the target power value can be set to the set current *battery voltage (VBAT) * 2 among the values ​​less than or equal to 4.05A.

[0085] In operation 680, the control circuit (299) may control the communication circuit (250) to perform communication with the power supply device (202) via the data terminal (223) to gradually increase the output power of the power supply device (202) from an initial power value to a target power value (e.g., about 1 W). The communication circuit (250) may perform an operation of increasing the output power of the power supply device (202) to the target power value based on the control of the control circuit (299). For example, the control circuit (299) may control the communication circuit (250) to output a message to the power supply device (202) requesting that a power signal having the initial power value be output to the power receiving device (201). The communication circuit (250) notifies the control circuit (299) that a request message has been output to the power supply device (202), and in response, the control circuit (299) can store the output power value (initial power value) as charging information (271) in the memory (270). The power supply device (202) can output a power signal having the initial power value to the power receiving device (201) in response to receiving the request message. The first power conversion circuit (241) can receive the power signal through the power terminal (221) and charge the battery (210) using the received power. The control circuit (299) can wait for a specified time after requesting the communication circuit (250) to output the power signal. After the waiting time has elapsed, the control circuit (299) can control the communication circuit (250) to output a message to the power supply device (202) requesting that the power value be increased by one step (e.g., about 1 W). The power supply device (202) can adjust the output voltage and / or output current to increase the output power to a level requested by the power receiving device (201). The control circuit (299) can update the output power value stored in the charging information (271) to a power value that is one level higher.The communication and charging information (271) updates for increasing the output power to the target power value described above can be repeated until the output power reaches the target power value. When the output power reaches the target power value, the control circuit (299) can request the power supply device (202) through the communication circuit (250) to maintain the output power of the power supply device (202) at the target power value and charge the battery (210) using the first power conversion circuit (241).

[0086] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a power receiving device (201) for resolving a communication error when a communication error occurs while charging a battery (210) using a first power conversion circuit (241) according to one embodiment. The communication error may occur before the power output from the power supply device (202) reaches a target power value while communication (e.g., operation 680) is performed between two devices (201, 202). When a communication error occurs, the power supply may be temporarily interrupted and the operations of FIG. 7 may be performed. The operations of FIG. 7 are described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0087] In operation 710, the control circuit (299) may recognize that there is an error in the communication for gradually increasing the output power of the power supply device (202) from the initial power value to the target power value. For example, the power supply device (202) may not recognize the content of the message received from the power reception device (201) and may stop the power supply accordingly. The control circuit (299) may determine that the battery power (IBAT*VBAT) falls below the initial power value while monitoring the battery power (IBAT*VBAT). The control circuit (299) may indirectly recognize the occurrence of a communication error through the confirmation of a decrease in the battery power (IBAT*VBAT). As another example, the power supply device (202) may transmit a message to the power reception device (201) requesting that the output current value and / or the output voltage value be reset for power supply along with the interruption of the power supply. The communication circuit (250) can output a reset request message received from the power supply device (202) to the control circuit (299) via the data terminal (223). The control circuit (299) can recognize the reception of the reset request message as an event caused by a communication error.

[0088] At operation 720, the control circuit (299) can check in the memory (270) whether a communication error of the same type as the communication error recognized at operation 710 has occurred previously.

[0089] According to one embodiment related to operation 720, when a communication error is recognized, the control circuit (299) can obtain an output power value from charging information (271) stored in the memory (270). The control circuit (299) can check whether an output current value that is the same as the output power value obtained from the charging information (271) within a specified error range is stored in the communication error information (272). For example, when the output power value obtained from the charging information (272) is 20 W and the allowable error is 0.5 W, if the output power value stored in the communication error information is between 19.5 and 20.5 W, the control circuit (299) can determine that a communication error of the same type as the communication error recognized in operation 710 has occurred previously.

[0090] According to another embodiment related to operation 720, the control circuit (299) can periodically monitor the power (IBUS*VBUS) and / or the battery power (IBAT*VBAT) input to the power terminal (221). When a communication error is recognized, the control circuit (299) can check whether the power value obtained as a result of the monitoring (e.g., the input power (IBUS*VBUS) or the battery power (IBAT*VBAT)) and the same output power value within a specified error range are stored in the communication error information (272). If the same output power value within the error range is stored in the communication error information (272), the control circuit (299) can determine that a communication error of the same type as the communication error recognized in operation 710 has occurred previously.

[0091] If the same output power value does not exist within the error range in the communication error information (272), in operation 730, the control circuit (299) may store the output power value obtained from the charging information (271) (or the power value obtained as a monitoring result) and the corresponding error count '1' in the memory (270) as the communication error information (272). After performing operation 730, the control circuit (299) may perform an operation to reset the output current value and / or the output voltage value. For example, the control circuit (299) may perform again from operation 620 to operation 680 of FIG. 6. As another example, it may be performed again from operation 610 or operation 630. As a result of performing operation 680 again, if the output power reaches the target power value without a communication error, the control circuit (299) requests the power supply device (202) through the communication circuit (250) to maintain the output power of the power supply device (202) at the target power value, and charges the battery (210) using the first power conversion circuit (241).

[0092] If the same output power value exists within the error range in the communication error information (272), the control circuit (299) can count the number of errors in operation 740. For example, if the number of errors stored in the communication error information (272) is '1', the control circuit (299) can increase the number of errors by one and change it to the number '2'.

[0093] In operation 750, the control circuit (299) can check whether the counted number of errors is greater than or equal to a specified threshold value. If the number of errors is less than the threshold value, the control circuit (299) can perform operations 620 to 680 again. If operation 680 is performed again and the output power reaches the target power value without a communication error, the control circuit (299) can request the power supply device (202) through the communication circuit (250) to maintain the output power of the power supply device (202) at the target power value and charge the battery (210) using the first power conversion circuit (241).

[0094] For example, if the number of errors is greater than the threshold value, in operation 760, the control circuit (299) may set an initial power value and set the target power value lower than a previously set value (e.g., a value set in operation 670). For example, the control circuit (299) may set the initial power value to a value equal to the initial power value set in operation 670 of FIG. 6. As another example, the control circuit (299) may set the initial current value to a value greater than the initial power value set in operation 670 of FIG. 6. The control circuit (299) may lower the target power value by one step (e.g., 1 W) from the previously set value. Thereafter, the control circuit (299) may perform operation 680 again. As a result of performing operation 680 again, if the output power reaches the target power value without a communication error, the control circuit (299) requests the power supply device (202) through the communication circuit (250) to maintain the output power of the power supply device (202) at the target power value, and charges the battery (210) using the first power conversion circuit (241).

[0095] FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating operations of a power supply device (202) and a power receiving device (201) for resolving a communication error during charging of a battery (210) according to one embodiment. The embodiment of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0096] The power supply device (202) can gradually increase the current value of the power signal output to the power receiving device (201) according to the request of the power receiving device (201). As the output current value increases, the voltage value of the power signal output from the power supply device (202) to the power receiving device (201) may also continuously increase. In addition, the voltage value between the data terminal (303) and the ground terminal (302) of the power supply device (202) may also continuously increase due to IR drop in the cable (203). This continuous increase in the voltage value may cause a communication error between the two devices (201, 202) and may cause the power supply device (202) to stop. For example, the output current of the power supply device (202) may not reach the first target current value, but may increase to the output current value “A”, and then the power supply may be stopped at time t0 due to a communication error. Even after this, at times t1 and t2, the output current may rise to “A” and then power supply may be cut off due to a communication error. If the phenomenon of the output current rising to “A” and then power supply being cut off is repeated continuously (e.g., three times), the power receiving device (201) may lower the target current value to a second target current value. As the target current value is set low, a communication error may not occur thereafter. Accordingly, the current of the power signal output from the power supply device (202) at time t3 may reach the second target current value. For example, the control circuit (299) may transmit a message to the power supply device (202) through the communication circuit (250), requesting that the output voltage be continuously increased and the output current be maintained at the second target current value until the voltage of the battery (210) reaches the full charge voltage. Accordingly, the power supply device (202) can maintain the current of the power signal output to the power receiving device (201) at the second target current value.

[0097] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a power receiving device (201) for resolving a communication error according to one embodiment. The operations of FIG. 9 may be performed while the power receiving device (201) charges a battery (210) using power received from a power supply device (202) using a first power conversion circuit (241).

[0098] In operation 910, the control circuit (299) can control the communication circuit (250) to perform communication with the power supply device (202) via the data terminal (223) to gradually increase the current of the power signal output from the power supply device (202) from a first initial value to a first target current value set as the maximum output current value.

[0099] In operation 920, the control circuit (299) can check whether a communication error occurs more than a specified number of times to stepwise increase the current to the first target current value before the current of the power signal output from the power supply device (202) reaches the first target current value (e.g., the first target current value of FIG. 8), and whether the current of the power signal output from the power supply device (202) has the same value within a specified error range each time such an error occurs. For example, a phenomenon in which the first target current value is 5 A, the output current rises to about 3.45 to 3.55 A, and then the power supply from the power supply device (202) to the power receiving device (201) is interrupted due to a communication error can be repeated. For example, the control circuit (299) can periodically monitor the input current (IBUS) and / or the battery current (IBAT) and check whether the above phenomenon is repeated based on the monitoring result. As another example, the control circuit (299) can determine whether the above phenomenon is repeated based on the result of the communication error information (272) being updated. If this phenomenon is repeated a specified number of times or more, the control circuit (299) can perform the following operation 930.

[0100] In operation 930, the control circuit (299) may set a second target current value lower than the first target current value as the maximum output current value based on what was determined in operation 920. For example, the control circuit (299) may set a value lower than the output current value (e.g., output current value A of FIG. 8) when an error occurs as the second target current value.

[0101] In operation 940, the control circuit (299) can control the communication circuit (250) to perform communication with the power supply device (202) through the data terminal (223) to gradually increase the current of the power signal output from the power supply device (202) from a second initial value (e.g., a value equal to or greater than the first initial value) to a second target current value. As a result of performing operation 940, the output current can reach the second target current value without a communication error. When the output current reaches the second target current value, the control circuit (299) can request the power supply device (202) through the communication circuit (250) to maintain the output current of the power supply device (202) at the second target current value and charge the battery (210) using the first power conversion circuit (241).

[0102] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a power receiving device (201) for resolving a communication error according to one embodiment. The operations of FIG. 10 may be performed while the power receiving device (201) charges a battery (210) using power received from a power supply device (202) using a first power conversion circuit (241).

[0103] In operation 1010, the control circuit (299) can control the communication circuit (250) to perform communication with the power supply device (202) via the data terminal (223) to gradually increase the power output from the power supply device (202) from a first initial value to a first target power value set as the maximum output power value.

[0104] In operation 1020, the control circuit (299) can check whether a communication error occurs more than a specified number of times to stepwise increase the power output from the power supply device (202) to the first target power value before the power output from the power supply device (202) reaches the first target power value, and whether the power output from the power supply device (202) has the same value within a specified error range each time such an error occurs. For example, the first target current value is 40 W, and the output current increases to about 34.5 to 35.5 W, and then the power supply from the power supply device (202) to the power receiving device (201) is interrupted due to a communication error, and this phenomenon may be repeated. For example, the control circuit (299) can periodically monitor the input power (IBUS*VBUS) and / or the battery power (IBAT*VBAT) and check whether the above phenomenon is repeated based on the monitoring result. As another example, the control circuit (299) can check whether the above phenomenon is repeated based on the result of the communication error information (272) being updated. If this phenomenon is repeated more than a specified number of times, the control circuit (299) can perform operation 1030 below.

[0105] In operation 1030, the control circuit (299) may set a second target power value that is less than the first target power value as the maximum output current value based on what was determined in operation 1020. For example, the control circuit (299) may set a value that is less than the output power value when an error occurs as the second target current value.

[0106] In operation 1040, the control circuit (299) may control the communication circuit (250) to perform communication with the power supply device (202) through the data terminal (223) to gradually increase the power output from the power supply device (202) from a second initial value (e.g., a value equal to or greater than the first initial value) to a second target power value. As a result of performing operation 1040, the output power may reach the second target power value without a communication error. When the output current reaches the second target power value, the control circuit (299) may request the power supply device (202) through the communication circuit (250) to maintain the output current of the power supply device (202) at the second target current value and charge the battery (210) using the first power conversion circuit (241).

[0107] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a power receiving device (201) for resolving a communication error according to one embodiment. The operations of FIG. 11 may be performed while the power receiving device (201) charges a battery (210) using power received from a power supply device (202) using a first power conversion circuit (241).

[0108] In operation 1110, the control circuit (299) can control the communication circuit (250) to perform communication with the power supply device (202) via the data terminal (223) to gradually increase the current of the power signal output from the power supply device (202) from a first initial value to a first target current value set as the maximum output current value.

[0109] In operation 1120, the control circuit (299) can check which current section among the set current sections the current of the power signal output from the power supply device (202) belongs to when a communication error occurs to gradually increase the current of the power signal output from the power supply device (202) to the first target current value before the current reaches the first target current value (e.g., the first target current value of FIG. 8). For example, a first current section (2.4A ≤ current value < 2.6A), a second current section (2.6A ≤ current value < 2.8A), …, a third current section (4.8A ≤ current value < 5A) can be set. The control circuit (299) can check which current section the current value belongs to among the set current sections.

[0110] In operation 1130, the control circuit (299) can count the number of occurrences of errors in the current section identified in operation 1120.

[0111] In operation 1140, the control circuit (299) may set a second target current value that is less than the first target current value as the maximum output current value based on the number of times counted in operation 1130 being greater than or equal to a threshold value. For example, when the number of times an error occurs in the third current section reaches a specified threshold value, the control circuit (299) may lower the target current value from 5A to a minimum value of the third current section or less (e.g., 4.8A).

[0112] In operation 1150, the control circuit (299) can control the communication circuit (250) to perform communication with the power supply device (202) through the data terminal (223) to gradually increase the current of the power signal output from the power supply device (202) from a second initial value (e.g., a value equal to or greater than the first initial value) to a second target current value. As a result of performing operation 1150, the output current can reach the second target current value without a communication error. When the output current reaches the second target current value, the control circuit (299) can request the power supply device (202) through the communication circuit (250) to maintain the output current of the power supply device (202) at the second target current value and charge the battery (210) using the first power conversion circuit (241).

[0113] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a power receiving device (201) for resolving a communication error according to one embodiment. The operations of FIG. 12 may be performed while the power receiving device (201) charges a battery (210) using power received from a power supply device (202) using a first power conversion circuit (241).

[0114] In operation 1210, the control circuit (299) can control the communication circuit (250) to perform communication with the power supply device (202) via the data terminal (223) to gradually increase the power output from the power supply device (202) from a first initial value to a first target power value set as the maximum output power value.

[0115] In operation 1220, the control circuit (299) can determine which of the set power intervals the power output from the power supply device (202) belongs to when a communication error occurs to gradually increase the power output from the power supply device (202) to the first target power value before the power output from the power supply device (202) reaches the first target power value. For example, a first power interval (18W ≤ power value < 20W), a second power interval (20W ≤ power value < 22W), ..., a third power interval (38W ≤ power value < 40W) can be set. The control circuit (299) can determine which of the set power intervals the power value belongs to.

[0116] At operation 1230, the control circuit (299) can count the number of occurrences of errors in the power section identified at operation 1220.

[0117] In operation 1240, the control circuit (299) may set a second target power value that is less than the first target power value as the maximum output current value based on the number of times counted in operation 1230 being greater than or equal to a threshold value. For example, when the number of occurrences of errors in the third power section reaches a specified threshold value, the control circuit (299) may lower the target power value from 40 W to a minimum value of the third power section or less (e.g., 38 W).

[0118] In operation 1250, the control circuit (299) can control the communication circuit (250) to perform communication with the power supply device (202) through the data terminal (223) to gradually increase the power output from the power supply device (202) from a second initial value (e.g., a value equal to or greater than the first initial value) to a second target power value. As a result of performing operation 1250, the output power can reach the second target power value without a communication error. When the output current reaches the second target power value, the control circuit (299) can request the power supply device (202) through the communication circuit (250) to maintain the output current of the power supply device (202) at the second target current value and charge the battery (210) using the first power conversion circuit (241).

[0119] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (201) may include a connector (220) including a power terminal (221) and a data terminal (223); a communication circuit (250) connected to the data terminal; a power conversion circuit (241) configured to lower the voltage of a power signal input from a power supply device (202) through the power terminal by 1 / N times and increase the current by N times and output it; a battery (210) connected to the power conversion circuit; and a control circuit (299) connected to the communication circuit and the power conversion circuit. While charging the battery using the power conversion circuit, the control circuit may control the communication circuit to perform communication with the power supply device through the data terminal to gradually increase the current of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device from a first initial value to a first target current value set as a maximum output current value. The control circuit can determine which current section among the set current sections the output current value belongs to when an error in the communication occurs before the current value of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device reaches the first target current value. The control circuit can count the number of occurrences of the error in the determined current section, and based on the count being greater than or equal to a threshold value, set a second target current value lower than the first target current value as the maximum output current value. The control circuit can control the communication circuit to perform communication with the power supply device through the data terminal to gradually increase the current of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device from a second initial value to the second target current value.

[0120] The control circuit can recognize that the reception of specified data from the power supply device through the communication circuit after the reception of a power signal from the power supply device to the power terminal is stopped is an error in the communication.

[0121] The above control circuit can set the second target current value to a value lower than the current value of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device when the above error occurs.

[0122] The control circuit may include circuitry integrated into a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The control circuit may also include circuitry integrated into an application processor. The power conversion circuit, the communication circuit, and the control circuit may be integrated into a single chip.

[0123] The above control circuit can set the second initial value to be the same as the first initial value.

[0124] The control circuit may transmit a message to the power supply device through the communication circuit, requesting that the current of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device be maintained at the second target current value, based on the current output from the power supply device to the electronic device reaching the second target current value.

[0125] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (201) may include a connector (220) including a power terminal (221) and a data terminal (223); a communication circuit (250) connected to the data terminal; a power conversion circuit (241) configured to lower the voltage of a power signal input from a power supply device (202) through the power terminal by 1 / N times and increase the current by N times and output it; a battery (210) connected to the power conversion circuit; and a control circuit (299) connected to the communication circuit and the power conversion circuit. While charging the battery using the power conversion circuit, the control circuit may control the communication circuit to perform communication with the power supply device through the data terminal to gradually increase the power output from the power supply device to the electronic device from a first initial value to a first target power value set as a maximum output power value. The control circuit can determine which power section the output power value belongs to among preset power sections when an error in the communication occurs before the power output from the power supply device reaches the first target power value. The control circuit can count the number of occurrences of the error in the determined power section, and based on the count being greater than or equal to a threshold value, set a second target power value lower than the first target power value as the maximum output power value. The control circuit can control the communication circuit to perform communication with the power supply device through the data terminal to gradually increase the power output from the power supply device to the electronic device from a second initial value to the second target power value.

[0126] The control circuit can recognize that the reception of specified data from the power supply device through the communication circuit after the reception of a power signal from the power supply device to the power terminal is stopped is an error in the communication.

[0127] The control circuit can set the second target power value to a value lower than the power value output from the power supply device to the electronic device when the error occurs.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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).

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (201), A connector (220) including a power terminal (221) and a data terminal (223); A communication circuit (250) connected to the above data terminal; A power conversion circuit (241) configured to lower the voltage of a power signal input from a power supply device (202) through the above power terminal by 1 / N times and increase the current by N times and output it; A battery (210) connected to the above power conversion circuit; and Including a control circuit (299) connected to the above communication circuit and the above power conversion circuit, The above control circuit, while charging the battery using the above power conversion circuit, Controlling the communication circuit to perform communication with the power supply device through the data terminal to stepwise increase the current of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device from a first initial value to a first target current value set as the maximum output current value, When an error in the communication occurs before the current value of the power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device reaches the first target current value, it is determined which current section among the set current sections the output current value belongs to, Count the number of occurrences of errors in the above-mentioned confirmed current section, Based on the above counted number being greater than or equal to the threshold value, a second target current value lower than the first target current value is set as the maximum output current value, An electronic device configured to control the communication circuit to perform communication with the power supply device through the data terminal to stepwise increase the current of a power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device from a second initial value to the second target current value.

2. In the first paragraph, the control circuit, An electronic device configured to recognize that reception of specified data from the power supply device through the communication circuit is an error in the communication after reception of a power signal from the power supply device to the power terminal is interrupted.

3. In the first paragraph, the control circuit, An electronic device configured to set a value lower than a current value of a power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device as the second target current value when the above error occurs.

4. In the first paragraph, the control circuit is an electronic device integrated into a PMIC (power management integrated circuit).

5. In the first paragraph, the control circuit is an electronic device integrated into an application processor.

6. In the first paragraph, the power conversion circuit, the communication circuit, and the control circuit are an electronic device integrated into a single chip.

7. In the first paragraph, the control circuit, An electronic device configured to set the second initial value equal to the first initial value.

8. In the first paragraph, the control circuit, An electronic device configured to transmit a message to the power supply device through the communication circuit, requesting that the current of a power signal output from the power supply device to the electronic device be maintained at the second target current value, based on the current output from the power supply device to the electronic device reaching the second target current value.

9. In the electronic device (201), A connector (220) including a power terminal (221) and a data terminal (223); A communication circuit (250) connected to the above data terminal; A power conversion circuit (241) configured to lower the voltage of a power signal input from a power supply device (202) through the above power terminal by 1 / N times and increase the current by N times and output it; A battery (210) connected to the above power conversion circuit; and Including a control circuit (299) connected to the above communication circuit and the above power conversion circuit, The above control circuit, while charging the battery using the above power conversion circuit, Controlling the communication circuit to perform communication with the power supply device through the data terminal to stepwise increase the power output from the power supply device to the electronic device from a first initial value to a first target power value set as a maximum output power value; When an error in the communication occurs before the power output from the power supply device reaches the first target power value, it is determined which power section among the preset power sections the output power value belongs to. Count the number of occurrences of errors in the above-mentioned confirmed power section, Based on the above counted number being greater than or equal to a threshold value, a second target power value lower than the first target power value is set as the maximum output power value, An electronic device configured to control the communication circuit to perform communication with the power supply device through the data terminal to stepwise increase power output from the power supply device to the electronic device from a second initial value to the second target power value.

10. In the 9th paragraph, the control circuit, An electronic device configured to recognize that reception of specified data from the power supply device through the communication circuit is an error in the communication after reception of a power signal from the power supply device to the power terminal is interrupted.

11. In the 9th paragraph, the control circuit, An electronic device configured to set a lower value than the power value output from the power supply device to the electronic device as the second target power value when the above error occurs.

12. In the 9th paragraph, the control circuit is an electronic device integrated into a PMIC (power management integrated circuit).

13. In the 9th paragraph, the control circuit is an electronic device integrated into an application processor.

14. In the 9th paragraph, the power conversion circuit, the communication circuit, and the control circuit are an electronic device integrated into a single chip.

15. In the 9th paragraph, the control circuit, An electronic device configured to set the second initial value equal to the first initial value.

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