Control system and control method for power delivery device

Abstract

In some embodiments, a control system (100) for a power delivery device is provided. The system includes: a switch (102) configured to turn on / off a power delivery process associated with the power delivery device; and a control circuit (110) configured to control the switch (102), wherein the control circuit is configured to compare an output current associated with the power delivery process with a predefined current limiting threshold, the predefined current limiting threshold being defined based on an adjustable load (112), and the control circuit (110) is further configured to control the switch (102) to turn off the power delivery process, when the output current exceeds the predefined current limiting threshold.

Description

CONTROL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD FOR POWER DELIVERYDEVICETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a control system for a power delivery device and a control method for a power delivery device.BACKGROUND

[0002] Power delivery devices encompass a diverse range of devices tailored to manage the transmission of electrical power. Over protection features are employed in the power delivery devices including Overvoltage Protection (OVP), Overcurrent Protection (OCP). These over protection features are crucial for maintaining the safety, reliability, and durability of power delivery devices, ensuring they operate within specified limits and protecting both the devices being charged and the users interacting with them. However, these features may trigger false trips or interruptions, leading to inconvenience for users.

[0003] Therefore, there exists a need to provide an improved system and method for power delivery devices, thereby improving charging efficiency and / or safety.SUMMARY

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a control system for for a power delivery device is provided The system may include: a switch configured to turn on / off a power delivery process associated with the power delivery device; and a control circuit configured to control the switch, wherein the control circuit is configured to compare an output current associated with the power delivery process with a predefined current limiting threshold, the predefined current limiting threshold being defined based on an adjustable load, and the control circuit is further configured to control the switch to turn off the power delivery process, when the output current exceeds the predefined current limiting threshold

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a control method for a power delivery device is provided. The method may include: turning on a power delivery process associated with the power delivery device by a switch; comparing an output current associated with the power delivery process with a predefined current limiting threshold, the predefined current limiting threshold being defined based on an adjustable load; and controlling the switchto turn off the power delivery process, when the output current exceeds the predefined current limiting threshold.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be better understood and readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the following written description, by way of example only, and in conjunction with the drawings, in which:FIG. l is a block diagram showing a control system in connection with a power delivery device for charging an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control system of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system for a power delivery device (not shown) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system for a power delivery device (not shown) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an exemplary control system for a power delivery device (e.g. to provide 20V voltage to a laptop via a USB type-C port) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the output current lout, predefined time limiting threshold ITIMER and output voltage Vout of the control system of FIG. 5 in a power delivery process associated with a power delivery device; andFIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control method for a power delivery device.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Embodiments described below in the context of a method are analogously valid for the respective element, device, apparatus, or system, and vice versa. Furthermore, it will be understood that the embodiments described below may be combined, for example, a part of one embodiment may be combined with a part of another embodiment, and a part of one embodiment may be combined with a part of another embodiment.

[0008] It should be understood that the singular terms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word "or" is intended to include "and" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0009] It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more steps or elements possesses those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of a method or an element of a device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0010] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “substantially”, is not limited to the precise value specified but within tolerances that are acceptable for operation of the embodiment for an application for which it is intended. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value.

[0011] The term “exemplary” may be used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration”. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

[0012] The terms “at least one” and “one or more” may be understood to include a numerical quantity greater than or equal to one (e.g., one, two, three, four, [...], etc.). The term “a plurality” may be understood to include a numerical quantity greater than or equal to two (e.g., two, three, four, five, [...], etc.). The phrase “at least one of’ with regard to a group of elements may be used herein to mean at least one element from the group consisting of the elements. For example, the phrase “at least one of’ with regard to a group of elements may be used herein to mean a selection of: one of the listed elements, a plurality of one of the listed elements, a plurality of individual listed elements, or a plurality of a multiple of listed elements.

[0013] The term “first”, “second”, “third” detailed herein are used to distinguish one element from another similar element and may not necessarily denote order or relative importance, unless otherwise stated. For example, a first transaction data, a second transactiondata may be used to distinguish two transactions based on two different foreign currency exchange.

[0014] Various embodiments of what is described here seek to provide a control system for a power delivery device. The proposed control system may provide a safe and efficient mechanism in over-protection systems (e.g. over-current protection). The proposed control system may take consideration of a magnitude and / or duration of inrush current associated with a power delivery process. When the magnitude and / or duration of inrush current associated with a power delivery process is within a safety limit (e.g. not causing electrical performance of the electronic device degraded) with respect to an electronic device to be charged, the proposed control system may be configured to continue charging the electronic device without triggering the over-protection systems.

[0015] In various embodiments, the proposed control system may include a switch (e.g. a MOSFET switch) configured to turn on / off a power delivery process associated with the power delivery device. The switch may be controlled by a control circuit included in the proposed control system to be turned off when an output current exceeds a predefined current limiting threshold. The predefined current limiting threshold may be set based on the magnitude and / or duration of inrush current associated with the power delivery process and adjusted by an adjustable load. The switch may also be controlled by the control circuit to be turned off when a time period of high current (e.g. greater than a typical current threshold for an over-protection system) is greater than a predefined time limiting threshold. The predefined time limiting threshold may be set based on the magnitude and / or duration of inrush current associated with the power delivery process and adjusted by an adjustable capacitor. The proposed control system may further include a temperature sensor and the control system may be configured to shut down when the temperature is greater than a temperature threshold. Advantageously, the proposed control system ensures a robust protection solution against real faults which is also immune to transients, thereby ensuring maximum system uptime.

[0016] The following examples pertain to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Example 1 is a control system for a power delivery device, the system including: a switch configured to turn on / off a power delivery process associated with the power delivery device; and a control circuit configured to control the switch, wherein the control circuit is configured to compare an output current associated with the power delivery process with a predefined current limiting threshold, the predefined current limiting threshold being defined based on an adjustable load, and the control circuit is further configured to control the switchto turn off the power delivery process, when the output current exceeds the predefined current limiting threshold.

[0018] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 may optionally include that the predefined current limiting threshold is defined in a manner that an inrush current associated with the power delivery process is less than the predefined current limiting threshold.

[0019] Tn Example 3, the subject matter of Example 1 or Example 2 may optionally include one or more comparators configured to compare the output current associated with the power delivery process with the predefined current limiting threshold.

[0020] In Example 4, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 3 may optionally include a transducer configured to measure the output current associated with the power delivery process.

[0021] In Example 5, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 4 may optionally include a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the control system and transmit the temperature to the control circuit, wherein the control circuit is further configured to control the switch to turn off the power delivery process when the temperature is greater than a temperature threshold.

[0022] In Example 6, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 5 may optionally include a timing unit configured to measure a time period associated with the power delivery process and transmit the measured time period to the control circuit, wherein the control circuit is further configured to control the switch to turn off the power delivery process when the measured time period is greater than a predefined time limiting threshold.

[0023] Tn Example 7, the subject matter of Example 6 may optionally include that the predefined time limiting threshold is defined based on an adjustable capacitor.

[0024] In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 7 may optionally include that the predefined time limiting threshold is defined in a manner that a duration of an inrush current is less than the predefined time limiting threshold.

[0025] In Example 9, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 8 may optionally include a slew rate control element configured to detect a slew rate of change of a charging characteristic associated with the power delivery process and transmit the slew rate to an output interface associated with the power delivery process when the slew rate is greater than a power delivery threshold.

[0026] In Example 10, the subj ect matter of any of Examples 1 to 9 may optionally include a further switch connected in series with the switch, wherein the further switch and the switch include n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs).

[0027] In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 may optionally include that the control circuit includes a first control element and a second control element, the first control element being configured to control the switch and the second control element being configured to control the further switch.

[0028] Tn Example 12, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 1 1 may optionally include a diode, and a resistor in series connection with the diode, wherein the diode and the resistor are arranged in an additional electrical path parallel to an electrical path of the switch is disposed, and the diode is further arranged to allow a reverse current flow in a direction opposite to a forward current flow of the output current.

[0029] Tn Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 may optionally include an additional p-channel MOSFET, and an additional n-channel MOSFET, wherein an n gate of the additional n-channel MOSFET is configured to receive a logic level of voltage from the reverse current flow so as to turn on, a p gate of the additional p-channel MOSFET is connected to a n drain of the additional n-channel MOSFET and the additional p-channel MOSFET turns on by a voltage applied on the p gate due to the turn-on of the additional n-channel MOSFET.

[0030] Example 14 is a control method for a power delivery device, the method including: turning on a power delivery process associated with the power delivery device by a switch; comparing an output current associated with the power delivery process with a predefined current limiting threshold, the predefined current limiting threshold being defined based on an adjustable load; and controlling the switch to turn off the power delivery process, when the output current exceeds the predefined current limiting threshold.

[0031] In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 14 may optionally include that the predefined current limiting threshold is defined in a manner that an inrush current associated with the power delivery process is less than the predefined current limiting threshold.

[0032] In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 14 or Example 15 may optionally include measuring a temperature of the control system; transmitting the temperature to the control circuit; and controlling the switch to turn off the power delivery process when the temperature is greater than a temperature threshold.

[0033] In Example 17, the subject matter of any of Examples 14 to 16 may optionally include measuring a time period associated with the power delivery process; transmitting themeasured time period to the control circuit; and control the switch to turn off the power delivery process when the measured time period is greater than a predefined time limiting threshold.

[0034] In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 17 may optionally include that the predefined time limiting threshold is defined based on an adjustable capacitor, and wherein the predefined time limiting threshold is defined in a manner that a duration of an inrush current is less than the predefined time limiting threshold.

[0035] In Example 19, the subject matter of any of Examples 14 to 18 may optionally include detecting a slew rate of change of a charging characteristic associated with the power delivery process; and transmitting the slew rate to an output interface associated with the power delivery process, when the slew rate is greater than a power delivery threshold.

[0036] In Example 20, the subject matter of any of Examples 14 to 19 may optionally include providing an additional electrical path with a diode and a resistor in parallel to an electrical path of the switch is disposed; and allowing a reverse current flow in a direction opposite to a forward current flow of the output current.

[0037] In Example 21, the subject matter of Example 20 may optionally include receiving a logic level of voltage from the reverse current flow by an n gate of an additional n-channel MOSFET so as to turn on; turning on an additional p-channel MOSFET by a voltage applied on a p gate of the additional p-channel MOSFET due to the turn-on of the additional n-channel MOSFET, wherein the p gate of is connected to a n drain of the additional n-channel MOSFET.

[0038] FIG. l is a block diagram showing a control system 100 in connection with a power delivery device 10 for charging an electronic device 20 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the power delivery device 10 may include a power charger and a power adapter facilitating charging of electronic devices as well as a power bank offering portable energy storage solutions, thereby catering to various needs and applications. The power delivery device 10 may include a USB-C Power Delivery (PD) device. The USB-C PD may be a versatile charging and power delivery standard / protocol designed for USB-C connectors. This standard / protocol may be widely used in various devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, power banks, and even monitors, enabling faster charging, efficient power management, and greater flexibility in device connectivity. The control system 100 for the power delivery device 10 may include a USB-C port as a power delivery port for receiving a USB-C plug of the power delivery device 10 which in turn provide power (e.g. high power 100W (20V / 5A)) to the electronic device 20 via the control system100. The control system 100 for the power delivery device 10 may be wirelessly connected or in wired connection with the power delivery device 10 for charging the electronic device 20.

[0040] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control system 100 may be wirelessly connected to the electronic device 20 and / or in wired connection with the electronic device 20 (e.g. via USB type-C port). The electronic device 20 may include mobile phones, laptops, tablets, desktop computers, gaming consoles and any electronic device that utilize electrical circuits and components to perform various functions (including medical devices and industrial machinery).

[0041] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control system 100 may include Overcurrent Protection (OCP) designed to safeguard against excessive currents that may lead to damage, malfunction, or hazardous conditions The OCP may function by interrupting the flow of electricity when the current exceeds a predetermined threshold. Overcurrent events may occur due to various factors such as short circuits, overloads, or faults in the electrical system. Inrush current may refer to the temporary surge of current that occurs when electrical devices are first turned on or energized. This surge may happen because when the device is initially powered up, the electrical components within it have low impedance. As a result, they may draw a higher-than-normal current from the power source until they stabilize at their operational state. The magnitude and duration of inrush current may vary depending on factors such as the type and size of the device, the impedance of the power source, and the ambient temperature. The OCP may be triggered if the inrush current is greater than the OCP threshold. However, the duration of inrush current may be short (e.g. less than or around 200 ps) such that it may not cause the power delivery electrical performance degraded. According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control system 100 may be configured to bypass the short duration of inrush current, thereby not triggering the OCP of the control system 100 and continuing charging as described hereinafter.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control system 100 of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control system 100 may include a switch 102 configured to turn on / off a power delivery process associated with the power delivery device 10 and a control circuit 110 configured to control the switch 102. The control circuit 110 may be configured to compare an output current associated with the power delivery process with a predefined current limiting threshold, the predefined current limiting threshold being defined based on an adjustable load 112. The control circuit 110 may be furtherconfigured to control the switch 102 to turn off the power delivery process, when the output current exceeds the predefined current limiting threshold.

[0044] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the switch 102 may be utilized to deliver or interrupt the flow of electrical current. The switch 102 may include p-channel or n- channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) as a switch, Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) as a switch, Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) as a switch, solid-state relay (S SR) as a switch and the like. The switch 102 may be controlled by the control circuit 1 10 to turn on / off so as to deliver / interrupt the charging. Tn the context of the switch 102 being an n-channel MOSFET, the switch 102 may be turned on when a gate voltage of the n-channel MOSFET is zero or low and turned off when the gate voltage is high. In the context of the switch 102 being a p-channel MOSFET, the switch 102 may be turned on when a gate voltage of the p-channel MOSFET is high and turned off when the gate voltage is zero or low.

[0045] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control system 100 may be configured to obtain a magnitude IA and duration TB of inrush current when starting to charge the electronic device 20 by using a current probe. In other words, the magnitude 1A and duration TB of inrush current when starting to charge the electronic device 20 may be provided to the control system 100 as an input.

[0046] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the adjustable load 112 may include an adjustable resistor. The adjustable load 112 may be set based on the magnitude IA and duration TB of inrush current when starting to charge the electronic device 20 in a manner that the predefined current limiting threshold defined based on the adjustable load 112 is greater than or equal to the magnitude IA of inrush current in the delivery process associated with the power delivery device 10. In other words, the inrush current associated with the power delivery process may be less than the predefined current limiting threshold, whereby the control circuit is configured to control the switch not to turn off the power delivery process, when the output current (i.e. being the inrush current when starting to charge) is less than the predefined current limiting threshold but greater than or equal an overprotection current threshold for OCP. For example, inrush current is 8.5 A and TB is 200 ps, and the predefined current limiting threshold is set as 11.9 A using a 560Q resistor. That may mean the control system is configured not to trigger OCP even when the output current is greater than the overprotection current threshold (for example, 5 A) for triggering OCP but less than the predefined current limiting threshold, if the duration TB of inrush current is short.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system 300 for a power delivery device (not shown) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The control system 300 may include the same or similar features of the control system 100. Accordingly, features that are described in the context of the control system 100 may correspondingly be applicable to the same or similar features in the control system 300 and vice versa. Furthermore, additions and / or combinations and / or alternatives as described for a feature in the context of the control system 100 may correspondingly applicable to the same or similar feature in the control system 300 and vice versa.

[0048] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control system 300 may include a switch 302 configured to turn on / off a power delivery process associated with the power delivery device (not shown) and a control circuit 310 configured to control the switch 302. The control circuit 310 may be configured to compare an output current associated with the power delivery process with a predefined current limiting threshold, the predefined current limiting threshold being defined based on an adjustable load 312. The control circuit 310 may be further configured to control the switch 302 to turn off the power delivery process, when the output current exceeds the predefined current limiting threshold.

[0049] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control system 300 may include a further switch connected in series with the switch 302 (collectively switches 302). The further switch and the switch 302 may include n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor fieldeffect transistors (MOSFETs). The control circuit may include a first control element and a second control element, the first control element being configured to control the switch 302 and the second control element being configured to control the further switch 302

[0050] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control system 300 may further include one or more comparators 314 configured to compare the output current associated with the power delivery process with the predefined current limiting threshold. The one or more comparators 314 may be included in the control circuit 310. The one or more comparators 314 may include a first comparator configured to compare the output current associated with the power delivery process with the predefined current limiting threshold and a second comparator to compare the output current associated with the power delivery process with a fraction of the predefined current limiting threshold. In some embodiments, the fraction of the predefined current limiting threshold may be

[0051] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control system 300 may include a transducer 316 configured to measure the output current associated with the power delivery process. The transducer 316 may be configured to transmit the measured output current to the one or more comparators 314. The transducer 316 may be included in the control circuit 310. Although a transducer 316 is used in the present embodiment, it should be appreciated that any electronic unit that is capable to measure current is included in the present disclosure.

[0052] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control system 300 may include a temperature sensor 318 configured to measure a temperature of the control system 300 and transmit the temperature to the control circuit 310. The temperature sensor 318 may be included in the control circuit 310. The control circuit 310 may be configured to control the switch(s) 302 to turn off the power delivery process when the temperature is greater than a temperature threshold The control system 300 may be further configured to shut down the power delivery process when the temperature is greater than a temperature threshold.

[0053] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control system 300 may include a timing unit 320 configured to measure a time period associated with the power delivery process and transmit the measured time period to the control circuit. The timing unit 320 may be included in the control circuit 310. The control circuit 310 may be further configured to control the switch(s) 302 to turn off the power delivery process when the measured time period of the inrush current is greater than a predefined time limiting threshold. The control system 300 may also trigger current limiting operation when the measured time period is greater than a predefined time limiting threshold

[0054] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the predefined time limiting threshold may be defined based on an adjustable capacitor 322. The predefined time limiting threshold may be defined in a manner that the predefined time limiting threshold is greater than or equal to a duration of an inrush current (e g. TB) associated with the power delivery process.

[0055] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control system may further include a slew rate control element 330 configured to detect a slew rate of change of a charging characteristic associated with the power delivery process and transmit the slew rate to an output interface associated with the power delivery process when the slew rate is greater than a power delivery threshold. The charging characteristic associated with the power delivery process may include a charging voltage, a charging current and the like.

[0056] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control system 300 may further include a reverse current unit 340. The reverse current unit 340 may be arranged in an additional electrical path parallel to an electrical path of the switch(s) 302 is disposed, allowing a reverse current flow in a direction opposite to a forward current flow of the output current. The reverse current unit may include a diode and a resistor in series connection with the diode. When the power delivery process is initiated, that is, the power delivery device is initially connected to an electronic device via the control system 300, the reverse current may flow from the electronic device to the power delivery device via the additional electrical path.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system 400 for a power delivery device (not shown) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The control system 400 may include the same or similar features of the control system 300.

[0058] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control system 400 may further include an additional p-channel MOSFET 410 and an additional n-channel MOSFET 420. An n gate of the additional n-channel MOSFET 420 may be configured to receive a logic level of voltage from the reverse current flow so as to turn on. A p gate of the additional p- channel MOSFET 410 may be connected to a n drain of the additional n-channel MOSFET 420. The additional p-channel MOSFET 410 may turn on by a voltage applied on the p gate of the additional p-channel MOSFET 410 due to the turn-on of the additional n-channel MOSFET 420.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an exemplary control system 500 for a power delivery device (e.g. to provide 20V voltage to a laptop via a USB type-C port) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure The control system 500 may include the same or similar features of the control systems 100, 300, 400. Accordingly, features that are described in the context of the control systems 100, 300, 400 may correspondingly be applicable to the same or similar features in the control system 500 and vice versa. Furthermore, additions and / or combinations and / or alternatives as described for a feature in the context of the control systems 100, 300, 400 may correspondingly applicable to the same or similar feature in the control system 500 and vice versa.

[0060] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control system 500 may include a first high-power switch QI and a second high-power switch Q2 configured to turn on / off a power delivery process associated with the power delivery device (not shown) and a control circuit 510 configured to control the first switch QI and the second switch Q2. The first switch QI and the second switch Q2 may be included in the control circuit 510. The controlcircuit 510 may be configured to compare an output current lout associated with the power delivery process with a current limit ILIM, the current limit ILIM being defined based on an adjustable load RLIM. The control circuit 510 may be further configured to control the switches QI and Q2 to turn off the power delivery process, when the output current exceeds two times of the current limit 2ILIM.

[0061] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the first switch Q1 may be connected in series with the second switch Q2. In other words, when either of the switches QI and Q2 is turned off, the corresponding electrical path may be shut off and therefore the power delivery process may be interrupted. The switches QI and Q2 may include n-channel metal - oxi de- semi conductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs).

[0062] According to various non -limiting embodiments, the control circuit 510 may include a control 1 and a control 2, the control 1 being configured to control the switch QI and the control 2 being configured to control the switch Q2 The controls 1, 2 may include MOSFET controls. In some embodiments, the control 1 may be configured to monitor undervoltage, overvoltage condition from Vsysand turn off the switch QI when Vsysis out of undervoltage and / or overvoltage range. In some embodiments, the control 2 may be configured to turn off the switch Q2 when the output current is more than two times of the current limit 2ILIM and / or a temperature of the control system 500 is more than a temperature threshold as described herein. When Vsyscomes in (i.e. a forward current), a system voltage (denoted as V12 in FIG. 5) that goes through an internal diode DI 1 of the switch QI may enable the controls 1, 2 turn on the switches QI and Q2 (e.g. QI, Q2 go to the saturation stage). When aback current flows from the laptop, a system voltage (denoted as V21 in FIG. 5) that goes through an internal diode D21 of the switch Q2 may enable the controls 1, 2 turn on the switches QI and Q2 (e.g. QI, Q2 go to the saturation stage).

[0063] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control circuit 510 may include a comparator 1 configured to compare the output current lout associated with the power delivery process with the current limit ILIM The control circuit 510 may include a comparator 2 to compare the output current lout associated with the power delivery process with two times of the current limit 2ILIM. The control circuit 510 may include a current limit amplifier 513 to amplify the current limit ILIM to two times. The comparator 1 may be referred to as an overcurrent comparison unit (OC) and the comparator 2 may be referred to as a severe overcurrent comparison unit (SC). The control 2 may be configured to control the switch Q2to turn off the power delivery process, when the output current Ioutis greater than two times of the current limit 2ILIM.

[0064] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control system 500 may be configured to obtain a magnitude IA and duration TB of inrush current when starting to charge the laptop by using a current probe. In other words, the magnitude IA and duration TB of inrush current when starting to charge the laptop may be provided to the control system 500 as an input. The current limit ILIM may be set by adjusting the adjustable load RLIM SO as to meet the condition: ILIM < IA < 2ILIM. The current limit ILIM may be further set to be greater than a threshold limit so as to provide sufficiently high current to charge the laptop (e.g. ILIM > 5 A). For example, when inrush current is 8.5 A and TB is 200 ps, the current limit ILIM may be set as 5.95A with the adjustable load RuMof 560Q (e.g. using a constant voltage number 3334V). The adjustable load RLIM may be arranged outside the control circuit 510 and accessible to a user. The adjustable load RLIM may be provided for overcurrent protection during start-up or steady-state of charging.

[0065] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control circuit 510 may include a transducer 516 configured to measure the output current Ioutassociated with the power delivery process. In other words, the transducer 516 may sample the output current lout. The transducer 516 may be configured to transmit the measured output current Ioutto the comparators 1, 2.

[0066] According to various non -limiting embodiments, the control circuit 510 may include a temperature sensor 518 configured to measure a temperature of the switch Q2 and transmit the measured temperature (as high logic level when the temperature sensor 518 is sensing a temperature higher than a temperature threshold and as low logic level when the temperature sensor 518 is sensing a temperature lower than a temperature threshold) to the control 2. The control 2 may be configured to control the switch Q2 to turn off the power delivery process when the temperature is greater than a temperature threshold. The control system 500 may be further configured to shut down the power delivery process when the temperature is greater than a temperature threshold. The temperature sensor 518 may be provided for short-circuit protection / overtemperature protection.

[0067] According to various non -limiting embodiments, the control circuit 510 may include a timing unit 520 configured to measure a time period associated with the power delivery process and transmit the measured time period to the controls 1, 2 The timing unit520 may be triggered to start measuring if the output current loutis greater than current limit ILIM and continue measuring while the output current lout is greater than current limit ILIM. The controls 1, 2 may be further configured to control the switches QI, Q2 to turn off the power delivery process when the measured time period is greater than a predefined time limiting threshold trriMER. The control system 500 may also trigger current limiting operation when the measured time period is greater than the predefined time limiting threshold tuiMER. The predefined time limiting threshold IITIMER may be defined based on a first adjustable capacitor CITIMER. The first adjustable capacitor CITIMER may be arranged outside the control circuit 510 and accessible to a user. The predefined time limiting threshold IITIMER may be defined in a manner that the predefined time limiting threshold IITIMER is greater than a duration of an inrush current (e.g. TB). The predefined time limiting threshold tuiMER may be set byIITIMER (ms) = AVITIMER (V) x CITIMER (nF) / IITIMER(JXA) where AVITIMER (V) is a change of voltage in the first adjustable capacitor CITIMER that stores a capacitive voltage VINT, IITIMER is a capacitive current in the first adjustable capacitor CITIMER. In other words, the predefined time limiting threshold IITIMER may be set by a discharge time of the first adjustable capacitor CITIMER. AVITIMER (V) may be controlled to be less than a predetermined voltage (i.e. the capacitive voltage VINT (e.g. 1.51 V)).

[0068] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control system 500 may further include a slew rate control element 530 configured to detect a slew rate of change of a charging characteristic associated with the power delivery process and transmit the slew rate to an output interface of the control system 500 when the slew rate is greater than a power delivery threshold The charging characteristic associated with the power delivery process may include a charging voltage v and accordingly the slew rate may be defined asThe power delivery threshold may be adjustable and determined based on a second adjustable capacitor Cdv / dt. The control system 500 may be configured to shut down the power delivery processwhen the slew rateassociated with the power delivery process is greater than the power delivery threshold. The slew rate control element 530 may be provided for inrush current protection.

[0069] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control system 500 may further include a reverse current unit 540. The reverse current unit 540 may be arranged in an additional electrical path 541 parallel to an electrical path 501 where the switches QI and Q2 are disposed, allowing a reverse current flow of a reverse current Irev in a direction opposite toa forward current flow of the output current lout. The reverse current unit 540 may include a diode DI and a resistor R1 in series connection with the diode DI. When the power delivery process is initiated, that is, the power delivery device is initially connected to the laptop via the control system 500, the reverse current Irevmay flow from the laptop to the power delivery device via the additional electrical path 541.

[0070] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the control system 500 may further include an additional p-channel MOSFET Q3 and an additional n-channel MOSFET Q4 An n gate of the additional n-channel MOSFET Q4 may be configured to receive a logic level of voltage from the reverse current flow so as to turn on. A p gate of the additional p- channel MOSFET Q3 may be connected to a n drain of the additional n-channel MOSFET Q4. The additional p-channel MOSFET Q3 may turn on by a voltage applied on the p gate due to the turn-on of the additional n-channel MOSFET Q4. The resistors R2, R3, and R4 may be used to protect the circuit. The resistor R3 may be used to prevent the false turning on the additional n-channel MOSFET Q4 from noise level at the gate of the additional n-channel MOSFET Q4. When the additional n-channel MOSFET Q4 turns on, the resistors R1 and R2 may be voltage divider and the voltage at R2 may turn on the additional p-channel MOSFET Q3 and Q3 may go to saturation stage.

[0071] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the output current lout, predefined time limiting threshold ITIMER and output voltage Vout of the control system 500 in a power delivery process associated with a power delivery device. The power delivery process is described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0072] According to various non-limiting embodiments, when the power delivery process starts by connecting the power delivery device to a laptop to be charged via the control system 500 for the power delivery device (at to), an 20V / 5A power (VPD) may be injected from the power delivery device by a USB-C port of the control system 500.

[0073] The time periods from to to ti and from ts to te may be considered as safe regions as described below.

[0074] From to to ti, an input current due to the 20V / 5A power (VPD) may flow through an internal diode of the p-channel MOSFET Q3 and accordingly the control circuit 510 of the control system 500 may receive an input voltage Vm / Vsys equal to VPD. The current path 501 may be defined by an IN pin and an OUT pin. The IN pin may monitor the input voltage ViN / VSySto ensure safe power delivery. The switches QI and Q2 may turn off at this time period and accordingly the laptop may not be charged. Instead, a reverse current Lev may flow in thereverse current path 541 from the laptop to the power delivery device. The output current lout due to the reverse current Irevmay be less than or equal to the current limit ILIM. The reverse current Irev may turn on the n-channel MOSFET Q4 which in turn turns on the p-channel MOSFET Q3.

[0075] From ti to t2, as the p-channel MOSFET Q3 is turned on, the input current may flow through drain to source of the p-channel MOSFET Q3 and a drop of voltage may occur due to a resistance of drain to source of the p-channel MOSFET Q3. The resistance of drain to source of the p-channel MOSFET Q3 may be small (e.g. 8mQ) and accordingly the drop of the voltage may be small, i.e the input voltage Vsys being substantially equal to Vm When the input voltage Vsys exceeds an undervoltage protection threshold (VUVP), the control circuit 510 may enable the current path 501 to flow in both directions (forward and back currents) as described hereinbefore. The input current may further flow through the current path 501, and through the switches Q1, Q2 which turn on by the control circuit 510 when the input voltage Vsysexceeds the VUVP. The output voltage Voutmay decrease. The output current lout may an inrush current (e.g. a transient overcurrent) associated with a starting of the power delivery process, which is less than two times of the current limit ILIM and greater than the current limit ILIM. The time period from ti to t2 may represent a duration of the inrush current. The capacitive voltage of the first adjustable capacitor CITIMER may discharge so as to monitor the time period when the output current lout is greater than current limit ILIM.

[0076] From t2 to ts, the output current lout may decrease after the starting of the power delivery process (i.e. the inrush current passes). The capacitive voltage of the first adjustable capacitor CITIMER may stop to monitor the time period as the output current lout is less than current limit ILIM and recharge.

[0077] From ts to ti, the output current lout may increase to be greater than the current limit ILIM but less than two times of the current limit ILIM and remain for a time period, i.e. greater than the predefined time limiting threshold IITIMER. The control system 500 may trigger current limiting operation at t4 when the above time period is greater than the predefined time limiting threshold trriMER.

[0078] From U to ts, the current limiting operation may be triggered. The output voltage Vout may decrease due to the current limiting operation.

[0079] From ts to U, overload may be removed.

[0080] From te to ty, the output current Ioutmay be higher than the time period from ts to U, but still less than two times of the current limit ILIM and greater than the current limit ILIM. Thetime period from te to t? may be greater than the predefined time limiting threshold IITIMER. The control system 500 may again trigger current limiting operation at ty when the above time period is greater than the predefined time limiting threshold trriMER.

[0081] From t? to t9, the temperature of the control system 500 may be greater than the temperature threshold, and the control system 500 may be configured to shut down the power delivery process when the temperature is greater than the temperature threshold.

[0082] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control method 700 for a power delivery device.

[0083] The method may include the following steps 702 to 706.

[0084] At step 702, turn on a power delivery process associated with the power delivery device by a switch.

[0085] At step 704, compare an output current associated with the power delivery process with a predefined current limiting threshold, the predefined current limiting threshold being defined based on an adjustable load.

[0086] At step 706, control the switch to turn off the power delivery process, when the output current exceeds the predefined current limiting threshold.

[0087] While this specification contains many details, these should not be understood as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular examples. Certain features that are described in this specification or shown in the drawings in the context of separate embodiments can also be combined. Conversely, various features that are described or shown in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0088] Similarly, while steps / operations of the methods as described above are depicted in a particular order (e.g. as shown in the drawings), this should not be understood as requiring that such operations / steps be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. For example, some operations / steps may occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other operations / steps apart from those illustrated and / or described herein. In addition, not all illustrated operations / steps may be required to implement one or more aspects or embodiments described herein. Also, one or more of the steps depicted herein may be carried out in one or more separate acts and / or phases.

[0089] Moreover, the separation / integration of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring suchseparation / integration in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or separated into multiple products.

[0090] A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A control system for a power delivery device, the system comprising: a switch configured to turn on / off a power delivery process associated with the power delivery device; and a control circuit configured to control the switch, wherein the control circuit is configured to compare an output current associated with the power delivery process with a predefined current limiting threshold, the predefined current limiting threshold being defined based on an adjustable load, and the control circuit is further configured to control the switch to turn off the power delivery process, when the output current exceeds the predefined current limiting threshold.

2. The control system of claim 1, wherein the predefined current limiting threshold is defined in a manner that an inrush current associated with the power delivery process is less than the predefined current limiting threshold.

3. The control system of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising one or more comparators configured to compare the output current associated with the power delivery process with the predefined current limiting threshold.

4. The control system of any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a transducer configured to measure the output current associated with the power delivery process.

5. The control system of any of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the control system and transmit the temperature to the control circuit, wherein the control circuit is further configured to control the switch to turn off the power delivery process when the temperature is greater than a temperature threshold.

6. The control system of any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a timing unit configured to measure a time period associated with the power delivery process and transmit the measured time period to the control circuit,wherein the control circuit is further configured to control the switch to turn off the power delivery process when the measured time period is greater than a predefined time limiting threshold.

7. The control system of claim 6, wherein the predefined time limiting threshold is defined based on an adjustable capacitor.

8. The control system of claim 7, wherein the predefined time limiting threshold is defined in a manner that a duration of an inrush current is less than the predefined time limiting threshold.

9. The control system of any of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a slew rate control element configured to detect a slew rate of change of a charging characteristic associated with the power delivery process and transmit the slew rate to an output interface associated with the power delivery process when the slew rate is greater than a power delivery threshold.

10. The control system of any of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: a further switch connected in series with the switch, wherein the further switch and the switch comprise n-channel metal-oxide- semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs).

11. The control system of claim 10, wherein the control circuit comprises a first control element and a second control element, the first control element being configured to control the switch and the second control element being configured to control the further switch.

12. The control system of any of claims 1 to 11, further comprising: a diode; and a resistor in series connection with the diode, wherein the diode and the resistor are arranged in an additional electrical path parallel to an electrical path of the switch is disposed, and the diode is further arranged to allow a reverse current flow in a direction opposite to a forward current flow of the output current.

13. The control system of claim 12, further comprising: an additional p-channel MOSFET, and an additional n-channel MOSFET, wherein an n gate of the additional n-channel MOSFET is configured to receive a logic level of voltage from the reverse current flow so as to turn on, a p gate of the additional p-channel MOSFET is connected to a n drain of the additional n-channel MOSFET and the additional p-channel MOSFET turns on by a voltage applied on the p gate due to the turn-on of the additional n-channel MOSFET.

14. A control method for a power delivery device, the method comprising: turning on a power delivery process associated with the power delivery device by a switch; comparing an output current associated with the power delivery process with a predefined current limiting threshold, the predefined current limiting threshold being defined based on an adjustable load; and controlling the switch to turn off the power delivery process, when the output current exceeds the predefined current limiting threshold.

15. The control method of claim 14, wherein the predefined current limiting threshold is defined in a manner that an inrush current associated with the power delivery process is less than the predefined current limiting threshold.

16. The control method of any of claims 14 to 15, further comprising measuring a temperature of the control system; transmitting the temperature to the control circuit; and controlling the switch to turn off the power delivery process when the temperature is greater than a temperature threshold.

17. The control method of any of claims 14 to 16, further comprising: measuring a time period associated with the power delivery process; transmitting the measured time period to the control circuit; and control the switch to turn off the power delivery process when the measured time period is greater than a predefined time limiting threshold.

18. The control method of claim 17, wherein the predefined time limiting threshold is defined based on an adjustable capacitor, and wherein the predefined time limiting threshold is defined in a manner that a duration of an inrush current is less than the predefined time limiting threshold.

19. The control method of any of claims 14 to 18, further comprising: detecting a slew rate of change of a charging characteristic associated with the power delivery process; and transmitting the slew rate to an output interface associated with the power delivery process, when the slew rate is greater than a power delivery threshold.

20. The control method of any of claims 14 to 19, further comprising: providing an additional electrical path with a diode and a resistor in parallel to an electrical path of the switch is disposed; and allowing a reverse current flow in a direction opposite to a forward current flow of the output current.

21. The control method of claim 20, further comprising: receiving a logic level of voltage from the reverse current flow by an n gate of an additional n-channel MOSFET so as to turn on; turning on an additional p-channel MOSFET by a voltage applied on a p gate of the additional p-channel MOSFET due to the turn-on of the additional n-channel MOSFET, wherein the p gate of is connected to a n drain of the additional n-channel MOSFET.

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