Discharge module and control method therefor, and electronic device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and relates to a discharge module and a control method therefor, and an electronic device, used for improving the charging power of an electronic device for an external electronic device. The discharge module is applied to an electronic device. The electronic device comprises at least one external port and a power supply end. The external port is at least used for charging an electric device connected to the external port. The discharge module comprises a control apparatus and a discharge circuit. The control apparatus is configured to be coupled to the external port so as to acquire charging information of the electric device. The control apparatus is configured to output a target control instruction in response to the charging information. The discharge circuit is coupled to the control apparatus, and the discharge circuit is further configured to be coupled to the power supply end and the external port. The discharge circuit is configured to receive an input voltage provided by the power supply end, and provide to the external port an output voltage corresponding to the target control instruction.

Description

Discharge module, control method thereof and electronic device TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and in particular to a discharge module, a control method thereof and an electronic device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Many electronic devices have external ports. These external ports can be used not only for data transmission with external electronic devices, charging of internal batteries of the electronic devices, and the like, but also for charging of external electronic devices. For example, a universal serial bus (USB, such as type-C) interface of a notebook computer can charge an internal battery of the notebook computer when a charger is connected; and the notebook computer can also charge a mobile phone when the type-C interface is connected to the mobile phone.

[0003] However, the current electronic devices have a low charging power for external electronic devices.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present application provide a discharge module, a control method thereof and an electronic device, to improve the charging power of an electronic device for an external electronic device.

[0006] To achieve the above object, embodiments of the present application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect, a discharge module is provided. The discharge module is applied to an electronic device, and the electronic device includes at least one external port and a power supply end. The external port is used at least for charging a powered device connected to the external port. The discharge module includes a control device and a discharge circuit. The control device is coupled to the external port to obtain charging information of the powered device. The control device is configured to output a target control instruction in response to the charging information. The discharge circuit is coupled to the control device, and the discharge circuit is also coupled to the power supply end and the external port. The discharge circuit is configured to receive an input voltage provided by the power supply end and provide an output voltage corresponding to the target control instruction to the external port.

[0008] The control device can be coupled to the external port, so that the control device can obtain device information of an external electronic device from the external port to determine whether the external port is coupled to the external electronic device. In addition, the control device can determine, from the obtained device information, whether the external electronic device is a power supply device or a powered device when it is determined that the external port is coupled to the external electronic device.

[0009] In addition, the control device can obtain charging information of the external electronic device from the external port. The charging information is used to indicate the charging requirement of the external electronic device, and the charging information can include at least one of the charging voltage, the charging current and the charging power required by the external electronic device. After obtaining the charging information of the electrical device, the control device can send a target control instruction corresponding to the charging requirement to the discharging circuit.

[0010] The discharging circuit can include a voltage-adjustable transformer sub-circuit. The transformer sub-circuit receives different control instructions to provide different output voltages to the external port.

[0011] Exemplarily, the discharging circuit can include a voltage-adjustable step-down circuit, or the discharging circuit can include a voltage-adjustable step-up chopper circuit. Of course, the discharging circuit can also be other voltage-adjustable circuits, which are not limited herein.

[0012] It can be understood that the transformer sub-circuit can provide different output voltages to the external port by outputting different control voltages.

[0013] In the present application, the cost of the discharging circuit is low. By adding the low-cost discharging circuit, different voltages can be output to the external port, so that the electronic device can use a larger voltage to charge the electrical device. In addition, the electronic device can also adjust the charging voltage of the electrical device according to the charging requirement of the electrical device to meet the charging requirement of the electrical device, improve the flexibility of charging the electrical device, and improve the charging power of the electrical device to the electrical device.

[0014] It should be noted that the power supply end can include a system power supply end. The system power supply end refers to a signal end capable of providing a system set voltage. In some examples, when the system set voltage is equal to the battery voltage, the system power supply end can be the battery of the electronic device. In other examples, when the system set voltage is not equal to the battery voltage, the system power supply end can be a voltage end after the secondary voltage regulation (step-up processing or step-down processing) of the battery voltage output by the battery of the electronic device. Of course, the power supply end can also be other signal ends that provide stable voltage, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited.

[0015] In some possible implementation manners of the first aspect, the discharging circuit comprises a voltage regulating sub-circuit and a voltage supply chip. The voltage regulating sub-circuit comprises an output node; the voltage regulating sub-circuit is coupled with the control device, and is configured to generate a control voltage corresponding to the control instruction at the output node in response to the control instruction. The voltage supply chip comprises a first interface, a second interface and a third interface; the first interface is configured to be coupled with the power supply end to receive an input voltage, the second interface is coupled with the external port to provide an output voltage to the external port, and the third interface is coupled with the output node to receive the control voltage. The voltage supply chip is configured to provide the output voltage corresponding to the control voltage to the external port.

[0016] In some examples, the control device can comprise a controller and a power transmission module. The power transmission module is coupled with the external port, and the controller is coupled with the power transmission module and the voltage regulating sub-circuit respectively. The power transmission module is configured to obtain device information of the external electronic device from the external port. The controller is configured to output a corresponding control instruction to the voltage regulating sub-circuit based on the device information of the external electronic device.

[0017] The voltage regulating sub-circuit is coupled with the controller and the voltage supply chip respectively. For example, the voltage regulating sub-circuit comprises an output node, and the output node of the voltage regulating sub-circuit is coupled with the voltage supply chip. The voltage regulating sub-circuit can generate different control voltages at the output node in response to different control instructions output by the controller.

[0018] The voltage supply chip can comprise a first interface, a second interface and a third interface. The first interface can be coupled with the system power supply end, the second interface is coupled with the external port, and the third interface is coupled with the voltage regulating sub-circuit. The voltage supply chip is configured to receive a system voltage provided by the system power supply end, and provide an output voltage to the external port after processing the system voltage. The output voltage of the voltage supply chip can be adjusted by the control voltage provided by the voltage regulating sub-circuit.

[0019] It can be understood that the voltage regulating sub-circuit can provide different output voltages to the external port by outputting different control voltages.

[0020] In this application, the cost of the voltage regulating sub-circuit is relatively low. By adding the voltage regulating sub-circuit with relatively low cost, the output voltage of the voltage supply chip is adjusted, so that the electronic device can use a larger voltage to charge the electric device. In addition, the electronic device can also adjust the charging voltage of the electric device according to the charging demand of the electric device, so as to meet the charging requirement of the electric device, improve the flexibility of charging the electric device, and improve the charging power of the electric device to the electric device.

[0021] In some possible implementation manners of the first aspect, the voltage regulating sub-circuit comprises a voltage dividing unit and at least one voltage regulating unit. The voltage dividing unit comprises an output node, a first end and a second end; the first end is coupled to the second interface of the voltage supply chip, and the second end is coupled to the common signal end. The voltage dividing unit is configured to generate a control voltage at the output node in a case where the second interface of the voltage supply chip provides an output voltage to the external connection port, and the voltage value of the control voltage is less than the voltage value of the output voltage. The voltage regulating unit is coupled to the control device, the common signal end and the output node respectively; and the voltage regulating unit is configured to adjust the voltage value of the control voltage generated at the output node.

[0022] The first end of the voltage dividing unit is coupled to the second interface of the voltage supply chip, and the second end of the voltage dividing unit is coupled to the ground end. The output node of the voltage dividing unit is coupled to the third interface of the voltage supply chip. The voltage dividing unit forms a control voltage at the output node thereof based on the output voltage provided by the second interface of the voltage supply chip and the common voltage provided by the ground end, and outputs the control voltage to the third interface of the voltage supply chip. The voltage value of the control voltage is greater than the voltage value of the ground voltage and less than the voltage value of the output voltage.

[0023] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the voltage dividing unit can also not be coupled to the ground end, but can be coupled to other voltage sources. These voltage sources need to meet the requirements that the output voltage value is less than the output voltage value provided by the second interface of the voltage supply chip, and the output voltage is constant. The voltage sources and the ground end that meet the requirements can be collectively referred to as the common signal end. For ease of understanding, the ground end as the common signal end will be taken as an example for subsequent description.

[0024] In order to be able to change the voltage value of the control voltage output by the output node, the voltage regulating sub-circuit can further comprise at least one voltage regulating unit. Each voltage regulating unit can be used to adjust the voltage value of the control voltage output by the output node.

[0025] Each voltage regulating unit can be coupled to the output node of the voltage dividing unit and the ground end respectively. The voltage value of the control voltage formed at the output node by the voltage regulating unit is changed. Therefore, by controlling the voltage regulating unit, the voltage value of the control voltage formed at the output node can be changed, and thus the voltage value of the output voltage provided by the voltage supply chip to the external connection port can be changed.

[0026] In this embodiment, the output node that provides the control voltage to the voltage supply chip is formed by the voltage dividing unit, and the voltage value of the control voltage at the output node is adjusted by the at least one voltage regulating unit, so that the voltage value of the control voltage output by the voltage regulating sub-circuit can be simply and efficiently adjusted.

[0027] In some possible implementation manners of the first aspect, the voltage dividing unit includes a first resistor and a second resistor. The first resistor is coupled to the second interface of the voltage supply chip and the output node respectively. The second resistor is coupled to the output node and the common signal terminal respectively.

[0028] In the embodiment, the voltage dividing unit includes the first resistor and the second resistor connected in series with each other, and each resistor has a low cost, thereby facilitating reduction of the cost of the voltage dividing unit and the voltage regulating sub-circuit.

[0029] In some possible implementation manners of the first aspect, the voltage regulating unit includes a voltage regulating resistor and a switch. The voltage regulating resistor is coupled to the output node and the common signal terminal respectively. The switch is coupled to the control device. The switch is connected in series between the voltage regulating resistor and the common signal terminal, or the switch is connected in series between the voltage regulating resistor and the output node.

[0030] It can be understood that, when the switch is turned on, the voltage regulating resistor and the second resistor are connected in parallel, and thus the voltage value of the control voltage formed by the output node is reduced. Therefore, by controlling the switch to be turned on, the voltage value of the control voltage formed by the output node can be adjusted.

[0031] In the embodiment, the voltage dividing unit includes the voltage regulating resistor and the switch connected in series with each other, and the resistor and the switch have low costs, thereby facilitating reduction of the cost of the voltage dividing unit and the voltage regulating sub-circuit.

[0032] In some possible implementation manners of the first aspect, the switch includes a transistor. The control electrode of the transistor is coupled to the control device. In the case where the switch is connected in series between the voltage regulating resistor and the common signal terminal, the first electrode of the transistor is coupled to the voltage regulating resistor, and the second electrode of the transistor is coupled to the common signal terminal. Alternatively, in the case where the switch is connected in series between the voltage regulating resistor and the output node, the control electrode of the transistor is coupled to the control device, the first electrode of the transistor is coupled to the output node, and the second electrode of the transistor is coupled to the voltage regulating resistor.

[0033] The transistor has the characteristics of high switching speed and low cost. In the embodiment, the switch includes the transistor, so that the response speed of the switch can be improved while the cost of the voltage dividing unit and the voltage regulating sub-circuit is reduced, thereby improving the adjustment speed of the control voltage output by the voltage regulating sub-circuit and improving the charging effect of the electronic device on the powered device.

[0034] In some possible implementation manners of the first aspect, the voltage supply chip includes a step-down BUCK chip. The first interface is an input voltage pin, the second interface is an output voltage pin, and the third interface is a feedback pin.

[0035] The BUCK chip is a chip that is usually provided in an electronic device. The output voltage of the BUCK chip varies due to the change of the feedback voltage received by the feedback pin, and thus the BUCK chip functions in the same way as the voltage supply chip.

[0036] Therefore, by using the BUCK chip provided in the electronic device as the voltage supply chip, the cost of the electronic device can be reduced by avoiding the need to additionally provide another chip. Moreover, since the BUCK chip is provided in the electronic device, the electronic device does not need to be reengineered, and thus the design difficulty of the electronic device can be reduced.

[0037] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the control device comprises a power transmission module and a controller. The power transmission module is configured to couple with the external port to obtain the charging information of the powered device. The controller is coupled with the power transmission module and the discharging circuit. The controller is configured to output the target control instruction to the discharging circuit in response to the charging information.

[0038] The power transmission module can be coupled with the external port and the controller. For example, the power transmission module is coupled with the Type-C interface by using the configuration channel line. In this way, the power transmission module can obtain the device information at the external port by using the configuration channel line. The power transmission module can send the device information to the controller, so that the controller can determine whether the external electronic device is inserted into the Type-C interface based on whether there is device information, and the controller can determine whether the external electronic device connected to the Type-C interface is a power supply device or a powered device by using the device information.

[0039] The discharging circuit is coupled with the controller. The controller sends the target control instruction to the discharging circuit in the case where it is determined that the device connected to the Type-C interface is a powered device. The discharging circuit provides a corresponding output voltage to the Type-C interface based on the target control instruction provided by the controller.

[0040] The power transmission module can negotiate the power supply requirement between a plurality of mutually compatible electronic devices under a power transmission protocol. The power transmission protocol can improve the communication efficiency between the discharging module and the powered device by using intelligent communication between the electronic devices.

[0041] The discharging module charges the powered device according to the requirement of the powered device, and needs to rely on the communication between the discharging module and the powered device. Therefore, by using the power transmission module, the communication efficiency between the discharging module and the powered device can be improved, and the charging efficiency of the discharging module to the powered device can be improved.

[0042] In some possible implementation manners of the first aspect, the discharging circuit comprises a voltage transformation sub-circuit. The voltage transformation sub-circuit is coupled with the controller and is further configured to be coupled with the power supply end and the external port. The voltage transformation sub-circuit is configured to provide, in response to the target control instruction, an output voltage corresponding to the target control instruction to the external port.

[0043] Exemplarily, the discharging circuit can comprise a step-down circuit with adjustable output voltage; or the discharging circuit can comprise a step-up circuit with adjustable output voltage. Of course, the discharging circuit can also be other circuits with adjustable output voltage, which are not limited herein.

[0044] The voltage transformation sub-circuit receives different control instructions to provide different output voltages to the Type-C interface. In this way, since the voltage transformation sub-circuit itself has the function of adjustable output voltage, the structure of the discharging circuit can be simplified, and the manufacturing efficiency of the electronic device can be improved.

[0045] In the second aspect, a control method of a discharging module is provided. The control method of the discharging module is applied to the discharging module of any one of the first aspect. The method comprises: obtaining, by the control device through the external port, charging information of the electric device. The control device outputs a target control instruction in response to the charging information. The discharging circuit provides an output voltage corresponding to the target control instruction to the external port in response to the target control instruction.

[0046] In the present application, the cost of the discharging circuit is relatively low. By adding the discharging circuit with relatively low cost, different voltages are output to the external port, so that the electronic device can use a larger voltage to charge the electric device. Moreover, the electronic device can also adjust the charging voltage of the electric device according to the charging requirement of the electric device, so as to meet the charging requirement of the electric device, improve the flexibility of charging the electric device, and improve the charging power of the electronic device to the electric device.

[0047] In some possible implementation manners of the second aspect, the discharging circuit comprises a voltage regulation sub-circuit and a voltage supply chip. The discharging circuit provides an output voltage corresponding to the target control instruction to the external port in response to the target control instruction, comprising: the voltage regulation sub-circuit generates a control voltage corresponding to the target control instruction at an output node in response to the target control instruction. The voltage supply chip provides an output voltage corresponding to the control voltage to the external port in response to the control voltage, so that the external port charges the electric device at the output voltage.

[0048] In this way, the electronic device can add the voltage regulation sub-circuit with relatively low cost to adjust the output voltage of the voltage supply chip, so that the electronic device can use a larger voltage to charge the electric device. Moreover, the electronic device can also adjust the charging voltage of the electric device according to the charging requirement of the electric device, so as to meet the charging requirement of the electric device, improve the flexibility of charging the electric device, and improve the charging power of the notebook computer to the electric device.

[0049] In some possible implementation manners of the second aspect, the voltage regulating unit comprises a first resistor, a second resistor, a voltage regulating resistor and a switch. The control device outputs the control instruction in response to the charging information, comprising: the control device outputs a turn-on sub-instruction to the at least one switch in response to the charging information, the turn-on sub-instruction instructing the switch to turn on; and the control instruction comprises the turn-on sub-instruction.

[0050] The charging information can comprise a charging voltage. After obtaining the charging information of the electrical device, the controller can send a control instruction corresponding to the charging information to the voltage regulating sub-circuit.

[0051] For example, the charging information of the electrical device comprises a charging voltage of 10V, and after obtaining the charging information of the electrical device, the controller can send a control instruction to the voltage regulating sub-circuit. In response to the control instruction, the first switch is turned on and the second switch is turned off, and a second control voltage is formed at the output node in the voltage regulating sub-circuit. The third interface of the power supply chip receives the second control voltage, and the second interface of the power supply chip provides an output voltage of 10V to the external port, so that the notebook computer charges the electrical device at a charging voltage of 10V.

[0052] For another example, the charging information of the electrical device comprises a charging voltage of 15V, and after obtaining the charging information of the electrical device, the controller can send another control instruction to the voltage regulating sub-circuit. In response to the control instruction, the second switch is turned on and the first switch is turned off, and a third control voltage is formed at the output node in the voltage regulating sub-circuit. The third interface of the power supply chip receives the third control voltage, and the second interface of the power supply chip provides an output voltage of 15V to the external port, so that the notebook computer charges the electrical device at a charging voltage of 15V.

[0053] The resistors and switches have low cost. Therefore, the use of multiple resistors and switches in the embodiment can facilitate the reduction of the cost of the voltage dividing unit and the voltage regulating sub-circuit.

[0054] In some possible implementation manners of the second aspect, one voltage supply chip is used to provide output voltages to at least two external ports. The at least two external ports comprise a first external port and a second external port. The control device obtains charging information of an electrical device through the first external port. The control device outputs a target control instruction, comprising: the control device obtains a detection result of the second external port; the detection result is used to indicate whether the second external port is connected to an external electronic device; and the control device outputs the target control instruction in a case where the detection result indicates that the second external port is not connected to the other electronic device.

[0055] Since one voltage supply chip is used to provide output voltage to at least two external ports, the output voltage provided by the two external ports is equal. However, different electronic devices may have different requirements for charging voltage. For example, a mobile phone with fast charging function corresponds to a charging voltage of 15V, and a headset without fast charging function corresponds to a charging voltage of 5V. At this time, if the controller receives charging information of the mobile phone including a charging voltage of 15V, the external port will charge the headset with an output voltage of 15V, which will cause damage to the headset.

[0056] In the embodiment, in the case that one voltage supply chip is used to provide output voltage to at least two external ports, and only one external port is coupled to an external electronic device, and other external ports are not coupled to external electronic devices, the control device can output a target control instruction according to the charging information of the external electronic device, so that the voltage supply chip provides a higher charging voltage required by the external electronic device to the external port. In this way, the charging power and speed of the electronic device to the external electronic device can be improved, and the charging effect of the electronic device to the external electronic device can be improved.

[0057] In some possible implementation manners of the second aspect, the method further includes: in the case that the detection result indicates that the second external port is connected to other electronic devices, the control device acquires device information of the external electronic device. In the case that the device information indicates that the external electronic device includes a power-consuming device, the control device outputs an initial control instruction; the output voltage corresponding to the initial control instruction is less than the output voltage corresponding to the target control instruction.

[0058] In the embodiment, in the case that one voltage supply chip is used to provide output voltage to at least two external ports, and at least two external ports are coupled to external electronic devices, the control device does not respond to the charging information of the external electronic device, but outputs an initial control instruction, so that the voltage supply chip provides a lower and safe basic power supply voltage to the external port. In this way, the safety of charging the external electronic device by the electronic device can be improved.

[0059] In some possible implementation manners of the second aspect, the method further includes: in the case that the detection result indicates that the second external port is connected to other electronic devices, the control device acquires device information of the external electronic device. In the case that the device information indicates that the external electronic device includes a power-consuming device, the control device outputs an initial control instruction; the output voltage corresponding to the initial control instruction is less than the output voltage corresponding to the target control instruction.

[0060] In the embodiment, in a case where one voltage supply chip is configured to provide output voltages to two external ports, and one external port is coupled to a power supply device and the other external port is coupled to a power consumer, the control device can output a target control instruction according to the charging information of the external electronic device, so that the voltage supply chip provides a higher charging voltage required by the external electronic device to the external port. In this way, the charging speed and efficiency of the electronic device to the external electronic device can be improved, and the charging effect of the electronic device to the external electronic device can be improved.

[0061] In some possible implementation manners of the second aspect, the control device obtains the charging information of the power consumer through the external port, including: the power transmission module obtains the charging information of the power consumer through the external port and outputs the charging information. The controller outputs a target control instruction to the discharging circuit in response to the charging information.

[0062] In the embodiment, the power transmission module can improve the communication efficiency between the discharging module and the power consumer, and improve the charging efficiency of the discharging module to the power consumer.

[0063] In some possible implementation manners of the second aspect, the discharging circuit provides an output voltage corresponding to the target control instruction to the external port in response to the target control instruction, including: the voltage transformation sub-circuit provides an output voltage corresponding to the target control instruction to the external port in response to the target control instruction provided by the controller.

[0064] In the embodiment, the voltage transformation sub-circuit itself can adjust the output voltage, so that the structure of the discharging circuit can be simplified, and the manufacturing efficiency of the electronic device can be improved.

[0065] In some possible implementation manners of the second aspect, before obtaining the charging information of the power consumer, the method further includes: the discharging circuit provides a basic supply voltage to the external port, so that the external port charges the power consumer at the basic supply voltage.

[0066] If the power consumer is charged after the controller obtains the charging information of the power consumer, the time for the controller to obtain the charging information of the power consumer is wasted.

[0067] In the embodiment, before the controller obtains the charging information of the power consumer, the power consumer is charged at a basic supply voltage with a lower voltage and safety, so that the electronic device can charge the power consumer earlier on the premise of ensuring the charging safety of the electronic device, and the timeliness of the electronic device to charge the power consumer can be improved.

[0068] In a third aspect, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes at least two external ports and a discharging module. The discharging module is the discharging module of any one of the first aspect. The discharging module is configured to provide an output voltage to the at least one external port.

[0069] The advantages of the third aspect can refer to the advantages of the discharging module of any one of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0070] In some possible implementation manners of the third aspect, the discharging module includes at least two voltage supply chips. Each voltage supply chip is configured to provide an output voltage to one external port, and different voltage supply chips are configured to provide output voltages to different external ports.

[0071] By means of the one-to-one correspondence between the voltage supply chip and the external port, the case that one voltage supply chip is configured to provide output voltages to two external ports can be avoided. In this way, each external port can independently provide an output voltage corresponding to the charging information of the electric device to the electric device, thereby improving the flexibility of the electronic device in charging the electric device.

[0072] In a fourth aspect, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a memory and one or more processors. The memory is coupled to the processor. The memory stores computer program codes including computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device performs the method of any one of the second aspect.

[0073] In a fifth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium includes computer instructions, which, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the method of any one of the second aspect.

[0074] In a sixth aspect, a computer program product is provided. When the computer program product is executed on an electronic device, the electronic device performs the method of any one of the second aspect.

[0075] The advantages of the fourth aspect to the sixth aspect can refer to the advantages of the method of any one of the second aspect, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0076] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a connection of a BUCK IC;

[0077] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a notebook computer charging a mobile phone;

[0078] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a charging and discharging system framework in an electronic device;

[0079] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a charging and discharging system framework in an electronic device provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0080] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of one structure of the charge-discharge system framework in Fig. 4;

[0081] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the charge-discharge system framework in Fig. 4;

[0082] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of one specific structure of Fig. 6;

[0083] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of a logic flow of the controller shown in Fig. 6;

[0084] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a charge-discharge system framework in an electronic device according to some other embodiments of the present application;

[0085] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, but not all of the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments provided by the present application, all other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0087] Hereinafter, the terms “first” and “second” are only used for description purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined with “first” and “second” can explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of “a plurality of” is two or more.

[0088] In addition, in the present application, the orientation terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right” and the like can include but are not limited to the orientation defined by the relative position of the components shown in the drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms can be relative concepts, which are used for relative description and clarification, and can be changed accordingly according to the change of the relative position of the components shown in the drawings.

[0089] In describing some embodiments, “connection”, “connected” and their derivatives can be used. For example, the term “connected” can be used to describe some embodiments to indicate that two or more components have direct or indirect physical contact with each other. For example, A and B are connected, which can mean that A and B are connected, or A and B are connected through other components. In addition, the term “coupled” can be an electrical connection mode for realizing signal transmission, and the coupling can mean a direct coupling or an indirect coupling.

[0090] “at least one of A, B, and C” has the same meaning as “at least one of A, B, or C” and includes the following combinations for A, B, and C: only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, and a combination of A, B, and C.

[0091] “A and / or B” includes the following three combinations: only A, only B, and a combination of A and B.

[0092] As used herein, “about,” “approximately,” or “around” includes the recited value and the average value within an acceptable range of deviation from the specific value, as determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement being discussed and the error associated with the measurement of the specific quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system).

[0093] For the convenience of understanding, the technical terms involved in the present application are explained and described below.

[0094] Embedded controller (EC): EC is a main control chip that hangs on the LPC (low pin count) bus of the CPU (center processing unit). Taking a notebook computer as an example, the notebook computer manages power through the EC. The EC not only needs to control the power management in the on-off stage, but also needs to control the power management of the notebook computer in the stages of hibernation, suspension, and subsequent wake-up. The EC is like a power manager of the notebook computer, and plays a crucial role in the normal operation of the notebook computer.

[0095] Power delivery (PD) protocol: a standard that allows multiple compatible electronic devices to negotiate power requirements. The protocol uses intelligent communication between electronic devices to identify the maximum power delivery rate, making charging more efficient and faster. It can automatically adjust voltage and current according to the needs of electronic devices to provide the most suitable charging capacity for electronic devices. The PD protocol also supports bidirectional communication, allowing electronic devices to send requests to power adapters, including requests for power adjustment, device information, etc.

[0096] Charger chip: responsible for converting input power into voltage and current suitable for battery charging, and implementing control and protection of the charging process. Charger chips can have various protection functions, such as over-temperature protection, over-current protection, short-circuit protection, etc., to ensure the safety of the charging process. In addition, some Charger chips also support power path management and other functions to meet the needs of modern electronic devices for fast charging and compatibility.

[0097] Type-C interface: USB Type-C interface defined by USB Association, supports symmetrical plug-in in both directions, can use any transmission protocol such as USB2.0 protocol, USB3.0 protocol or USB3.1 protocol, and supports USB standard charging, data transmission, audio transmission, display output and other functions.

[0098] The difference of Type-C standard from the old standard is the introduction of dual role capability, both ends of each USB Type-C cable are completely equivalent, which means that the two devices connected need to communicate with each other to determine whether they exist as host or peripheral. The communication of the role needs to be carried out respectively for data and power, and in the aspect of power, the power supply device is called Source device, and the power consumption device is called Sink device.

[0099] Configuration channel (CC) line: belongs to Type-C interface. The CC line can be coupled with the Type-C interface and the PD module respectively. The CC line can have multiple functions, one, the CC line can help the system detect whether an external electronic device of USB interface is inserted into the Type-C interface; two, the CC line can determine whether the external electronic device accessed by the Type-C interface is a Source device or a Sink device; three, the CC line can determine whether the external electronic device accessed by the Type-C interface is a downstream facing port (DFP) or an upstream facing port (UFP) in data transmission.

[0100] General purpose input output (GPIO) port: a general digital input / output port. The GPIO port can be configured as an input mode for collecting information of external devices. For example, the external devices can include connected sensors, switches or buttons, and the chip reads the states of these external devices through the GPIO port. The GPIO port can also be configured as an output mode for controlling the work of external devices. For example, the external devices can include relays, switches, drivers, etc., and the chip controls the working state of these external devices by outputting level signals through the GPIO port.

[0101] In embedded systems, the flexibility of GPIO port makes it an important tool for connecting and controlling external devices. Through software configuration, the GPIO port can be used for input or output according to specific application requirements. The level state (high or low) of the GPIO port can be controlled by reading and writing the corresponding register, thereby realizing the control and monitoring of external devices.

[0102] Inter Integrated Circuit (IIC), also known as I 2 C) bus: a serial communication bus that uses a master-slave architecture, which can facilitate communication between the motherboard, embedded system or mobile phone and external devices. Due to its simplicity, it is widely used for communication between microcontrollers and sensor arrays, displays, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) and other devices.

[0103] BUCK integrated circuit (IC): a direct current (DC) to DC converter. The BUCK IC can convert the input voltage to the required output voltage and output externally.

[0104] Figure 1 shows a connection diagram of a BUCK IC.

[0105] As shown in Figure 1, the BUCK IC can include an input (VIN) pin, an enable (EN; also known as synchronization, SYNC) pin, a feedback (FB) pin, a power (VCC) pin, a switch (SW) pin, a boost (BST) pin, an analog ground (AGND) pin, and a digital ground (DGND) pin.

[0106] The VIN pin is used to receive an input voltage Vin, and the voltage value of the input voltage can be greater than or equal to 3.5V and less than or equal to 28V.

[0107] The EN pin is used to receive an enable voltage. When the enable voltage is greater than a preset start voltage (e.g. 1.2V), the BUCK IC starts to work (i.e. DC to DC); when the enable voltage is less than the preset start voltage (e.g. 1.2V), the BUCK IC stops working.

[0108] The SW pin is used to provide an output voltage Vout, and the voltage value of the output voltage Vout can be less than the voltage value of the input voltage Vin.

[0109] FB pin, for receiving a feedback voltage. As shown in FIG. 1, the feedback voltage can be a voltage obtained by dividing the output voltage Vout. Understandably, the feedback voltage can have a voltage value less than that of the output voltage Vout. The feedback voltage received through the FB pin is compared with a reference voltage of an error amplifier inside the BUCK IC, thereby controlling the output voltage Vout provided by the BUCK IC. In this way, the BUCK IC can achieve negative feedback control of the output voltage Vout, so that the BUCK IC provides a stable output voltage Vout.

[0110] Exemplarily, in the case that the voltage value of the feedback voltage is greater than the reference voltage of the error amplifier, the BUCK IC will reduce the output voltage Vout; in the case that the voltage value of the feedback voltage is less than the reference voltage of the error amplifier, the BUCK IC will increase the output voltage Vout. Understandably, the voltage value of the feedback voltage can adjust the output voltage provided by the BUCK IC.

[0111] VCC pin, for receiving a power supply voltage. The power supply voltage is used to provide operating power to various devices inside the BUCK IC.

[0112] BST pin, coupled with the SW pin through a bootstrap capacitor.

[0113] AGND pin and DGND pin, both coupled with the ground terminal GND.

[0114] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of charging a mobile phone by a notebook computer.

[0115] The external port of the notebook computer can serve as a charging port, and be connected with an external power adapter, thereby charging the battery inside the notebook computer. In addition, the external port of the notebook computer can also serve as a power supply port, and be connected with an external electronic device having a battery, thereby charging the battery of the external electronic device. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the notebook computer can charge a mobile phone connected with the external port.

[0116] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a charge-discharge system framework in an electronic device. As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic device 100 includes a charging circuit 110, a discharging circuit 120, an external port 130, a battery 140, a system voltage supply (VSYS) 150, a controller 160, and a power transfer module 170.

[0117] The system power supply end 150 refers to a signal end capable of providing a system setting voltage. In some examples, when the system setting voltage is equal to the battery voltage, the system power supply end 150 can be the battery 140. In other examples, when the system setting voltage is not equal to the battery voltage, the system power supply end 150 can be a voltage end after the battery voltage output by the battery 140 is subjected to secondary voltage regulation (voltage boosting or voltage reduction).

[0118] As shown in FIG. 3, the charging circuit 110 is coupled with the external port 130 and the battery 140, respectively. When the external port 130 is coupled with the Source device, the charging circuit 110 is used to transmit the power provided by the Source device to the external port 130 to the battery 140, so as to charge the battery 140.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 3, the charging circuit 110 can include a charging switcher 111 and a charger chip 112. The charging switcher 111 is coupled with the external port 130 and the charger chip 112, and the charger chip 112 is further coupled with the battery 140.

[0120] The number of charging switchers 111 can be one or more. Exemplarily, one charging switcher 111 is connected in series between one external port 130 and the charger chip 112. Exemplarily, a plurality of charging switchers 111 are connected in series between one external port 130 and the charger chip 112. As shown in FIG. 3, two charging switchers 111 are connected in series between each external port 130 and the charger chip 112.

[0121] It can be understood that no matter the number of charging switchers 111 connected in series between the external port 130 and the charger chip 112 is one or more, as long as one charging switcher 111 is disconnected, the external port 130 and the charger chip 112 are disconnected, so that the power at the external port 130 cannot flow to the battery 140 to charge the battery 140.

[0122] The charger chip 112 is used to convert the input power obtained by the external port 130 from the Source device into a voltage and a current suitable for charging the battery 140, so as to charge the battery 140.

[0123] The controller 160 can be coupled with the charger chip 112 and the power transmission module 170, and the power transmission module 170 can be further coupled with the charging switcher 111. In this way, the charger chip 112 can control the charging switcher 111 through the controller 160 and the power transmission module 170.

[0124] The charger chip 112, the controller 160 and the power transmission module 170 can jointly implement functions such as over-temperature protection, over-current protection, short-circuit protection and the like in the charging process to ensure the safety of the charging process. Taking the over-temperature protection function in the charging process as an example, the charger chip 112 can collect the temperature of the battery 140 in the process of charging the battery 140. In the case that the temperature of the battery 140 is lower than a preset temperature threshold, the charger chip 112 can control the charging switch 111 to be turned on through the controller 160 and the power transmission module 170; in the case that the temperature of the battery 140 is higher than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, the charger chip 112 can control the charging switch 111 to be turned off through the controller 160 and the power transmission module 170.

[0125] Exemplarily, in the case that the temperature of the battery 140 is lower than the preset temperature threshold, the charger chip 112 can output a safety signal indicating that the temperature is low. The controller 160 provides a normal charging signal to the power transmission module 170 in response to the safety signal provided by the charger chip 112. The power transmission module 170 controls the charging switch 111 to be turned on in response to the normal charging signal. In the case that the temperature of the battery 140 is higher than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, the charger chip 112 can output a danger signal indicating that the temperature is high. The controller 160 provides a blocking charging signal to the power transmission module 170 in response to the danger signal provided by the charger chip 112. The power transmission module 170 controls the charging switch 111 to be turned off in response to the blocking charging signal.

[0126] The implementation manner of other functions (such as over-current protection, short-circuit protection and the like) jointly implemented by the charger chip 112, the controller 160 and the power transmission module 170 can refer to the implementation manner of the over-temperature protection, which will not be described herein.

[0127] It can be understood that the charging circuit 110, the controller 160 and the power transmission module 170 can cooperate with each other to complete the charging of the electronic device. Therefore, the charging circuit 110, the controller 160 and the power transmission module 170 can be considered to jointly constitute a charging module.

[0128] In the charging module, the controller 160 and the charger chip 112 can be connected through an I 2 C bus. The controller 160 and the power transmission module 170 can also be connected through an I 2 C bus. The power transmission module 170 and the charging switch 111 can be connected through a GPIO bus.

[0129] In some examples, the charger chip 112 can include a Charger chip.

[0130] In some examples, the controller 160 can include an EC.

[0131] In some examples, the power transfer module 170 can include hardware for handling the PD protocol (referred to as PD module for short).

[0132] The discharging circuit 120 is coupled with the external port 130 and the system power supply 150 respectively. When the external port 130 is coupled with a Sink device, the discharging circuit 120 is used to convert the power provided by the system power supply 150 and transmit it to the Sink device to charge the battery of the Sink device.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 3, the discharging circuit 120 can include a discharging switch 121 and a voltage supply chip 122. The discharging switch 121 is coupled with the external port 130 and the voltage supply chip 122 respectively, and the voltage supply chip 122 is further coupled with the system power supply 150.

[0134] In some examples, the number of discharging switches 121 can be equal to the number of external ports 130. Each discharging switch 121 is connected in series between one external port 130 and the voltage supply chip 122, and different discharging switches 121 are coupled with different external ports 130.

[0135] When the discharging switch 121 is turned on, the external port 130 coupled with the discharging switch 121 can receive the output voltage provided by the voltage supply chip 122, so that the external port 130 can charge the Sink device coupled therewith. When the discharging switch 121 is turned off, the external port 130 coupled with the discharging switch 121 cannot receive the output voltage provided by the voltage supply chip 122, so that the external port 130 cannot charge the Sink device coupled therewith.

[0136] The discharge switch 121 can include an over current protection switch (OCP SW). The OCP SW can limit the maximum current value provided by the supply voltage chip 122 to the external port 130. By limiting the maximum current value to a safe level, the electronic components through which the current passes can be protected from damage caused by passing a large current. Alternatively, the discharge switch 121 can also be an over voltage protection switch (OVP SW). The OVP SW can limit the maximum voltage value provided by the supply voltage chip 122 to the external port 130. By limiting the maximum voltage value to a safe level, the electronic components through which the voltage passes can be protected from damage caused by passing a large voltage. Embodiments of the present application do not limit this. For ease of understanding, the discharge switch 121 is taken as an example of including an OCP SW in the following.

[0137] The power transmission module 170 can be coupled with the external port 130 and the discharge switch 121. The power transmission module 170 can also be coupled with the controller 160.

[0138] The power transmission module 170 can detect the output current value of the external port 130 and provide the output current value to the controller 160. In the case where the output current value is greater than or equal to a preset safe current value, the controller 160 can provide a blocking discharge signal to the power transmission module 170. The power transmission module 170 controls the discharge switch 121 to be turned off in response to the blocking discharge signal. In the case where the output current value is lower than the safe current value, the controller 160 can provide a normal discharge signal to the power transmission module 170. The power transmission module 170 controls the discharge switch 121 to be turned on in response to the normal discharge signal.

[0139] At present, the notebook computer charging and discharging system framework is as shown in FIG. 3. When the external port of the notebook computer is used as a power supply port, the power supply voltage and / or the power supply current provided to the external electronic device (Sink device) is low (for example, the power supply voltage is 5V, the power supply current is 3A, and the charging power is 15W. Hereinafter, 5V can be regarded as a basic power supply voltage, and 3A can be regarded as a basic power supply current). This results in a low charging power and a slow charging speed of the notebook computer to the external electronic device, and causes the charging effect of the electronic device on the external electronic device to be poor.

[0140] It should be noted that 5V is the basic power supply voltage, which is only an example and does not limit the specific voltage value of the basic power supply voltage. In actual scenarios, the basic power supply voltage can also be 4V, 4.2V, 4.5V, etc. Similarly, 3A is the basic power supply current, which is also an example and does not limit the specific current value of the basic power supply current.

[0141] In order to improve the charging power of an electronic device to an external electronic device, there are currently several solutions to improve the charging power.

[0142] Solution one: on the basis of the charging and discharging system framework shown in FIG. 3, an additional Charger chip is added. The Charger chip is used to provide a higher output voltage to the external port 130. The output voltage provided by the Charger chip has a voltage value greater than the output voltage provided by the supply voltage chip 122.

[0143] In this way, compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, solution one not only retains the ability to output a 5V basic supply voltage in the solution shown in FIG. 3, but also has the ability to increase the output voltage with a higher voltage value (for example, 10V, 12V, 15V, etc.) by using the newly added Charger chip. Thus, the charging voltage of the notebook computer to the external electronic device is improved.

[0144] Solution two: some Charger chips have a reverse charging function (on-the-go, OTG). For example, when the external port 130 is coupled to a Source device, the Charger chip included in the charger chip 112 can receive the power supply of the external port 130 to charge the battery 140; when the external port 130 is coupled to a Sink device, the Charger chip can also transmit the voltage provided by the battery 140 to the external port 130 to charge the external electronic device connected to the external port 130.

[0145] On this basis, a higher reverse charging voltage can be set for the Charger chip, so that the output voltage provided by the Charger chip to the external port 130 has a voltage value greater than the output voltage provided by the supply voltage chip 122. In this way, solution two can also improve the charging voltage of the notebook computer to the external electronic device compared with the solution shown in FIG. 3.

[0146] However, solution one needs to add an additional Charger chip to improve the charging voltage of the external port 130 to the external electronic device, and the price of the Charger chip is high. This will cause a significant increase in the cost of the electronic device. Solution two must rely on a Charger chip with an OTG function to improve the charging voltage of the external port 130 to the external electronic device, which will cause a selection limitation of the Charger chip. In addition, the Charger chip with the OTG function will also significantly increase the price compared with the Charger chip that can only charge in one direction, thereby causing a significant increase in the cost of the electronic device.

[0147] Based on this, the embodiment of the present application provides a discharging module and a control method thereof, and an electronic device. The controller can improve the output voltage provided by the discharging circuit to the external port in a low-cost manner according to the charging demand of the Sink device, so that the external port of the electronic device can charge the Sink device at a higher output voltage. In this way, the charging power and speed of the electronic device to the Sink device are improved, and the charging effect of the electronic device to the Sink device is improved. At the same time, the embodiment of the present application can also limit the cost increase of the electronic device.

[0148] The electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application can be an electronic device capable of charging a Sink device. The electronic device can include but is not limited to a mobile power supply (also known as a portable charger), a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a handheld computer, a television, a netbook, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an electric vehicle, a virtual reality device, etc., and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this. In the following, a notebook computer is taken as an example for illustration, but it is not limited to only a notebook computer.

[0149] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a charging and discharging system framework in an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 4, the notebook computer 200 can include an external port 210, a charging circuit 220, a discharging circuit 230, a battery 240, a system power supply end (VSYS) 250, a controller 260, and a power transmission module 270. The system power supply end 250 in the embodiment of the present application has the same meaning as the system power supply end 150 in FIG. 3, which will not be described again here.

[0151] The external port 210 can have a power transmission function, and it can be understood that the external port 210 can serve as a power interface of the notebook computer 200. Illustratively, the external port 210 can be coupled with an external charger (a Source device, such as a power adapter) to receive the power provided by the external charger and deliver the power to the charging circuit 220. Illustratively, the external port 210 can be coupled with an external electronic device (a Sink device, such as a mobile phone, a headset, etc.) to receive the power provided by the discharging circuit 230 and deliver the power to the Sink device to charge the Sink device.

[0152] In addition, the external port 210 can also have a data transmission function under the action of the power transmission function, and it can be understood that the external port 210 can also serve as a data interface of the notebook computer 200. Illustratively, the external port 210 can be coupled with an external electronic device to obtain the data stored in the external electronic device or send data to the external electronic device.

[0153] In some examples, the external port 210 can be a USB interface. For example, a Type-C interface, a Micro USB interface, etc. without limitation. Hereinafter, the external port 210 is taken as an example of a Type-C interface, but it is not limited to a notebook computer. The Type-C interface has a power transmission function and also has a data transmission function.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 4, the charging circuit 220 is coupled to the external port 210 and the battery 240, respectively, and the external port 210 is coupled to the Source device. The charging circuit 220 is configured to transmit the power provided by the Source device to the external port 210 to the battery 240 to charge the battery 240.

[0155] The specific description of the charging circuit 220 can refer to the description of the charging circuit 110 described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0156] The discharging circuit 230 is coupled to the external port 210 and the system power supply end 250, respectively. The discharging circuit 230 is configured to transmit the power from the system power supply end 250 to the external port 210 to charge the Sink device.

[0157] As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the notebook computer 200 can include one discharging circuit 230, and multiple external ports 210 are coupled to the same discharging circuit 230. In this way, the charging voltages of the multiple external ports 210 to the Sink device at the same time are equal.

[0158] As shown in FIG. 4, the power transmission module 270 can be coupled to the external port 210 and the controller 260. For example, the power transmission module 270 is coupled to the Type-C interface by using the CC line. In this way, the power transmission module 270 can obtain the device information at the external port 210 by using the CC line. The power transmission module 270 can send the device information to the controller 260, so that the controller 260 can determine whether there is an external electronic device inserted into the Type-C interface based on whether there is device information, and the controller 260 can determine whether the external electronic device accessed to the Type-C interface is a Source device or a Sink device by using the device information.

[0159] The discharging circuit 230 is coupled to the controller 260. The controller 260 sends a control instruction to the discharging circuit 230 in the case that the device accessed to the Type-C interface is a Sink device. The discharging circuit 230 provides a corresponding output voltage to the Type-C interface based on the control instruction provided by the controller 260.

[0160] It can be seen that, in addition to the discharging circuit 230, the controller 260 and the power transmission module 270 also play a role in the process of charging the Sink device by the notebook computer 200. Therefore, it can be considered that the discharging circuit 230, the controller 260 and the power transmission module 270 constitute all or part of the discharging module. Understandably, the discharging module can also include other hardware in addition to the discharging circuit 230, the controller 260 and the power transmission module 270, which is not limited here.

[0161] In addition, since the controller 260 and the power transmission module 270 play a control role in the discharging process of the notebook computer 200, it can be considered that the controller 260 and the power transmission module 270 constitute all or part of the control device. Understandably, the control device can also include other hardware in addition to the controller 260 and the power transmission module 270, which is not limited here.

[0162] It should be noted that in some embodiments of the present application, the control device is divided into the controller 260 and the power transmission module 270, but in some other embodiments, the control device can also include an integrated circuit (or chip) that integrates the functions of the controller 260 and the power transmission module 270; or the control device can also include three or more hardware to realize the hardware structure of the functions of the controller 260 and the power transmission module 270, which is not limited here.

[0163] In some examples, the power transmission module 270 and the controller 260 can be coupled through an I 2 C bus. The controller 260 and the discharging circuit 230 can be coupled through a GPIO bus. Among them, the power transmission module 270 can include hardware for processing the above-mentioned PD protocol (referred to as PD module for short). The controller 260 can include the above-mentioned EC.

[0164] FIG. 5 shows a structural schematic diagram of the charge-discharge system framework in FIG. 4.

[0165] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the discharging circuit 230 can include a variable output voltage transformer sub-circuit 231. The transformer sub-circuit 231 receives different control instructions to provide different output voltages to the Type-C interface.

[0166] Among them, the transformer sub-circuit 231 and the controller 260 can be coupled through an I 2 C bus, a GPIO bus, a serial peripheral interface (SPI) bus or other suitable buses, which are not limited here.

[0167] Exemplarily, as shown in FIG. 5, the discharging circuit 230 can include a BUCK IC with adjustable output voltage; or the discharging circuit 230 can include a BOOST IC with adjustable output voltage. Of course, the discharging circuit 230 can also be other circuits with adjustable output voltage, which are not limited herein.

[0168] Taking the BUCK IC with adjustable output voltage as an example, the input voltage of the BUCK IC is 17V, and the output voltage of the BUCK IC can be 5V, 10V or 15V. In the case that the controller 260 sends a first control instruction (initial control instruction) to the BUCK IC, the BUCK IC can output an output voltage of 5V (basic supply voltage) in response to the first control instruction; in the case that the controller 260 sends a second control instruction (target control instruction) to the BUCK IC, the BUCK IC can output an output voltage of 10V in response to the second control instruction; and in the case that the controller 260 sends a third control instruction (target control instruction) to the BUCK IC, the BUCK IC can output an output voltage of 15V in response to the third control instruction.

[0169] In some examples, in the case that the controller 260 determines that the device accessed by the Type-C interface is a Sink device, the controller 260 can further acquire charging information of the Sink device through the CC line. The charging information can include at least one of charging voltage, charging current and charging power.

[0170] After the controller 260 acquires the charging information of the Sink device through the power transmission module 270, the controller 260 can send a control instruction corresponding to the charging demand to the voltage conversion sub-circuit 231. Exemplarily, the charging demand of the Sink device includes a charging voltage of 15V, and after the controller 260 acquires the charging demand of the Sink device, the controller 260 can send a third control instruction (target control instruction) to the voltage conversion sub-circuit 231 to make the voltage conversion sub-circuit 231 output an output voltage of 15V.

[0171] In some embodiments, after the controller 260 detects that the Sink device is inserted into the Type-C interface, and before the controller 260 determines the charging information of the Sink device, the controller 260 can send a first control instruction (basic supply voltage) to the discharging circuit 230 to make the discharging circuit 230 first output an output voltage of 5V (basic supply voltage) to charge the Sink device. Then, after the controller 260 determines the charging information of the Sink device, the controller 260 can send a third control instruction (target control instruction) to the discharging circuit 230 to make the discharging circuit 230 output an output voltage of 15V to charge the Sink device again.

[0172] Since the controller 260 takes a long time to acquire the charging information of the Sink device, if the Sink device is charged after the controller 260 acquires the charging information of the Sink device, the time for the controller 260 to acquire the charging information of the Sink device is wasted.

[0173] In this embodiment, the Sink device is charged with a low and safe basic supply voltage before the controller 260 acquires the charging information of the Sink device, so that the notebook computer can be charged to the Sink device earlier under the premise of ensuring the safety of the notebook computer charging, and the timeliness of the notebook computer charging the Sink device is improved.

[0174] It should be noted that the transformer sub-circuit 231 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is different hardware from the Charger chip added in the above-mentioned scheme one, and has a different interaction mode with the controller 260. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the circuit structure of the transformer sub-circuit 231 is relatively simple, and the control instruction output by the controller 260 is used to control the output voltage of the transformer sub-circuit 231. In scheme one, the Charger chip is a relatively complex integrated circuit, and the Charger chip itself has the ability to autonomously control the output voltage. The output voltage of the Charger chip is not controlled by the controller 260, but autonomously controlled by the Charger chip. It can be seen that the cost of the transformer sub-circuit 231 is much lower than the cost of the Charger chip.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 5, the discharging circuit 230 can also include discharging switches 232. The discharging switches 232 can be connected in series between the transformer circuit 231 and the external port 210. For example, the number of discharging switches 232 is equal to the number of external ports 210, and each discharging switch 232 is connected to one external port 210. Different discharging switches 232 are connected to different external ports 210.

[0176] The discharging switch 232 can include an OCP SW or an OVP SW, which is not limited here.

[0177] The discharging switch 232 can be coupled with the power transmission module 270 and controlled by the power transmission module 270 to turn on or turn off each discharging switch 232. For example, the discharging switch 232 can be coupled with the power transmission module 270 through a GPIO bus. For the description of the discharging switch 232 in FIG. 5, reference can be made to the description of the discharging switch 121 in FIG. 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0178] Based on the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the working process of the discharging module is described below in the case that only one of the plurality of external ports 210 connected to the discharging circuit 230 is coupled to the external electronic device, and the other external ports 210 are not coupled to the external electronic device.

[0179] In the case that the controller 260 determines that the device accessed by the Type-C interface is a Sink device, the controller 260 sends a first control instruction (initial control instruction) to the voltage transformation sub-circuit 231.

[0180] The voltage transformation sub-circuit 231 provides an output voltage (basic supply voltage) of 5V to the Type-C interface in response to the first control instruction (initial control instruction), so that the notebook computer charges the device to be charged at a charging voltage of 5V.

[0181] In the process that the notebook computer charges the device to be charged at a charging voltage of 5V, the controller 260 can also obtain charging information of the Sink device by using the power transmission module 270 and the CC line. The charging information can include at least one of a charging voltage, a charging current and a charging power.

[0182] After obtaining the charging information of the Sink device, the controller 260 can send a control instruction corresponding to the charging information to the voltage transformation sub-circuit 231.

[0183] For example, the charging requirement of the Sink device includes a charging voltage of 10V. After obtaining the charging information of the Sink device, the controller 260 can send a second control instruction (target control instruction) to the voltage transformation sub-circuit 231. The voltage transformation sub-circuit 231 provides an output voltage of 10V to the Type-C interface in response to the second control instruction, so that the notebook computer charges the Sink device at a charging voltage of 10V.

[0184] For another example, the charging requirement of the Sink device includes a charging voltage of 15V. After obtaining the charging information of the Sink device, the controller 260 can send a third control instruction (target control instruction) to the voltage transformation sub-circuit 231. The voltage transformation sub-circuit 231 provides an output voltage of 15V to the Type-C interface in response to the third control instruction, so that the notebook computer charges the Sink device at a charging voltage of 15V.

[0185] It can be seen that in the case that only one of the plurality of external ports 210 connected to the discharging circuit 230 is coupled to the Sink device, the notebook computer can charge the Sink device according to the charging information of the Sink device.

[0186] Since one transformer circuit is used to provide output voltage to at least two external ports, the output voltage provided by the two external ports is equal. However, the requirements of different Sink devices for charging voltage can be different. For example, the charging voltage corresponding to the fast charging function of a mobile phone is 15V, and the charging voltage corresponding to the earphone without fast charging function is 5V. At this time, if the controller 260 receives the charging information of the mobile phone including the 15V charging voltage, the external port will charge the earphone with an output voltage of 15V, which will cause damage to the earphone.

[0187] In the embodiment, in the case that one transformer circuit is used to provide output voltage to at least two external ports, and only one external port is coupled to a Sink device, and other external ports are not coupled to a Sink device, the controller can output a target control instruction according to the charging information of the Sink device, so that the transformer circuit provides a higher charging voltage required by the Sink device to the external port. In this way, the charging power and speed of the electronic device to the Sink device can be improved, and the charging effect of the electronic device to the external electronic device can be improved.

[0188] Based on the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the working process of the discharge module is described below in the case that at least two external ports 210 of a plurality of external ports 210 connected to a discharge circuit 230 are coupled to external electronic devices. The at least two external ports 210 include Type-C interface 1 and Type-C interface 2.

[0189] In the case that the controller 260 determines that the device connected to the Type-C interface 1 is a Sink device, the controller 260 obtains the detection result of the Type-C interface 2. In the case that the detection result of the Type-C interface 2 indicates that the Type-C interface 2 is not connected to an external electronic device, the controller 260 can control the transformer circuit 231 to provide output voltage to the external port 210 according to the above case that only one external port 210 of a plurality of external ports 210 connected to a discharge circuit 230 is coupled to an external electronic device.

[0190] In the case that the detection result of the Type-C interface 2 indicates that the Type-C interface 2 is connected to an external electronic device, the controller 260 obtains the device information of the electronic device coupled to the Type-C interface 2 through the power transmission module 270 and the CC line. In the case that the device information indicates that the electronic device coupled to the Type-C interface 2 is a Source device, the controller 260 can also control the transformer circuit 231 to provide output voltage to the external port 210 according to the above case that only one external port 210 of a plurality of external ports 210 connected to a discharge circuit 230 is coupled to an external electronic device.

[0191] In the case that the device information indicates that the electronic device coupled to the Type-C interface 2 is a Sink device, the controller 260 sends a first control instruction (initial control instruction) to the voltage conversion circuit 231. The voltage conversion circuit 231 provides an output voltage (basic supply voltage) of 5V to the external port 210 in response to the first control instruction, so that the notebook computer charges the to-be-charged device at a charging voltage of 5V.

[0192] It should be noted that in the case that the device information indicates that the electronic device coupled to the Type-C interface 2 is a Sink device, the controller 260 only provides an output voltage of 5V to the external port 210, regardless of whether the charging information of the Sink device includes a charging voltage of a higher voltage value (for example, 10V or 15V).

[0193] It can be seen that in the case that at least two external ports 210 coupled to the Sink device among the plurality of external ports 210 connected to one discharging circuit 230, the notebook computer charges the plurality of Sink devices at a fixed 5V voltage. In the case that one external port 210 coupled to the Sink device and another external port 210 coupled to the Source device among the plurality of external ports 210 connected to one discharging circuit 230, the notebook computer can charge the Sink device according to the charging information of the Sink device.

[0194] In the embodiment, in the case that at least two external ports 210 coupled to the Sink device among the plurality of external ports 210 connected to one discharging circuit 230, the notebook computer charges the plurality of Sink devices at a fixed 5V voltage. In this way, the charging of some Sink devices with a lower charging voltage by a higher output voltage can be avoided, the damage of the Sink device due to charging can be prevented, and the safety of the charging of the Sink device by the notebook computer is improved.

[0195] FIG. 6 shows another structural schematic diagram of the charging and discharging system framework in FIG. 4, and FIG. 7 shows a specific structural schematic diagram of FIG. 6.

[0196] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the discharging circuit 230 can include a supply voltage chip 233 and a voltage regulating sub-circuit 234.

[0197] The supply voltage chip 233 can include a first interface, a second interface, and a third interface. The first interface is coupled to the system voltage supply end 250, the second interface is coupled to the external port 210, and the third interface is coupled to the voltage regulating sub-circuit 234. The supply voltage chip 233 is configured to receive the system voltage provided by the system voltage supply end 250, and provide an output voltage to the external port 210 after processing the system voltage. The output voltage of the supply voltage chip 233 can be adjusted by the control voltage provided by the voltage regulating sub-circuit 234.

[0198] It can be understood that the voltage regulating sub-circuit 234 can output different control voltages, so that the voltage supply chip 233 provides different output voltages to the external interface port 210.

[0199] The voltage supply chip 233 can include the above-mentioned BUCK IC, BOOST IC or other suitable circuit capable of regulating the output voltage, which is not limited here. Hereinafter, the voltage supply chip 233 is taken as an example of including the BUCK IC for description, but it is not limited to only the BUCK IC.

[0200] As previously described, the voltage value of the feedback voltage received by the FB pin in the BUCK IC can regulate the output voltage provided by the BUCK IC. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the first interface of the voltage supply chip 233 can be the VIN pin of the BUCK IC, the second interface of the voltage supply chip 233 can be the SW pin of the BUCK IC, and the third interface of the voltage supply chip 233 can be the FB pin of the BUCK IC. The voltage regulating sub-circuit 234 can be used to regulate the voltage value of the feedback voltage received by the FB pin of the BUCK IC.

[0201] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the voltage regulating sub-circuit 234 can include a voltage dividing unit 2341. The voltage dividing unit 2341 is coupled with the SW pin, the FB pin of the BUCK IC and the ground terminal GND respectively. The voltage dividing unit 2341 receives the output voltage provided by the SW pin of the BUCK IC and the ground voltage provided by the ground terminal GND, forms a control voltage at its own output node N, and outputs the control voltage to the FB pin of the BUCK IC. The voltage value of the control voltage is greater than the voltage value of the ground voltage and less than the voltage value of the output voltage.

[0202] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the voltage dividing unit 2341 can also not be coupled with the ground terminal GND, but be coupled with other voltage sources. These voltage sources need to meet the requirements that the output voltage value is less than the output voltage value provided by the second interface of the voltage supply chip, and the output voltage is constant. These voltage sources and the ground terminal that meet the requirements can be collectively referred to as a common signal terminal. For ease of understanding, the following continues to take the ground terminal as an example for description.

[0203] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 7, the voltage dividing unit 2341 can include a first resistor R1 and a second resistor R2. A first end of the first resistor R1 is coupled with the SW pin of the BUCK IC, and a second end of the first resistor R1 is coupled with the output node N. A first end of the second resistor R2 is coupled with the output node N, and a second end of the second resistor R2 is coupled with the ground terminal GND. It can be understood that the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 are connected in series between the SW pin of the BUCK IC and the ground terminal GND.

[0204] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 7, the voltage dividing unit 2341 can include a first resistor R1 and a second resistor R2. A first end of the first resistor R1 is coupled with the SW pin of the BUCK IC, and a second end of the first resistor R1 is coupled with the output node N. A first end of the second resistor R2 is coupled with the output node N, and a second end of the second resistor R2 is coupled with the ground terminal GND. It can be understood that the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 are connected in series between the SW pin of the BUCK IC and the ground terminal GND.

[0205] Since the resistance values of the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 are constant, and the output voltage provided by the SW pin of the BUCK IC is also constant, the voltage value of the control voltage output by the output node N will not change.

[0206] In order to be able to change the voltage value of the control voltage output by the output node N, the voltage regulating sub-circuit 234 can further include at least one voltage regulating unit 2342. Each voltage regulating unit 2342 can be used to adjust the voltage value of the control voltage output by the output node N.

[0207] Each voltage regulating unit 2342 can be coupled with the output node N and the ground terminal GND of the voltage dividing unit 2341, respectively. It can be understood that each voltage regulating unit 2342 can be connected in parallel with the second resistor R2. In this way, the original series connection of the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 for voltage division becomes a structure in which the second resistor R2 is connected in parallel with the voltage regulating unit 2342 and the first resistor R1 is connected in series for voltage division. In this way, the voltage value of the control voltage formed by the output node N will change due to the voltage regulating unit 2342.

[0208] For ease of understanding, the following is described by way of example with the voltage regulating sub-circuit 234 including two voltage regulating units 2342

[0209] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 7, one voltage regulating unit 2342 can include a third resistor R3 (voltage regulating resistor) and a switch K1. The third resistor R3 and the switch K1 are connected in series between the output node N and the ground terminal GND. The control terminal of the switch K1 is coupled with the controller 260. Exemplarily, the control terminal of the switch K1 is coupled with the controller 260 through the GPIO bus.

[0210] Exemplarily, a first end of the third resistor R3 is coupled with the output node N, a second end of the third resistor R3 is coupled with a first end of the switch K1, and a second end of the switch K1 is coupled with the ground terminal GND. Exemplarily, a first end of the switch K1 is coupled with the output node N, a second end of the switch K1 is coupled with the first end of the third resistor R3, and a second end of the third resistor R3 is coupled with the ground terminal GND.

[0211] The other voltage regulating unit 2342 can include a fourth resistor R4 (voltage regulating resistor) and a switch K2, and a control terminal of the switch K2 is coupled with the controller 260. The connection relationship of the fourth resistor R4 and the switch K2 can refer to the connection relationship of the third resistor R3 and the switch K1, which will not be described herein. Exemplarily, the resistance value of the fourth resistor R4 can be less than the resistance value of the third resistor R3.

[0212] In a case where the controller 260 provides the switch K1 and the switch K2 with a control signal for indicating that the switch K1 is turned on and the switch K2 is turned off, the switch K1 is turned on in response to the control signal, and at this time, the third resistor R3 is connected in parallel with the second resistor R2. The parallel resistance value RX1 of the third resistor R3 and the second resistor R2 is (R2×R3) / (R2+R3).

[0213] In this way, the voltage value of the control voltage formed by the output node N in the voltage dividing unit 2341 is RX1 / (R1+RX1)*Vout.

[0214] In a case where the controller 260 provides the switch K1 and the switch K2 with a control signal for indicating that the switch K2 is turned on and the switch K1 is turned off, the switch K2 is turned on in response to the control signal, and at this time, the fourth resistor R4 is connected in parallel with the second resistor R2. The parallel resistance value RX2 of the fourth resistor R4 and the second resistor R2 is (R2×R4) / (R2+R4).

[0215] In this way, the voltage value of the control voltage formed by the output node N in the voltage dividing unit 2341 is RX2 / (R1+RX2)*Vout.

[0216] In some examples, the switch can include a transistor. The transistor can be a thin film transistor (TFT), a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET, referred to as MOS tube) or a transistor having a switching function such as a triode.

[0217] The first pole of the transistor can be the first end of the switch, the second pole of the transistor can be the second end of the switch, and the control pole of the transistor can be the control end of the switch.

[0218] For example, the switch includes an N-type MOS tube, the controller 260 provides a high-level signal (turn-on sub-instruction) to the switch K1 to control the switch K1 to turn on, and the controller 260 provides a low-level signal (turn-off sub-instruction) to the switch K2 to control the switch K2 to turn off. In the case of the control instruction, the voltage value of the control voltage formed by the output node N in the voltage dividing unit 2341 is RX1 / (R1+RX1)*Vout. Alternatively, the controller 260 provides a high-level signal (turn-on sub-instruction) to the switch K2 to control the switch K2 to turn on, and the controller 260 provides a low-level signal (turn-off sub-instruction) to the switch K1 to control the switch K1 to turn off. In the case of the control instruction, the voltage value of the control voltage formed by the output node N in the voltage dividing unit 2341 is RX2 / (R1+RX2)*Vout.

[0219] In some embodiments, the voltage value of the feedback voltage received by the FB pin in the BUCK IC (i.e., the control voltage provided by the output node N in the voltage dividing unit 2341 to the FB pin) can be negatively correlated with the output voltage Vout provided by the BUCK IC. It can be understood that the lower the voltage value of the control voltage provided by the output node N in the voltage dividing unit 2341 to the FB pin, the higher the voltage value of the output voltage Vout provided by the BUCK IC; on the contrary, the higher the voltage value of the control voltage provided by the output node N in the voltage dividing unit 2341 to the FB pin, the lower the voltage value of the output voltage Vout provided by the BUCK IC.

[0220] As shown in FIG. 7, the discharging circuit 230 can also include discharging switches 232. The discharging switches 232 can be connected in series between the voltage supply chip 233 and the external ports 210. For example, the number of discharging switches 232 is equal to the number of external ports 210, each discharging switch 232 is connected to one external port 210, and different discharging switches 232 are connected to different external ports 210.

[0221] The discharging switches 232 can include OCP SW or OVP SW, which is not limited here.

[0222] The discharging switches 232 can be coupled with the power transmission module 270 and controlled by the power transmission module 270 to turn on or turn off each discharging switch 232. For example, the discharging switches 232 can be coupled with the power transmission module 270 through a GPIO bus. For the description of the discharging switches 232 in FIG. 7, reference can be made to the description of the discharging switches 121 in FIG. 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0223] Based on the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the working process of the discharging module is described below in the case that only one of the plurality of external ports 210 connected with the discharging circuit 230 is coupled with the external electronic device, and the other external ports 210 are not coupled with the external electronic device.

[0224] In the case that the controller 260 determines that the device accessed by the Type-C interface is a Sink device, the controller 260 sends a first control instruction (initial control instruction) to the voltage regulation sub-circuit 234.

[0225] The voltage regulation sub-circuit 234 responds to the first control instruction, and the switch K1 is turned off and the switch K2 is turned off. At this time, the output node N in the voltage division unit 2341 forms a first control voltage (voltage value = R2 / (R1+R2)*Vout).

[0226] The FB pin of the BUCK IC receives the first control voltage, and the SW pin of the BUCK IC provides an output voltage (basic supply voltage) of 5V to the Type-C interface, so that the notebook computer charges the to-be-charged device at a charging voltage of 5V.

[0227] During the process that the notebook computer charges the to-be-charged device at a charging voltage of 5V, the controller 260 can also obtain charging information of the Sink device by using the power transmission module 270 and the CC line. The charging information can include at least one of a charging voltage, a charging current and a charging power.

[0228] After obtaining the charging information of the Sink device, the controller 260 can send a control instruction corresponding to the charging information to the voltage regulation sub-circuit 234.

[0229] Exemplarily, the charging information of the Sink device includes a charging voltage of 10V, and after obtaining the charging information of the Sink device, the controller 260 can send a second control instruction (target control instruction) to the voltage regulation sub-circuit 234. The voltage regulation sub-circuit 234 responds to the second control instruction, and the switch K1 is turned on and the switch K2 is turned off, and the output node N in the voltage regulation sub-circuit 234 forms a second control voltage (voltage value = RX1 / (R1+RX1)*Vout). The FB pin of the BUCK IC receives the second control voltage, and the SW pin of the BUCK IC provides an output voltage of 10V to the Type-C interface, so that the notebook computer charges the Sink device at a charging voltage of 10V.

[0230] Exemplarily, the charging information of the Sink device includes a charging voltage of 15V. After obtaining the charging information of the Sink device, the controller 260 can send a third control instruction (target control instruction) to the voltage regulation sub-circuit 234. In response to the third control instruction, the switch K1 is turned off and the switch K2 is turned on, and the output node N in the voltage regulation sub-circuit 234 forms a third control voltage (voltage value = RX2 / (R1+RX2)*Vout). The FB pin of the BUCK IC receives the third control voltage, and the SW pin of the BUCK IC provides an output voltage of 15V to the Type-C interface, so that the notebook computer charges the Sink device at a charging voltage of 15V.

[0231] As can be seen, in the case that only one of the plurality of external ports 210 connected to the discharging circuit 230 is coupled to the Sink device, the notebook computer can charge the Sink device according to the charging information of the Sink device.

[0232] In this embodiment, the voltage regulation sub-circuit 234 mainly includes several resistors and several switches, so the cost of the voltage regulation sub-circuit 234 is low and can be ignored compared with the cost of the electronic device.

[0233] Since one voltage supply chip is used to provide an output voltage to at least two external ports, the output voltages provided by the two external ports are equal. However, different Sink devices may have different requirements for charging voltages. Exemplarily, the charging voltage corresponding to the fast charging function of a mobile phone is 15V, and the charging voltage corresponding to the earphone without fast charging function is 5V. At this time, if the controller 260 receives the charging information of the mobile phone including a charging voltage of 15V, the external port will charge the earphone at an output voltage of 15V, which will cause damage to the earphone.

[0234] In this embodiment, in the case that one voltage supply chip is used to provide an output voltage to at least two external ports, and only one external port is coupled to the Sink device, the controller can output a target control instruction according to the charging information of the Sink device, so that the voltage supply chip provides a higher charging voltage required by the Sink device to the external port. In this way, the charging power and speed of the electronic device to the Sink device can be improved, and the charging effect of the electronic device to the external electronic device can be improved.

[0235] Based on the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the working process of the discharging module will be described below in the case that at least two external ports 210 connected to one discharging circuit 230 are coupled to external electronic devices. The at least two external ports 210 include Type-C interface 1 and Type-C interface 2.

[0236] FIG. 8 shows a logic flow diagram of the controller in a case where at least two of the plurality of external ports 210 connected to the discharging circuit 230 are coupled to external electronic devices.

[0237] In a case where the controller 260 determines that the device connected to the Type-C interface 1 is a Sink device, the controller 260 obtains the detection result of the Type-C interface 2. In a case where the detection result of the Type-C interface 2 indicates that the Type-C interface 2 is not connected to an external electronic device, the controller 260 can control the voltage regulating sub-circuit 234 to make the BUCK IC provide an output voltage to the Type-C interface 1 according to the above-mentioned case where only one of the plurality of external ports 210 connected to the discharging circuit 230 is coupled to an external electronic device.

[0238] In a case where the detection result of the Type-C interface 2 indicates that the Type-C interface 2 is connected to an external electronic device, the controller 260 obtains device information of the electronic device coupled to the Type-C interface 2 through the power transmission module 270 and the CC line. In a case where the device information indicates that the electronic device coupled to the Type-C interface 2 is a Source device, the controller 260 can control the voltage regulating sub-circuit 234 to make the BUCK IC provide an output voltage to the Type-C interface 1 according to the above-mentioned case where only one of the plurality of external ports 210 connected to the discharging circuit 230 is coupled to an external electronic device.

[0239] In a case where the device information indicates that the electronic device coupled to the Type-C interface 2 is a Sink device, the controller 260 sends a first control instruction (initial control instruction) to the voltage regulating sub-circuit 234. The voltage regulating sub-circuit 234 outputs a first control voltage to the BUCK IC in response to the first control instruction. The FB pin of the BUCK IC receives the first control voltage, and the SW pin of the BUCK IC provides an output voltage of 5V (basic supply voltage) to the Type-C interface, so that the notebook computer charges the to-be-charged device at a charging voltage of 5V.

[0240] It should be noted that in a case where the device information indicates that the electronic device coupled to the Type-C interface 2 is a Sink device, the controller 260 only provides an output voltage of 5V to the external port 210 regardless of whether the charging information of the Sink device includes a charging voltage of a higher voltage value (for example, 10V or 15V).

[0241] As can be seen, in the case that at least two external ports 210 connected to one discharging circuit 230 are coupled to Sink devices, the notebook computer charges the Sink devices at a fixed 5V. In the case that one external port 210 connected to one discharging circuit 230 is coupled to a Sink device and another external port 210 connected to one discharging circuit 230 is coupled to a Source device, the notebook computer charges the Sink device according to the charging information of the Sink device.

[0242] In the embodiment, in the case that at least two external ports 210 connected to one voltage supply chip 233 are coupled to Sink devices, the notebook computer charges the Sink devices at a fixed 5V. In this way, charging of Sink devices with a relatively high output voltage can be avoided, and the safety of charging Sink devices by the notebook computer is improved.

[0243] FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a charging and discharging system framework in an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0244] As shown in FIG. 9, in another embodiment, the notebook computer 200 can include a plurality of discharging circuits 230. For example, the number of discharging circuits 230 can be equal to the number of external ports 210, and the plurality of discharging circuits 230 are coupled to the plurality of external ports 210 one by one. Each discharging circuit 230 is configured to provide an output voltage to one external port 210, and different discharging circuits 230 provide output voltages to different external ports 210.

[0245] In the process of providing an output voltage by each discharging circuit 230 to the coupled external port 210, the discharging circuit 230 does not interfere with other discharging circuits 230.

[0246] Each discharging circuit 230 can be the circuit structure shown in FIG. 5, and the process of providing an output voltage by each discharging circuit 230 to the coupled external port 210 can also be described with reference to the case that only one external port 210 connected to one discharging circuit 230 is coupled to an external electronic device and other external ports 210 are not coupled to external electronic devices. Alternatively, each discharging circuit 230 can be the circuit structure shown in FIG. 7, and the process of providing an output voltage by each discharging circuit 230 to the coupled external port 210 can also be described with reference to the case that only one external port 210 connected to one discharging circuit 230 is coupled to an external electronic device and other external ports 210 are not coupled to external electronic devices. Details are not described herein.

[0247] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the Type-C interface 1 of the notebook computer can be coupled with the Sink device 1, and the Type-C interface 2 can be coupled with the Sink device 2. In this case, the discharging circuit 1 in the notebook computer can provide a higher first output voltage to the Type-C interface 1, and the discharging circuit 2 can provide a higher second output voltage to the Type-C interface 2. The voltage value of the first output voltage can be greater than, equal to, or less than the voltage value of the second output voltage.

[0248] In this way, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, each external port of the notebook computer can improve the output voltage provided by the discharging circuit to the external port in a low-cost manner when the external port is coupled with a Sink device, so that the external port of the electronic device can charge the Sink device at a higher output voltage. In this way, the charging power and the charging speed of the electronic device to the Sink device are improved, and thus the charging effect of the electronic device to the Sink device is improved. At the same time, the cost increase of the electronic device can be limited by the embodiments of the present application.

[0249] FIG. 10 shows a structural schematic diagram of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0250] The electronic device according to the embodiments of the present application can also include other discrete components, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0251] The computer readable storage medium according to the embodiments of the present application includes computer instructions, which, when executed on the controller, cause the controller to perform the functions or steps of driving the integrated circuit according to the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0252] The computer program product according to the embodiments of the present application includes computer instructions, which, when executed on the computer, cause the computer to perform the functions or steps of driving the integrated circuit according to the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0253] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, only the division of the above functional modules is exemplified, and in actual application, the above functions can be completed by different functional modules according to needs, that is, the internal structure of the device is divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0254] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only illustrative, for example, the division of the modules or units is only a logical function division, and actual implementation can have another division manner, for example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another device, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the displayed or discussed units can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0255] The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separated, and the components shown as units can be one physical unit or multiple physical units, that is, they can be located in one place or distributed to multiple different places. Part or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiment scheme.

[0256] In addition, the functional units in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit. The integrated unit can be realized in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0257] The integrated unit, if realized in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on such understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application essentially or say the parts that make contributions to the prior art or all or part of the technical solutions can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes a plurality of instructions to make a device (which can be a single-chip microcomputer, a chip, etc.) or a processor execute all or part of the steps of the method described in the embodiments of the present application. The foregoing storage medium includes: a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various storage medium that can store program codes.

[0258] The above merely provides the specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited to this. Any change or replacement within the technical scope disclosed by the present application should be covered in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A discharge module, characterized by The application is applied to an electronic device, the electronic device comprises at least one external port and a power supply end, the external port is used for charging at least one powered device connected to the external port; the discharge module comprises: a control device, which is coupled with the external port to obtain charging information of the powered device; the control device is configured to output a target control instruction in response to the charging information; a discharge circuit, which is coupled with the control device and is further coupled with the power supply end and the external port; the discharge circuit is configured to receive an input voltage provided by the power supply end and provide an output voltage corresponding to the target control instruction to the external port.

2. The electrical discharge module of claim 1, wherein, The discharge circuit comprises: a voltage regulation sub-circuit, which comprises an output node; the voltage regulation sub-circuit is coupled with the control device, and the voltage regulation sub-circuit is configured to generate a control voltage corresponding to the target control instruction at the output node in response to the target control instruction; a voltage supply chip, which comprises a first interface, a second interface and a third interface; the first interface is used for coupling with the power supply end to receive an input voltage, the second interface is used for coupling with the external port to provide an output voltage to the external port, and the third interface is coupled with the output node to receive the control voltage; the voltage supply chip is configured to provide an output voltage corresponding to the control voltage to the external port.

3. The electrical discharge module of claim 2, wherein, The voltage regulation sub-circuit comprises: a voltage division unit, which comprises the output node, a first end and a second end; the first end is coupled with the second interface of the voltage supply chip, and the second end is coupled with a common signal end; the voltage division unit is configured to generate the control voltage at the output node in the case that the second interface of the voltage supply chip provides an output voltage to the external port, and the voltage value of the control voltage is less than the voltage value of the output voltage; at least one voltage regulation unit, which is respectively coupled with the control device, the common signal end and the output node; the voltage regulation unit is configured to adjust the voltage value of the control voltage generated at the output node.

4. The electrical discharge module of claim 3, wherein, The voltage division unit comprises: a first resistor, which is respectively coupled with the second interface of the voltage supply chip and the output node; a second resistor, which is respectively coupled with the output node and the common signal end.

5. The electrical discharge module of claim 3 or 4, wherein, The voltage regulation unit comprises: a voltage regulation resistor, which is respectively coupled with the output node and the common signal end; a switch, which is coupled with the control device; the switch is connected in series between the voltage regulation resistor and the common signal end, or the switch is connected in series between the voltage regulation resistor and the output node.

6. The electrical discharge module of claim 5, wherein, The switch comprises a transistor; a control electrode of the transistor is coupled with the control device; in the case that the switch is connected in series between the voltage regulation resistor and the common signal end, a first electrode of the transistor is coupled with the voltage regulation resistor, and a second electrode of the transistor is coupled with the common signal end; or in the case that the switch is connected in series between the voltage regulation resistor and the output node, the first electrode of the transistor is coupled with the output node, and the second electrode of the transistor is coupled with the voltage regulation resistor. ​ 7. The electrical discharge module of any one of claims 2-6, wherein, The voltage supply chip comprises a BUCK chip; the first interface is an input voltage pin, the second interface is an output voltage pin, and the third interface is a feedback pin.

8. The electrical discharge module of claim 1, wherein, The control device comprises: a power transmission module, configured to be coupled with the external port to obtain charging information of the electrical device; a controller, coupled with the power transmission module and the discharge circuit; the controller is configured to output a target control instruction to the discharge circuit in response to the charging information.

9. The electrical discharge module of claim 8, wherein, The discharge circuit comprises: a voltage transformation sub-circuit, coupled with the controller and further coupled with the power supply terminal and the external port; the voltage transformation sub-circuit is configured to provide an output voltage corresponding to the target control instruction to the external port in response to the target control instruction.

10. A method of controlling a discharge module, characterized by, The method is applied to the discharge module as claimed in any one of claims 1-9; the method comprises: The control device obtains charging information of the electrical device through the external port; The control device outputs a target control instruction in response to the charging information; The discharge circuit provides an output voltage corresponding to the target control instruction to the external port in response to the target control instruction.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The method is applied to the discharge module as claimed in claim 2; the control device outputs a target control instruction in response to the charging information, comprising: The voltage regulation sub-circuit generates a control voltage corresponding to the target control instruction at the output node in response to the target control instruction; The power supply chip provides an output voltage corresponding to the control voltage to the external port in response to the control voltage, so that the external port charges the electrical device at the output voltage.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The method is applied to the discharge module as claimed in claim 5; the control device outputs a target control instruction in response to the charging information, comprising: The control device outputs a conduction sub-instruction to at least one of the switchers in response to the charging information, the conduction sub-instruction instructing the switcher to conduct; the target control instruction comprises the conduction sub-instruction.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, One of the voltage supply chips is configured to provide an output voltage to at least two external ports, the at least two external ports comprising a first external port and a second external port; the control device obtains charging information of the electrical device through the first external port; The control device outputs a target control instruction, comprising: The control device obtains a detection result of the second external port; the detection result is used to indicate whether the second external port is connected to an external electronic device; In a case where the detection result indicates that the second external port is not connected to an external electronic device, the control device outputs a target control instruction.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The method further comprises: In a case where the detection result indicates that the second external port is connected to an external electronic device, the control device obtains device information of the external electronic device; In a case where the device information indicates that the external electronic device comprises an electrical device, the control device outputs an initial control instruction; the output voltage corresponding to the initial control instruction is smaller than the output voltage corresponding to the target control instruction; or, In a case where the device information indicates that the external electronic device comprises a power supply device, the control device outputs a target control instruction.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein, The method is applied to the discharge module as claimed in claim 8. The control device acquires, through the external port, charging information of the powered device, including: The power transmission module acquires, through the external port, charging information of the powered device, and outputs the charging information; The controller outputs, in response to the charging information, a target control instruction to the discharge circuit.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The method is applied to the discharge module as claimed in claim 9; the discharge circuit provides, in response to the target control instruction, an output voltage corresponding to the target control instruction to the external port, including: The transformer sub-circuit provides, in response to the target control instruction provided by the controller, an output voltage corresponding to the target control instruction to the external port.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10-16, characterized by, Before the acquiring of the charging information of the powered device, the method further comprises: The discharge circuit provides a basic supply voltage to the external port, so that the external port charges the powered device at the basic supply voltage.

18. An electronic device, comprising: Including: At least two external ports; The discharge module as claimed in any one of claims 1-9; The discharge module is configured to provide an output voltage to at least one of the external ports.

19. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein, The discharge module comprises at least two voltage supply chips; each of the voltage supply chips is configured to provide an output voltage to one of the external ports, and different voltage supply chips are configured to provide output voltages to different external ports.

20. An electronic device, comprising: Including a memory and one or more processors; the memory is coupled to the processor; the memory stores computer program code, the computer program code includes computer instructions, when the computer instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device executes the method as claimed in any one of claims 10-17.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Including computer instructions, when the computer instructions run on an electronic device, the electronic device executes the method as claimed in any one of claims 10-17.

22. A computer program product, characterised in that, When the computer program product runs on an electronic device, the electronic device executes the method as claimed in any one of claims 10-17.

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