AC Adapter Disconnect Switch Modulation for Charger Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems between charge systems and AC adapters lack efficient communication capabilities, requiring additional components and modifications, which complicates power management and battery charging processes in portable electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that utilizes an AC adapter disconnect switch modulated by a charge controller to transmit communication signals between the charge system and AC adapter, incorporating a rectifier, inductor, and capacitor to provide a DC device voltage, allowing for control of the AC adapter output voltage and current without additional wiring or modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If communication functionality is added between charger and AC adapter, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnect switch is made to serve dual purposes: its primary function of isolating the AC adapter for safety, and a secondary function as a communication signal transmission path. By modulating the switch between on and off states, the system encodes communication data through the power line without requiring separate communication hardware or wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the power transmission function and communication function into a single channel. The power line carrying DC voltage from the AC adapter to the charger is also used as the communication medium, combining two separate functions (power delivery and data transmission) into one integrated path, thereby avoiding additional components and wiring.
2Adaptability or versatility
If disconnect switch is used for communication modulation, then communication signal transmission is enabled, but power delivery continuity is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnect switch is modulated periodically between on and off states to encode communication data. These periodic switching actions create voltage transitions (rising edges when switching on, falling edges when switching off) that carry communication information. The periodic nature allows the AC adapter to detect and decode the modulated signals while the power delivery remains functional during the 'on' states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous power delivery to the charger by keeping the disconnect switch in the on state for the majority of time, while brief off-state modulations are used only for communication signaling. This ensures that the useful action of power delivery continues uninterrupted, with only minimal, controlled interruptions for data transmission purposes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient power management, allows the AC adapter to enter sleep mode when not needed, and supports communication protocols to ensure compatibility and safety, without requiring additional hardware or interface changes, thus simplifying battery charging and power management in portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifier, a first inductor and a capacitor function as an asynchronous rectifier to provide a DC device voltage from the AC adapter DC output voltage
Implementation Method 2
The rectifier, the first inductor and the capacitor function as an asynchronous rectifier to provide a DC device voltage from the AC adapter DC output voltage, wherein the current through the first inductor during coupling of the AC adapter disconnect switch commutates through the rectifier when the AC adapter disconnect switch is decoupled
Data Source
AI summary
Communications systems and methods for transmitting communications between a charge system and an AC adapter are disclosed. In one embodiment, a communication system comprises an AC adapter disconnect switch that is switchable between coupling and decoupling an AC adapter DC output voltage to the charge system and a charge controller configured to modulate the AC adapter disconnect switch between coupling and decoupling to provide a communication signal to the AC adapter.