AC-to-DC Adapter Dynamic Voltage Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face increased power consumption challenges, particularly in reduced power states, making it difficult to meet energy efficiency standards like Energy Star, as existing solutions complicate power subsystem design and do not effectively reduce power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An AC-to-DC adapter outputs a reduced voltage level when the system enters a reduced power state, managed by a power manager that signals the adapter to transition from a normal voltage to a lower voltage for power-saving, and back to normal voltage when the system resumes operation, without affecting component operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an AC-to-DC adapter provides a set voltage to power an information handling system, then the system can operate reliably, but power consumption increases during reduced power states
Solution Approach 1:
The AC-to-DC adapter dynamically adjusts its output voltage based on the power state of the information handling system. During reduced power states (S1-S5), the adapter transitions from providing full operating voltage to providing a reduced voltage that maintains minimal system functionality while significantly reducing power consumption. This dynamic voltage adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to remain reliable during reduced power states while consuming less energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the voltage parameter output by the AC-to-DC adapter based on system power state. Instead of maintaining a constant set voltage, the adapter modifies its output voltage parameter to match the reduced power requirements during S1-S5 states. This parameter change enables the system to meet Energy Star standards for low power consumption while maintaining essential operations during reduced power states.
2Loss of energy
If a load switch is added to reduce leakage current, then power consumption decreases, but power subsystem design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the voltage regulation function from the internal power subsystem and relocates it to the external AC-to-DC adapter. By having the adapter provide reduced voltage during reduced power states, the need for complex internal load switches and voltage regulation circuitry is eliminated. This extraction resolves the contradiction by reducing power consumption without increasing internal power subsystem design complexity.
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
This approach reduces power consumption by up to 50% during reduced power states, meeting energy efficiency standards with minimal design complexity and maintaining system operation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
portable information handling systems typically use an external AC-to-DC power adapter that converts AC power provided from an external power source into DC power for use by the portable information handling system
Data Source
AI summary
An AC-to-DC power adapter provides DC power to an information handling system at a first higher DC voltage or a second lower DC voltage based upon a power state of the information handling system. For example, approximately 19 Volts DC power is provided if the information handling system is in an on state or if the information handling system is charging a battery. Approximately 13 Volts DC power is provided if the information handling system is in a reduced power state, such as an ACPI S3 state, with a battery having a substantially full charge.