Adaptive Input Current Control for Power Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable electronic devices experience power instability and limited power-outputting capability during initial charging due to abrupt adjustments in input current and voltage, leading to potential system crashes and prolonged charging times.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive input current control method and apparatus that monitor and adjust the input current of a regulator using a reference signal, selectively triggering power limiting based on input voltage detection to stabilize the system and optimize charging efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the conventional charger control circuit adjusts the input current setting from low to high in steps, then the input current increases gradually, but the power outputting capability is limited during the initial time period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing multiple current limit levels (first, second, and third levels) before operation begins. The regulator is configured to automatically transition between these pre-defined current limits based on operational conditions, eliminating the need for gradual step-wise adjustment and enabling faster power delivery while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the current limit adjustable and transitionable between different levels. The regulator dynamically switches between first, second, and third current limit levels based on real-time conditions such as adapter detection and operational state, allowing the system to adapt its power outputting capability rather than being fixed at a single limit level.
2Productivity
If the conventional charger control circuit adjusts the input current setting from low to high, then the input voltage temporarily drops below the power source collapse level, but this causes the external power source to crash
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring the operational state and using this information to regulate current limit transitions. The system detects when current limits should be adjusted based on real-time conditions, preventing voltage collapse by only transitioning to higher current limits when the power source can sustain them, thus avoiding crashes while maintaining fast charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by establishing a hierarchical structure of current limit levels with the third level being the highest. The system is designed to transition through controlled levels rather than allowing uncontrolled voltage drops, providing a buffer against power source collapse by ensuring that current increases are managed and sustained by the power source capability.
3Reliability
If the regulator limits the input current to a target current value, then the power management is optimized, but the charging time is prolonged due to conservative current limiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the current limit to transition between multiple levels (first, second, and third levels) based on operational conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to start with conservative current limiting for stability, then progressively increase to higher current levels for faster charging, optimizing both reliability and charging time throughout the charging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple current limit levels and the transition logic before charging begins. This allows the system to immediately utilize appropriate current levels based on detected conditions rather than gradually adjusting from a single conservative limit, reducing charging time while maintaining power management stability through pre-planned transition strategies.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for performing adaptive input current control in an electronic device are provided, where the method may include the steps of: before limiting an input current of a regulator of the electronic device to a target current value, monitoring the input current of the regulator according to a reference current, and decreasing the reference current, to make the reference current change starting from one of a plurality of predetermined reference current values, wherein the input current is obtained from a power source; detecting an input voltage of the regulator to generate a detection signal, to selectively trigger limiting output power of the regulator; and at a time point when the reference current becomes smaller than the input current, limiting the input current of the regulator to the target current value with a latest reference current value of the reference current being utilized as the target current value.