Adjustable USB Power Delivery for Dynamic Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) Specification does not define a 'well regulated Variable source' or 'digitally controlled well regulated Variable source,' preventing power sources from tuning power input to match the efficiency characteristics of consumers' voltage regulators or meet real-time power demands.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a new messaging protocol and apparatus that allow for dynamic adjustment of power supply within the USB environment, enabling power providers to adjust voltage and current to match the needs of power consumers, using an adjustable power source that can request and provide power adjustments through reserved Data Protocol Message Types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If USB power sources use fixed or poorly regulated variable output, then implementation is simpler, but power efficiency is reduced due to inability to match consumer voltage regulator characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable power source that can change its output voltage and current in real-time based on consumer device requirements. The power source transitions from static fixed output to dynamic variable output, allowing it to match the voltage regulator characteristics of connected devices and improve power efficiency throughout the USB negotiation and operation phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage and current) of the power source output based on negotiated values from the consumer device. By adjusting these parameters dynamically during USB Power Delivery negotiation, the power source can optimize efficiency while maintaining compatibility with different device requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If USB power sources provide fixed power output, then control is simpler, but adaptability to real-time power demands is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the consumer device communicates its power requirements back to the power source through USB negotiation protocols. The power source receives this feedback and adjusts its output accordingly, enabling real-time adaptation to changing power demands while maintaining automated control through the standardized USB-PD protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the power source universal by enabling it to serve multiple functions: it can operate in fixed output mode for simple devices, variable output mode for efficiency-critical devices, and dynamically adjustable mode for real-time power management. This multi-functionality allows a single power source design to handle diverse USB device requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is an apparatus which comprises: an adjustable power supply source to generate an adjustable power supply; a node to provide the adjustable power supply to a device; and a bus which is operable to: send a first message to the device indicating that the adjustable power supply source is capable of dynamically providing an adjustable power supply; and receive a request from the device, the request indicating a new voltage or current specification.