Barrel Adapter Voltage Selection via Dock-Adapter Power Negotiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy information handling systems are limited by fixed voltage barrel adapters, which do not accommodate varying power needs and can lead to inefficient operation or damage if unexpected voltages are supplied.
Innovation Solution
A dock system that communicates with AC adapters to determine capable voltages and establishes a power supply contract to provide power at selected voltages, using a combination of 1-wire interfaces and protocols to ensure safe and efficient operation, allowing for voltage switching between standard and extended ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed voltage barrel adapter is used, then the connector structure is simple, but the system cannot accommodate varying power needs and may cause inefficient operation or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects voltage levels based on real-time communication between the dock and AC adapter. The dock can switch between different voltage modes (first voltage mode and second voltage mode) depending on the adapter's capabilities and system requirements, making the voltage supply flexible rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multiple voltage parameters (first voltage and second voltage) that can be selected based on system needs. The dock changes the voltage parameter from a fixed value to a selectable range, allowing optimization of power efficiency while maintaining compatibility with different adapters.
2Measurement precision
If communication protocols are added to determine adapter capabilities, then voltage selection accuracy is improved, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary communication over the 1-wire interface before power delivery to determine the AC adapter's voltage capabilities. This preliminary action (reading PS_ID information) allows the dock to know in advance what voltages the adapter can supply, enabling safe and efficient voltage selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The 1-wire interface with PS_ID communication acts as an intermediary mechanism between the dock and AC adapter. It provides a standardized way to exchange capability information without requiring complex direct control circuits, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Reliability
If power supply contract establishment is implemented, then power safety is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply contract mechanism implements feedback between the dock and AC adapter. The dock reads the adapter's capabilities, determines appropriate voltage levels, and establishes a contract that both parties agree to follow. This feedback loop ensures that power is supplied safely at the correct voltage without requiring overly complex control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for supplying power at a voltage selected from a plurality of voltages. Power is initially received at a first voltage. Embodiments communicate with an AC adapter to get device identification and see if the AC adapter supports other voltages. If so, embodiments communicate with the AC adapter to get more information about the adapter and identify what voltages the adapter is capable of providing. If one of the voltages would allow an information handling system to operate more efficiently, embodiments negotiate a power supply contract to operate at a second voltage. When the information handling system powers down, the system resets to operation at the initial voltage.