Bidirectional Voltage Converter for USB Charge and Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power management systems in mobile devices require separate circuits for charging and delivery modes, leading to increased size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional voltage converter circuit and control module that selectively operates in charging and delivery modes, allowing for a single circuit to handle both functions, reducing the need for separate components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate circuits are used for charging and delivery modes, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate charging and delivery circuits into a single bidirectional power management circuit. The circuit uses a single switching network that can operate in different configurations to achieve both charging (power flow from external source to battery) and delivery (power flow from battery to external device) modes, thereby reducing component count while maintaining functional reliability through unified control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The bidirectional power management circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can charge the battery from external power sources, deliver power to external devices, and switch between these modes dynamically. The single circuit incorporates multiple switching elements and control logic that enable it to universally handle both power reception and power transmission tasks that would traditionally require separate dedicated circuits
2Reliability
If separate circuits are used for charging and delivery modes, then functional reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete power management circuits into a single integrated bidirectional circuit, reducing the total component count. This consolidation directly lowers manufacturing costs by reducing parts inventory, assembly steps, and PCB real estate requirements, while the unified design maintains reliability through coordinated switching control
3Device complexity
If a single bidirectional circuit is used for both charging and delivery modes, then device complexity is reduced, but operational reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional power management circuit employs dynamic switching control where the circuit configuration changes based on operational mode requirements. Control logic dynamically adjusts the state of switching elements to appropriately route power flow for charging or delivery operations, allowing the single circuit to adapt its internal topology to maintain reliability across different functional states without requiring separate dedicated circuits
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 the size and cost of power management systems by integrating charging and delivery modes into a single circuit, enhancing efficiency and reducing component redundancy.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional voltage converter circuit, and a control module that selectively operates the bidirectional voltage converter circuit in a charging mode and a delivery mode. The charging mode converts a voltage provided by an interface (e.g., a USB interface) into a charging voltage employed by an energy storage module (e.g., a rechargeable battery). Conversely, the delivery mode converts a voltage provided by the energy storage module into a voltage employed by the interface
Data Source
AI summary
Power management techniques are disclosed. For instance, an apparatus may include a bidirectional voltage converter circuit, and a control module that selectively operates the bidirectional voltage converter circuit in a charging mode and a delivery mode. The charging mode converts a voltage provided by an interface (e.g., a USB interface) into a charging voltage employed by an energy storage module (e.g., a rechargeable battery). Conversely, the delivery mode converts a voltage provided by the energy storage module into a voltage employed by the interface. Other embodiments are described and claimed.