Charging Switch Control for Dual-Connector Power Collision Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
When multiple external power sources are connected to an electronic device through multiple connectors, the processor may be in an inactive state, making it difficult to manage charging effectively, particularly when dealing with issues like overvoltage or simultaneous power input from multiple sources.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with a control circuit that manages charging by selectively connecting only one connector to the charging circuit, using switching blocks and control circuits to prioritize and stabilize the charging process, even when the processor is in an inactive state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the processor manages charging for multiple external power sources, then charging control capability is improved, but system complexity increases and processor burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging management function is segmented from the main processor and assigned to a dedicated control circuit. This separation allows the processor to focus on other tasks while the control circuit handles charging management independently, reducing system complexity and processor burden while maintaining multi-power-source charging control capability
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated control circuit acts as an intermediary between the processor and the charging system. This intermediary handles the complex charging management tasks, shielding the processor from direct involvement in charging control while enabling sophisticated multi-power-source management
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple external power sources are connected simultaneously, then power supply flexibility is improved, but risk of overvoltage and power collision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs preliminary detection of voltage levels and power source states before connecting power sources to the battery. By detecting and evaluating each power source in advance, the system can prevent overvoltage conditions and power collisions by only connecting compatible power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit continuously monitors the charging state, voltage levels, and power source connections, providing feedback to adjust the charging process. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of overvoltage conditions and power collisions, allowing the system to respond by disconnecting problematic power sources
3Loss of energy
If the processor is in inactive state, then power consumption is reduced, but charging management capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The charging management function is segmented into a dedicated control circuit that operates independently from the main processor. This allows the processor to enter inactive states and reduce power consumption while the control circuit continues to manage charging operations autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed to autonomously manage charging operations without requiring processor intervention. It can independently detect power sources, regulate charging parameters, and handle multiple power sources, enabling the processor to remain inactive while charging management continues seamlessly
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, an electronic device may include a battery, a charging circuit electrically connected to the battery, a first connector, a second connector, a first switch configured to electrically connect the first connector to the charging circuit or to open an electrical connection between the first connector and the charging circuit, a second switch configured to electrically connect the second connector to the charging circuit or to open an electrical connection between the second connector and the charging circuit, a first control circuit configured to control the first switch to electrically connect the first connector to the charging circuit and to control the second switch to open the electrical connection between the second connector and the charging circuit based on first power supplied by a first external electronic device through the first connector, and a second control circuit configured to at least partially control the second switch to electrically connect the second connector to the charging circuit based at least in part on second power supplied by a second external electronic device through the second connector.