Computer Interface Power Provision in Sleep Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices cannot be charged through a computer system's interface when the system is in sleep or power off modes (S3, S4, S5) as no power is supplied, leading to power waste and reduced usage time for portable computers.
Innovation Solution
A method and power supply unit that allow power to be provided through the computer system's interface during low power consumption modes by receiving a control command, using a power output unit and interface to output power, and temporarily disconnecting and reconnecting the power transmission link to enable charging without turning on the computer system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the computer system operates in sleep mode or power off mode (S3, S4, S5), then power consumption is reduced, but the interface cannot provide power to charge portable devices
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power sources: main system power (from power supply unit), auxiliary power (from battery), and external power (from AC adapter). Each power source can operate independently to provide power through the interface, allowing the system to maintain power provision capability even when the main system is in low-power mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is designed with multi-functionality to support power provision from multiple sources. The same interface can receive power from the battery, AC adapter, or both simultaneously, and deliver power to external devices regardless of the system's operational state, making the power provision function universal across different system states.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the computer system is turned on to provide power through the interface, then portable devices can be charged, but power is wasted and usage time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The battery acts as an intermediary power source between the AC adapter and the interface. When the system is in low-power mode, the battery supplies power through the interface without requiring the main system to be active. This intermediary approach enables power provision while keeping the main system in a low-power state, avoiding the waste of running the entire system just to charge a device.
Solution Approach 2:
The power provision function is extracted from the main system operation. Instead of requiring the entire computer system to be powered on to provide interface power, the power provision capability is separated and can be independently activated using auxiliary power sources like the battery or AC adapter, allowing selective activation of only the necessary function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power is supplied to all interfaces in S1 mode, then portable devices can be charged, but power consumption is higher compared to deeper sleep modes
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages power provision without requiring user intervention or full system activation. When power is needed at the interface, the system self-service by activating the appropriate power source (battery or AC adapter) independently, allowing power provision in deeper sleep modes without manual system wake-up, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling power supply in a computer system includes receiving a control command, and providing power through an interface of the computer system when the computer system is operating in a low power consumption mode.