Daisy-Chain Power Distribution for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic systems with multiple peripheral devices, the limited power supply from a host can lead to instability due to the need for additional power sources, as existing systems lack efficient methods to manage and distribute power effectively among devices connected in a daisy-chain configuration.
Innovation Solution
An electronic system with a control module that operates in two modes to manage power distribution among devices with male and female connectors, allowing devices not directly connected to power supplies to receive power from adjacent devices and redistribute it, optimizing power usage by calculating and comparing maximum output powers in different modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple peripheral devices are connected to the host in a daisy-chain configuration, then the quantity of connected devices increases, but the power supply stability deteriorates due to limited power from the host
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into multiple independent power sources, with each electronic device capable of receiving power from its own power supply. This segmentation allows each device to have dedicated power funding, preventing the power limitation that occurs when multiple devices share a single host power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple power supplies into the daisy-chain system, where each electronic device can be connected to its own power supply. The power distribution network merges these multiple power sources into a unified system that serves all devices, enabling stable power delivery to multiple devices simultaneously.
2Reliability
If each electronic device is connected to its own power supply, then the power supply stability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional power management components
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a power management component and as a communication controller. This universal component handles both power distribution decisions and data communication, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each electronic device autonomously manages its own power reception and distribution through its control module. The devices self-organize the power distribution network by autonomously determining power paths and managing their own power budgets, eliminating the need for complex centralized power management infrastructure.
3Device complexity
If power is distributed through the daisy-chain connection without dedicated power supplies, then the device complexity decreases, but the power availability for each device becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power delivery architecture by providing dedicated power supply connections to each electronic device. This segmentation ensures that each device receives adequate power directly from its own power supply, preventing power starvation that would occur in a shared power distribution model.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic system is provided, including electronic devices, power supplies and a control module. The electronic devices each have male and female connectors, wherein the male connectors are mated with the female connectors, such that the electronic devices are overlapped in a direction and electrically connected to each other. The power supplies each are connected to one of the electronic devices, respectively, for providing power to the electronic devices. The control module has first and second modes to control the male and female connectors, wherein, in the first mode, a first electronic device of the electronic devices, which is not connected to either one of the power supplies, receives power through a first female connector of the first electronic device, and outputs power to another electronic device of the electronic devices through the first male connector.