Docking Station Power Sensing via Differential Pair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking stations for portable information handling systems require multiple pins for power communication, increasing complexity and cost, as they need to measure and route power consumption back to the system, often leading to overestimation and higher adapter power usage.
Innovation Solution
A system that senses available power at the docking station using a current sense resistor circuit and communicates it to the information handling system through a differential pair, allowing the charger to determine the power for battery charging, eliminating the need for additional power pins and reducing costs by selectively interfacing with the power rail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple pins are used to measure and route power consumption from the docking station to the information handling system, then power measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power measurement function with existing communication pins in the docking connector. Instead of adding separate dedicated pins for power sensing, the invention multiplexes the use of existing pins to carry both data communication and power measurement signals, thereby achieving power measurement capability without increasing connector complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The docking connector pins are designed to serve multiple functions: they act as communication interfaces for data transfer and simultaneously function as sensing elements for power measurement. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated power measurement pins, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
2Measurement precision
If multiple pins are used to route power consumption back to the information handling system, then power control accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the power control function with existing communication infrastructure in the docking station. By utilizing existing circuitry and connectors for dual purposes (communication and power control), the system achieves accurate power control without requiring additional manufacturing components or assembly steps that would increase cost
3Reliability
If excess power is allocated to avoid exceeding docking station capability, then system reliability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the docking station continuously monitors actual power consumption through its sensing circuitry and adjusts power allocation dynamically. This real-time feedback allows the system to allocate exactly the amount of power needed, avoiding both power shortages that would compromise reliability and excessive power allocation that would waste energy
Solution Approach 2:
The power allocation system transitions from a static, conservative approach to a dynamic approach that adapts to actual system needs. The docking station adjusts power delivery in real-time based on measured consumption patterns, enabling optimal balance between reliability and energy efficiency under varying operational conditions
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 solution reduces the cost and complexity of portable information handling systems by avoiding extra power pins and accurately determining power availability for charging, while maintaining system functionality.
Implementation Method 1
senses the amount of power used by the docking electronics and information handling system with a current sense resistor circuit
Implementation Method 2
The docking station interfaces with an AC power source and includes an adapter that converts the AC power into DC power for use by the portable information handling system's internal power system
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system powered through a docking station charges an internal battery based on available power sensed at the docking station and communicated to a charger of the information handling system. A dock sensor on the information handling system selectively interfaces a local power sensor if the information handling system is not docked or a docking station sensor if the information handling system is docked. Available power sensed at the docking station is communicated to a battery charger of the information handling system by a differential wire pair interfaced through a docking connector.