Dual USB Type-C Receptacle with GaN AC/DC Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
The adoption of new USB Power Delivery (PD) standards poses challenges in fitting increased power capacity within the conventional USB Wall receptacle form factor, requiring additional hardware and increasing manufacturing costs, while existing receptacles inefficiently reduce voltage ratings to supply power, wasting capacity and compromising power density.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic power sharing dual USB Type C & PD receptacle with two power stages, utilizing a gallium nitride (GaN) MOSFET-based AC/DC converter for high power and a DC/DC converter for low power, allowing simultaneous charging of devices at different power capacities and voltage ratings without reducing voltage, managed by a dynamic power sharing logic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If USB Power Delivery standards with increased power capacity are adopted, then charging speed and power capacity are improved, but the receptacle size and hardware complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery system is segmented into multiple USB ports with different power capabilities (USB Type-C PD port for high power, USB Type-A port for standard power). This allows the receptacle to support high power delivery without requiring all ports to have complex high-power hardware, thus improving power capacity while controlling hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is designed to universally support multiple power standards and device types through a single unified structure. The USB Type-C PD port can negotiate and deliver various power levels (5V, 9V, 15V, 20V) depending on device requirements, making the hardware adaptable to different power needs without requiring separate specialized receptacles for each power level.
2Adaptability or versatility
If voltage ratings are reduced to supply power to multiple devices, then power sharing is enabled, but power density and capacity utilization are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery system dynamically adjusts power allocation based on device requirements through USB PD negotiation protocols. The controller continuously monitors connected devices and dynamically distributes available power capacity among USB ports according to actual device needs, rather than using a fixed reduced voltage rating. This maintains optimal power density while enabling flexible power sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes power delivery parameters (voltage, current, power level) dynamically based on device requirements and available capacity. Instead of reducing voltage ratings permanently, the system adjusts parameters in real-time during power negotiation, allowing full utilization of power capacity while enabling multiple devices to share power appropriately based on their specific requirements.
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
Maximizes power capacity utilization and optimizes power density by enabling true power sharing between USB ports, eliminating wasteful voltage and power reductions, thus increasing efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an alternating current to direct current (AC/DC) converter including a gallium nitride (GaN) MOSFET on at least one of the primary side or the secondary side of the AC/DC converter
Implementation Method 2
a DC/DC converter coupled to the controller and the AC/DC converter and structured to receive DC from the AC/DC converter and provide low power to the USB Type C port
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle includes a plurality of universal serial bus (USB) ports including a USB Type C PD port and a USB Type C port couplable to respective devices for charging, a controller coupled to the USB ports and including a dynamic power sharing logic, the controller structured to: determine whether one or more USB ports are coupled to the respective devices and manage first power negotiation and dynamic power sharing if both USB ports are coupled to respective devices or manage second power negotiation if only one USB port is coupled to respective device; an AC/DC converter including a gallium nitride (GaN) MOSFET on at least one of the primary side or the secondary side of the AC/DC converter, the AC/DC converter structured to provide high power to the USB Type C PD port; and a DC/DC converter structured to provide low power to the USB Type C port.