Dynamic PDO List Modification for USB Power Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power supply systems, particularly those conforming to the USB Power Delivery Specification, face inefficiencies and potential inoperability due to limitations in the number of defined Power Data Object (PDO) combinations, leading to suboptimal voltage/current selections that result in degraded efficiency or system failure.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus with a list modifying unit that negotiates with the power receiving side controller to dynamically modify the PDO list to include requested voltage values not initially defined, ensuring the power supply circuit can generate the required voltage, thereby preventing inefficiencies and inoperability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the PDO list is limited to predefined voltage/current combinations, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to different power requirements deteriorates and system reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The PDO list is transformed from a static predefined structure to a dynamic one that can be modified during operation. The list modifying unit enables the power supply apparatus to add requested voltage values to the PDO list based on negotiation with the power receiving apparatus, allowing the system to adapt to different power requirements while maintaining a simple predefined base structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the PDO list by adding new voltage values that are requested by the power receiving apparatus. This allows the power supply apparatus to expand its operational parameters beyond the initial predefined combinations, improving adaptability without requiring a complete redesign of the system
2Device complexity
If the PDO list contains only predefined voltage/current combinations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the power supply system deteriorates due to potential inoperability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary negotiation to identify requested voltage values before finalizing the PDO list configuration. The list modifying unit proactively adds requested voltage values to the PDO list, ensuring that the power supply apparatus can meet the power receiving apparatus's requirements and avoid inoperability before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the power receiving apparatus communicates its requested voltage values to the power supply apparatus. The list modifying unit uses this feedback information to modify the PDO list, ensuring that the system adapts to actual operational needs and maintains reliability
3Ease of operation
If the power supply apparatus uses a fixed PDO list, then the ease of operation is improved, but the efficiency of power supply deteriorates due to suboptimal voltage/current selections
Solution Approach 1:
The PDO list transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic one that can be modified during operation. The list modifying unit enables real-time adjustments to the PDO list based on negotiation outcomes, allowing the system to select optimal voltage/current combinations that minimize energy loss while maintaining ease of operation through automated negotiation
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus requests the transmission of a requested PDO. A power receiving apparatus transmits the requested PDO in response to the request. The power supply apparatus modifies a first PDO list based on the requested PDO when it is possible to do so. The first PDO list is modified when the requested voltage is not defined in the first PDO list in a case in which a power supply circuit of the power supply apparatus is capable of supplying the request voltage indicated by the requested PDO. Subsequently, negotiation is performed based on the first PDO list thus modified.