ExpressCard to PC Card Coupling System Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Peripheral devices with ExpressCard™ interfaces often exceed the supply current limits of PC Card™ interfaces when used with converters, leading to potential overload and compromised functionality, as they may stabilize input supply voltage, increasing current draw and risking host device power limitations.
Innovation Solution
A coupling apparatus and method that interconnects peripheral devices with ExpressCard™ interfaces to host devices with PC Card™ interfaces, using a coupling system to provide a supply signal indicative of available power characteristics, allowing the peripheral device to adjust its operating conditions to comply with the host device's power supply limits, employing electronic components for signal conversion and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an ExpressCard peripheral device is connected to a PC Card host interface using a converter, then the device can be used with the host interface, but the device may exceed the supply current limits of the PC Card interface and cause overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling system as an intermediary between the ExpressCard peripheral device and PC Card host interface. This coupling system includes a coupling apparatus with connectors and control circuitry that mediates the connection, monitoring power consumption and controlling signal exchange to ensure the peripheral device operates within the power supply capabilities of the PC Card interface, thereby preventing overload while maintaining compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the peripheral device by dynamically adjusting its power consumption based on the host interface capabilities. The coupling system monitors power usage and controls the peripheral device to operate at reduced power levels when connected via PC Card interface, ensuring current draw remains within the 1.0A limit while allowing higher power operation when directly connected to ExpressCard host interfaces
2Stability of the object's composition
If the peripheral device stabilizes input supply voltage using a switching power converter, then the device maintains stable operation, but the current draw increases when supply voltage drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the coupling system continuously monitors the supply voltage and power consumption of the peripheral device. When the supply voltage drops or current draw approaches the 1.0A limit, the coupling system provides feedback signals to the peripheral device to reduce its power consumption, thereby preventing excessive current draw while maintaining adequate voltage stability through controlled operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the power consumption characteristics dynamic by allowing the peripheral device to adjust its operating mode based on real-time conditions. The device can switch between different power consumption states - operating at higher power when directly connected to ExpressCard interfaces and reducing to lower power states when connected via PC Card interfaces - ensuring stable operation within available power limits
3Reliability
If the host device limits voltage and/or current supplied to the peripheral device, then the host device protects itself from overload, but the functionality of the peripheral device is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the coupling system establish communication and negotiate power parameters before the peripheral device begins full operation. The coupling system预先 determines the available power capacity of the host interface and configures the peripheral device's power consumption accordingly, preventing the need for host device intervention that would compromise functionality
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the operating condition of a peripheral device based on the mode of interconnection of the peripheral device of a host device. The apparatus includes a first connector for connecting the peripheral device, a second connector for connecting the host device and a coupling system operatively interconnecting contacts of the first connector and contacts of the second connector. The coupling system is further configured to provide a supply signal to the peripheral device via the first connector, wherein the supply signal is at least in part indicative of one or more characteristics of the power available to the peripheral device from the host device. The supply signal may provide a means for the peripheral device to control operation thereof in light of the characteristics of the power available.