Flyback Power Supply Circuit for Dual USB-C Current Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power adapters with dual TYPE-C output ports using two DC/DC conversion circuits are large, costly, and prone to high circuit losses, and when a high-power output is reduced to low power, it can lead to excessive current and safety hazards if the main power does not reach a sufficient voltage.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit with at least two flyback conversion circuits and a flyback control circuit that connects these circuits in parallel when one output terminal is active, allowing current sharing and independent operation of each terminal to prevent excessive current and ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two DC/DC conversion circuits are used to enable dual TYPE-C output ports, then the power adapter can charge two devices simultaneously, but the circuit loss increases and the size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate DC/DC conversion circuits into a single flyback conversion circuit that can operate in two modes: when one output port is connected, the circuit operates in a first mode to provide power to that port; when both output ports are connected, the circuit operates in a second mode to provide power to both ports simultaneously. This consolidation reduces component count, decreases circuit loss, and lowers the adapter's size and cost while maintaining dual output capability.
2Reliability
If the main power does not reach a sufficient voltage, then the post-stage circuit bears excessive current, but using two separate DC/DC circuits increases complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single flyback conversion circuit with mode switching to replace two separate DC/DC circuits, reducing complexity while maintaining safety. The control circuit monitors the connection status of output ports and switches between operating modes accordingly, preventing excessive current in the post-stage circuit when voltage is insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit implements feedback by detecting the connection status of output ports and adjusting the operating mode of the flyback conversion circuit accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the circuit operates safely by preventing excessive current conditions while maintaining optimal performance for the connected load configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate DC/DC conversion circuits are used, then each output port can operate independently, but the manufacturing cost and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates two separate DC/DC conversion circuits into one flyback conversion circuit with mode switching capability. This single circuit can operate independently for each output port when needed, or provide power to both ports simultaneously, thereby maintaining independent operation capability while significantly reducing manufacturing cost and device size through component consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flyback conversion circuit is designed with multi-functionality to perform both single-port and dual-port power delivery. By implementing mode switching based on output port connection status, the circuit universally handles different operating scenarios (one port connected, both ports connected, or neither connected) without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each configuration, thus reducing manufacturing cost while preserving operational flexibility.
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
The solution reduces the risk of excessive current and improves safety by enabling balanced current sharing and independent operation of the output terminals, while also potentially reducing the size and manufacturing cost of the power supply circuit.
Implementation Method 1
at least two flyback conversion circuits each coupled to the power input terminal and a respective one of the at least two power output terminals to convert the first power to the second power
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply circuit includes: a power input terminal configured to provide first power; at least two power output terminals each configured to provide second power to an external load; at least two flyback conversion circuits each coupled to the power input terminal and a respective one of the at least two power output terminals to convert the first power to the second power; and a flyback control circuit coupled to each of the at least two flyback conversion circuits, the flyback control circuit being configured to control the at least two flyback conversion circuits to be connected in parallel when one of the at least two power output terminals outputs the second power.