HDMI Voltage Selector for Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices with HDMI interfaces face rapid battery power depletion due to voltage conversion losses when the internal power source is not 5 volts, leading to shortened usage times.
Innovation Solution
A voltage controlling apparatus and method that includes a detector and a voltage selector to determine if a connection with an external device is established, selecting between a lower and higher voltage, with an optional DC-to-DC converter to convert the voltage to 5 volts only when connected, thereby optimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage conversion is performed to convert the power source to 5 volts, then the HDMI specification compliance is ensured, but the electric power loss increases and battery life is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the voltage conversion process conditional rather than static. The voltage selector dynamically switches between direct battery voltage output and DC-to-DC converter output based on whether an external device is connected. When connected, voltage conversion to 5V is performed; when not connected, the lower battery voltage is directly output, thereby eliminating unnecessary energy loss while maintaining HDMI compliance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on connection status. The voltage selector modifies the output voltage parameter from the battery (which may not be 5V) to either the original battery voltage or converted 5V output. This parameter change is controlled by the connection detection mechanism, ensuring energy efficiency when HDMI compliance is not required.
2Reliability
If voltage conversion is performed continuously, then the HDMI interface is always ready for connection, but the battery power is depleted rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by performing voltage conversion only at specific moments when an external device is detected to be connected. The detector periodically checks for connection status, and the voltage selector performs conversion only when connection is established. This eliminates continuous voltage conversion and its associated energy waste, thereby extending battery usage time while maintaining interface readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action through the detector that proactively detects connection status before voltage conversion is initiated. The connection detection occurs in advance, allowing the voltage selector to prepare the appropriate voltage output only when needed. This preliminary detection prevents unnecessary voltage conversion and preserves battery power.
3Reliability
If the voltage selector always outputs 5 volts, then the HDMI specification is met, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different voltage outputs in different operational contexts. Instead of uniformly outputting 5V in all situations, the voltage selector provides locally optimized voltage: 5V when HDMI connection is established (requiring specification compliance), and lower battery voltage when no connection exists (prioritizing energy savings). This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between compliance and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage selector dynamically adjusts the output voltage based on real-time connection status detected by the detector. The output voltage is not fixed but changes according to operational conditions, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining HDMI specification compliance when required.
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 effectively saves electric power by avoiding unnecessary voltage conversion when not connected, while ensuring compliance with HDMI specifications when connected, thus extending battery life in portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
a DC-to-DC converter for converting the first voltage into the second voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for voltage controlling used in a portable electronic device includes an HDMI connector, a detector and a voltage selector. The HDMI connector is to establish a connection with an external device. The detector is to detect whether the connection is established by detecting a voltage of a hot plug detect pin of the HDMI connector and to further compare the voltage to a threshold voltage so as to generate a control signal accordingly. The voltage selector is to select one of a first voltage and a second voltage based on the control signal and to further output the selected voltage to a power pin of the HDMI connector. In the apparatus, the control signal orders the voltage selector to select the second voltage if the voltage is not lower than the threshold voltage, and to select the first voltage otherwise.