Hybrid Power Boost Transition Speed and Adapter Shutdown Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hybrid power boost technology faces challenges in reducing the transition time from charging to boosting, which is insufficient for meeting increased performance demands and decreased thermal design levels, leading to potential adapter shutdowns due to high turbo current spikes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing two levels of adapter over-current and using voltage levels as triggers for fast transitions from charging to boosting, allowing the charger to supplement adapter power with battery power, thereby reducing transition time and preventing premature adapter shutdowns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the charger transitions from charging to boosting mode, then the processor can operate at higher frequencies to meet workload demands, but the transition time is too long (about 1 ms) causing the adapter to shut down before the battery can supplement power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current detection and response mechanism into multiple levels (over-current threshold levels) to enable differentiated responses. By dividing the current monitoring into staged thresholds, the system can detect adapter capability changes more granularly and trigger battery supplementation at appropriate moments, reducing transition delay while preventing adapter shutdowns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the charger controller proactively monitor adapter current output and detect over-current conditions before they cause shutdowns. The controller preemptively transitions to boost mode or activates battery supplementation when approaching current limits, preventing the adapter from shutting down and ensuring continuous power supply during mode transitions.
2Productivity
If the processor increases frequency to meet workload demands, then performance improves, but power consumption exceeds the thermal design levels and adapter capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adapter and battery into a hybrid power system where both power sources work together to supply the processor. By combining the adapter's primary power with the battery's supplemental power during boost mode, the system achieves higher processor performance without exceeding the adapter's thermal design limits, as the battery absorbs excess power demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power management by continuously adjusting the power mix between adapter and battery based on real-time processor demands and adapter capability. The system dynamically transitions between charging mode, boost mode, and hybrid mode, optimizing the power delivery configuration to match workload requirements while maintaining power consumption within safe limits.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus relating to improving dynamic response of hybrid power boost technology are described. In one embodiment, two or more levels of charger over-current are used for AC adapters/chargers during transition from charging (e.g., one or more battery packs) to boosting platform performance (e.g., by increasing the operating frequency of one or more processor cores of a processor). In another embodiment, an adapter's voltage level is used as a trigger for fast transition from charging to boosting. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.