Multi-Port AC/DC Adapter Chopper Control for Independent Outputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-output AC/DC adapters require multiple switching devices and additional magnetic elements per output, leading to increased size and cost, and users must manually select outputs for full power usage, which is not optimal.
Innovation Solution
A multi-output AC/DC adapter with a flyback converter main power stage and chopper regulator stages, where each chopper stage includes a diode, chopper switch, and controller, and a central controller negotiates power delivery contracts using the USB-PD standard, reducing the number of switches needed by allowing each chopper stage to regulate output voltage independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switching devices and magnetic elements are used per output in existing multi-output adapters, then each output can be independently controlled, but the adapter size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power delivery functions into a single main power stage with one primary switching device and one magnetic element (flyback transformer). The multiple outputs share this common power stage, eliminating the need for separate switching devices and magnetic elements at each output, thereby reducing adapter size and cost while maintaining independent output control through individual chopper circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The main power stage with a single flyback transformer serves multiple outputs simultaneously, making it a universal power delivery mechanism. The chopper circuits at each output can independently regulate voltage while sharing the common power stage, allowing one switching device to handle full power delivery for any single output or combined outputs.
2Power
If users manually select outputs for full power usage in existing adapters, then power can be directed to specific outputs, but user convenience decreases and operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically negotiates power delivery contracts with devices connected to each output using the USB Power Delivery standard. The system self-determines which outputs require full power and allocates power dynamically without user intervention. The controller monitors power requirements and adjusts the main power stage output accordingly, making the adapter operate autonomously based on connected device needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives feedback from connected devices through USB-PD negotiation protocols and uses this information to automatically configure power delivery. The system continuously monitors power requirements and adjusts power allocation in real-time, eliminating the need for manual user selection while maintaining optimal power distribution to multiple outputs.
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 configuration reduces the number of switches per output, allowing each switch to handle full power delivery efficiently and eliminating the need for users to manually select outputs, resulting in a more cost-effective and efficient power delivery system.
Implementation Method 1
The main power stage can be a flyback converter, and the intermediate output voltage can be derived from a secondary winding of a flyback transformer of the flyback converter
Implementation Method 2
Each regulator stage can include a converter that regulates the intermediate output voltage to a level required for a corresponding output
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-output AC/DC adapter can include a main power stage that receives power from an AC power source and delivers an intermediate output voltage, a plurality of regulator stages each comprising a chopper circuit that receives the intermediate output voltage and produces a regulated output DC voltage for one of the multiple outputs, and a controller. The main power stage can be a flyback converter, and the intermediate output voltage can be derived from a secondary winding of a flyback transformer of the flyback converter. The controller can provide a voltage reference signal and a feedback signal to the feedback loop of the main power stage, and the feedback signal can be an output voltage of one of the regulator stages. The controller can also provide a voltage reference signal to the controller of each of the regulator stages.