Multimode AC Adapter Power Circuit for Battery Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable Information Handling Systems (IHSs) face inefficiencies in power utilization due to limited power transmission capabilities of existing USB-C adapters, which restrict power delivery to less than 100 watts, and the need to manage high currents during low-voltage battery conditions, leading to suboptimal battery energy utilization and heat generation.
Innovation Solution
A multimode AC adapter that supports USB-PD transmissions and high-power transmissions up to 60 volts, utilizing a high-power conversion circuit with digital voltage dividers and inductive/capacitive boost capabilities to convert power, allowing efficient charging and power draw from batteries while reducing heat and current demands during low-voltage conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If USB-PD power transmission is used, then compatibility with standard USB-C devices is improved, but power delivery is limited to less than 100 watts
Solution Approach 1:
The AC adapter is designed to support multiple power transmission modes including both standard USB-PD and high-power transmissions up to 60 volts. The adapter can automatically negotiate and switch between different power delivery protocols (USB-PD, PPS, and proprietary high-power modes) based on the connected device's capabilities, enabling a single adapter to serve both compatibility-focused and high-power-focused applications
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery voltage drops into low-voltage range, then battery discharge is extended, but power utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The power circuit incorporates voltage boosting capability that activates when battery voltage drops below a threshold level. The circuit dynamically adjusts the battery operating voltage by converting low-voltage battery output to higher voltage through DC-DC conversion, maintaining efficient power delivery to the IHS even when battery voltage is low, thereby extending usable discharge duration without sacrificing efficiency
3Loss of energy
If power is drawn from low-voltage battery, then battery energy is fully utilized, but high currents are generated causing heat
Solution Approach 1:
The power circuit performs real-time monitoring of battery voltage and current parameters. When low-voltage operation is detected, the system activates voltage boosting mode which transforms the power delivery characteristics from high-current/low-voltage to lower-current/higher-voltage, maintaining constant power output while reducing heat-generating current levels
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful high-current condition into a beneficial lower-current operation by using the power circuit's voltage boosting capability. The high current that would normally cause excessive heat is transformed through electromagnetic induction in the power conversion circuitry, emerging as lower current at higher voltage, thus turning a harmful thermal effect into an efficient power delivery solution
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
Enables efficient power delivery exceeding 200 watts, improves battery utilization by maintaining power draw without high currents, and reduces heat generation, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and portability of portable IHSs.
Implementation Method 1
The power circuit comprises a plurality of digital voltage dividers operable for converting the high-power charging transmission to the charging voltage
Implementation Method 2
the power circuit comprises inductive and capacitive boost capabilities operable for converting power drawn from the battery system
Implementation Method 3
the power circuit comprises inductive and capacitive boost capabilities operable for converting power drawn from the battery system
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for powering an Information Handling System (IHS) that receives a high-power transmission from a multimode AC adapter supporting USB-PD transmission and also supporting the high-power transmissions of a voltage greater than the supported USB-PD voltages. A power circuit converts the high-power transmission to a charging voltage used to charge a battery system of the IHS. After the multimode AC adapter is unplugged from the IHS, power is drawing power from the battery system of the IHS. When the battery system drops below a low-voltage threshold, the power drawn from the battery system is routed to the same power circuit. While operating this low-voltage threshold, power is drawn from the battery system via the power circuit. When the battery system drops below a second low-voltage threshold, an off power state of the IHS is initiated.