Multimode USB-C Adapter Switching Between PD and High-Voltage Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable Information Handling Systems (IHSs) face inefficiencies in charging due to limited power transmission capabilities of existing USB-C adapters, which restrict charging to less than 100 watts, and safety concerns with higher voltage outputs exceeding 60 volts pose risks of fire or electric shock.
Innovation Solution
A multimode AC adapter that supports USB-PD transmissions and high-power transmissions up to 60 volts, coupled with a high-efficiency power conversion circuit in the IHS, enables efficient charging by switching between USB-PD and high-power modes based on battery state, ensuring safe and rapid charging beyond 200 watts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If USB-PD transmission is used for charging, then charging safety is improved, but charging power is limited to less than 100 watts
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between USB-PD mode and high-power mode based on battery charge state. During pre-charge and top-off phases, USB-PD transmission is used for safety. During bulk-charge phase, the system transitions to high-power transmission (54V nominal, up to 60V peak) to achieve greater than 200 watts charging power, thus adapting the power transmission mode to operational requirements.
2Productivity
If high-power transmission greater than 60 volts is used, then charging speed is improved, but safety risks increase due to fire or electric shock concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes voltage parameters based on battery charge state. It uses standard USB-PD voltages (5V, 12V, 20V) during pre-charge and top-off phases for safety. During bulk-charge phase, it transitions to high-power transmission with nominal voltage of 54 volts and peak voltage not exceeding 60 volts, which is carefully controlled to avoid exceeding dangerous voltage thresholds while achieving rapid charging.
3Loss of energy
If high-power transmission is used, then charging efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional power conversion circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can convert USB-PD transmissions (5V, 12V, 20V) and also convert high-power transmissions (54V nominal, up to 60V peak). This multi-functional circuit reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate conversion circuits for different power modes, while achieving greater than 200 watts of power conversion capability.
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 enables efficient and rapid charging of IHS batteries, supporting high-power operations while ensuring safety by converting high-power inputs to suitable voltages, thus addressing the limitations of existing charging technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The power circuit comprises a plurality of digital voltage dividers operable for converting the high-power transmission to the voltage utilized by the battery system
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for charging a battery system of an Information Handling System (IHS) using a multimode AC adapter. Information reported by the multimode adapter is used to determine its capabilities, including whether it supports USB-PD transmission and also supports high-power transmissions of a voltage greater than the USB-PD voltages. The charge state of the battery system is monitored. When the battery is in a pre-charge state, the battery is charged using USB-PD transmissions negotiated with the multimode adapter. When the battery is in a bulk-charge state, the battery is charged using a high-power transmission negotiated with the multimode adapter. When the battery is in a top-off-charge state, the battery is charged using USB-PD transmissions negotiated with the multimode adapter. In light of the charging efficiency of a battery varying based on its charge level, the multimode adapter supports efficient charging at different charge levels.