Multimode USB-C Adapter High-Voltage Power Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable Information Handling Systems (IHSs) face limitations in power supply due to existing USB-C power adapters, which are restricted to providing less than 100 watts of power due to voltage limitations and thick cabling, failing to meet the increasing power demands of high-performance devices and necessitating thinner, more portable charging solutions that support higher power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A multimode AC adapter system that supports high-power outputs up to 60 volts via USB-C and barrel connectors, utilizing digital voltage dividers for efficient power conversion, enabling the IHS to negotiate and configure power circuits for converting these high-power outputs to achieve greater than 200 watts of power, thus addressing the power demands of high-performance devices while maintaining device portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If USB-C power adapters are used to provide power to portable IHSs, then device portability is improved, but power output is limited to less than 100 watts due to voltage limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from standard USB-PD levels (5V, 9V, 15V, 20V) to a high-voltage mode (54V nominal, up to 60V peak), enabling power output greater than 200 watts while maintaining USB-C connector compatibility and portable form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter dynamically switches between multiple output modes (USB-PD voltages and high-voltage mode) based on negotiation with the IHS, allowing the same physical connector to adapt between low-power portable mode and high-power charging mode
2Power
If high-power outputs greater than 200 watts are provided via USB-C, then power demands of high-performance devices are met, but voltage limitations of existing USB-C adapters restrict this capability
Solution Approach 1:
The USB-C adapter is designed to provide multiple functions: standard USB-PD voltage outputs (5V, 9V, 15V, 20V) for compatibility with existing devices, and a high-voltage output mode (54V nominal) for high-performance devices, making it universally applicable across different power requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter changes its output voltage parameter from standard USB-PD levels to a high-voltage mode (54V nominal, up to 60V peak) when negotiating with high-performance IHSs, enabling greater than 200 watts power output while maintaining the same USB-C physical interface
3Power
If AC adapters provide DC power via barrel connector, then high power can be delivered, but device thickness and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin USB-C connector interface instead of a bulky barrel connector, enabling high-power delivery (greater than 200 watts) through a much thinner connection that allows for thinner, more portable device design while maintaining high power delivery 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 system efficiently provides power exceeding 200 watts to IHSs, supporting high-power operations and simultaneous charging, while ensuring the adapters remain thin and portable, thus aligning with the growing need for thinner devices and higher power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the power circuit comprises a plurality of digital voltage dividers operable for converting the high-power output to the input utilized by the IHS
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for powering an Information Handling System (IHS). The system includes a multimode AC adapter that reports supported outputs, including USB-PD (Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery) outputs and also including high-power outputs of a voltage greater than the USB-PD output voltages. The IHS detects a coupling of the multimode AC adapter to a USB-C port of the IHS. Based on information provided by the multimode adapter, the IHS determines the multimode adapter supports transmission of the high-power outputs to the USB-C port. The high-power outputs are negotiated and a power circuit of the IHS is configured for converting the negotiated high-power output. The configured power circuit converts the negotiated high-power output received via the USB-C port to an input utilized by the IHS. The high-power conversion circuit may provide efficient conversion of input voltages of up to 60 volts to voltages for use by the IHS.