Multiport Power Supply via Time-Division Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-port USB-PD chargers face challenges in maintaining consistent charging performance across ports and supporting wide, continuously-adjustable output voltage, due to cross regulation issues in flyback converter designs.
Innovation Solution
A switched-mode power supply with time-division multiplexing circuitry that monitors and adjusts power delivery to each port based on its specific power needs, using port-monitoring and multiplexer modules to dispatch pulses proportionally and synchronize switching with zero-current crossings, ensuring equal energy pulses are delivered across ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flyback converter designs are used for multi-port charging, then wide voltage range capability and simplicity are achieved, but cross regulation issues occur and continuous output adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single flyback converter into multiple independent full-bridge converter modules, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows each module to serve a specific port without cross-regulation interference, while maintaining the wide voltage range capability of the original flyback design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple full-bridge converter modules into a single multi-port power supply system. The modules share common components (input rectifier, control circuitry) while providing independent output channels, achieving both simplicity and independent port control.
2Productivity
If multiple charging ports are integrated into a single unit, then consumers can simultaneously charge multiple devices, but charging performance consistency across ports deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each charging port is served by a dedicated full-bridge converter module with independent control, ensuring that charging performance at one port does not affect other ports. This segmentation eliminates cross-regulation issues while enabling simultaneous charging of multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Each port is equipped with independent voltage and current sensing circuitry, allowing localized monitoring and adjustment of charging parameters. This ensures consistent charging performance across all ports regardless of the number or type of devices connected.
3Power
If GaN semi-conductors are adopted to improve single-port charger performance, then power density increases, but multiple port design capability remains lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple full-bridge converter modules using GaN semi-conductors into a single multi-port power supply. Each module benefits from the high power density of GaN devices while the overall system provides multi-port functionality through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The GaN-based full-bridge converter modules are designed to be universal building blocks that can be replicated and combined to create power supplies with different numbers of ports, maintaining high power density across all configurations.
4Ease of operation
If time-division multiplexing circuitry is used to deliver power to multiple ports, then independent port control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent control circuits for each full-bridge module, with each controller managing its associated port independently. This modular control approach simplifies the overall system architecture compared to a centralized time-division multiplexing controller.
Solution Approach 2:
Each port has independent voltage and current sensing with feedback loops that automatically adjust the switching parameters of each full-bridge module. This decentralized feedback control achieves independent port management without complex centralized coordination.
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 solution enables efficient power sharing and independent control of each port, enhancing power delivery efficiency and sizing, while maintaining compatibility with conventional quasi-resonant flyback controllers for low switching loss and reduced electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
a switched-mode power supply configured to: receive an input AC voltage, and produce a sequence of pulses of equal energy
Implementation Method 2
time-division multiplexing circuitry configured to deliver, to the ports, power at respective levels that add to a maximum power corresponding to the sequence
Implementation Method 3
The time-division multiplexing circuitry may include port-monitoring circuitry configured to monitor variations in power needs of corresponding ports
Implementation Method 4
The multiplexer module, for each port, may include a switch (SSx) configured to allow pulses of the sequence to reach the port when open and to block pulses of the sequence from reaching the port when closed
Data Source
AI summary
A power sharing multiport charger or a power sharing multiport supply is provided. The power sharing may be provided via time division multiplexing of power output from a switch mode power supply.