Notebook Port Power Management for External Device Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for charging small mobile devices through data connections in notebook computers often interrupt power supply when the computer enters a low-power or standby state, causing inefficiencies in recharging due to the shutdown of peripheral ports.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that detect the connection of rechargeable external devices and limit power-down operations to maintain power supply, allowing selected portions of the notebook computer to remain powered up periodically to ensure continuous charging, and only power down when the device is fully recharged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the notebook computer enters a low-power or standby state, then power consumption of the notebook computer is reduced, but power supply to the port is interrupted causing charging of external devices to stop
Solution Approach 1:
The notebook computer system is segmented into powered-down portions and a specifically maintained port that remains powered. The power management circuit selectively maintains power supply to the port connected to the external rechargeable device while allowing other portions of the computer to enter low-power state, thus resolving the contradiction between reducing overall power consumption and maintaining continuous power supply for charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The port connected to the external device is given special local quality by excluding it from the general power-down rule. The power management circuit identifies this specific port and maintains its power supply independently from other ports and system portions, ensuring continuous charging capability while the rest of the system enters standby mode.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the notebook computer powers down selected portions to conserve battery, then battery life of the notebook computer is extended, but charging efficiency of external devices is reduced due to intermittent power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The power management circuit performs preliminary detection to identify when an external rechargeable device is connected to the port. Based on this detection, it proactively configures the power supply mode to maintain continuous power to the port, preventing the need to repeatedly wake up the system to check charging status and thereby maintaining both battery life and charging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through periodic detection of the external device's charging status. The power management circuit monitors whether the external device is still connected and receiving power, and adjusts the power supply configuration accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the notebook computer maintains optimal battery life while ensuring continuous efficient charging of external devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system which enables battery powered devices such as notebook computers to efficiently charge smaller mobile devices such as music players, cell phones and PDAs using the power signals provided over their data connections is made more efficient by ensuring that the power to the small mobile device is not interrupted should the notebook computer otherwise go into a standby or low-power state. The presence of the small mobile device is known and any power-down capabilities of the notebook computer are limited, at least for the period where the small mobile device is being recharged. This detection can be done at any of the levels of software present in the notebook computer. This charging and not powering down can be further optimized by determining the particular device and its charging requirements or by having the device provide feedback as to its charge state.