Passthrough Power Input Voltage Control for Tight USB-C Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems face challenges in maintaining stable input voltage within tight tolerance while minimizing power dissipation, particularly in passthrough architectures, due to varying load conditions and DC resistance in power delivery paths.
Innovation Solution
An embedded controller monitors load conditions and DC resistance, dynamically adjusting the output voltage of the power supply to maintain voltage within a +/â5% tolerance by communicating with the power delivery controller to compensate for resistance losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power supply voltage is increased to compensate for resistance losses in the power delivery path, then the voltage supplied to the information handling system can be maintained within tolerance, but power dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded controller continuously monitors the input voltage received from the power supply and compares it against the desired voltage range. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the power supply output voltage to compensate for resistance losses in the power delivery path, maintaining stable voltage at the information handling system while minimizing unnecessary power dissipation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the power supply output voltage parameter based on real-time monitoring of load conditions and measured input voltage. The embedded controller calculates the required voltage adjustment to compensate for DC resistance losses, optimizing the balance between maintaining voltage stability and minimizing power dissipation
2Reliability
If additional voltage regulation circuitry is added to maintain stable input voltage, then voltage tolerance requirements are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded controller, which is already present in the system for other management functions, is utilized to perform voltage monitoring and regulation tasks. This self-service approach allows the system to maintain voltage tolerance requirements without adding dedicated voltage regulation circuitry, as the existing controller handles both power management and voltage regulation functions
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded controller is designed to perform multiple functions including power supply management, voltage monitoring, and voltage regulation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate voltage regulation circuitry, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to meet voltage tolerance requirements
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 approach reduces power dissipation by minimizing the need for additional voltage regulation circuitry and ensures stable voltage supply to the information handling system, adhering to USB Type-C specifications.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring, by an embedded controller, a load condition and a DC resistance for a voltage supplied to an information handling system
Implementation Method 2
compensate for resistance losses
Data Source
AI summary
A device for receiving power from a power supply and providing power to an information handling system including an embedded controller configured to monitor a load condition for the power supplied to the information handling system and regulate an output voltage of a power supply to maintain the output voltage supplied to the information handling system within a tolerance.