Power Adapter Combining Power and Communication via Frequency Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small electronic devices face space constraints due to multiple input pins required for power and communication signals, making it difficult to efficiently integrate charging and communication functions within limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
A power adapter combines power and communication signals using a low-pass filter and high-pass filter, modulating communication signals to higher frequencies, allowing both signals to be transmitted through a single node, which can be split by the electronic device for separate processing, thereby reducing the need for multiple input nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input pins are used for power and communication signals, then both power and communication functions can be implemented, but the device space is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power input and communication input into a single shared input node, merging two previously separate signal paths into one common interface. This reduces the number of pins required on the electronic device while maintaining both power charging and communication capabilities through the same physical connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The single input node is designed to handle multiple functions - it can receive both power signals and communication signals through the same pin. The system universally accepts different types of signals on a single interface, eliminating the need for separate dedicated pins for each function.
2Area of stationary object
If power and communication signals are combined into a single node, then device space is reduced, but signal separation and processing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a signal separation circuit as an intermediary component that receives the combined power and communication signals from the shared input node and automatically separates them into their respective processing paths. This mediator handles the complexity of signal differentiation, keeping the main device logic simple while enabling multi-functionality through a single pin.
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 transmission and processing of both power and communication signals through a single node, saving space in electronic devices while maintaining effective charging and communication capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a low-pass filter, the low-pass filter comprising a low-pass input node coupled to the input node and a low-pass output node
Implementation Method 2
a high-pass filter, the high-pass filter comprising a high-pass input node coupled to the input node and a high-pass output node
Implementation Method 3
a modulator, the modulator comprising a modulator input node coupled to the communication channel node and a modulator output node, the modulator being configured to modulate data received from the communication channel node onto a signal having a higher frequency than a data-carrying signal
Implementation Method 4
a demodulator, the demodulator comprising a demodulator input node coupled to the high-pass output node and a demodulator output node, the demodulator being configured to extract coded data from a signal received from the high-pass filter
Data Source
AI summary
A power adapter can include a power input node, a communication channel node, an output node, a low-pass filter, a modulator, and a high-pass filter. The low-pass filter can include a low-pass input node coupled to the power input node and a low-pass output node coupled to the output node. The modulator can include a modulator input node coupled to the communication channel node and a modulator output node. The modulator can be configured to modulate data received from the communication channel node onto a signal having a higher frequency than a data-carrying signal carrying the data received from the communication channel node and output the modulated data to a high-pass input node of a high-pass filter. The high-pass filter can include the high-pass input node coupled to the modulator output node and a high-pass output node coupled to the output node.