Power Adapter Voltage Regulation via Signal Node Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical power adapters fail to efficiently regulate direct current for load devices like laptops and cellular phones, leading to uncontrolled current draw that can exceed the adapter's capacity, potentially damaging the device or causing inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electronic circuit within the power adapter and load device that includes resistors and controllers to sense voltage and current, allowing the adapter to provide a regulated supply voltage and the load device to limit its current draw based on the adapter's capacity, using a series relationship between biasing, programming, and power capacity resistors to manage power provisioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the load device draws current provided by the adapter without regulation, then the load device can operate with high power consumption, but the current draw may exceed the adapter's capacity causing damage or inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the adapter senses the voltage at the signal node and communicates power capacity information to the load device. The load device then adjusts its current draw based on this feedback, ensuring it does not exceed the adapter's capacity while maintaining high power consumption when available
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operating parameters by having the load device adjust its current draw based on the adapter's power capacity. The adapter provides regulated supply voltage and the load device limits current draw by modifying its operational parameters according to the sensed voltage and communicated capacity information
2Device complexity
If the adapter provides unregulated direct current, then the circuit design is simpler, but the current draw is uncontrolled leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication mechanism using resistors and voltage sensing at the signal node. This intermediary system allows the adapter and load device to exchange power capacity information without requiring complex direct control circuits, achieving current control while maintaining relatively simple design
Solution Approach 2:
The load device performs self-service by autonomously limiting its current draw based on the adapter's communicated power capacity. The load device senses the voltage, determines the adapter's capacity, and automatically adjusts its power consumption without requiring complex external control circuits
3Productivity
If the load device operates without current limiting, then the device can utilize maximum available power, but the adapter may be damaged due to excessive current draw
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic current limiting system where the load device continuously adjusts its current draw based on the adapter's power capacity. The system transitions from static fixed current draw to dynamic adaptive current control, allowing maximum power utilization when the adapter can support it while protecting the adapter when capacity is limited
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 ensures that load devices operate within the safe and efficient power limits of the adapter, preventing overcurrent and optimizing power usage, thereby extending device lifespan and improving energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage regulator to provide a supply voltage to a power node in accordance with a voltage sensed at the signal node
Implementation Method 2
a load controller to sense a voltage at the signal node and to provide a load control signal that causes the load device to limit electrical current drawn from the power adapter
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a power adapter includes a voltage regulator, first and second resistors, a switch to alternately connect the first and second resistors to a signal node coupled to a load circuit external of the power adapter, and a voltage controller to control the switch to set a first mode of operation, and responsive to the switch setting the first mode of operation, determine a power requirement of the load circuit, and control the voltage regulator to provide a supply voltage to a power node in accordance with the power requirement of the load circuit, and control the switch to set the second mode of operation that causes the load circuit to determine a power rating of the power adapter and to operate a load of the load circuit according to the power rating of the power adapter.