Power Controller Voltage Source Detection for Mobile Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld electronic devices face challenges in power management due to limited battery size and capacity, and external power supplies often cannot be detected accurately, leading to potential data loss or system damage from sudden power depletion.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a power controller that distinguishes between internal and external power sources based on voltage values, directing external power from a mobile supply directly to the system without charging the internal battery, and managing power to ensure hibernation mode activation to prevent data loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If an external mobile power supply is used to extend battery capacity, then the operating duration is improved, but the system cannot detect the remaining power and other information of the mobile power supply, leading to potential data loss or system damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication interface and communication unit as intermediaries between the mobile power supply and the electronic device. The communication interface is built in the mobile power supply, and the communication unit in the electronic device communicates with the mobile power supply through this interface. This intermediary communication channel enables the system to detect remaining power and other information of the mobile power supply, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining extended operating duration.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the internal battery is charged from an external mobile power supply, then the power availability is improved, but the voltage mismatch between mobile power supply and system voltage may cause charging issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting the charging voltage through a charging circuit. The power controller determines the source of external voltage based on voltage value, and when identified as a mobile power supply, the system uses a specific charging path that accounts for voltage differences. The mobile power supply operates at a voltage higher than the system voltage, and the charging circuit appropriately steps down or regulates this voltage to safely charge the internal battery, resolving the voltage matching issue while maintaining power availability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system accepts any external power source, then the adaptability is improved, but the system cannot distinguish between different power sources leading to improper power management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the power controller continuously monitors the voltage value of external power sources and provides feedback to determine the power source type. The communication unit also receives information from the mobile power supply through the communication interface. This feedback loop enables the system to accurately distinguish between different power sources (mobile power supply versus other sources) and apply appropriate power management strategies, maintaining both adaptability and identification precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A electronic device and a power supplying method thereof are provided. The device includes a system unit, an internal power supplying unit and a power controller. The internal power supplying unit is coupled to the system unit, and supplies a system voltage to the system unit. The power controller is coupled to the system unit and the internal power supplying unit, and determines a source of the external voltage according to a voltage value of the external voltage. When the power controller determines that the source of the external voltage is a mobile power supply device, the power controller provides the external voltage to the system unit, and does not charge the internal power supplying unit with the external voltage. The voltage value of the external voltage provided by the mobile power supply device is higher than the voltage value of the system voltage.