Dual-Input Power Path Switching for Adaptive Charger Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices typically offer only a single charging method, either USB or DC, which may not align with the preferences of all users, failing to accommodate diverse user habits and preferences.
Innovation Solution
A power delivery device with a power circuit, multiple connectors (USB-C and DC), and a control circuit that detects and switches between different power adaptors to select the optimal power supply based on rated voltages and currents, allowing for versatile charging options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only one single charging method (USB or DC) is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but user preferences and habits cannot be fully satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery device is designed with multiple power input interfaces (USB power input terminal and DC power input terminal) and supports multiple charging methods simultaneously. The switching circuit enables the device to accept power from different sources (first power adaptor via USB connector, second power adaptor via DC connector) and route them to the power circuit, making the device universally compatible with different user preferences and charging habits without significantly increasing structural complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power input terminals are added to support different charging methods, then user preferences are satisfied, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The switching circuit merges multiple power input paths (first power pin from USB connector, second power pin from DC connector) into a single power circuit. The control circuit integrates the detection of plug-in states from both connectors and the acquisition of power parameters (rated voltages, rated currents, power quotas) into a unified control mechanism that automatically selects the optimal power source, thereby managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate independent circuits
3Productivity
If automatic power source selection is implemented, then optimal power supply is achieved, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit automatically detects the plug-in state of both connectors through their respective pins (configuration channel pin for USB, DC input pin for DC connector), acquires power parameters from connected adaptors, calculates power quotas, and autonomously controls the switching circuit to select the optimal power source. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual user intervention while maintaining relatively simple control logic based on straightforward parameter comparison and switching control
Data Source
AI summary
A control method of a power supply path includes detecting a plug-in state of a first connector through a configuration channel pin of the first connector; acquiring a plurality of rated voltages of a first power adaptor externally connected to the first connector and a rated current corresponding to each of the rated voltages; detecting a plug-in state of a second connector through a direct-current (DC) input pin of the second connector; acquiring a power quota of a second power adaptor externally connected to the second connector; selecting, from the plurality of rated voltages, the largest one that is not greater than an operating voltage, as a selected rated voltage; calculating a power quota of the selected rated voltage; and controlling a switching circuit to couple a power circuit to a power pin of one of the first and second connectors according to the two power quotas.