Dynamic Power Supply Current Capacity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no standard method to determine the maximum electrical current capacity of an external power supply connected to an electronic device through non-USB interfaces, leading to unreliable power supply and inefficient charging.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device determines the maximum electrical current capacity by placing its operating circuits into a known current consumption mode, measuring the charging current, and calculating the supply capacity using a power pack charging current measurement device, allowing for efficient power supply utilization and characterization of the external power supply without shutting down the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the device assumes a fixed maximum electrical current capacity based on USB standards, then the device can operate with a known power limit, but it cannot utilize the full capacity of non-USB power supplies that exceed USB specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of power supply capacity determination from a fixed standard-based assumption to a dynamic measurement-based value. The system measures the actual maximum electrical current capacity of the connected power supply by monitoring voltage drops under increasing load conditions, allowing it to adapt to both USB-compliant and non-USB power supplies with different capacity levels.
2Measurement precision
If the device shuts down operating circuits to measure maximum charging current, then accurate power supply capacity can be determined, but device availability is lost during measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by measuring power supply capacity during normal device operation rather than requiring complete shutdown. The system determines maximum charging current by monitoring parameters during typical charging scenarios, using the relationship between charging current, operating circuit current consumption, and total current draw from the power supply to calculate capacity without interrupting device functionality.
3Speed
If the device draws maximum charging current continuously, then charging speed is maximized, but the device may draw more current than the power supply can provide, causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the actual power supply capacity and adjusting the charging current accordingly. The system measures the maximum electrical current capacity of the connected power supply and uses this information to dynamically control the charging rate, ensuring the device draws optimal current without exceeding power supply capabilities, thus maintaining stability while maximizing charging speed within available limits.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for determining a power supply electrical current capacity. In one example, an operating circuit is placed into an operating mode that causes the operating circuit to have a determined electrical current consumption. A charging circuit that is electrically connected in parallel with the operating circuit is configured to provide a maximum charging current to a power pack. After configuring the charging circuit, a value of a measured charging current provided to the power pack is received. After receiving the value of the measured charging current, an electrical current supply capacity value of the external power supply is determined as a function of the determined electrical current consumption and the value of the measured charging current.