Power Supply Identification Circuit for Automatic Wattage Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computing devices with multiple power levels lack an efficient method to automatically detect the exact size of the power source attached, limiting configuration and performance options.

Innovation Solution

A power supply identification circuit using a voltage divider and a controller with an ADC, coupled with a GPIO pin and power state indication circuit, to detect and measure the power source's wattage by reducing voltage and delivering it to the adapter identification pin, allowing the BIOS to configure the device for optimal performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a computing device supports multiple power sources with different power levels, then the device can operate at different performance levels, but the device cannot automatically detect the exact size of the power source attached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple power levelsVSAvoidpower source size detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary identification circuit between the power source and the computing device. This circuit includes a voltage divider that scales down the identification voltage from the power source to a measurable level, and an ADC (analog-to-digital converter) that converts the voltage signal into digital information. This intermediary system enables the computing device to detect and identify the power source size without direct measurement of high voltages, thus resolving the contradiction between supporting multiple power levels and detecting power source size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If no power source detection method is implemented, then the device structure remains simple, but the configuration and performance options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration and performance optionsVSAvoiddetection circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power source itself provides the identification information through its own identification voltage, eliminating the need for external labels or manual configuration. The identification circuit automatically detects this voltage and configures the device accordingly. This self-service approach enables full configuration and performance options without requiring complex manual setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces potential mechanical or manual identification methods (such as physical switches, labels, or configuration files) with an electrical measurement system. The ADC converts the electrical voltage signal into digital data that the processor can automatically interpret, enabling automated power source identification and device configuration without mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If blind support for power sources is provided, then the device can operate without detection, but the basic input/output system cannot know the exact size of the power source

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic operation without configurationVSAvoidpower source size information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback loop where the identification circuit continuously monitors the identification voltage from the power source and provides this information to the processor. The processor uses this feedback to automatically adjust device configuration and performance settings. This feedback mechanism enables both automatic operation and accurate knowledge of power source size, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and information availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables automatic detection of any power source, allowing the computing device to operate at full or reduced performance based on the available power, supporting multiple configurations without additional hardware changes.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage divider to divide an identification voltage from the power supply

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage division: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

A power supply identification circuit using a voltage divider and a controller with an ADC

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnalog-to-digital conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS11262825B2Power supply identification

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A circuit for identifying a power supply may include a voltage divider to divide an identification voltage from the power supply. The output of the voltage divider is electrically coupled to an adapter identification pin of a controller to identify the power supply.