Programmable Power Supply Tuning for Dynamic Voltage Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power delivery systems, such as USB-PD, face challenges in efficiently adapting to varying operational modes of devices, leading to suboptimal power usage and potential inefficiencies due to fixed voltage settings, which do not account for dynamic power requirements based on device operations.
Innovation Solution
A programmable power supply system that utilizes a USB Type-C connection to dynamically adjust voltage levels and power delivery based on the operational mode of the device, using a power delivery controller and voltage regulation modes to optimize power supply according to the device's current operational state and charge level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed voltage settings are used in power delivery systems, then device compatibility is improved, but power usage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by transitioning from fixed voltage settings to a system that continuously monitors operational modes and automatically adjusts voltage levels. The power delivery controller detects operational mode transitions and programmatically changes voltage output accordingly, making the system adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on detected operational modes. Different voltage levels are programmed and applied according to the specific operational requirements detected, allowing optimization of power delivery parameters to match actual device needs rather than using a single fixed value.
2Loss of energy
If dynamic voltage adjustment is implemented, then power usage efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting operational modes and adjusting voltage levels without requiring manual intervention or complex external control. The power delivery controller autonomously monitors system state and programmatically adjusts parameters based on pre-programmed responses to detected conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the power delivery controller continuously monitors operational mode status and uses this information to adjust voltage output. The detection of operational mode transitions triggers automatic voltage adjustments, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to real-time conditions.
3Productivity
If operational mode detection is added, then power delivery optimization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery controller performs multiple functions: it detects operational modes, determines appropriate voltage levels, and executes voltage adjustments. By consolidating these functions into a single controller that can programmatically adapt to different conditions, the system achieves multi-functionality without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and mechanisms for determining a delivery of power by a programmable power supply. In an embodiment, controller circuitry of a platform receives an indication that a load of the platform is to transition to a particular operational mode. Based on a power requirement of the operational mode, the controller circuitry identifies a mode of voltage regulation which is to be provided with converter circuitry of the platform. The controller circuitry signals that a programmable power supply, which is coupled to the platform, is to output a supply voltage at a level which is based on an amount of power loss associated with the mode of voltage regulation. In another embodiment, the controller circuitry identifies the mode of voltage regulation based on an amount of charge which is currently stored by a battery of the platform.