Resonant Charging Circuit for Multi-Adapter Battery Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) circuits in electronic devices have a fixed voltage conversion ratio, limiting compatibility with various power devices and requiring additional switching chargers for legacy adapters, which increases device size and cost.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a resonant charging circuit that includes a power management module controlling a charging circuit with switches, capacitors, and inductors, allowing operation in a first mode with a fixed voltage conversion ratio for compatible power supplies and a second mode with adjustable conversion ratio for legacy adapters, using different switching frequencies and duty cycles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If an SCVD circuit with fixed voltage conversion ratio is used, then power conversion efficiency is improved (96% or more), but compatibility with various power devices is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidcompatibility with power devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the voltage conversion ratio adjustable rather than fixed. The control circuit dynamically switches between different conversion ratios (first conversion ratio for direct charging, second conversion ratio for legacy adapters) based on the type of power supply device detected, allowing the SCVD circuit to adapt to different charging scenarios while maintaining high efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the voltage conversion ratio parameter based on the power supply device type. When a direct charging device is detected, the circuit operates at a first voltage conversion ratio optimized for high current charging. When a legacy adapter is detected, the circuit switches to a second voltage conversion ratio compatible with fixed voltage output, thus resolving the contradiction between efficiency and compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate switching charger is installed for legacy adapters, then compatibility is improved, but device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with legacy adaptersVSAvoidnumber of charging circuits
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the single SCVD circuit universal by enabling it to handle both direct charging devices and legacy adapters through adjustable voltage conversion ratio. The control circuit detects the power supply type and automatically selects the appropriate conversion ratio, eliminating the need for separate switching chargers and reducing device complexity while maintaining compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the charging operation into different modes based on power supply type. The control circuit divides the operating conditions into direct charging mode (using first conversion ratio) and legacy adapter mode (using second conversion ratio), allowing a single circuit to efficiently handle multiple charging scenarios without requiring additional hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The device supports multiple power supply types, enhances power conversion efficiency, reduces electromagnetic interference, and improves system efficiency by using a resonant SCVD circuit with a flying capacitor and inductor.

Implementation Method 1

the charging circuit has a fixed voltage conversion ratio due to a resonance of the capacitor and the inductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP4018527B1Electronic device including resonant charging circuit
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4018527B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4018527B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4018527B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An electronic device is provided that includes a battery, a power management module, and a processor electrically connected to the power management module. The power management module includes a charging circuit including a plurality of switches, a capacitor, and an inductor. The power management module receives power from an external power supply device, identifies an electrical connection between the charging circuit and the external power supply device, operates in a first mode to charge the battery when a type of the external power supply device is a first type, and operates in a second mode to charge the battery when the type of the external power supply device is a second type.