Multi-Port Charging Control With Shared Converter Voltage Negotiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-port charging systems with multiple converters are costly and inefficient due to underutilized power budgets and space constraints, particularly when fewer devices are connected, leading to poor power and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A controller with a single converter and multiple ports adjusts the DC output voltage based on the highest common compatible voltage of connected devices and power budget, using a logic circuit to manage switch connections and negotiate charging conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple converters are used for multi-port charging, then charging capability for multiple devices is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple converter functions into a single converter by implementing dynamic port isolation and voltage negotiation. The single converter can selectively connect to different ports based on device requirements, providing multi-port charging capability without requiring multiple physical converters. This merging approach reduces system complexity while maintaining the ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously or sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The single converter is designed to perform multiple functions by dynamically negotiating voltages with different devices and selectively connecting to various ports. The converter can adapt its output voltage and current based on the connected device's requirements, making it a universal charging solution that replaces multiple dedicated converters with one multi-functional unit.
2Power
If multiple converters are used for multi-port charging, then fast charging capability is improved, but power budget utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic voltage negotiation and port isolation control based on real-time device requirements. The converter dynamically adjusts its output parameters and selectively activates specific ports, ensuring that power is delivered efficiently only where needed. This dynamic approach prevents power waste that would occur with static multi-converter configurations where all converters must be sized for maximum capacity regardless of actual usage.
3Productivity
If multiple converters are used for multi-port charging, then concurrent charging of multiple devices is improved, but system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple converter functions into a single integrated unit with dynamic port isolation capability. By using a single converter that can selectively connect to different ports through isolation switches, the system achieves multi-device charging capability without the physical size of multiple separate converters. The compact single-converter design significantly reduces overall system volume while maintaining concurrent charging productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-port charging system includes a controller having a power input terminal coupled to a DC power output of a converter, multiple power output terminals coupled to the power input terminal, and a communications input terminal. The system includes multiple charger ports, the respective charger ports having a charging power line coupled to a respective one of the power output terminals, and a communications line coupled to the communications input terminal. The controller is configured to control the state of the control output terminal to set a voltage of the DC power output according to a selected highest common compatible voltage of one or more sink devices coupled to one or more respective ones of the charger ports.