Distributed USB-C Charging Architecture for Multi-Port Power Layout

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing USB Type-C port architectures for computing devices are costly and inefficient, especially when multiple ports are required, due to the need for centralized chargers and extensive wiring, which increases cost and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A hardware architecture that integrates dedicated chargers and circuitry for each Type-C port, allowing for scalable designs with sub-boards, including a mainboard with a primary switch-mode charger and embedded controller, and sub-boards with secondary charging components, connected via flexible connectors, to manage power and data efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple Type-C ports are added to a single device using traditional centralized charger architecture, then the device can support multiple ports, but the cost and complexity increase due to extensive wiring and centralized power management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of Type-C portsVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power management system is segmented into distributed charging components, each independently managing power for individual Type-C ports. This eliminates the need for extensive centralized wiring and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining multi-port functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional centralized power management approach to a three-dimensional distributed architecture where multiple independent charging components operate in parallel across different spatial dimensions, reducing wiring requirements and improving scalability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If Type-C ports are positioned at opposite ends of the device, then port distribution is optimized, but power and data need to be stretched across the full width of the device increasing cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveport accessibilityVSAvoidpower distribution complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the power management into distributed charging components located near each Type-C port, the patent eliminates the need to stretch power and data connections across the full device width, reducing complexity while maintaining optimal port positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If dedicated chargers are assigned to each Type-C port, then power management efficiency improves, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of charging components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distributed charging components are designed with universal functionality to handle multiple tasks including power management, data transmission, and role swapping operations, reducing the need for separate dedicated components while maintaining efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs programmable power delivery parameters that allow each charging component to dynamically adjust its operation mode, enabling a single component to serve multiple functions and reducing the overall number of components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If traditional centralized charger architecture is used, then power management is simplified, but heat dissipation becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management simplicityVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the power management into distributed charging components, the patent spreads heat generation across multiple locations rather than concentrating it in a single centralized charger, improving thermal management while maintaining architectural simplicity.

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

This architecture reduces costs and area requirements, enables flexible port placement, improves heat dissipation, and supports fast role swapping while maintaining efficient power management across multiple ports.

Implementation Method 1

a primary switch-mode charger connected to the battery terminals 113 and connected to the Type-C port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the primary switch-mode charger is configured to control the battery FET using the fast battery control loop based on the detected battery voltage or the detected battery current and a charging mode for the battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectField-effect transistor conduction control: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12449871B2Hardware architecture for USB-C port power

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

A system including a first Type-C port and a second Type-C port includes a mainboard and a sub-board. The mainboard includes battery terminals for connection to a battery, the first Type-C port, a primary switch-mode charger connected to the battery terminals and connected to the Type-C port, and an embedded controller. The sub-board includes the second Type-C port, and a secondary charging component connected to the second Type-C port and connected to the mainboard via a flexible connector. The embedded controller is configured to control the primary switch-mode charger and the secondary charging component for charging the battery.