USB-C Power Supply Control for Dual-Source Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices are limited to using only one power source when multiple USB-C ports with different power levels are connected, leading to inefficiencies and the need for multiple charging circuits, which increases complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a charging circuit connected to multiple ports and controlled by switches, which acquires and compares power levels to optimize power usage from multiple sources, allowing simultaneous use of both power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If only one power source is selected from multiple USB-C ports, then the charging circuit structure is simplified, but the power supply efficiency and charging speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power sources (first power source and second power source) into a single charging circuit, allowing simultaneous power input from multiple USB-C ports. The power management integrated circuit merges the power streams and distributes them to the battery, achieving enhanced charging speed without requiring separate charging circuits for each port.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging circuit is designed with multi-functionality to handle different power source configurations. It can operate in single-power-source mode or dual-power-source mode, automatically adapting to the connected devices. The power management integrated circuit provides universal power distribution capabilities regardless of the number or type of connected power sources.
2Power
If multiple charging circuits are used to support multiple power sources, then the power supply capability is enhanced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power input paths into a single charging circuit that can simultaneously accept power from multiple USB-C ports. The power management integrated circuit combines the power streams internally and distributes them to the battery, eliminating the need for multiple separate charging circuits while maintaining enhanced power supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single charging circuit is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle various power source configurations. It can process power from one or two simultaneous power sources, automatically adapting its operation mode. This universal design reduces component count and system complexity while maintaining flexible power supply capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging circuits are implemented to handle different power levels, then the adaptability to different power sources is improved, but the ease of manufacture and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The power management integrated circuit is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple power source types and power levels through software control and adaptive algorithms. It provides power source identification, compatibility verification, and optimized power distribution regardless of the number or type of connected devices, eliminating the need for multiple specialized charging circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power management parameters based on the detected power source characteristics. The power management integrated circuit monitors voltage, current, and power levels, then automatically modifies charging parameters to optimize performance for different power source configurations, providing adaptability without requiring hardware variations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes: acquiring information indicating first magnitude of first power supplied from a first power source and information indicating second magnitude of second power supplied from a second power source; comparing the first magnitude of the first power and the second magnitude of the second power; comparing the second magnitude of the second power and magnitude of a sum of multiple power values when the second magnitude of the second power is changed to be equal to the first magnitude of the first power based on determining that the first magnitude of the first power is smaller than the second magnitude of the second power; controlling the second magnitude of the second power to be equal to the first magnitude of the first power based on identifying that the second magnitude of the second power is smaller than the magnitude of the sum of multiple power values.