USB-C PD Power Negotiation for Stable SoC Boot Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile SoC host systems lack a defined mechanism to control power consumption during USB Type-C power contract negotiation, leading to voltage spikes, current surges, and frequent reboots, which negatively impact user experience and battery life.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power negotiating sequence that utilizes the USB Type-C PD protocol and timing specification to dynamically control power consumption through a synchronous trigger and interrupt mechanism between the PD controller and embedded controller, ensuring power consumption remains at or below the pSnkStdby limit during boot and active states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power consumption is not controlled during Type-C power contract negotiation, then the system can operate without additional control mechanisms, but voltage spikes and current surges occur leading to frequent reboots and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a power control mechanism that activates specifically during Type-C power contract negotiation transitions. The mechanism preemptively controls power consumption before voltage transitions occur, preventing voltage overshoot and current surges that would otherwise cause system instability and reboots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a dynamic power control mechanism that adapts its operation based on the system state. The power consumption is dynamically adjusted during VBUS voltage transitions to meet the pSnkStdby threshold requirement, while allowing normal operation outside of transition periods.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If power consumption is controlled during boot sequence, then battery life is extended and shutdowns are prevented, but the system requires additional power management mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing power control during the boot sequence before the operating system fully initializes. The mechanism ensures power consumption remains within safe limits during this critical early phase, preventing battery overload and unexpected shutdowns that would reduce battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring power consumption during boot and active states, and adjusting power delivery accordingly. The system receives feedback about current power usage and battery status, and uses this information to maintain power consumption within the pSnkStdby threshold, preventing battery overload.
Data Source
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AI summary
A power sequence in a power-delivery (PD) mechanism (interaction between host system components and a charger) and a firmware sequence during power contract negotiation reduces the host system power consumption at or below the pSnkStdby power limit to improve user experience and battery life. The power sequence uses USB Type-C PD protocol and timing specification to implement a synchronous trigger or interrupt and interface mechanism. The synchronous trigger or interrupt and interface mechanism between a PD controller and an embedded controller firmware controls the power consumption dynamically during the boot flow sequence to be less than or equal to pSnkStdby power limit while implementing a predictable boot sequence and optimizing boot time. The power negotiating sequence is also applicable when a source (e.g., a charger) is connected to a SoC host system which is in active state (e.g., S0) and when there is an indication of low battery capacity.