USB-C Programmable Power Supply Controller for Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current programmable power supply architectures for USB-C ports fail to effectively address heating issues and do not account for changing USB protocol specifications, leading to inefficient power delivery and battery degradation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a power supply controller unit, PPS accelerator, voltage variation unit, ADC, USB-C port, and microcontroller to dynamically adjust current and voltage on the VBUS line, implementing constant current or limiting current modes to maintain optimal power delivery while monitoring and adjusting current values based on embedded algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional USB power supply architecture is used, then power delivery is simple and standardized, but heating issues occur and battery life is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power delivery by transitioning from fixed USB voltage levels to a programmable voltage system that can be adjusted in real-time. The power supply controller dynamically modifies voltage and current parameters based on device requirements, preventing excessive heat generation while ensuring reliable battery charging across different device types and protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters delivered to USB devices by implementing programmable voltage levels (beyond the traditional fixed 5V). The power supply controller can adjust voltage and current parameters dynamically, allowing optimization of power delivery to reduce heating while maintaining battery safety and extending battery life through protocol-aware power management
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed power supply architecture is used, then device compatibility is maintained, but adaptability to changing USB protocols is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal power supply architecture that can handle multiple USB protocols and device types through a single programmable interface. The power supply controller is designed to work with various USB versions and power delivery standards, making the system adaptable to changing protocols without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each protocol type
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves protocol adaptability through dynamic configuration capabilities. The programmable power supply can be reconfigured via software or firmware to support different USB protocols and power delivery standards, allowing the same hardware architecture to adapt to evolving specifications without physical redesign
3Productivity
If programmable power supply is implemented, then power delivery efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply controller incorporates self-management capabilities through integrated monitoring and control functions. The system automatically adjusts power parameters based on device feedback and protocol requirements, reducing the need for external control circuitry and minimizing overall system complexity while maintaining high power delivery efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single power supply controller unit that handles voltage regulation, current limiting, protocol detection, and power management. By merging these previously separate functions into one integrated controller, the system achieves improved power delivery efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
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 solution provides a reliable, efficient, and flexible programmable power supply that reduces heating and adapts to USB protocol changes, ensuring safe and robust battery life management for USB devices.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage variation unit is configured to maintain a respective constant current or a respective limiting current on a VBUS line with respect to a constant current mode or a limiting current mode by varying a voltage value
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a method for implementing a USB-IF certified programmable power supply algorithm on a USB-C port. The method involves using a software code running on a microcontroller which monitors voltage and current being supplied by a power supply controller IC on a VBUS line of the USB-C port. Based on the detected voltage/current corrective actions are taken by the software code to bring the voltage/current to accepted levels as requested by a port partner. Further, a PPS accelerator is configured to compute an average or a new current/voltage value and provide the computed average or a new current/voltage value to a microcontroller for subsequent decision making and for other related assessment process.