Multiport USB Charger Current Allocation via Microprocessor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiport USB chargers face overheating and shutdown issues when multiple devices exceed the charger's current capacity, as they typically limit current flow to individual ports, leading to inefficient charging and potential device malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A multiport USB charger equipped with a microprocessor that enumerates connected devices and communicates available charging current, using resistive voltage divider networks to ensure current thresholds are not exceeded or fallen below, allowing devices to self-regulate their current draw based on the charger's capacity, thereby preventing overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional USB chargers limit charging current to individual ports when multiple devices are connected, then the charging current capacity is preserved, but the USB charging device overheats and may shut down
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor continuously monitors the total charging current drawn from all ports and dynamically adjusts the current allocation to each port based on real-time conditions. This feedback mechanism prevents overheating by ensuring the total current does not exceed safe thresholds while maximizing charging efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The charging current to each port is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously renegotiates current allocation based on device needs and total capacity availability, allowing optimal current distribution that adapts to changing conditions without causing overheating
2Power
If conventional USB chargers limit charging current to individual ports, then current capacity is maintained, but charging efficiency decreases due to channel shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses continuous feedback from current sensors and device communications to adjust charging parameters in real-time, preventing channel shutdown and maintaining high charging efficiency while preserving current capacity
Solution Approach 2:
Each connected device communicates its charging requirements to the microprocessor, which then self-regulates the current allocation. This self-service approach ensures devices receive optimal current without manual intervention, maintaining efficiency while managing total capacity
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multiport USB charger serves multiple devices simultaneously, then device connectivity increases, but current distribution becomes unmanageable leading to overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor implements continuous monitoring and feedback control for current distribution across all ports. This enables the system to handle multiple devices simultaneously while dynamically adjusting current allocation to prevent total current from exceeding safe thresholds, thus avoiding overheating
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system provides universal current management that adapts to any number of connected devices. The microprocessor coordinates current distribution across all ports based on device requirements and total capacity, enabling versatile multi-device charging without thermal issues
Data Source
AI summary
A universal serial bus charging device for charging connected electronic devices is presented. The universal serial bus includes a microprocessor and a power supply configured to output a total charging current. The universal serial bus charging device further includes a plurality of low voltage ports in communication with the microprocessor and electrically coupled to the power supply. Each of the plurality of low voltage ports are capable of connecting with the electronic devices and providing the electronic devices a device charging current. The microprocessor is configured to enumerate the connected electronic devices and communicate to each of the enumerated electronic devices the device charging current available through its respective low voltage port connection. The available device charging current for each enumerated electronic device is determined by the microprocessor as a function of a total charging current and the enumerated electronic devices.