Multiport USB Charger Power Sharing for Fast Load Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multiport USB charging systems face inefficiencies and slow communication rates, leading to wasted power capacity and unsatisfactory dynamic response when not all ports are connected to load devices, resulting in voltage drops and inefficient power distribution.
Innovation Solution
A control chip dynamically adjusts power sharing by sampling currents and controlling switches between AC-to-DC conversion units based on load connections, using predetermined thresholds to optimize power distribution and prevent current backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple DC-to-DC conversion units are used in a multiport USB charging system, then the system can charge multiple devices simultaneously, but the power efficiency decreases due to additional conversion losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple AC-to-DC conversion units into a single shared unit that serves multiple DC-to-DC conversion units. This reduces the total number of conversion stages from multiple AC-to-DC conversions to one shared AC-to-DC conversion plus multiple DC-to-DC conversions, thereby reducing overall power loss while maintaining the ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared AC-to-DC conversion unit performs multiple functions by serving different DC-to-DC conversion units based on which USB ports are actively connected to load devices. This multi-functional approach allows the system to dynamically allocate power conversion resources, improving efficiency by avoiding redundant AC-to-DC conversion operations.
2Power
If each USB output port is connected to a dedicated DC-to-DC conversion unit, then each port can deliver full power capacity, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple AC-to-DC conversion functions into a single shared unit, reducing the total component count and system complexity. The DC-to-DC conversion units remain separate to maintain power delivery capability, but the elimination of redundant AC-to-DC conversion units simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically configures power distribution based on which USB ports are connected to load devices. The control chip enables or disables specific DC-to-DC conversion units based on real-time port usage, allowing the system to adapt its complexity to actual operational needs rather than maintaining fixed dedicated paths for all ports.
3Reliability
If power is distributed equally among all USB ports, then each port has predictable output, but the dynamic response is slow when ports are connected or disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The control chip continuously monitors the connection status of each USB port and the current draw from each DC-to-DC conversion unit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect when ports are connected or disconnected and rapidly adjust power distribution accordingly, improving dynamic response while maintaining stable power delivery during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static equal power distribution to dynamic power allocation based on real-time port usage. The control chip enables or disables DC-to-DC conversion units and adjusts their output based on which USB ports are actively connected, allowing rapid adaptation to changing load conditions while maintaining predictable power delivery to connected devices.
4Reliability
If the switch remains open between AC-to-DC conversion units, then current backflow is prevented, but power sharing capability is lost when ports are disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The switch between AC-to-DC conversion units is dynamically controlled based on operational conditions. When USB ports are disconnected and current backflow is not a risk, the switch closes to enable power sharing and improve efficiency. When load devices are connected and current direction needs to be controlled, the switch opens to prevent backflow. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting to real-time system state.
Solution Approach 2:
The control chip monitors current flow direction and port connection status to intelligently control the switch state. This feedback mechanism ensures the switch opens to prevent backflow when needed while closing to enable power sharing when safe, automatically resolving the contradiction based on real-time electrical conditions without manual intervention.
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
Enhances power efficiency and responsiveness, ensuring optimal power delivery to connected devices while minimizing waste and preventing voltage drops.
Implementation Method 1
a first AC-to-DC conversion unit configured to generate a first voltage and a first current; a second AC-to-DC conversion unit configured to generate a second voltage and a second current
Data Source
AI summary
USB charging system and method. For example, a USB charging system includes: a first AC-to-DC conversion unit configured to generate a first voltage and a first current; a second AC-to-DC conversion unit configured to generate a second voltage and a second current; a first USB output port corresponding to the first AC-to-DC conversion unit; a second USB output port corresponding to the second AC-to-DC conversion unit; a switch connected to the first AC-to-DC conversion unit and the second AC-to-DC conversion unit; and a control chip connected to the first AC-to-DC conversion unit and the second AC-to-DC conversion unit and configured to open the switch and close the switch; wherein the control chip is further configured to: determine whether the first USB output port is connected to a load device and whether the second USB output port is connected to a load device.