USB Hub Dynamic Charging Current Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing USB charging systems, particularly those using USB version 2.0, provide a maximum charging current of 500 mA, resulting in slow charging times and limited flexibility due to the high manufacturing costs associated with adding additional pins or using EEPROM to identify higher charging current ports.
Innovation Solution
A USB charging system with a hub device and power unit that dynamically assigns connection ports based on a calculated 'chargeable account' to provide higher charging currents, reducing the need for additional components and lowering manufacturing costs by dynamically selecting chargeable ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional pins or EEPROM are added to identify higher charging current ports, then charging flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub device automatically detects the charging current capability of connected devices and dynamically assigns charging ports without requiring external identification components. The system self-configures by monitoring electrical characteristics during connection, eliminating the need for EEPROM or additional pins while maintaining charging flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (charging current assignment) based on real-time detection of device characteristics. The hub dynamically adjusts which ports provide higher charging current based on the connected device's power requirements and the hub's available power budget, rather than using fixed hardware identification
2Reliability
If maximum charging current of 500 mA is provided via USB ports, then USB protocol compatibility is maintained, but charging speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub device dynamically adjusts charging current delivery based on real-time conditions, allowing ports to switch between standard USB 2.0 mode (500 mA) and high-current charging mode. The system monitors power availability and device requirements to flexibly allocate up to 2.5 A per port when conditions permit, while maintaining protocol compatibility during standard operation
Solution Approach 2:
The hub performs preliminary detection during the USB connection handshake to identify devices capable of accepting higher charging currents. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare and enable high-current charging mode before actual charging begins, ensuring both compatibility and optimized charging speed
3Productivity
If higher charging current is provided to reduce charging time, then charging speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub implements continuous feedback monitoring of power consumption, battery charge levels, and thermal conditions during charging. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the charging current delivered to devices, reducing current when the battery is nearly full or when power consumption thresholds are approached, thereby optimizing the balance between charging speed and power usage
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial high-current charging only when necessary and beneficial. Instead of continuously delivering maximum current, the hub provides elevated charging current (up to 2.5 A) during phases where the battery can efficiently accept it, then transitions to lower current modes when the battery approaches full charge or when power management requirements dictate, avoiding excessive energy consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A USB charging system and the method thereof are disclosed. The USB charging system includes a hub device having a charging function module and a plurality of connection ports. The charging function module dynamically distributes the charging current to the connection ports based on power supply ability of a power unit for providing the charging current to at least one chargeable device wherein the charging current is greater than USB protocol current.