USB Power Distribution Controller for Dynamic Device Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
When multiple external devices are connected to a USB interface, the limited power supply capacity of the electronic apparatus poses a challenge in managing power distribution effectively between devices with and without batteries, requiring efficient power feeding management to ensure timely charging and operation.
Innovation Solution
The electronic apparatus incorporates a controller that determines the charging status of devices with batteries connected via the USB interface and adjusts the power ratio dynamically to prioritize charging for devices with lower battery levels, ensuring efficient power distribution by increasing power supply to devices with smaller battery charges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power is supplied to multiple external devices via USB interface, then multiple devices can operate or charge, but the limited power supply capacity causes difficulty in managing power distribution effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables external devices to automatically report their power requirements and charging status to the USB host controller. The host controller then automatically allocates power resources based on device needs without requiring manual user configuration or complex user-side power management, allowing devices to serve themselves in the power distribution network
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where external devices with batteries report their charging status and power consumption requirements back to the USB host controller. The controller uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust power allocation, ensuring optimal power distribution across multiple connected devices based on real-time conditions
2Ease of operation
If power is equally distributed to multiple external devices, then simple power management is achieved, but devices with lower battery levels cannot be charged timely
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system transitions from static equal allocation to dynamic allocation that automatically adjusts power ratios based on real-time battery status. The USB host controller continuously monitors device charging needs and dynamically reallocates power resources, giving more power to devices with lower battery levels while maintaining simple operation for users
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power distribution parameter from a fixed equal ratio to a variable ratio based on device battery status. The USB host controller adjusts the power allocation parameter dynamically according to feedback from external devices, allowing prioritized charging of low-battery devices without requiring complex user intervention
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface configured to connect with a plurality of external devices and supply an electric power to each of the external devices connected with the interface, the plurality of external devices including a first device having a battery and a second device, and a controller configured to, when the first device and the second device are connected with the interface, determine whether the first device satisfies a first condition concerning charging of the battery of the first device, and in response to determining that the first device satisfies the first condition, make a specific ratio of an electric power to be supplied to the first device via the interface to an electric power to be supplied to the second device via the interface larger than when it is determined that the first device does not satisfy the first condition.