Wireless Charging Power Estimation Using NV Memory Lookup Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless power transfer systems face issues with inaccurate input power estimation, leading to false alarms and detection failures, and require costly hardware tuning during the design and production phases.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for wireless charging control that includes a detection module, controller, and non-volatile memory in an electronic device, where the detection module generates results at the DC output terminal of a rectifier, and the controller estimates input power using predetermined data stored in the memory to prevent false alarms and detection failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional FOD methods are used to detect foreign objects, then foreign object detection capability is provided, but input power estimation accuracy deteriorates causing false alarms or detection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware-based power estimation mechanisms with a software-based approach using lookup tables stored in non-volatile memory. Instead of relying on complex hardware tuning and calibration, the system uses predetermined data tables that map detection results to input power values, eliminating the need for expensive hardware components and manual tuning while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the estimation method from direct hardware measurement to indirect calculation using detection results and lookup tables. By transforming the power estimation process into a parameter-based calculation system, the patent achieves higher accuracy without requiring additional hardware components, thus resolving the contradiction between detection reliability and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If hardware components are used for input power estimation, then power estimation function is provided, but manufacturing cost increases due to careful tuning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive hardware tuning and calibration processes with software-based lookup tables stored in non-volatile memory. This eliminates the need for careful hardware tuning during design and production phases, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining accurate power estimation capability. The predetermined data can be generated once and reused across all production units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs power estimation calibration in advance by pre-calculating and storing lookup tables in non-volatile memory during the design phase. This preliminary action eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming hardware tuning during mass production, as the calibration data is already prepared and stored for immediate use in production units.
3Productivity
If conventional power estimation methods are used, then wireless charging function is provided, but false alarms and detection failures occur reducing system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors detection results at the DC output terminal and uses lookup tables to estimate input power. This closed-loop system compares estimated power with expected values and adjusts charging parameters accordingly, reducing false alarms and detection failures while maintaining wireless charging productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces unreliable conventional power estimation methods with a software-based lookup table approach that provides more accurate and consistent power estimation. This substitution eliminates the variability and errors associated with hardware tuning, significantly improving system reliability without affecting wireless charging functionality.
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
The solution accurately estimates input power, preventing false alarms and detection failures, and eliminates the need for costly hardware tuning by using predetermined data prepared in advance.
Implementation Method 1
a power input coil (38) of the electronic device... receive the power wirelessly from a transmitter pad (20)
Implementation Method 2
a rectifier (50)... two alternating current (AC) input terminals (T11, T12) of the rectifier (50) are coupled to two terminals of the power input coil (38)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing wireless charging control of an electronic device and an associated apparatus are provided, where the method includes: performing at least one detection operation at a direct current (DC) output terminal of a rectifier of the electronic device to generate at least one detection result, wherein two alternating current (AC) input terminals of the rectifier are coupled to two terminals of a power input coil of the electronic device, and the at least one detection operation is not performed at the power input coil; and estimating input power of the power input coil according to the at least one detection result with aid of a set of predetermined data, and sending a packet carrying information corresponding to the estimated input power, for performing wireless charging foreign object detection (FOD), wherein the set of predetermined data is stored in a non-volatile (NV) memory of the electronic device.