Dynamic remaining maximum power allocation to secondary port while staying within optimal efficiency range of power supply
US8719601B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 6, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02J7/00
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for dynamically adjusting the amount of power (or current) distributed to one or more connected devices via electrical interfaces. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first module adapted to detect current drawn by a first set of ports, and a second module adapted to adjust the current provided to a second set of ports based on the detected current. The second module is also optionally adapted to distribute unreserved current among the devices according to an allocation protocol. In the exemplary context of a plurality of interconnected serial bus devices, the invention enables a device to draw more current than that required to be reserved for that device (such as to comply with a specification such as USB), yet without increasing the total amount of power which must be dedicated to the serial ports as a whole. Power supply efficiency may also be advantageously optimized.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.