Patent Application
20240211011
The present invention relates to a power supply apparatus and a power supply method compatible with the USB-PD standard.
It is known to supply power from a USB port to a device electrically connected to the USB port. Further, the USB-PD standard has been established as a standard for supplying power from a USB port. As a newer USB standard, the USB Type-C interface is becoming popular. According to the USB Type-C interface, ports of the same shape are used for power supply and power reception. Therefore, a single port can handle both power supply and power reception. The PD standard is also adopted for the USB Type-C standard. With the USB-PD, a larger voltage and current can be exchanged, so charging in a shorter time can be realized. In the future, it is expected that the USB-PD function will spread along with the USB Type-C interface.
Regarding the USB-PD standard, when a USB port of a power reception device is inserted into a USB port of a power supply apparatus, a negotiation is performed between the power supply apparatus and the power reception device. In this negotiation, the power supply apparatus makes a contract with the power reception device to provide maximum power to be supplied and supplies the power to the power reception device.
In the case of a power supply apparatus having a plurality of USB ports, when USB ports of the plurality of power reception devices are inserted into each of the USB ports, the power supply apparatus distributes the maximum power, which can be supplied, to the plurality of power reception devices and makes contracts with the plurality of power reception devices, in negotiations. When the sum of operating power required by each of the plurality of power reception devices exceeds the maximum power of the power supply apparatus, the power supply apparatus makes contracts with some power reception devices to provide maximum power, which is less than the required operating power, in negotiations.
Regarding the USB type-C standard, in the case of a power supply apparatus having a plurality of USB ports, it is required that each USB Type-C port can output 5 V/1.5 A to provide at least 7.5 W at each port and that the contracted maximum power reaches within 3 seconds after the power reception device is connected (NPL 1). Therefore, in the case of a power supply apparatus having a plurality of USB ports in accordance with the USB type-C standard, it is necessary to perform a negotiation and to make a contract with a power reception device at each port to satisfy these requirements.
In order to ensure a specific power reception device, in which maximum power that is less than the requested operating power is allocated, to be allocated maximum power equal to or greater than the requested operating power, for example, it is required to remove USB ports of the other power reception devices and the specific power reception device from the USB ports of the power supply apparatus and reinsert the USB ports. In this way, the negotiation is performed again, and a contract can be made with the specific power reception device to provide the maximum power equal to or greater than the requested operating power. However, in this case, it is necessary to insert and remove the USB port, which is inconvenient for a user.
Further, when the maximum power that can be supplied by the power supply apparatus is increased, it becomes possible to allocate maximum power equal to or greater than the required operating power to the specific power reception device without inserting/removing the power reception device at the USB port. However, in this case, the power supply apparatus becomes physically large, which causes problems in terms of manufacturing cost and portability.
PTL 1 discloses a method of controlling a new contract with a newly connected power reception device and a re-contract with an already connected power reception device in a power supply apparatus having a plurality of USB ports compatible with the USB-PD standard. In this example, power is distributed to each power reception device based on the maximum power reception capability of each power reception device registered in a power profile table received by a controller from each power reception device.
However, in general, as the power supply from the power supply apparatus to the power reception device progresses, the power actually consumed by the power reception device becomes lower than contract power. Therefore, a new power reception device may connect to a port in a state in which excessive power is allocated to the already connected power reception device. In this example, it is necessary to operate in a state in which the minimum power (7.5 W), which is required in the USB Type-C standard, can be supplied to an empty port. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure power, which is much higher than the power consumption of the actual power reception device, as power that can be supplied by the power supply apparatus, which inevitably increases the size and cost of the power supply apparatus.
In this example, when a power reception device that does not meet the standards or a power reception device having a certain type of battery is connected, the controller cannot acquire the power profile table of the power reception device, and a charging device cannot be operated. Further, a button or a lamp for a user described in PTL 1 may complicate the user's operation and cause an increase in the size and cost of the charging device.
The present inventor aimed to solve the above problems. That is, the present inventor sought a power supply apparatus and a power supply method capable of satisfying the requirements of the USB-PD standard, especially the USB Type-C standard, avoiding excessive power distribution, and efficiently supplying power to a plurality of power reception devices.
As a result, the present inventor succeeded in significantly advancing the power supply apparatus and the power supply method in the related art by using a groundbreaking technique, that is a technique in which two types of controllers: a PD controller and a master controller distribute power to each power reception device by utilizing the power that is actually consumed by the connected power reception device. That is, the present invention is as follows.
Provided is a power supply apparatus that includes a plurality of USB ports compatible with a USB-PD standard, a plurality of PD controllers, and a master controller, in which the PD controller is disposed in each of the plurality of USB ports and the master controller is capable of communicating with each of the plurality of PD controllers, in which in a case where an upper limit value of total supplied power of the power supply apparatus is denoted as Wmax, contract power of a power reception device connected to the plurality of USB ports is denoted as Wc, and used power of the power reception device connected to the plurality of USB ports is denoted as Wu (where the Wu is a value obtained by performing a filter process on an actually measured value of power consumption of the power reception device), in a state in which N (where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) power reception devices (D1 to DN) are connected to N USB ports (P1 to PN), the PD controllers (PDC1 to PDCN), which are respectively connected to the power reception devices (D1 to DN), notify the master controller of the Wc and the Wu for each of the power reception devices (D1 to DN), and power supply is started when an (N+1)-th power reception device (DN+1) is connected to a USB port (PN+1) other than the USB ports (P1 to PN), for the power reception device (DN+1) through the following Steps 1, 2, and 3.
Step 1: a PD controller (PDCN+1) connected to the USB port (PN+1) transmits a connection signal of the power reception device (DN+1) to the master controller without acquiring a power profile of the power reception device (DN+1).
Step 2: the master controller that has received the connection signal determines maximum power (WN+1) that is capable of being supplied to the power reception device (DN+1) by referring to the Wmax, the Wc, and the Wu without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (DN+1) and transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller (PDCN+1).
Step 3: the PD controller (PDCN+1) that has received the WN+1 generates a power delivery object (PDO) list based on the WN+1 without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (DN+1), performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DN+1) by using the PDO list, and makes a contract with the power reception device (DN+1).
The power supply apparatus according to Invention 1, in which in the Step 2, in a case where Relation (1): (Wmax−Wc(1toN))≥Wmin (Wc(1toN) is a sum of contract powers Wc (Wc1 to WcN) of the N power reception devices (D1 to DN), and Wmin is a minimum supplied power value at the USB port in accordance with a USB Type-C standard) is established, the master controller that has received the connection signal determines the WN+1 by referring to the Wc, the Wu, the [Wmax−Wc(1toN)], and the Wmin without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (DN+1) and transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller (PDCN+1), and in the Step 3, the PD controller (PDCN+1) that has received the WN+1 generates a power delivery object (PDO) list based on the WN+1 without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (DN+1), performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DN+1) by using the PDO list, and makes a contract with the power reception device (DN+1).
The power supply apparatus according to Invention 2, in which in the Step 2, in a case where the master controller that has received the connection signal detects at least one power reception device (DH0) for which Relation (4): Wc>Wu is established among the power reception devices (D1 to DN) by referring to the Wc, the Wu, the [Wmax−Wc(1toN)], and the Wmin, the master controller determines maximum power (Wrc), which allows a re-contract with the power reception device (DH0), and the WN+1, transmits the Wrc to a PD controller (PDCH0) disposed at the USB port of the power reception device (DH0), and transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller (PDCN+1), and in the Step 3, the PD controller (PDCH0) that has received the Wrc generates a PDO list based on the Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DH0) by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (DH0) at a lower power value, and the PD controller (PDCN+1) that has received the WN+1 generates a PDO list based on the WN+1 without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (DN+1), performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DN+1) by using the PDO list, and makes a contract with the power reception device (DN+1).
The power supply apparatus according to Invention 1, in which in the Step 2, in a case where Relation (1): (Wmax−Wc(1toN))≥Wmin (Wc(1toN) is a sum of contract powers Wc (Wc1 to WcN) of the N power reception devices (D1 to DN), and Wmin is a minimum supplied power value at the USB port in accordance with a USB Type-C standard) is not established and the master controller detects one power reception device (DH1), among the N power reception devices (D1 to DN), that satisfies Relation (2): (Wc−Wu)≥Wmin, the master controller that has received the connection signal determines maximum power (Wrc), which allows a re-contract with the power reception device (DH1), and the WN+1 by referring to the Wmax, the Wc, the Wu, and the Wmin, transmits the Wrc to a PD controller (PDCH1) connected to the power reception device (DH1), and transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller (PDCN+1), and in the Step 3, the PD controller (PDCH1) that has received the Wrc generates a PDO list based on the Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DH1) by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (DH1) at a lower power value, and the PD controller (PDCN+1) that has received the WN+1 generates a PDO list based on the WN+1 without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (DN+1), performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DN+1) by using the PDO list, and makes a contract with the power reception device (DN+1).
The power supply apparatus according to Invention 4, in which in the Step 2, in a case where the master controller that has received the connection signal detects at least one power reception device (DH0) other than the power reception device (DH1) for which Relation (4): Wc>Wu is established among the power reception devices (D1 to DN) by referring to the Wmax, the Wc, the Wu, and the Wmin, the master controller determines maximum power (Wrc) which allows a re-contract with the power reception device (DH0), the maximum power (Wrc) which allows a re-contract with the power reception device (DH1), and the WN+1, transmits the Wrc to a PD controller (PDCH0) connected to the power reception device (DH0), transmits the Wrc to the PD controller (PDCH1) connected to the power reception device (DH1), and transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller (PDCN+1), and in the Step 3, the PD controller (PDCH0) that has received the Wrc generates a PDO list based on the Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DH0) by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (DH0) at a lower power value, the PD controller (PDCH1) that has received the Wrc generates a PDO list based on the Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DH1) by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (DH1) at a lower power value, and the PD controller (PDCN+1) that has received the WN+1 generates a PDO list based on the WN+1 without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (DN+1), performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DN+1) by using the PDO list, and makes a contract with the power reception device (DN+1).
The power supply apparatus according to Invention 1, in which in the Step 2, in a case where Relation (1): (Wmax−Wc(1toN))≥Wmin (Wc(1toN) is a sum of contract powers Wc (Wc to WcN) of the N power reception devices (D1 to DN), and Wmin is a minimum supplied power value at the USB port in accordance with a USB Type-C standard) is not established and the master controller does not detect one power reception device (DH1), among the N power reception devices (D1 to DN), that satisfies Relation (2): (Wc−Wu)≥Wmin, the master controller detects m (where m is an integer that satisfies 1≤m≤N) power reception devices (DH2), among the N power reception devices (D1 to DN), that satisfy Relation (3): Wc≥(Wmin+Wmin), and the master controller that has received the connection signal determines maximum power (Wrc), which allows a re-contract with the power reception device (DH2), and the WN+1 by referring to the Wmax, the Wc, the Wu, and the Wmin, transmits the Wrc to a PD controller (PDCH2) connected to the power reception device (DH2), and transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller (PDCN+1), and in the Step 3, the PD controller (PDCH2) that has received the Wrc generates a PDO list based on the Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DH2) by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (DH2) at a lower power value, and the PD controller (PDCN+1) that has received the WN+1 generates a PDO list based on the WN+1 without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (DN+1), performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DN+1) by using the PDO list, and makes a contract with the power reception device (DN+1).
The power supply apparatus according to Invention 6, in which in the Step 2, in a case where the master controller that has received the connection signal detects at least one power reception device (DH0) other than the power reception device (DH1) for which Relation (4): Wc>Wu is established among the power reception devices (D1 to DN) by referring to the Wmax, the Wc, the Wu, and the Wmin, the master controller determines maximum power (Wrc) which allows a re-contract with the power reception device (DH0), the maximum power (Wrc) which allows a re-contract with the power reception device (DH2), and the WN+1, transmits the Wrc to a PD controller (PDCH0) connected to the power reception device (DH0), transmits the Wrc to the PD controller (PDCH2) connected to the power reception device (DH2), and transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller (PDCN+1), and in the Step 3, the PD controller (PDCH0) that has received the Wrc generates a PDO list based on the Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DH0) by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (DH0) at a lower power value, the PD controller (PDCH2) that has received the Wrc generates a PDO list based on the Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DH2) by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (DH2) at a lower power value, and the PD controller (PDCN+1) that has received the WN+1 generates a PDO list based on the WN+1 without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (DN+1), performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DN+1) by using the PDO list, and makes a contract with the power reception device (DN+1).
The power supply apparatus according to Invention 1, in which after the power supply to the power reception device (DN+1) is started, in a state in which (N+1) power reception devices (D1 to DN+1) are connected to (N+1) USB ports (P1 to PN+1), the PD controllers (PDC1 to PDCN+1) respectively connected to the power reception devices (D1 to DN+1) notify the master controller of the Wc and the Wu for each of the power reception devices (D1 to DN+1), and perform the following Steps 4, 5, and 6.
Step 4: the master controller determines whether or not Relation (5): Wc>Wu is established for each of the power reception devices (D1 to DN+1), when none of the power reception devices (D1 to DN+1) that satisfies the Relation (5) is detected, the master controller does not proceed to next Step 5 and waits for a next notification related to the Wc and the Wu provided by the PD controllers (PDC1 to PDCN+1), and when one or more power reception devices (Dh) for which the Relation (5) is established are detected, the Step 4 proceeds to the next Step 5.
Step 5: the master controller determines maximum power (Wrc) which allows a re-contract with the power reception device (Dh) by referring to the Wmax, the Wc, the Wu, and the Wmin and transmits the Wrc to a PD controller (PDCh) connected to the power reception device (Dh).
Step 6: the PD controller (PDCh) that has received the Wrc generates a PDO list based on the Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (Dh) by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (Dh) at a lower power value.
The power supply apparatus according to Invention 8, in which in the Step 5, the master controller determines the maximum power (Wrc) which allows a re-contract with the power reception device (Dh) and maximum power (Wrc) which allows a re-contract with at least one power reception device (DL) other than the power reception device (Dh) by referring to the Wmax, the Wc, the Wu, and the Wmin, transmits the Wrc to the PD controller (PDCh) connected to the power reception device (Dh), and transmits the Wrc to a PD controller (PDCL) connected to the power reception device (DL), and in the Step 6, the PD controller (PDCh) that has received the Wrc generates a PDO list based on the Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (Dh) by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (Dh) at a lower power value, and the PD controller (PDCL) that has received the Wrc generates a PDO list based on the Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DL) by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (DL) at a higher power value.
The power supply apparatus according to Invention 9, in which the at least one power reception device (DL) includes the power reception device (DN+1) where a connection is made at an (N+1)-th place.
The power supply apparatus according to Invention 8, in which the Steps 4, 5, and 6 are repeated in this order unless the power reception device is inserted or removed.
The power supply apparatus according to Invention 11, in which the Step 4 is performed at fixed time intervals unless the power reception device is inserted or removed.
The power supply apparatus according to Invention 1, in which the plurality of USB ports, which are compatible with the USB-PD standard, are compatible with a USB Type-C standard.
Provided is a power supply method including: in a power supply apparatus that includes a plurality of USB ports compatible with a USB-PD standard, a plurality of PD controllers, and a master controller, in which the PD controller is disposed in each of the plurality of USB ports and the master controller is capable of communicating with each of the plurality of PD controllers, in a case where an upper limit value of total supplied power of the power supply apparatus is denoted as Wmax, contract power of a power reception device connected to the plurality of USB ports is denoted as Wc, and used power of the power reception device connected to the plurality of USB ports is denoted as Wu (where the Wu is a value obtained by performing a filter process on an actually measured value of power consumption of the power reception device), causing the PD controllers (PDC1 to PDCN), in a state in which N (where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) power reception devices (D1 to DN) are connected to N USB ports (P1 to PN), which are respectively connected to the power reception devices (D1 to DN), to notify the master controller of the Wc and the Wu for each of the power reception devices (D1 to DN); and starting power supply when an (N+1)-th power reception device (DN+1) is connected to a USB port (PN+1) other than the USB ports (P1 to PN), for the power reception device (DN+1) through the following Steps 1, 2, and 3.
Step 1: a PD controller (PDCN+1) connected to the USB port (PN+1) transmits a connection signal of the power reception device (DN+1) to the master controller without acquiring a power profile of the power reception device (DN+1).
Step 2: the master controller that has received the connection signal determines maximum power (WN+1) that is capable of being supplied to the power reception device (DN+1) by referring to the Wmax, the Wc, and the Wu without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (DN+1) and transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller (PDCN+1).
Step 3: the PD controller (PDCN+1) that has received the WN+1 generates a power delivery object (PDO) list based on the WN+1 without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (DN+1), performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DN+1) by using the PDO list, and makes a contract with the power reception device (DN+1).
The power supply method according to Invention 14, in which in the Step 2, in a case where Relation (1): (Wmax−Wc(1toN))≥Wmin (Wc(1toN) is a sum of contract powers Wc (Wc1 to WcN) of the N power reception devices (D1 to DN), and Wmin is a minimum supplied power value at the USB port in accordance with a USB Type-C standard) is established, the master controller that has received the connection signal determines the WN+1 by referring to the Wc, the Wu, the [Wmax−Wc(1toN)], and the Wmin without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (DN+1) and transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller (PDCN+1), and in the Step 3, the PD controller (PDCN+1) that has received the WN+1 generates a power delivery object (PDO) list based on the WN+1 without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (DN+1), performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DN+1) by using the PDO list, and makes a contract with the power reception device (DN+1).
The power supply method according to Invention 15, in which in the Step 2, in a case where the master controller that has received the connection signal detects at least one power reception device (DH0) for which Relation (4): Wc>Wu is established among the power reception devices (D1 to DN) by referring to the Wc, the Wu, the [Wmax−Wc(1toN)], and the Wmin, the master controller determines maximum power (Wrc), which allows a re-contract with the power reception device (DH0), and the WN+1, transmits the Wrc to a PD controller (PDCH0) connected to the power reception device (DH0), and transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller (PDCN+1), and in the Step 3, the PD controller (PDCH0) that has received the Wrc generates a PDO list based on the Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DH0) by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (DH0) at a lower power value, and the PD controller (PDCN+1) that has received the WN+1 generates a PDO list based on the WN+1 without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (DN+1), performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DN+1) by using the PDO list, and makes a contract with the power reception device (DN+1).
The power supply method according to Invention 14, in which in the Step 2, in a case where Relation (1): (Wmax−Wc(1toN))≥Wmin (Wc(1toN) is a sum of contract powers Wc (Wc1 to WcN) of the N power reception devices (D1 to DN), and Wmin is a minimum supplied power value at the USB port in accordance with a USB Type-C standard) is not established and the master controller detects one power reception device (DH1), among the N power reception devices (D1 to DN), that satisfies Relation (2): (Wc−Wu)≥Wmin, the master controller that has received the connection signal determines maximum power (Wrc), which allows a re-contract with the power reception device (DH1), and the WN+1 by referring to the Wmax, the Wc, the Wu, and the Wmin, transmits the Wrc to a PD controller (PDCH1) connected to the power reception device (DH1), and transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller (PDCN+1), and in the Step 3, the PD controller (PDCH1) that has received the Wrc generates a PDO list based on the Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DH1) by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (DH1) at a lower power value, and the PD controller (PDCN+1) that has received the WN+1 generates a PDO list based on the WN+1 without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (DN+1), performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DN+1) by using the PDO list, and makes a contract with the power reception device (DN+1).
The power supply method according to Invention 17, in which in the Step 2, in a case where the master controller that has received the connection signal detects at least one power reception device (DH0) other than the power reception device (DH1) for which Relation (4): Wc>Wu is established among the power reception devices (D1 to DN) by referring to the Wmax, the Wc, the Wu, and the Wmin, the master controller determines maximum power (Wrc) which allows a re-contract with the power reception device (DH0), the maximum power (Wrc) which allows a re-contract with the power reception device (DH1), and the WN+1, transmits the Wrc to a PD controller (PDCH0) connected to the power reception device (DH0), transmits the Wrc to the PD controller (PDCH1) connected to the power reception device (DH1), and transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller (PDCN+1), and in the Step 3, the PD controller (PDCH0) that has received the Wrc generates a PDO list based on the Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DH0) by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (DH0) at a lower power value, the PD controller (PDCH1) that has received the Wrc generates a PDO list based on the Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DH1) by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (DH1) at a lower power value, and the PD controller (PDCN+1) that has received the WN+1 generates a PDO list based on the WN+1 without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (DN+1), performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DN+1) by using the PDO list, and makes a contract with the power reception device (DN+1).
The power supply method according to Invention 14, in which in the Step 2, in a case where Relation (1): (Wmax−Wc(1toN)≥Wmin (Wc(1toN) is a sum of contract powers Wc (Wc1 to WcN) of the N power reception devices (D1 to DN), and Wmin is a minimum supplied power value at the USB port in accordance with a USB Type-C standard) is not established and the master controller does not detect one power reception device (DH1), among the N power reception devices (D1 to DN), that satisfies Relation (2): (Wc−Wu)≥Wmin, the master controller detects m (where m is an integer that satisfies 1≤m≤N) power reception devices (DH2), among the N power reception devices (D1 to DN), that satisfy Relation (3): Wc≥(Wmin+Wmin), and the master controller that has received the connection signal determines maximum power (Wrc), which allows a re-contract with the power reception device (DH2), and the WN+1 by referring to the Wmax, the Wc, the Wu, and the Wmin, transmits the Wrc to a PD controller (PDCH2) connected to the power reception device (DH2), and transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller (PDCN+1), and in the Step 3, the PD controller (PDCH2) that has received the Wrc generates a PDO list based on the Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DH2) by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (DH2) at a lower power value, and the PD controller (PDCN+1) that has received the WN+1 generates a PDO list based on the WN+1 without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (DN+1), performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DN+1) by using the PDO list, and makes a contract with the power reception device (DN+1).
The power supply method according to Invention 19, in which in the Step 2, in a case where the master controller that has received the connection signal detects at least one power reception device (DH0) other than the power reception device (DH1) for which Relation (4): Wc>Wu is established among the power reception devices (D1 to DN) by referring to the Wmax, the Wc, the Wu, and the Wmin, the master controller determines maximum power (Wrc) which allows a re-contract with the power reception device (DH0), the maximum power (Wrc) which allows a re-contract with the power reception device (DH2), and the WN+1, transmits the Wrc to a PD controller (PDCH0) connected to the power reception device (DH0), transmits the Wrc to the PD controller (PDCH2) connected to the power reception device (DH2), and transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller (PDCN+1), and in the Step 3, the PD controller (PDCH0) that has received the Wrc generates a PDO list based on the Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DH0) by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (DH0) at a lower power value, the PD controller (PDCH2) that has received the Wrc generates a PDO list based on the Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DH2) by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (DH2) at a lower power value, and the PD controller (PDCN+1) that has received the WN+1 generates a PDO list based on the WN+1 without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (DN+1), performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DN+1) by using the PDO list, and makes a contract with the power reception device (DN+1).
The power supply method according to Invention 14, in which after the power supply to the power reception device (DN+1) is started, in a state in which (N+1) power reception devices (D1 to DN+1) are connected to (N+1) USB ports (P1 to PN+1), the PD controllers (PDC1 to PDCN+1) respectively connected to the USB ports (P1 to PN+1) notify the master controller of the Wc and the Wu for each of the power reception devices (D1 to DN+1), and perform the following Steps 4, 5, and 6.
Step 4: the master controller determines whether or not Relation (5): Wc>Wu is established for each of the power reception devices (D1 to DN+1), when none of the power reception devices (D1 to DN+1) that satisfies the Relation (5) is detected, the master controller does not proceed to next Step 5 and waits for a next notification related to the Wc and the Wu provided by the PD controllers (PDC1 to PDCN+1), and when one or more power reception devices (Dh) for which the Relation (5) is established are detected, the Step 4 proceeds to the next Step 5.
Step 5: the master controller determines maximum power (Wrc) which allows a re-contract with the power reception device (Dh) by referring to the Wmax, the Wc, the Wu, and the Wmin and transmits the Wrc to a PD controller (PDCh) connected to the power reception device (Dh).
Step 6: the PD controller (PDCh) that has received the Wrc generates a PDO list based on the Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (Dh) by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (Dh) at a lower power value.
The power supply method according to Invention 21, in which in the Step 5, the master controller determines the maximum power (Wrc) which allows a re-contract with the power reception device (Dh) and maximum power (Wrc) which allows a re-contract with at least one power reception device (DL) other than the power reception device (Dh) by referring to the Wmax, the Wc, the Wu, and the Wmin, transmits the Wrc to the PD controller (PDCh) connected to the power reception device (Dh), and transmits the Wrc to a PD controller (PDCL) connected to the power reception device (DL), and in the Step 6, the PD controller (PDCh) that has received the Wrc generates a PDO list based on the Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (Dh) by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (Dh) at a lower power value, and the PD controller (PDCL) that has received the Wrc generates a PDO list based on the Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DL) by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (DL) at a higher power value.
The power supply method according to Invention 22, in which the at least one power reception device (DL) includes the power reception device (DN+1) where a connection is made at an (N+1)-th place.
The power supply method according to Invention 21, in which the Steps 4, 5, and 6 are repeated in this order unless the power reception device is inserted or removed.
The power supply method according to Invention 24, in which the Step 4 is performed at fixed time intervals unless the power reception device is inserted or removed.
The power supply method according to Invention 14, in which the plurality of USB ports, which are compatible with the USB-PD standard, are compatible with a USB Type-C standard.
In a power supply apparatus and a power supply method of the present invention, a negotiation with a new power reception device is started without acquiring a power profile of the new power reception device. Before this negotiation, the already connected power reception device can be re-contracted to reduce excessive allocated power. Further, after a contract with the new power reception device is completed, contracts can be updated to ensure that power is supplied to each power reception device at a proper level by periodically determining whether there is an excessive allocation of power to all power reception devices. According to the power supply apparatus and the power supply method of the present invention, power can be efficiently distributed to a large number of power reception devices.
Hereinafter, a power supply apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to
As shown in
A PD controller (310), a DC/DC converter (810), and a connector (2100) are disposed in the USB port (210). The PD controller (310) can transmit a control signal to the DC/DC converter (810). The PD controller (310) and the master controller (401) communicate with each other.
A PD controller (320), a DC/DC converter (820), and a connector (2200) are disposed in the USB port (220). The PD controller (320) can transmit a control signal to the DC/DC converter (820). The PD controller (320) and the master controller (401) communicate with each other.
The power reception device (9) is connected to the connector (2100), and the PD controller (310) is capable of communicating with, that is, is connected to the power reception device (9). The connector (2200) is free.
A PD controller (31), a DC/DC converter (81), and a connector (210) are disposed in the USB port (21). The PD controller (31) can transmit a control signal to the DC/DC converter (81). The PD controller (31) and the master controller (41) communicate with each other. A power reception device (91) is connected to the connector (210), and the PD controller (31) is capable of communicating with, that is, is connected to the power reception device (91).
A PD controller (32), a DC/DC converter (82), and a connector (220) are disposed in the USB port (22). The PD controller (32) can transmit a control signal to the DC/DC converter (82). The PD controller (32) and the master controller (42) communicate with each other. A power reception device (92) is connected to the connector (220), and the PD controller (32) is capable of communicating with, that is, is connected to the power reception device (92).
A PD controller (33), a DC/DC converter (83), and a connector (230) are disposed in the USB port (23). The PD controller (33) can transmit a control signal to the DC/DC converter (83). The PD controller (33) and the master controller (43) communicate with each other. A power reception device (93) is connected to the connector (230), and the PD controller (33) is capable of communicating with, that is, is connected to the power reception device (93).
A PD controller (324), a DC/DC converter (84), and a connector (240) are disposed in the USB port (24). The PD controller (34) can transmit a control signal to the DC/DC converter (84). The PD controller (34) and the master controller (44) communicate with each other. The connector (240) is free. When a new power reception device (94) is inserted into the connector (240), the PD controller (34) is capable of communicating with, that is, is connected to the power reception device (94) via a cable on a connector (240) side and a cable on a new power reception device (94) side.
In the power supply apparatus and the power supply method of the present invention, in a case where an upper limit value of total supplied power of the power supply apparatus is denoted as Wmax, contract power of the power reception device connected to the plurality of USB ports is denoted as Wc, and used power of the power reception device connected to the plurality of USB ports is denoted as Wu, in a state in which N (where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) power reception devices (D1 to DN) are connected to the N USB ports (P1 to PN), the PD controllers (PDC1 to PDCN), which are respectively connected to the power reception devices (D1 to DN), notify the master controller of the Wc and the Wu for each of the power reception devices (D1 to DN).
The notification, which is provided from the PD controllers (PDC1 to PDCN) to the master controller, is generally repeated at fixed time intervals, preferably at intervals of several minutes, more preferably at intervals of substantially 3 to 10 minutes, unless the power reception device is inserted or removed. The master controller updates the Wc and the Wu each time the notification is provided from the PD controllers (PDC1 to PDCN).
It is known that the power consumption of the power reception device changes from moment to moment, and there appears a period during which a significantly high amount of power is consumed. A period during which such high power consumption continues is extremely short, but it is repetitive and is observed as spike-like appearing power consumption or pulses with a small duty ratio. It is also known that the frequency of this high power consumption phenomenon hardly affects the operation or charging time of the power reception device. Therefore, when the power consumption of the power reception device is used as a base value for predicting the actual power needs of each power reception device in the near future, the above-described pulse with a small duty ratio has little meaning as an actual power consumption value of the power reception device.
In the present invention, a value obtained by performing a filter process on an actually measured value of the power consumption of the power reception device is used as Wu. Such a filter process generally uses a digital filter, for example, a low-pass filter or a moving average filter as a sinC response filter. In the present invention, preferably, a power value as a moving average value obtained by setting an appropriate moving width is used as Wu. In the present invention, the Wu is utilized as a power value essentially required by the power reception device for an appropriate period from the time of measurement.
For example, in the power supply apparatus (101) shown in
For example, in the power supply apparatus (102) shown in
One of the most important features of the power supply apparatus and power supply method of the present invention is to start, in a state in which one or more power reception devices are already connected, a negotiation with a newly connected power reception device without requesting a power profile of the newly connected power reception device.
In the power supply apparatus and the power supply method of the present invention, when an (N+1)-th power reception device (DN+1) is connected to a USB port (PN+1) other than the USB ports (P1 to PN), power supply is started for the power reception device (DN+1) through the following Steps 1, 2, and 3.
Step 1: A PD controller (PDCN+1), which is connected to the USB port (PN+1), transmits a connection signal of the power reception device (DN+1) to the master controller without acquiring a power profile of the power reception device (DN+1).
Step 2: The master controller that has received the connection signal determines maximum power (WN+1) that is capable of being supplied to the power reception device (DN+1) by referring to the Wmax, the Wc, and the Wu without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (DN+1), and transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller (PDCN+1).
Step 3: The PD controller (PDCN+1) that has received the WN+1 generates a power delivery object (PDO) list based on the WN+1 without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (DN+1), performs a negotiation with the power reception device (DN+1) by using the PDO list, and makes a contract with the power reception device (DN+1).
For example, when the fourth power reception device D3+1 (94) is inserted into the connector (24) of the power supply apparatus (102) shown in
In the subsequent Step 2, the master controller (401) determines the maximum power (W3+1) that is capable of being supplied to the power reception device D3+1 (94) by referring to the Wmax, the Wc, and the Wu and transmits the W3+1 to the PD controller PDC3+1 (34). Here, the master controller (401) has not acquired the power profile of the power reception device D3+1 (94).
In the subsequent Step 3, the PD controller PDC3+1 (34) that has received the W3+1 generates a power delivery object (PDO) list based on the W3+1. Here, the PD controller PDC3+1 (34) does not request the power profile of the power reception device D3+1 (94). The PDO list Is transmitted to the power reception device D3+1 (94) via the cable of the connector (240), and a negotiation is started between the PD controller PDC3+1 (34) and the power reception device D3+1 (94). As a result of the negotiation, when a contract is made with the power reception device D3+1 to provide the supplied power based on the W3+1, the PD controller PDC3+1 (34) transmits a control signal to a power source circuit including the DC/DC converter (84) to start supplying power to the power reception device (DN+1). At this time, the master controller (402) acquires the contract details between the PD controller PDC3+1 (34) and the power reception device D3+1 (94) from the PD controller PDC3+1 (34).
In the present invention, since it is not necessary to refer to the power profile of the power reception device DN+1 for the negotiation with the power reception device DN+1, power can be supplied to wider variety of devices. For example, even a power reception device that cannot transmit an appropriate power profile to a power supply apparatus in the related art can make a negotiation and a contract with the power supply apparatus of the present invention.
Further, since the power supply apparatus of the present invention performs a negotiation with reference to the actual power consumption of the power reception device, it is possible to supply power to any power reception device without making a contract to provide excessive power.
In Steps 2 and 3, as operations for determining and utilizing the maximum power (WN+1), the following Operations (A), (B), and (C) are allowed.
In the present invention, a value, which is determined as the maximum power where the master controller can make a re-contract with any power reception device, is denoted as “Wrc”. “Wrc” is not a notation that means a constant value. When the master controller determines a plurality of Wrcs, two or more of the plurality of Wrcs may be the same, or each of the Wrcs may be different.
Operation (A): Operation (A) is an operation in a case where there is power supply capacity of the power supply apparatus, and is an operation with priority.
In Step 2 of Operation (A), first, when the master controller is notified of the connection of the power reception device DN+1, the master controller determines whether or not Relation (1): (Wmax−Wc(1toN))≥Wmin (Wc(1toN) is a sum of the contract powers Wc (Wc1 to WcN) of the N power reception devices (D1 to DN), and Wmin is a minimum supplied power value at the USB port compatible with the USB Type-C standard) is established. According to the USB Type-C standard, the Wmin is 7.5 W.
Relation (1) means that the power supply apparatus has capability to supply a minimum level of power, which is required by the standard, to the power reception device DN+1 without making re-contracts with the N power reception devices D1 to DN that are already connected. The master controller that recognizes the establishment of Relation (1) determines the WN+1 by referring to the Wc, the Wu, the [Wmax−Wc(1toN)], and the Wmin without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device DN+1, and transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller PDCN+1.
Subsequently, in Step 3 of Operation (A), the PD controller PDCN+1 that has received the WN+1 generates the power delivery object (PDO) list based on the WN+1 without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device DN+1. The PD controller PDCN+1 performs a negotiation with the power reception device DN+1 by using the PDO list and makes a contract with the power reception device DN+1.
Operation (B): Operation (B) is an operation in a case where it is determined that the master controller cannot execute Operation (A).
Operation (B) is an operation of specifying a power reception device where power consumption is sufficiently higher than the contract power and of making a re-contract with the power reception device at lower power to start power supply at a level higher than the level required by the standard to the power reception device DN+1.
In Operation (B), as Step 2, when the master controller detects one power reception device DH1 that satisfies Relation (2): (Wc−Wu)≥Wmin among the N power reception devices D1 to DN, the master controller that has received the connection signal determines the maximum power Wrc, which allows a re-contract with the power reception device DH1, and the WN+1 by referring to the Wmax, the Wc, the Wu, and the Wmin. According to the USB Type-C standard, the Wmin is 7.5 W. The master controller transmits the Wrc to a PD controller PDCH1 connected to the power reception device DH1. Further, the master controller transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller PDCN+1.
Subsequently, in Step 3 of Operation (B), the PD controller (PDCH1) generates a PDO list based on the received Wrc. The PD controller PDCH1 performs a negotiation with the power reception device DH1 by using the PDO list and makes a re-contract with the power reception device DH1 at a lower power value. As a result of such a re-contract, the power supply apparatus of the present invention becomes capable of supplying power equal to or higher than the minimum level required by the standard to the power reception device DN+1.
On the other hand, the PD controller PDCN+1 generates a PDO list based on the received WN+1. The PD controller PDCN+1 performs a negotiation with the power reception device DN+1 by using the PDO list. Here, the PD controller PDCN+1 does not request the power profile of the power reception device DN+1. When the PD controller PDCN+1 makes a contract with the power reception device DN+1, power supply to the power reception device DN+1 is started.
Operation (C): Operation (C) is an operation in a case where it is determined that the master controller cannot execute both Operation (A) and Operation (B).
Operation (C) is performed when Relation (1) is not established in Step 2 of Operation (A), and when the master controller does not detect a power reception device (DH1) that satisfies Relation (2) among the N power reception devices (D1 to DN) in Step 2 of Operation (B).
Operation (B) is an operation of specifying a plurality of power reception devices having sufficiently high contract power and of making re-contracts with these power reception devices at lower power to start power supply at a level higher than the level required by the standard to the power reception device DN+1.
In Step 2 of Operation (C), the master controller detects m (where m is an integer that satisfies 1≤m≤N) power reception devices DH2 that satisfy Relation (3): Wc≥(Wmin+Wmin) among the N power reception devices D1 to DN. The master controller determines maximum power Wrc, which allows a re-contract with the power reception device DH2, and the WN+1 by referring to the Wmax, the Wc, the Wu, and the Wmin. The master controller can determine the Wrcs with respect to the plurality of power reception devices DH2 among the N power reception devices D1 to DN.
The master controller transmits the Wrc to a PD controller PDCH2 connected to the power reception device DH2. Further, the master controller transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller PDCN+1.
In the subsequent Step 3 of Operation (C), the PD controller PDCH2 generates a PDO list based on the received Wrc. The PD controller PDCH2 performs a negotiation with the power reception device DH2 by using the PDO list and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (DH2) at a lower power value.
A difference between the contract power before the re-contract with each power reception device (DH2) and the re-contract power, that is, the contract power “taken” from each power reception device (DN+1) may be the same or different for each power reception device DH2. When the contract powers, which are different from each other, are “taken” from each of the power reception devices DH2, in general, a so-called weighting algorithm is executed to calculate a slope of the amount of power to be taken based on the Wc, Wu, and Wmin of each power reception device DH2. Such a weighting algorithm is appropriately designed according to the number of USB ports and the maximum supplied power of the power supply apparatus of the present invention. As a result of such a re-contract, the power supply apparatus of the present invention becomes capable of supplying power equal to or higher than the minimum level required by the standard to the power reception device DN+1.
On the other hand, the PD controller PDCN+1 generates a PDO list based on the received WN+1. Here, the PD controller PDCN+1 does not request the power profile from the power reception device DN+1. The PD controller PDCN+1 performs a negotiation with the power reception device DN+1 by using the PDO list and makes a contract with the power reception device DN+1.
[Re-Contract in Accordance with Determination of Maximum Power WN+1]
In the power supply apparatus and power supply method of the present invention, it is also possible to make re-contracts with one or more power reception devices DH0, which are neither the power reception device DH1 nor the power reception device DH2 among the N power reception devices D1 to DN already connected and has a contract at surplus power with respect to the actual power consumption, at lower power in any one of the above Operations (A), (B), and (C). With such a re-contract, higher power can be supplied to the new power reception device DN+1 even when the maximum suppliable power of the power supply apparatus of the present invention is relatively low.
In the case of Operation (A), the master controller determines whether Relation (1) is established and further searches for at least one power reception device DH0 for which Relation (4): Wc>Wu is established. When Relation (1) is established and the master controller detects the power reception device DH0, the power supply apparatus of the present invention makes a re-contract with the power reception device (DH0) at lower power and makes a new contract with the power reception device DN+1.
In Step 2 of Operation (A), the master controller determines the maximum power Wrc, which allows a re-contract with the power reception device DH0, and the WN+1. The master controller transmits the Wrc to a PD controller PDCH0 connected to the power reception device DH0. Further, the master controller transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller PDCN+1.
In the subsequent Step 3 of Operation (A), the PD controller PDCH0 generates a PDO list based on the received Wrc. The PD controller PDCH0 performs a negotiation with the power reception device DH0 by using the PDO list and makes a re-contract with the power reception device DH0 at a lower power value.
On the other hand, the PD controller PDCN+1 generates a PDO list based on the received WN+1 without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device DN+1. The PD controller PDCN+1 performs a negotiation with the power reception device DN+1 by using the PDO list and makes a contract with the power reception device DN+1.
In this Operation (A), an attempt is made to make a re-contract with the power reception device DH0 even when the contracted power has a relatively large redundancy. With such Operation (A), surplus contract power can be reduced compared to the actual power consumption, and higher power can be distributed to the new power reception device DN+1. As a result, high-speed charging of the power reception device DN+1 connected late is enabled.
In the case of Operation (B), the master controller searches for one power reception device DH1 that satisfies Relation (2) and further searches for at least one power reception device DH0 for which Relation (4): Wc>Wu is established. When the power reception device DH1 is detected and the power reception device DH0 is further detected, the power supply apparatus of the present invention makes re-contracts with the power reception devices DH0 and DH1 at lower power and further makes a contract with the power reception device DN+1.
In Step 2 of Operation (B), the master controller determines the maximum power Wrc which allows a re-contract with the power reception device DH0 and the maximum power Wrc which allows a re-contract with the power reception device DH1, and further determines the WN+1.
Thereafter, the master controller transmits the Wrc to the PD controller PDCH0, which is connected to the power reception device DH0, and transmits the Wrc to the PD controller PDCH1, which is connected to the power reception device DH1. Further, the master controller transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller PDCN+).
In the subsequent Step 3 of Operation (B), the PD controller PDCH0 generates a PDO list based on the received Wrc. The PD controller PDCH0 performs a negotiation with the power reception device DH0 by using the PDO list and makes a re-contract with the power reception device DH0 at a lower power value.
On the other hand, the PD controller PDCH1 generates a PDO list based on the received Wrc. The PD controller PDCH1 performs a negotiation with the power reception device DH1 by using the PDO list and makes a re-contract with the power reception device DH1 at a lower power value.
Further, on the other hand, the PD controller PDCN+1 generates a PDO list based on the received WN+1 without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device DN+1. The PD controller PDCN+1 performs a negotiation with the power reception device DN+1 by using the PDO list and makes a contract with the power reception device DN+1.
In this Operation (B), even when it is possible to supply power to the new power reception device DN+1 by making a re-contract with one already connected power reception device DH1, an attempt is made to make a re-contract with another power reception device DH0. With such Operation (B), surplus contract power can be reduced compared to the actual power consumption, and higher power can be distributed to the new power reception device DN+1. As a result, high-speed charging of the power reception device DN+1 connected late is enabled.
In the case of Operation (C), the master controller searches for one power reception device DH2 that satisfies Relation (3) and further searches for at least one power reception device DH0 for which Relation (4): Wc>Wu is established. When the power reception device DH2 is detected and the power reception device DH0 is further detected, the power supply apparatus of the present invention makes re-contracts with the power reception devices DH0 and DH2 at lower power and further makes a contract with the power reception device DN+1.
In Step 2 of Operation (C), the master controller determines the maximum power Wrc which allows a re-contract with the power reception device DH0, the maximum power Wrc which allows a re-contract with the power reception device DH2, and the WN+1.
The master controller transmits the Wrc to a PD controller PDCH0 connected to the power reception device DH0. Further, the master controller transmits the Wrc to a PD controller PDCH2 connected to the power reception device DH2. Further, the master controller transmits the WN+1 to the PD controller PDCN+1.
In the subsequent Step 3 of Operation (C), the PD controller (PDCH0) generates a PDO list based on the received Wrc. The PD controller PDCH0 performs a negotiation with the power reception device DH0 by using the PDO list and makes a re-contract with the power reception device DH0 at a lower power value.
On the other hand, the PD controller PDCH2 generates a PDO list based on the received Wrc. The PD controller PDCH2 performs a negotiation with the power reception device DH2 by using the PDO list and makes a re-contract with the power reception device DH2 at a lower power value.
Further, on the other hand, the PD controller PDCN+1 generates a PDO list based on the received WN+1 without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device DN+1. The PD controller PDCN+1 performs a negotiation with the power reception device DN+1 by using the PDO list and makes a contract with the power reception device DN+1.
In this Operation (C), even when it is possible to supply power to the new power reception device DN+1 by making a re-contract with the power reception device DH2 at a lower power value, an attempt is made to make a re-contract with the power reception device DH0. With such Operation (C), surplus contract power can be reduced compared to the actual power consumption, and higher power can be distributed to the new power reception device DN+1. As a result, high-speed charging of the power reception device DN+1 connected late is enabled.
For example, in a case where Operation (A) is performed on the power supply apparatus (102) shown in
In a case where Operation (B) is performed on the power supply apparatus (102) shown in
In a case where Operation (C) is performed on the power supply apparatus (102) shown in
[Re-Contract after (N+1) Connections are Made]
In the present invention, after the power supply to the power reception device DN+1 is started, it is possible to repeatedly make a re-contract with the connected power reception device in order to eliminate the surplus contract power in a state in which the power reception device is not inserted or removed.
In the present invention, after the power supply to the power reception device DN+1 is started, the PD controllers PDC1 to PDCN+1, which are respectively connected to the power reception devices D1 to DN+1, notify the master controller of the Wc and Wu for each of the power reception devices D1 to DN+1 in a state in which (N+1) power reception devices D1 to DN+1 are connected to (N+1) USB ports P1 to PN+1 and perform the following Steps 4, 5, and 6.
Step 4: The master controller determines whether or not Relation (5): Wc>Wu is established for each of the power reception devices D1 to DN+1.
When none of the power reception devices D1 to DN+1 that satisfies Relation (5) is detected, the master controller does not proceed to next Step 5 and waits for the next notification from the PD controllers PDC1 to PDCN+1. When one or more power reception devices Dh that satisfy Relation (5) are detected, the master controller proceeds to next Step 5.
Step 5: The master controller determines the maximum power Wrc which allows a re-contract with the power reception device Dh by referring to the Wmax, the Wc, the Wu, and the Wmin and transmits the maximum power Wrc to a PD controller PDCh connected to the power reception device Dh.
Step 6: The PD controller (PDCh) generates a PDO list based on the received Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device Dh by using the PDO list, and makes a re-contract with the power reception device Dh at a lower power value.
In the re-contract after Steps 4, 5, and 6, it is also possible to make re-contracts with one or more power reception devices DL, among the power reception devices D1 to DN+1, other than the power reception device Dh at higher power.
In this case, in Step 5, the master controller determines the maximum power Wrc which allows a re-contract with the power reception device Dh by referring to the Wmax, the Wc, the Wu, and the Wmin, and further determines the maximum power Wrc which allows a re-contract with at least one power reception device DL other than the power reception device Dh. Thereafter, the master controller transmits the Wrc to the PD controller PDCh connected to the power reception device Dh. Further, the master controller transmits the Wrc to the PD controller PDCL connected to the power reception device DL.
Subsequently, in Step 6, the PD controller PDCh generates a PDO list based on the received Wrc. The PD controller PDCh performs a negotiation with the power reception device Dh by using the PDO list and makes a re-contract with the power reception device Dh at a lower power value.
On the other hand, the PD controller PDCL generates a PDO list based on the received Wrc. The PD controller PDCL performs a negotiation with the power reception device DL by using the PDO list and makes a re-contract with the power reception device DL at a higher power value.
The power reception device DL is typically a power reception device where a contract is made later. For example, when the power reception device DN+1 is made a contract with the power supply apparatus of the present invention at the minimum power required by the standard through the above Steps 1, 2, and 3, Steps 4, 5, and 6 are executed after a fixed time interval from the start of the power supply to the power reception device DN+1. As a result, the contract power of the power reception device Dh, which is detected among the power reception devices D1 to DN, can be “taken” and “added” to the contract power of the power reception device DN+1.
Further, for example, when the power reception device DN and then the power reception device DN+1 are made contracts with the power supply apparatus of the present invention at relatively low power through the above Steps 1, 2, and 3, and when the charging of the power reception device DN+1 progresses rapidly, a small portion of the power allocated to the power reception device DN+1 may be consumed. In this case, the power reception device DN+1 is handled as the above power reception device Dh, and the contract power of the power reception device DN+1 can be “taken” and “added” to the contract power of the power reception device DN.
In the present invention, generally, Steps 4, 5, and 6 are repeated in this order unless the power reception device is inserted or removed. In this case, Step 4 is preferably performed at fixed time intervals, and more preferably Step 4 is performed at intervals of 3 to 10 minutes.
The power supply apparatus and the power supply method of the present invention can comply with the USB Type-C standard by executing Steps 1, 2, and 3 and further executing Steps 4, 5, and 6 described above.
Devices compatible with the USB Type-C standard are still in the process of spreading, and the qualities or performances of these devices supplied to the market are not necessarily constant. In the present invention, by using the technique of not acquiring the power profile of the power reception device DN+1 before a negotiation of the power reception device DN+1 is started, power supply can be implemented relatively reliably even for such a device.
In view of the various operation patterns described above, it is understood that in the present invention, the plurality of PD controllers and the master controller clearly share roles. In the present invention, respective PD controllers are independent each other, and the master controller and the PD controller are in a kind of master/slave relationship. The PD controller notifies the master controller of various information on the power reception devices that the PD controller can connect to, for example, the presence or absence of connection, contract details, power consumption, the presence or absence of errors, or the like, and does not have a function of controlling power distribution to the plurality of power reception devices. Although the master controller has the function of controlling power distribution to the plurality of power reception devices, the master controller does not perform an operation of performing a negotiation and making a contract with each power reception device. That is, the PD controller independently watches each power reception device and reports the result to the master controller, and the master controller generates the most efficient power distribution based on the reports. The contract/re-contract between each PD controller and each power reception device is based on the most efficient power distribution.
Example 1 is an example of adopting Operation (A) in the power supply apparatus (102) shown in
When the power reception device: D3+1 (94) is inserted into the connector (240) of the USB port (24), the PD controller: PDC3+1 (34) transmits a connection signal of the power reception device: D3+1 (94) to the master controller (402) without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device: D3+1 (94).
The master controller (402) stores Wmax: 100 W, Wc: 15 W of the power reception device: D1 (91), Wc: 27 W of the power reception device: D2 (92), Wc: 45 W of the power reception device: D3 (93). The master controller (402) generates 87 W as the Wc(1to3) and determines that Relation (1): (Wmax−Wc(1toN))≥Wmin ((100−87)>7.5) is established. The master controller (402) determines that the USB port (24) is capable of supplying power of 5 V/1.5 A or more required by the USB Type-C standard and transmits the determination result to the PD controller (34). The PD controller (34) immediately transmits a control signal to a converter (84) and outputs 5 V with respect to the USB port (24).
Next, the master controller (402) detects that Relation (4): Wc>Wu is established for the power reception device (93). The master controller (402) handles the power reception device (93) as the power reception device DH0 and determines the maximum power Wrc which allows a re-contract with the power reception device (93). The Wrc determined here is lower than 45 W, which is the Wrc of the power reception device (93). The master controller (402) transmits the Wrc to the PD controller (33).
Furthermore, the master controller (402) determines the maximum power W3+1 where a contract can be made with the power reception device: D3+1 (94) by referring to the Wc, the Wu, the [Wmax−Wc(1toN)], and Wmin. The master controller (402) transmits the W3+1 to the PD controller (34).
The PD controller (33) generates a PDO list by using the received Wrc, performs a negotiation with the power reception device (93), and makes a re-contract with the power reception device (93) at a power lower than 45 W. On the other hand, the PD controller (34) generates a PDO list by using the received W3+1 without acquiring the power profile of the power reception device (94), performs a negotiation with the power reception device (94), and makes a contract with the power reception device (94). In this way, power supply to the power reception device (94) is started.
N power reception devices are connected to the power reception device of the present invention. During a period when there is no new insertion or removal of the power reception device, the master controller periodically receives the contract power Wc and the used power Wu of each power reception device from each PD controller to which the power reception device is connected, and updates the contract power Wc and the used power Wu of each power reception device.
In this state, when the power reception device DN+1 is inserted into the PD controller PDCN+1, in Step 1, the PD controller PDCN+1 notifies the master controller of a connection signal of the power reception device DN+1, and the master controller detects the connection of the power reception device DN+1.
In Step 2, when the master controller detects that Relation (1): (Wmax−Wc(1toN))≥(Wmin: 7.5 W) is established by referring to the stored contract power Wc, the used power Wu, or the like of each power reception device, Operation (A) is executed. That is, the PD controller PDCN+1 can generate the lowest power (5 V) to the USB port PN+1 in accordance with the notification from the master controller.
On the other hand, when the master controller detects the power reception device D1 as the power reception device DH0 for which a contract is made at the surplus power and Relation (4): Wc>Wu is established by referring to the stored contract power Wc, used power Wu, Wmax, or the like of each power reception device, the master controller determines Wrc which allows a re-contract with the power reception device D1 and the maximum power WN+1 that can be supplied to the power reception device DN+1. The master controller notifies the PD controller PDC1 of the power value Wrc and notifies the PD controller PDCN+1 of the power value WN+1.
In the subsequent Step 3, the CPD controller PDC1, as the PD controller PDCH0, generates a PDO list by using the received power value Wrc, and performs a negotiation and makes a re-contract with the power reception device D1 as the power reception device DH0. As a result, the contract power of the power reception device D1 is reduced.
On the other hand, the PD controller PDCN+1 generates a PDO list by using the received power value WN+1, and performs a negotiation and makes a contract with the power reception device DN+1. As a result, power supply to the power reception device DN+1 is started.
In Step 2, when the master controller detects the power reception device D1 as the power reception device DH1 that satisfies Relation (2): (Wc−Wu)≥(Wmin: 7.5 W) without detecting the establishment of Relation (1): (Wmax−Wc(1toN))≥(W min: 7.5 W) by referring to the stored contract power Wc, used power Wu, or the like of each power reception device, Operation (B) is executed.
When the master controller further detects the power reception device D3 as the power reception device DH0 for which a contract is made at surplus power and Relation (4): Wc>Wu is established, the master controller determines Wrc which allows a re-contract with the power reception device D1 and Wrc which allows a re-contract with the power reception device D3. Further, the master controller determines the maximum power WN+1 that can be supplied to the power reception device DN+1. The master controller transmits the power value Wrc to the PD controller PDC1 as the PD controller PDCH1 and the PD controller PDC3 as the PD controller PDCH0 and transmits the power value WN+1 to the PD controller PDCN+1.
In the subsequent Step 3, the PD controller PDC1, as the PD controller PDCH1, generates a PDO list by using the received power value Wrc, and performs a negotiation and makes a re-contract with the power reception device D1 as the power reception device DH1. As a result, the contract power of the power reception device D1 is reduced by at least 7.5 W.
On the other hand, the PD controller PDC3 generates a PDO list by using the received power value Wrc, and performs a negotiation and makes a re-contract with the power reception device D3 as the power reception device DH0. As a result, the contract power of the power reception device D3 is reduced.
Thereafter, the PD controller PDCN+1 generates a PDO list by using the received power value WN+1, and performs a negotiation and makes a contract with the power reception device DN+1. A contract is made with the power reception device DN+1 at a power of 7.5 W or more as required by the standard. As a result, power supply to the power reception device DN+1 is started.
In Step 2, when the master controller does not detect the establishment of Relation (1) and does not detect the power reception device DH1 that satisfies Relation (2) by referring to the stored contract power Wc, used power Wu, or the like of each power reception device, Operation (C) proceeds. In this example, the master controller detects the power reception device D1 and the power reception device D3 as the power reception devices DH2 that satisfy Relation (3): Wc≥(Wmin+Wmin) (where Wmin is 7.5 W) and further detects the power reception device DN as the power reception device DH0 for which a contract is made at surplus power and Relation (4): Wc>Wu is established.
The master controller determines Wrc where re-contracts can be made with each of the power reception devices DH2 (the power reception devices D1 and D3) and the power reception device DH0 (DN). Further, the master controller determines the maximum power WN+1 that can be supplied to the power reception device DN+1. The master controller transmits the power values Wrc to the PD controllers PDC1 and PDC3 and transmits the power value WN+1 to the PD controller PDCN+1.
In the subsequent Step 3, the PD controller PDC1, as the PD controller PDCH2, generates a PDO list by using the received power value Wrc, and performs a negotiation and makes a re-contract with the power reception device D1 as the power reception device DH2.
On the other hand, the PD controller PDC3, as the PD controller PDCH2, generates a PDO list by using the received power value Wrc, and performs a negotiation and makes a re-contract with the power reception device D3 as the power reception device DH2. As a result, the sum of the re-contract powers of the power reception devices D1 and D3 is at least 7.5 W lower than the previous contract value.
On the other hand, the PD controller PDCN generates a PDO list by using the received power value Wrc, and performs a negotiation and makes a re-contract with the power reception device DN as the power reception device DH0. As a result, the contract power of the power reception device DN is reduced. As a result, it becomes possible to make a contract for the USB port PN+1 at a level higher than that required by the standard.
Thereafter, the PD controller PDCN+1 generates a PDO list by using the received power value WN+1, and performs a negotiation and makes a contract with the power reception device DN+1. As a result, power supply to the power reception device DN+1 is started.
In Step 4, the master controller discovers the power reception device Dh, for which a contract is made at surplus power and Relation (5): Wc>Wu is established, by referring to notification information from the PD controller. In this example, the power reception device Dh is the first connected power reception device D1.
In the subsequent Step 5, the master controller determines the maximum power Wrc which allows a re-contract with the power reception device D1 by referring to each power value acquired from the PD controller and transmits the maximum power Wrc to the PD controller PDC1 connected to the power reception device D1. At this time, a contract is made with the last connected power reception device DN+1 at the minimum level required by the standard. Therefore, the master controller determines the maximum power Wrc which allows a re-contract with the power reception device DN+1 and transmits the maximum power Wrc to the PD controller PDCN+1 connected to the power reception device DN+1.
In the subsequent Step 6, the PD controller PDC1 generates a PDO list by using the received power value Wrc, and performs a negotiation and makes a re-contract with the power reception device D1 as the power reception device Dh. As a result, the contract power of the power reception device D1 is reduced. On the other hand, the PD controller PDCN+1 generates a PDO list by using the received power value Wrc, and performs a negotiation and makes a re-contract with the power reception device DN+1 as the power reception device DL. As a result, the contract power of the power reception device DN+1 is increased.
In this way, the surplus contract power allocated to the power reception device D1 is transferred to the last connected power reception device DN+1. After a fixed time interval, for example, 5 minutes after the start of Step 4, Step 4 is executed again, and a re-contract flow consisting of Steps 4, 5, and 6 is repeated. When the master controller does not detect the power reception device Dh for which a contract is made at surplus power in Step 4, the master controller does not perform Step 5 and waits until the next Step 4.
The master controller discovers the power reception device Dh for which a contract is made at surplus power and Relation (5): Wc>Wu is established by referring to notification information from the PD controller. In this example, the power reception device Dh is the last connected power reception device DN+1.
In the subsequent Step 5, the master controller determines the maximum power Wrc which allows a re-contract with the power reception device DN+1 by referring to each power value acquired from the PD controller and transmits the maximum power Wrc to the PD controller PDCN+1 connected to the power reception device DN+1. At this time, a contract is made with the power reception device DN connected before the power reception device DN+1 at the minimum level required by the standard. Therefore, the master controller determines the maximum power Wrc which allows a re-contract with the power reception device DN and transmits the maximum power Wrc to the PD controller PDCN connected to the power reception device DN.
In the subsequent Step 6, the PD controller PDCN+1 generates a PDO list by using the received power value Wrc, and performs a negotiation and makes a re-contract with the power reception device DN+1 as the power reception device Dh. As a result, the contract power of the power reception device DN+1 is reduced. On the other hand, the PD controller PDCN generates a PDO list by using the received power value Wrc, and performs a negotiation and makes a re-contract with the power reception device DN as the power reception device DL. As a result, the contract power of the power reception device DN is increased.
In this way, the surplus contract power allocated to the power reception device DN+1 is transferred to the power reception device DN, and then power supply to the power reception device continues. After a fixed time interval, for example, 5 minutes after the start of Step 4, Step 4 is executed again, and a re-contract flow consisting of Steps 4, 5, and 6 is repeated. When the master controller does not detect the power reception device Dh for which a contract is made at surplus power in Step 4, the master controller does not perform Step 5 and waits until the next Step 4.
By using a power supply apparatus and a power supply method of the present invention, it is possible to easily supply power to power reception devices having variations in quality and performance, and many devices can be charged in a short time even when an output of the power supply apparatus is limited. According to the present invention, it is possible to implement a power supply system that is smaller, lower in cost, highly versatile, and has improved power supply efficiency.
The present invention as described above can be applied to various electrical and electronic devices utilizing the USB-PD standard, particularly the USB Type-C standard. For example, it is expected that the power supply apparatus and the power supply method of the present invention can be applied to a charger used for a PC, a tablet, a smartphone, a smartwatch, or the like or a power system installed in a large machine such as transportation equipment, a vehicle, and an aircraft.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2021/016691 | 4/26/2021 | WO |
