Single wire interface providing analog and digital communication between an AC power adapter and an electronic device
First Claim
1. An AC power adapter for providing a DC output voltage for powering an electronic device, said AC power adapter comprising:
- a communication engine for serially communicating digital information over a single wire interface for receipt by a host in an electronic device and receiving digital information over said single wire interface from said host;
interface circuitry for conveying an analog control signal over said single wire interface to control said DC output voltage; and
control circuitry operative to select between a first operating mode in which said communication engine utilizes said single wire interface and a second operating mode in which said interface circuitry utilizes said single wire interface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A single wire interface between an AC power adapter and end equipment, such as a notebook computer, conveys digital information from the adapter to the end equipment when the adapter is operative in a first operating mode and carries an analog signal employed in a closed loop to control the DC output voltage of the AC power adapter when the AC adapter is operative in a second operating mode. When the AC adapter is operative in the first operating mode, the AC adapter output voltage is clamped to a first predetermined voltage and when the AC adapter is operative in the second operating mode the output voltage is clamped to a second predetermined voltage, wherein the first predetermined voltage is less than the second predetermined voltage. Mechanisms for switching between the first and second operating modes are also provided.
34 Citations
21 Claims
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1. An AC power adapter for providing a DC output voltage for powering an electronic device, said AC power adapter comprising:
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a communication engine for serially communicating digital information over a single wire interface for receipt by a host in an electronic device and receiving digital information over said single wire interface from said host;
interface circuitry for conveying an analog control signal over said single wire interface to control said DC output voltage; and
control circuitry operative to select between a first operating mode in which said communication engine utilizes said single wire interface and a second operating mode in which said interface circuitry utilizes said single wire interface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. In a system including an AC power adapter producing a DC output voltage for powering an electronic device, a method for controlling said AC power adapter comprising:
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selecting within said AC power adapter between a first operating mode and a second operating mode;
in said first operating mode, transmitting digital information to said electronic device and receiving digital information from said electronic device over a single interface wire coupling said AC power adapter and said electronic device; and
in said second operating mode transmitting an analog control signal over said single interface wire and controlling said DC output voltage of said AC power adapter based at least in part on said analog control signal. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification