Multi-stage power adapter configured to provide low power upon initial connection of the power adapter to the host device and high power thereafter upon notification from the host device to the power adapter
First Claim
1. A method implemented by a power adapter comprising:
- connecting a host computing device to a source of external power to supply power to the host computing device from the source of external power via a power manager module of the power adapter that operates to switch circuitry of the power adapter to toggle between different power modes associated with different power levels, the power adapter external to the host computing device;
supplying low power by the power adapter from the source of external power in a low power mode upon initial connection of the power adapter to the host computing device to power a microcontroller for performance of power management tasks without supplying power to a primary processing system of the host computing device;
detecting a notification from the host computing device configured to indicate to the power adapter that the host computing device is ready for high power from the source of external power, the notification communicated by a power controller of the host computing device for recognition and handling by the power manager module of the power adapter to initiate a switch to a high power mode; and
supplying by the power adapter high power in a high power mode to the host computing device in response to detection of the notification.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Multi-stage power adapter techniques are described in which a power adapter for a device is configured to selectively switch between a relatively low power supply and a relatively high power supply. The low power supply may be employed upon initial connection of the adapter to a host device to ensure that the adapter is safe when disconnected and does not supply full power before the device is ready to receive the high power supply. The low power supply may supply enough power for the host device to detect the connection of the adapter and establish initial communication with the adapter. A switch to the high power supply by the adapter may then occur in response to a notification from the host device that indicates the host device is ready for the high power supply. The switch to high power supply enables normal operation of the host device.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method implemented by a power adapter comprising:
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connecting a host computing device to a source of external power to supply power to the host computing device from the source of external power via a power manager module of the power adapter that operates to switch circuitry of the power adapter to toggle between different power modes associated with different power levels, the power adapter external to the host computing device; supplying low power by the power adapter from the source of external power in a low power mode upon initial connection of the power adapter to the host computing device to power a microcontroller for performance of power management tasks without supplying power to a primary processing system of the host computing device; detecting a notification from the host computing device configured to indicate to the power adapter that the host computing device is ready for high power from the source of external power, the notification communicated by a power controller of the host computing device for recognition and handling by the power manager module of the power adapter to initiate a switch to a high power mode; and supplying by the power adapter high power in a high power mode to the host computing device in response to detection of the notification. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method implemented by a host computing device comprising:
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obtaining a low power supply in a low power supply mode from a power adapter external to the host computing device and configured to connect the host computing device to an external power source, the low power supply sufficient to operate a power controller of the host computing device to perform power management tasks without supplying power to a primary processing system of the host computing device; detecting connection of the power adapter to an adapter interface of the host computing device; determining whether the host computing device is ready for high power from the power adapter based at least in part upon identifying data obtained from the power adapter indicative of an adapter type of the power adapter; responsive to determining that the host computing device is ready for high power from the power adapter; generating a notification for communication to the power adapter for recognition and handling by a power manager module of the power adapter to cause the power adapter to switch to a high power supply mode; and obtaining a high power supply from the power adapter in the high power supply mode in response to communication of the notification. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A power adapter for a host computing device comprising:
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a connector configured to connect the power adapter to the host computing device, the power adapter being external to the host computing device and connectable to an external power source to supply power to the host computing device; power supply circuitry of the power adapter configured to provide a low power supply in a low power mode and a high power supply in a high power mode to the host computing device, the lower power supply being sufficient to operate a power controller of the host computing device to perform power management tasks without booting the host computing device; and a power manager module operable to selectively switch between supplying power to the host computing device in the low power mode upon initial connection of the power adapter to the host computing device to power the power controller of the host computing device and the high power mode responsive to detecting feedback from the host computing device configured to indicate to the power adapter that the host computing device is ready for high power, the feedback communicated by the power controller of the host computing device for recognition and handling by the power manager module. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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20. A host computing device comprising:
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an adapter interface connectable to a power adapter external to the host computing device configured to connect the host computing device to an external power source; a power controller configured to; obtain a low power supply in a low power supply mode, the low power supply sufficient to operate the power controller of the host computing device to perform power management tasks without supplying power to a primary processing system of the host computing device; detect connection of the power adapter to the adapter interface; determine whether the host computing device is ready for high power from the power adapter based at least in part upon identifying data obtained from the power adapter indicative of capabilities of the power adapter; and responsive to determining that the host computing device is ready for high power from the power adapter; generating a notification for communication to the power adapter for recognition and handling by a power manager module of the power adapter to cause the power adapter to switch to a high power supply mode; and obtaining a high power supply from the power adapter in the high power supply mode in response to communication of the notification.
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Specification