Power system
First Claim
1. A power system capable of transferring power to a portable device separable from the power system, the power system comprising:
- a power supply for electrical connection to a mains voltage and adapted to convert the mains voltage into a DC voltage; and
a wireless power unit electrically coupled to the power supply DC voltage, the wireless power unit being operable in a low-power detection mode to detect an object in proximity to the wireless power unit, the wireless power unit being further operable in a power supply mode to provide wireless power to an object in proximity to the wireless power unit,wherein the power supply is adapted to interrupt the conversion of the mains voltage into the DC voltage during operation of the wireless power unit in the low-power detection mode, the power supply being further adapted to resume the conversion of the mains voltage into the DC voltage during operation of the wireless power unit in the power supply mode.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing power consumption. One method includes detecting the presence of an object, identifying whether the object is a valid device and restricting power if it is not a valid device. Another method includes temporarily applying a low amount of power to the primary unit to detect a load, supplying more power to determine if it is a valid secondary device, and restricting power if it is not. An apparatus for reducing power consumption includes two power inputs, where the lower power input powers a sense circuit. A switch selectively decouples the higher power input from the primary subcircuit during detection mode and couples the higher power input to the primary subcircuit during power supply mode.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A power system capable of transferring power to a portable device separable from the power system, the power system comprising:
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a power supply for electrical connection to a mains voltage and adapted to convert the mains voltage into a DC voltage; and a wireless power unit electrically coupled to the power supply DC voltage, the wireless power unit being operable in a low-power detection mode to detect an object in proximity to the wireless power unit, the wireless power unit being further operable in a power supply mode to provide wireless power to an object in proximity to the wireless power unit, wherein the power supply is adapted to interrupt the conversion of the mains voltage into the DC voltage during operation of the wireless power unit in the low-power detection mode, the power supply being further adapted to resume the conversion of the mains voltage into the DC voltage during operation of the wireless power unit in the power supply mode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A power supply system comprising:
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a wireless power unit including; a DC input, a switching circuit for converting DC power into AC power; a sense circuit to detect an object in proximity to the wireless power unit; and a primary coil to provide wireless power to the object in response to detection of the object in proximity to the wireless power unit; and a power supply including a rectifier to convert mains power into DC power for the DC input, the power supply including a switch to selectively allow the supply of mains power to the rectifier in response to a control input from the wireless power unit, wherein the wireless power unit is programmed to operate the primary coil in a detection mode and a power supply mode, wherein the wireless power unit consumes less power during the detection mode than during the power supply mode. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A power supply system comprising:
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a wireless power unit including; a DC input, a switching circuit for converting DC power into AC power, a sense circuit to detect an object in proximity to the wireless power unit, and a primary coil to provide wireless power to the object in response to detection of the object in proximity to the wireless power unit; and a power supply including a rectifier to convert mains power into DC power for the DC input, the power supply including a switch to selectively allow the supply of mains power to the rectifier in response to a control input from the wireless power unit, wherein the wireless power unit is further programmed to operate the primary coil in an identification mode.
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Specification