Time-domain multiplexing of power and data
First Claim
1. A method of operating an electronic device, the method comprising:
- with a detection circuit in the electronic device, detecting a connection of a power adapter at a receptacle of the electronic device;
with a power circuit in the electronic device, drawing a first level of power from the power adapter over a first conductor;
with the power circuit in the electronic device, reducing the level of power drawn from the power adapter to a second level over the first conductor;
with a controller in the electronic device, sending a first signal to the power adapter over the first conductor;
after sending a first signal to the power adapter over the first conductor, with a controller in the electronic device, receiving a second signal from the power adapter over the first conductor; and
with the power circuit in the electronic device, in response to receiving the second signal from the power adapter over the first conductor, resuming drawing the first level of power from the power adapter over the first conductor.
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Abstract
Circuits, methods, and apparatus that may allow an electronic device to control a power adapter. One example may provide an electronic system where an electronic device may control a power adapter through a communication channel. Data transferred in the communication channel may include the temperature of the power adapter, the charging capability of the adapter, and other types of data. In one example, power and data may share the same two wires, and the power and data may be time-division multiplexed. That is, the two wires may convey power and data at different times. Another example may include circuitry to detect a connection between the electronic device and the power adapter. Once a connection is detected, power may be transferred from the power adapter to the electronic device. This power transfer may be interrupted on occasion to transfer data between the power adapter to the electronic device.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of operating an electronic device, the method comprising:
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with a detection circuit in the electronic device, detecting a connection of a power adapter at a receptacle of the electronic device; with a power circuit in the electronic device, drawing a first level of power from the power adapter over a first conductor; with the power circuit in the electronic device, reducing the level of power drawn from the power adapter to a second level over the first conductor; with a controller in the electronic device, sending a first signal to the power adapter over the first conductor; after sending a first signal to the power adapter over the first conductor, with a controller in the electronic device, receiving a second signal from the power adapter over the first conductor; and with the power circuit in the electronic device, in response to receiving the second signal from the power adapter over the first conductor, resuming drawing the first level of power from the power adapter over the first conductor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification