TWI845994B

TWI845994B - Power management device and consumer product

Info

Publication number: TWI845994B
Application number: TW111127824A
Authority: TW
Inventors: 王澤祥; 張惠能; 洪乃全; 顏聖賢
Original assignee: 威鋒電子股份有限公司
Filing date: 2022-07-25
Publication date: 2024-06-21

Abstract

A power management device and a consumer product are provided. The power management device for the consumer product. The power management device includes a memory and a controller. The memory is configured to store a power information of a load of the consumer electronic product. An input end of the first voltage regulator is coupled to a power pin of an upstream USB connector, and an output end of the first voltage regulator is coupled to a power end of the load. When USB device is connected to a downstream USB connector of the consumer electronic product, the controller obtains a power demand from the USB device, the controller determines whether to change a power mode of the upstream USB connector according to the power information and the power demand, and the controller controls the second voltage regulator to supply power to the USB device according to the power mode.

Description

電力管理裝置以及消費性電子產品Power management devices and consumer electronics

本發明是有關於一種電源供應技術，且特別是有關於一種電力管理裝置以及消費性電子產品。 The present invention relates to a power supply technology, and in particular to a power management device and a consumer electronic product.

一般而言，消費性電子產品通常會透過直流電源插座(DC jack)來與外部的電源裝置進行連接，以使電源裝置能夠供電給消費性電子產品的負載。 Generally speaking, consumer electronic products are usually connected to an external power device through a DC jack so that the power device can supply power to the load of the consumer electronic product.

然而，隨著環保意識日漸抬頭，且傳統的直流電源插座的內部元件數量較多，並佔據較大的電路面積，進而無法達到環保需求。因此，如何有效地改善消費性電子產品與電源裝置之間的電源傳遞方式，將是本領域相關技術人員的課題。 However, with the increasing awareness of environmental protection, the traditional DC power socket has more internal components and occupies a larger circuit area, which cannot meet environmental protection requirements. Therefore, how to effectively improve the power transmission method between consumer electronic products and power devices will be a topic for relevant technical personnel in this field.

須注意的是，「先前技術」段落的內容是用來幫助了解本發明。在「先前技術」段落所揭露的部份內容(或全部內容)可能不是所屬技術領域中具有通常知識者所知道的習知技術。在「先前技術」段落所揭露的內容，不代表該內容在本發明申請前已被所屬技術領域中具有通常知識者所知悉。 It should be noted that the contents of the "Prior Art" paragraph are used to help understand the present invention. Some (or all) of the contents disclosed in the "Prior Art" paragraph may not be the common knowledge known to those with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field. The contents disclosed in the "Prior Art" paragraph do not mean that the contents have been known to those with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field before the present invention is applied.

本發明提供一種電力管理裝置以及消費性電子產品，其可以依據消費性電子產品的負載的功率資訊以及擴充連接的USB裝置的功率需求，以動態地調整供應至所述負載以及所述USB裝置的電壓的大小。 The present invention provides a power management device and a consumer electronic product, which can dynamically adjust the voltage supplied to the load and the USB device according to the power information of the load of the consumer electronic product and the power demand of the USB device connected to the expansion.

在本發明的一實施例中，上述的電力管理裝置適於被配置在消費性電子產品。電力管理裝置包括記憶體以及控制器。記憶體用以儲存消費性電子產品的負載的第一功率資訊。控制器耦接至記憶體以及消費性電子產品的第一電壓調整器，其中第一電壓調整器的輸入端耦接至消費性電子產品的上行USB連接器的電源接腳，第一電壓調整器的輸出端耦接至負載的電源端。當至少一USB裝置電性連接至消費性電子產品的至少一下行USB連接器時，控制器向至少一USB裝置取得至少一功率需求，控制器依據第一功率資訊以及至少一功率需求決定是否變更上行USB連接器的電源模式，以及控制器依據電源模式控制消費性電子產品的至少一第二電壓調整器以供電給至少一USB裝置。 In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned power management device is suitable for being configured in a consumer electronic product. The power management device includes a memory and a controller. The memory is used to store the first power information of the load of the consumer electronic product. The controller is coupled to the memory and the first voltage regulator of the consumer electronic product, wherein the input end of the first voltage regulator is coupled to the power pin of the upstream USB connector of the consumer electronic product, and the output end of the first voltage regulator is coupled to the power end of the load. When at least one USB device is electrically connected to at least one downstream USB connector of a consumer electronic product, the controller obtains at least one power requirement from the at least one USB device, determines whether to change the power mode of the upstream USB connector according to the first power information and the at least one power requirement, and controls at least one second voltage regulator of the consumer electronic product according to the power mode to supply power to the at least one USB device.

在本發明的一實施例中，上述的消費性電子產品包括記憶體、第一電壓調整器、控制器以及至少一第二電壓調整器。記憶體用以儲存負載的第一功率資訊。第一電壓調整器的輸入端耦接至上行USB連接器的電源接腳，第一電壓調整器的輸出端耦接至負載的電源端。控制器耦接至記憶體以及第一電壓調整器。至少一第二電壓調整器耦接至控制器以及下行USB連接器。當至少一USB裝置電性連接至至少一下行USB連接器時，控制器向至少一USB裝置取得至少一功率需求，控制器依據第一功率資訊以及至少一功率需求決定是否變更上行USB連接器的電源模式，以及控制器依據電源模式控制至少一第二電壓調整器以供電給至少一USB裝置。 In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned consumer electronic product includes a memory, a first voltage regulator, a controller and at least one second voltage regulator. The memory is used to store first power information of a load. The input end of the first voltage regulator is coupled to a power pin of an upstream USB connector, and the output end of the first voltage regulator is coupled to a power terminal of the load. The controller is coupled to the memory and the first voltage regulator. At least one second voltage regulator is coupled to the controller and the downstream USB connector. When at least one USB device is electrically connected to at least one downstream USB connector, the controller obtains at least one power requirement from the at least one USB device, the controller determines whether to change the power mode of the upstream USB connector according to the first power information and the at least one power requirement, and the controller controls at least one second voltage regulator according to the power mode to supply power to the at least one USB device.

基於上述，本發明諸實施例所述的電力管理裝置以及消費性電子產品可以在至少一USB裝置電性連接至消費性電子產品的至少一下行USB連接器時，控制器向至少一USB裝置取得至少一功率需求，並且依據消費性電子產品的負載的功率資訊以及至少一功率需求來變更上行USB連接器的電源模式。如此一來，控制器可以依據電源模式來控制消費性電子產品的電壓調整器以供電給負載以及至少一USB裝置，藉以提升電源裝置、消費性電子產品的負載以及至少一USB裝置之間的相容性，並取代傳統的直流電源插座(DC jack)。 Based on the above, the power management device and consumer electronic product described in various embodiments of the present invention can obtain at least one power requirement from at least one USB device when at least one USB device is electrically connected to at least one downstream USB connector of the consumer electronic product, and change the power mode of the upstream USB connector according to the power information of the load of the consumer electronic product and at least one power requirement. In this way, the controller can control the voltage regulator of the consumer electronic product to supply power to the load and at least one USB device according to the power mode, thereby improving the compatibility between the power device, the load of the consumer electronic product and at least one USB device, and replacing the traditional DC jack.

為讓本發明的上述特徵和優點能更明顯易懂，下文特舉實施例，並配合所附圖式作詳細說明如下。 In order to make the above features and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the following is a detailed description of the embodiments with the accompanying drawings.

10:電源裝置 10: Power supply device

11、12、13:連接器 11, 12, 13: Connectors

100:消費性電子產品 100: Consumer electronics

110:上行USB連接器 110: Upstream USB connector

120:電力管理裝置 120: Power management device

121:控制器 121: Controller

122:記憶體 122: Memory

123、124:配置通道介面電路 123, 124: Configure channel interface circuit

125:通訊介面電路 125: Communication interface circuit

130、150、160:電壓調整器 130, 150, 160: Voltage regulator

140:負載 140: Load

170、180:下行USB連接器 170, 180: Downstream USB connector

190、200:USB裝置 190, 200: USB device

CC0、CC2、D+、D-、Vbus0、Vbus2、Vbus3:接腳 CC0, CC2, D+, D-, Vbus0, Vbus2, Vbus3: pins

CS1、CS2、CS3:控制信號 CS1, CS2, CS3: control signals

P_M:主功率 P_M: Main power

S210、S220、S230、S240、S250、S251、S252、S253、S254、S260:步驟 S210, S220, S230, S240, S250, S251, S252, S253, S254, S260: Steps

Vbus1:本地功率匯流排 Vbus1: local power bus

圖1是依照本發明的一實施例的一種消費性電子產品的電路方塊(circuit block)示意圖。 FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a circuit block of a consumer electronic product according to an embodiment of the present invention.

圖2是依照本發明圖1所示的控制器的操作流程圖。 Figure 2 is an operation flow chart of the controller shown in Figure 1 of the present invention.

在本案說明書全文(包括申請專利範圍)中所使用的「耦接(或連接)」一詞可指任何直接或間接的連接手段。舉例而言，若文中描述第一裝置耦接(或連接)於第二裝置，則應該被解釋成該第一裝置可以直接連接於該第二裝置，或者該第一裝置可以透過其他裝置或某種連接手段而間接地連接至該第二裝置。本案說明書全文(包括申請專利範圍)中提及的「第一」、「第二」等用語是用以命名元件(element)的名稱，或區別不同實施例或範圍，而並非用來限制元件數量的上限或下限，亦非用來限制元件的次序。另外，凡可能之處，在圖式及實施方式中使用相同標號的元件/構件/步驟代表相同或類似部分。不同實施例中使用相同標號或使用相同用語的元件/構件/步驟可以相互參照相關說明。 The term "coupled (or connected)" used in the entire specification of this case (including the scope of the patent application) may refer to any direct or indirect means of connection. For example, if the text describes a first device coupled (or connected) to a second device, it should be interpreted that the first device can be directly connected to the second device, or the first device can be indirectly connected to the second device through other devices or some connection means. The terms "first", "second", etc. mentioned in the entire specification of this case (including the scope of the patent application) are used to name the elements or distinguish different embodiments or scopes, and are not used to limit the upper or lower limit of the number of elements, nor to limit the order of elements. In addition, wherever possible, elements/components/steps with the same numbers in the drawings and embodiments represent the same or similar parts. Elements/components/steps using the same number or the same terminology in different embodiments can refer to each other for related descriptions.

圖1是依照本發明的一實施例的一種消費性電子產品100的電路方塊(circuit block)示意圖。在本實施例中，消費性電子產品100的上行通用串接匯流排(Universal Serial Bus，USB)連接器110以及下行USB連接器170可以包括USB type-C連接器。消費性電子產品100的下行USB連接器180可以包括type-A連接器。依照設計需求，在另一實施例中，上行USB連接器110以及下行USB連接器170、180可以包括其他類型的USB連接器。在其他實施例中，上行USB連接器110以及下行USB連接器170、 180可以包括其他電連接器。 FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of a consumer electronic product 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the upstream Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector 110 and the downstream USB connector 170 of the consumer electronic product 100 may include a USB type-C connector. The downstream USB connector 180 of the consumer electronic product 100 may include a type-A connector. According to design requirements, in another embodiment, the upstream USB connector 110 and the downstream USB connectors 170, 180 may include other types of USB connectors. In other embodiments, the upstream USB connector 110 and the downstream USB connectors 170, 180 may include other electrical connectors.

消費性電子產品100的上行USB連接器110可以經由電纜線而連接至電源裝置10的連接器11。當電源裝置10電性連接至消費性電子產品100時，電源裝置10可以供電給消費性電子產品100。依照應用需求，電源裝置10可以包括USB充電器(charger)、USB適配器(adapter)或是其他電源裝置。在電源裝置10為USB充電器或是USB適配器的情況下，連接器11可以包括USB type-A連接器、USB type-C連接器以及(或是)其他USB連接器。 The upstream USB connector 110 of the consumer electronic product 100 can be connected to the connector 11 of the power device 10 via a cable. When the power device 10 is electrically connected to the consumer electronic product 100, the power device 10 can supply power to the consumer electronic product 100. According to application requirements, the power device 10 can include a USB charger, a USB adapter, or other power devices. In the case where the power device 10 is a USB charger or a USB adapter, the connector 11 can include a USB type-A connector, a USB type-C connector, and/or other USB connectors.

在另一方面，消費性電子產品100的下行USB連接器170以及下行USB連接器180可以經由電纜線而分別連接至USB裝置190的連接器12以及USB裝置200的連接器13。當USB裝置190以及(或是)USB裝置200分別電性連接至下行USB連接器170以及(或是)下行USB連接器180時，電力管理裝置120可以透過下行USB連接器170以及(或是)下行USB連接器180來供電給USB裝置190以及(或是)USB裝置200。 On the other hand, the downstream USB connector 170 and the downstream USB connector 180 of the consumer electronic product 100 can be connected to the connector 12 of the USB device 190 and the connector 13 of the USB device 200 respectively via cables. When the USB device 190 and/or the USB device 200 are electrically connected to the downstream USB connector 170 and/or the downstream USB connector 180 respectively, the power management device 120 can supply power to the USB device 190 and/or the USB device 200 through the downstream USB connector 170 and/or the downstream USB connector 180.

其中，連接器12以及連接器13可為不同類型或形態的連接器。舉例而言，連接器12可以包括USB type-C連接器，而連接器13可以包括USB type-A連接器。在另一實施例中，連接器12可以包括USB type-A連接器以及(或是)其他USB連接器，而連接器13可以包括USB type-C連接器以及(或是)其他USB連接器。 The connector 12 and the connector 13 may be connectors of different types or shapes. For example, the connector 12 may include a USB type-C connector, and the connector 13 may include a USB type-A connector. In another embodiment, the connector 12 may include a USB type-A connector and/or other USB connectors, and the connector 13 may include a USB type-C connector and/or other USB connectors.

在本實施例中，消費性電子產品100包括上行USB連接器110、電力管理裝置120、電壓調整器130、負載140、電壓調整器150、電壓調整器160、下行USB連接器170以及下行USB連接器180。舉例而言，在消費性電子產品100具有電動刮鬍刀功能的情況下，負載140可以包括刮鬍刀的本體、充電底座以及(或是)其他電路/元件。在消費性電子產品100具有檯燈功能的情況下，負載140可以包括LED、人機介面電路以及(或是)其他電路/元件。在消費性電子產品100具有喇叭功能的情況下，負載140可以包括喇叭、放大電路、無線通訊電路以及(或是)其他電路/元件。負載140所需要的操作電能是由消費性電子產品100的本地功率匯流排Vbus1所提供。 In this embodiment, the consumer electronic product 100 includes an upstream USB connector 110, a power management device 120, a voltage regulator 130, a load 140, a voltage regulator 150, a voltage regulator 160, a downstream USB connector 170, and a downstream USB connector 180. For example, when the consumer electronic product 100 has an electric shaver function, the load 140 may include a shaver body, a charging base, and/or other circuits/components. When the consumer electronic product 100 has a desk lamp function, the load 140 may include an LED, a human-machine interface circuit, and/or other circuits/components. When the consumer electronic product 100 has a speaker function, the load 140 may include a speaker, an amplifier circuit, a wireless communication circuit, and/or other circuits/components. The operating power required by the load 140 is provided by the local power bus Vbus1 of the consumer electronic product 100.

在本實施例中，電力管理裝置120包括控制器121、記憶體122、配置通道介面電路123、配置通道介面電路124以及通訊介面電路125。電力管理裝置120具有符合USB規格的電力傳輸(Power Delivery，PD)功能。 In this embodiment, the power management device 120 includes a controller 121, a memory 122, a configuration channel interface circuit 123, a configuration channel interface circuit 124, and a communication interface circuit 125. The power management device 120 has a power delivery (PD) function that complies with the USB specification.

記憶體122耦接至控制器121。依照設計需求，記憶體122可以包括單次可程式化(One-Time Programming,OTP)記憶體、電性可抹除可程式化唯讀記憶體(electrically erasable programmable read only memory，EEPROM)以及(或是)其他非揮發性記憶體(non-volatile memory)。 The memory 122 is coupled to the controller 121. According to design requirements, the memory 122 may include a one-time programming (OTP) memory, an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) and/or other non-volatile memory.

具體而言，記憶體122可用以儲存一個或多個負載特性資訊、協定配置文件(protocol profile)以及(或是)電力配置文件(power profile)。其中，所述電力配置文件可以包括電壓參數、電流參數以及(或是)其他電力參數。所述負載特性資訊可以包括12位元組(Byte)的資訊。舉例而言，負載特性資訊中的1位元組是用以記載產品識別碼(Product ID)，負載特性資訊中的1位元組是用以記載銷售商識別碼(Vendor ID)，負載特性資訊中的2位元組是用以記載電源裝置10的功率組態資訊，負載特性資訊中的2位元組是用以記載負載140的功率資訊，負載特性資訊中的2位元組是用以記載USB裝置190、200的功率資訊(或功率需求)，負載特性資訊中的4位元組可為循環冗餘校驗(Cyclic Redundancy Check，CRC)碼。 Specifically, the memory 122 may be used to store one or more load characteristic information, a protocol profile, and/or a power profile. The power profile may include voltage parameters, current parameters, and/or other power parameters. The load characteristic information may include 12 bytes of information. For example, 1 byte in the load characteristic information is used to record the product ID, 1 byte in the load characteristic information is used to record the vendor ID, 2 bytes in the load characteristic information are used to record the power configuration information of the power device 10, 2 bytes in the load characteristic information are used to record the power information of the load 140, 2 bytes in the load characteristic information are used to record the power information (or power requirement) of the USB devices 190 and 200, and 4 bytes in the load characteristic information can be a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code.

需注意到的是，在消費性電子產品100的設計/製造階段中，設計者可將有關於負載特性資訊中的電源裝置10的功率組態資訊、負載140的功率資訊以及USB裝置190、200的功率資訊(或功率需求)之資料預先燒錄至記憶體122中。 It should be noted that during the design/manufacturing stage of the consumer electronic product 100, the designer can pre-record the data related to the power configuration information of the power device 10, the power information of the load 140, and the power information (or power requirements) of the USB devices 190 and 200 in the load characteristic information into the memory 122.

舉例而言，在消費性電子產品100的下行USB連接器180包括type-A連接器的情況下，設計者可根據USB3.0規格所規範的標準功率模式，將負載特性資訊中的USB裝置200的功率資訊(或功率需求)預先設定為12W(亦即，USB裝置200的操作電壓為5V且USB裝置200的操作電流為2.4A)。 For example, when the downstream USB connector 180 of the consumer electronic product 100 includes a type-A connector, the designer can preset the power information (or power requirement) of the USB device 200 in the load characteristic information to 12W (that is, the operating voltage of the USB device 200 is 5V and the operating current of the USB device 200 is 2.4A) according to the standard power mode specified by the USB3.0 specification.

並且，在消費性電子產品100具有電動刮鬍刀功能的情況下，設計者可將負載特性資訊中的負載140的功率資訊預先設定為12W(亦即，負載140的操作電壓為12V且負載140的操作電流為1A)。 Furthermore, when the consumer electronic product 100 has an electric shaver function, the designer can preset the power information of the load 140 in the load characteristic information to 12W (that is, the operating voltage of the load 140 is 12V and the operating current of the load 140 is 1A).

值得一提的是，上述的電源裝置10的功率組態資訊可包括一個或多個電力資料物件(Power Data Object，PDO)封包。舉例而言，每個PDO可用以設定電源裝置10操作於一組設定電壓以及設定電流，並且每個PDO的最大功率設定為100W。在本實施例中，控制器121可依據負載140的功率資訊、USB裝置190以及(或是)USB裝置200的功率資訊(或功率需求)，而從這些PDO中選擇出一組適當的PDO。控制器121可將被挑選出的PDO(選定功率組態資訊)通過上行USB連接器110提供給電源裝置10。基此，控制器121可向電源裝置10協商電源裝置10的輸出功率組態。上行USB連接器110的電源接腳Vbus0可以接收來自電源裝置10的主功率P_M(選定電壓以及選定電流)。上行USB連接器110可以將來自電源裝置10的主功率P_M傳輸至電壓調整器130、150以及(或是)160。控制器121依據負載140的功率資訊以及下行USB連接器170、180的功率需求控制電壓調整器130、150以及(或是)160，以將主功率P_M動態分配給負載140以及下行USB連接器170、180。 It is worth mentioning that the power configuration information of the power device 10 mentioned above may include one or more Power Data Object (PDO) packets. For example, each PDO can be used to set the power device 10 to operate at a set of set voltages and set currents, and the maximum power setting of each PDO is 100W. In this embodiment, the controller 121 can select a set of appropriate PDOs from these PDOs based on the power information of the load 140, the power information (or power requirements) of the USB device 190 and (or) the USB device 200. The controller 121 can provide the selected PDO (selected power configuration information) to the power device 10 through the upstream USB connector 110. Based on this, the controller 121 can negotiate the output power configuration of the power device 10 with the power device 10. The power pin Vbus0 of the upstream USB connector 110 can receive the main power P_M (selected voltage and selected current) from the power device 10. The upstream USB connector 110 can transmit the main power P_M from the power device 10 to the voltage regulator 130, 150 and (or) 160. The controller 121 controls the voltage regulator 130, 150 and (or) 160 according to the power information of the load 140 and the power requirements of the downstream USB connectors 170, 180 to dynamically distribute the main power P_M to the load 140 and the downstream USB connectors 170, 180.

在另一方面，控制器121耦接至記憶體122、配置通道介面電路123、配置通道介面電路124、通訊介面電路125以及電壓調整器130。配置通道介面電路123耦接於控制器121以及上行USB連接器110的配置通道(Configuration Channel，CC)接腳CC0之間。配置通道介面電路124耦接於控制器121以及下行USB 連接器170的CC接腳CC2之間。通訊介面電路125耦接於控制器121以及下行USB連接器180的差動訊號(differential signal)接腳對(例如下行USB連接器180的D+接腳與D-接腳)。 On the other hand, the controller 121 is coupled to the memory 122, the configuration channel interface circuit 123, the configuration channel interface circuit 124, the communication interface circuit 125, and the voltage regulator 130. The configuration channel interface circuit 123 is coupled between the controller 121 and the configuration channel (CC) pin CC0 of the upstream USB connector 110. The configuration channel interface circuit 124 is coupled between the controller 121 and the CC pin CC2 of the downstream USB connector 170. The communication interface circuit 125 is coupled between the controller 121 and the differential signal pin pair of the downstream USB connector 180 (e.g., the D+ pin and the D- pin of the downstream USB connector 180).

具體而言，在本實施例中，控制器121可以基於被存放在記憶體122的協定配置文件，並透過配置通道介面電路123以及上行USB連接器110的CC接腳CC0以向電源裝置10進行PD協定，以決定電源裝置10供電給消費性電子產品100的電源模式。 Specifically, in this embodiment, the controller 121 can determine the power mode of the power device 10 supplying power to the consumer electronic product 100 by configuring the channel interface circuit 123 and the CC pin CC0 of the upstream USB connector 110 based on the protocol configuration file stored in the memory 122.

除此之外，電力管理裝置120可以偵測上行USB連接器110的CC接腳CC0的電性狀態，以判斷上行USB連接器110有無連接外部的電源裝置10。當電源裝置10電性連接至上行USB連接器110時，電力管理裝置120可以基於被存放在記憶體122的電力配置文件，並透過配置通道介面電路123以及上行USB連接器110的CC接腳CC0而與電源裝置10交換配置資訊。 In addition, the power management device 120 can detect the electrical state of the CC pin CC0 of the upstream USB connector 110 to determine whether the upstream USB connector 110 is connected to an external power device 10. When the power device 10 is electrically connected to the upstream USB connector 110, the power management device 120 can exchange configuration information with the power device 10 based on the power configuration file stored in the memory 122 and through the configuration channel interface circuit 123 and the CC pin CC0 of the upstream USB connector 110.

類似地，電力管理裝置120可以偵測下行USB連接器170的CC接腳CC2的電性狀態以判斷下行USB連接器170有無連接外部的USB裝置190。當USB裝置190電性連接至下行USB連接器170時，電力管理裝置120可以基於被存放在記憶體122的電力配置文件，並透過配置通道介面電路124以及下行USB連接器170的CC接腳CC2而與USB裝置190交換配置資訊。並且，電力管理裝置120可以偵測下行USB連接器180的D+接腳與D-接腳，以判斷下行USB連接器180有無連接外部的USB裝置200。當USB裝置200電性連接至下行USB連接器180時，電力管理裝置120可以基於被存放在記憶體122的電力配置文件，並透過通訊介面電路125以及下行USB連接器180的D+接腳與D-接腳而與USB裝置200交換配置資訊。 Similarly, the power management device 120 can detect the electrical state of the CC pin CC2 of the downstream USB connector 170 to determine whether the downstream USB connector 170 is connected to an external USB device 190. When the USB device 190 is electrically connected to the downstream USB connector 170, the power management device 120 can exchange configuration information with the USB device 190 based on the power configuration file stored in the memory 122 and through the configuration channel interface circuit 124 and the CC pin CC2 of the downstream USB connector 170. In addition, the power management device 120 can detect the D+ pin and the D- pin of the downstream USB connector 180 to determine whether the downstream USB connector 180 is connected to an external USB device 200. When the USB device 200 is electrically connected to the downstream USB connector 180, the power management device 120 can exchange configuration information with the USB device 200 based on the power configuration file stored in the memory 122 and through the communication interface circuit 125 and the D+ pin and D- pin of the downstream USB connector 180.

特別一提的是，在上行USB連接器110以及下行USB連接器170包括USB連接器的情況下，配置通道介面電路123以及配置通道介面電路124可以包括符合USB規範的CC接腳的物理層電路。控制電路121可以遵循USB規範而去偵測上行USB連接器110的CC接腳以及下行USB連接器170的CC接腳。此外，在下行USB連接器180包括USB連接器的情況下，通訊介面電路125可以包括符合USB規範的差動資料通道的物理層電路。控制電路121可以遵循USB規範而去偵測下行USB連接器180的D+接腳與D-接腳。 In particular, when the upstream USB connector 110 and the downstream USB connector 170 include USB connectors, the configuration channel interface circuit 123 and the configuration channel interface circuit 124 may include a physical layer circuit of the CC pin that complies with the USB specification. The control circuit 121 may detect the CC pin of the upstream USB connector 110 and the CC pin of the downstream USB connector 170 in accordance with the USB specification. In addition, when the downstream USB connector 180 includes a USB connector, the communication interface circuit 125 may include a physical layer circuit of a differential data channel that complies with the USB specification. The control circuit 121 may detect the D+ pin and the D- pin of the downstream USB connector 180 in accordance with the USB specification.

在另一方面，在本實施例中，電壓調整器130的輸入端耦接至上行USB連接器110的電源接腳Vbus0以接收主功率P_M。電壓調整器130的輸出端耦接至負載140的電源端。電壓調整器150的輸入端耦接至上行USB連接器110的電源接腳Vbus0以接收主功率P_M。電壓調整器150的輸出端耦接至下行USB連接器170的電源接腳Vbus2。電壓調整器160的輸入端耦接至上行USB連接器110的電源接腳Vbus0以接收主功率P_M。電壓調整器160的輸出端耦接至下行USB連接器180的電源接腳Vbus3。 On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the input end of the voltage regulator 130 is coupled to the power pin Vbus0 of the upstream USB connector 110 to receive the main power P_M. The output end of the voltage regulator 130 is coupled to the power terminal of the load 140. The input end of the voltage regulator 150 is coupled to the power pin Vbus0 of the upstream USB connector 110 to receive the main power P_M. The output end of the voltage regulator 150 is coupled to the power pin Vbus2 of the downstream USB connector 170. The input end of the voltage regulator 160 is coupled to the power pin Vbus0 of the upstream USB connector 110 to receive the main power P_M. The output end of the voltage regulator 160 is coupled to the power pin Vbus3 of the downstream USB connector 180.

電壓調整器130、電壓調整器150以及電壓調整器160可依據控制器121所提供的控制信號CS1、CS2、CS3對主功率 P_M進行升壓或降壓的操作動作。其中，本實施例的電壓調整器130、電壓調整器150以及電壓調整器160可以包括升壓轉換器(Boost Converter)、降壓轉換器(Buck Converter)或是其他類型的電壓轉換器。當電源裝置10連接至上行USB連接器110且USB裝置190和/或200電性連接至下行USB連接器170和/或180時，依據負載140的功率資訊以及USB裝置190和/或200的功率需求，控制器121可以從記憶體122所儲存關於電源裝置10的功率組態資訊(PDO)中選擇出一個選定功率組態資訊。控制器121可以經由配置通道介面電路123將選定功率組態資訊提供至上行USB連接器110(電源裝置10)。上行USB連接器110可以將來自電源裝置10的主功率P_M提供至電壓調整器130、150以及160。依據負載140的功率資訊以及USB裝置190和/或200的功率需求，控制器121可以控制電壓調整器130、150以及160，以將主功率P_M動態分配給負載以及下行USB連接器170和/或180。當USB裝置190和200未電性連接至下行USB連接器170和180時，控制器121可以動態要求電源裝置10變更電源模式，以及控制電壓調整器130供電給負載140。 The voltage regulator 130, the voltage regulator 150 and the voltage regulator 160 can perform a step-up or step-down operation on the main power P_M according to the control signals CS1, CS2 and CS3 provided by the controller 121. The voltage regulator 130, the voltage regulator 150 and the voltage regulator 160 of this embodiment can include a boost converter, a buck converter or other types of voltage converters. When the power device 10 is connected to the upstream USB connector 110 and the USB devices 190 and/or 200 are electrically connected to the downstream USB connectors 170 and/or 180, the controller 121 may select a selected power configuration information from the power configuration information (PDO) about the power device 10 stored in the memory 122 according to the power information of the load 140 and the power requirement of the USB devices 190 and/or 200. The controller 121 may provide the selected power configuration information to the upstream USB connector 110 (power device 10) via the configuration channel interface circuit 123. The upstream USB connector 110 may provide the main power P_M from the power device 10 to the voltage regulators 130, 150, and 160. According to the power information of the load 140 and the power requirements of the USB devices 190 and/or 200, the controller 121 can control the voltage regulators 130, 150 and 160 to dynamically distribute the main power P_M to the load and the downstream USB connectors 170 and/or 180. When the USB devices 190 and 200 are not electrically connected to the downstream USB connectors 170 and 180, the controller 121 can dynamically request the power device 10 to change the power mode and control the voltage regulator 130 to supply power to the load 140.

關於消費性電子產品100的電力管理裝置120的實施細節，請同時參照圖1以及圖2，圖2是依照本發明圖1所示的控制器121的操作流程圖。在步驟S210中，消費性電子產品100可以啟動控制器121，以使控制器121執行相關的操作動作。接著，控制器121可以接收儲存於記憶體122中的負載特性資訊。 For the implementation details of the power management device 120 of the consumer electronic product 100, please refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 at the same time. FIG. 2 is an operation flow chart of the controller 121 shown in FIG. 1 of the present invention. In step S210, the consumer electronic product 100 can start the controller 121 so that the controller 121 performs related operation actions. Then, the controller 121 can receive the load characteristic information stored in the memory 122.

在步驟S220中，控制器121可以讀取消費性電子產品100的記憶體122中記錄的負載特性資訊，依據負載特性資訊的CRC碼判斷負載特性資訊是否正確。若控制器121判斷負載特性資訊出現錯誤狀態，則接續執行步驟S230的操作動作。而若控制器121判斷負載特性資訊未出現錯誤狀態，則接續執行步驟S240的操作動作。其中，在步驟S220中，利用儲存於記憶體122中的負載特性資訊的CRC碼來檢測或校驗資料傳輸或者儲存後可能出現的錯誤已為習知，故在此不予贅述。 In step S220, the controller 121 can read the load characteristic information recorded in the memory 122 of the non-volatile electronic product 100, and determine whether the load characteristic information is correct based on the CRC code of the load characteristic information. If the controller 121 determines that the load characteristic information is in an error state, the operation of step S230 is continued to be executed. If the controller 121 determines that the load characteristic information is not in an error state, the operation of step S240 is continued to be executed. Among them, in step S220, it is known that the CRC code of the load characteristic information stored in the memory 122 is used to detect or verify errors that may occur after data transmission or storage, so it will not be elaborated here.

在步驟S230中，在CRC碼指示出負載特性資訊在資料傳輸時或者儲存於記憶體122之後出現錯誤的情況下，控制器121可產生提示信號至設置於消費性電子產品100中的警示燈(未繪示)，以提示使用者此消費性電子產品100處於錯誤狀態。 In step S230, when the CRC code indicates that the load characteristic information is erroneous during data transmission or after being stored in the memory 122, the controller 121 may generate a prompt signal to a warning light (not shown) provided in the consumer electronic product 100 to prompt the user that the consumer electronic product 100 is in an erroneous state.

在步驟S240中，控制器121可開始讀取儲存於記憶體122中的負載特性資訊的電源裝置10的功率組態資訊、負載140的功率資訊以及USB裝置190、200的功率資訊(或功率需求)。接著，在步驟S250中，控制器121可依據負載特性資訊判斷消費性電子產品100是否配置下行USB連接器170以及下行USB連接器180。 In step S240, the controller 121 may start to read the power configuration information of the power device 10, the power information of the load 140, and the power information (or power demand) of the USB devices 190 and 200 of the load characteristic information stored in the memory 122. Then, in step S250, the controller 121 may determine whether the consumer electronic product 100 is equipped with the downstream USB connector 170 and the downstream USB connector 180 according to the load characteristic information.

詳細來說，若控制器121判斷出消費性電子產品100並未配置有下行USB連接器170以及下行USB連接器180，表示消費性電子產品100並未額外設置一個或多個USB連接器來連接外部的USB裝置。因此，電源裝置10僅需要供電給消費性電子產品100的負載140(例如是電動刮鬍刀)。在此情況下，控制器121 可接續執行步驟S260的操作動作。 Specifically, if the controller 121 determines that the consumer electronic product 100 is not equipped with the downstream USB connector 170 and the downstream USB connector 180, it means that the consumer electronic product 100 is not additionally provided with one or more USB connectors to connect to an external USB device. Therefore, the power supply device 10 only needs to supply power to the load 140 (e.g., an electric shaver) of the consumer electronic product 100. In this case, the controller 121 can continue to perform the operation of step S260.

在步驟S260中，控制器121可提供PDO至電源裝置10且控制電源裝置10透過上行USB連接器110提供主功率P_M至電壓調整器130。舉例而言，在步驟S260中，在電源裝置10僅需要供電給消費性電子產品100的負載140的情況下，控制器121可依據負載特性資訊中的負載140的功率資訊來獲得負載140的操作電壓(亦即，12V)以及操作電流(亦即，1A)。控制器121可依據負載140的功率資訊以從電源裝置10的功率組態資訊中選擇一組符合負載140的操作電壓以及操作電流的PDO。接著，控制器121可依據負載特性資訊以產生控制信號CS1至電壓調整器130，並且控制器121可透過配置通道介面電路123以及上行USB連接器110的CC接腳CC0來將所選擇的PDO提供至電源裝置10。電源裝置10可依據所選擇的PDO產生為5V的選定電壓以及為3A的選定電流(即主功率P_M)至上行USB連接器110，並透過上行USB連接器110的電源接腳Vbus0來將主功率P_M提供至電壓調整器130。 In step S260, the controller 121 may provide a PDO to the power device 10 and control the power device 10 to provide the main power P_M to the voltage regulator 130 through the upstream USB connector 110. For example, in step S260, when the power device 10 only needs to supply power to the load 140 of the consumer electronic product 100, the controller 121 may obtain the operating voltage (i.e., 12V) and the operating current (i.e., 1A) of the load 140 according to the power information of the load 140 in the load characteristic information. The controller 121 may select a set of PDOs that meet the operating voltage and operating current of the load 140 from the power configuration information of the power device 10 according to the power information of the load 140. Then, the controller 121 can generate a control signal CS1 to the voltage regulator 130 according to the load characteristic information, and the controller 121 can provide the selected PDO to the power device 10 by configuring the channel interface circuit 123 and the CC pin CC0 of the upstream USB connector 110. The power device 10 can generate a selected voltage of 5V and a selected current of 3A (i.e., the main power P_M) to the upstream USB connector 110 according to the selected PDO, and provide the main power P_M to the voltage regulator 130 through the power pin Vbus0 of the upstream USB connector 110.

由於負載140的操作電壓為12V，因此，電壓調整器130可依據控制信號CS1以對主功率P_M進行升壓操作，並通過本地功率匯流排Vbus1將經升壓功率提供至負載140，以對負載140進行供電。 Since the operating voltage of the load 140 is 12V, the voltage regulator 130 can perform a boost operation on the main power P_M according to the control signal CS1, and provide the boosted power to the load 140 through the local power bus Vbus1 to power the load 140.

在另一方面，在步驟S250中，若控制器121判斷出消費性電子產品100配置有下行USB連接器170以及(或是)下行USB 連接器180，表示消費性電子產品100額外設置了一個或多個USB連接器來連接外部的USB裝置。在此情況下，控制器121可接續執行步驟S251的操作動作。 On the other hand, in step S250, if the controller 121 determines that the consumer electronic product 100 is equipped with a downstream USB connector 170 and/or a downstream USB connector 180, it means that the consumer electronic product 100 is additionally provided with one or more USB connectors to connect to an external USB device. In this case, the controller 121 may continue to perform the operation of step S251.

在步驟S251中，控制器121可持續讀取儲存於記憶體122中的負載特性資訊的功率組態資訊、負載140的功率資訊以及USB裝置190、200的功率資訊(或功率需求)。接著，在步驟S252中，控制器121可以判斷下行USB連接器170以及下行USB連接器180是否分別連接至USB裝置190以及USB裝置200。若控制器121判斷出下行USB連接器170以及下行USB連接器180並未連接至USB裝置190以及USB裝置200，表示電源裝置10僅需要供電給消費性電子產品100的負載140。在此情況下，控制器121可接續執行步驟S254的操作動作。其中，控制器121執行步驟S254的操作動作可參照步驟S260的相關說明來類推，故不再贅述。 In step S251, the controller 121 may continuously read the power configuration information of the load characteristic information stored in the memory 122, the power information of the load 140, and the power information (or power demand) of the USB devices 190 and 200. Next, in step S252, the controller 121 may determine whether the downstream USB connector 170 and the downstream USB connector 180 are connected to the USB device 190 and the USB device 200, respectively. If the controller 121 determines that the downstream USB connector 170 and the downstream USB connector 180 are not connected to the USB device 190 and the USB device 200, it means that the power supply device 10 only needs to supply power to the load 140 of the consumer electronic product 100. In this case, the controller 121 can continue to execute the operation of step S254. The operation of the controller 121 in executing step S254 can be deduced by referring to the relevant description of step S260, so it will not be repeated.

在另一方面，在步驟S252中，若控制器121判斷出下行USB連接器170以及(或是)下行USB連接器180連接至USB裝置190以及(或是)USB裝置200，則控制器121可接續執行步驟S253的操作動作。 On the other hand, in step S252, if the controller 121 determines that the downstream USB connector 170 and/or the downstream USB connector 180 are connected to the USB device 190 and/or the USB device 200, the controller 121 may continue to perform the operation of step S253.

在步驟S253中，控制器121可向USB裝置190以及(或是)USB裝置200取得功率需求，並依據負載140的功率資訊、USB裝置190以及(或是)USB裝置200的功率需求變更上行USB連接器110的電源模式，並且控制器121可依據電源模式控制電壓調整器150以及(或是)電壓調整器160以供電給USB裝置190以及(或是)USB裝置200。 In step S253, the controller 121 may obtain power requirements from the USB device 190 and/or the USB device 200, and change the power mode of the upstream USB connector 110 according to the power information of the load 140, the power requirements of the USB device 190 and/or the USB device 200, and the controller 121 may control the voltage regulator 150 and/or the voltage regulator 160 according to the power mode to supply power to the USB device 190 and/or the USB device 200.

舉例而言，在一實施例中，當控制器121在步驟S252中判斷出USB裝置190連接至下行USB連接器170且USB裝置200並未連接至下行USB連接器180時，表示電源裝置10僅需要供電給消費性電子產品100的負載140以及USB裝置190。 For example, in one embodiment, when the controller 121 determines in step S252 that the USB device 190 is connected to the downstream USB connector 170 and the USB device 200 is not connected to the downstream USB connector 180, it means that the power device 10 only needs to supply power to the load 140 of the consumer electronic product 100 and the USB device 190.

在此情況下，控制器121可透過配置通道介面電路124以及下行USB連接器170的CC接腳CC2來取得USB裝置190的功率需求。其中，假設USB裝置190的功率需求為12W(亦即，USB裝置190的操作電壓為12V且USB裝置190的操作電流為1A)。 In this case, the controller 121 can obtain the power requirement of the USB device 190 by configuring the channel interface circuit 124 and the CC pin CC2 of the downstream USB connector 170. It is assumed that the power requirement of the USB device 190 is 12W (that is, the operating voltage of the USB device 190 is 12V and the operating current of the USB device 190 is 1A).

接著，控制器121可依據USB裝置190的功率需求(亦即，12W)以及負載140的功率資訊(亦即，12W)，判斷當前的上行USB連接器110的電源模式(亦即，電源裝置10的輸出功率)是否能夠同時滿足負載140以及USB裝置190的功率需求。 Then, the controller 121 can determine whether the current power mode of the upstream USB connector 110 (i.e., the output power of the power device 10) can meet the power requirements of the load 140 and the USB device 190 at the same time according to the power requirement of the USB device 190 (i.e., 12W) and the power information of the load 140 (i.e., 12W).

對此，由於當前電源裝置10的輸出功率為15W(在電源裝置10僅需要供電給負載140的情況下)，而負載140以及USB裝置190的功率需求皆為12W，因此，控制器121可依據上述的判斷結果來從電源裝置10的功率組態資訊中重新選擇(或更新)一組能夠同時符合負載140以及USB裝置190的操作電壓以及操作電流之要求的PDO。 In this regard, since the current output power of the power device 10 is 15W (when the power device 10 only needs to supply power to the load 140), and the power requirements of the load 140 and the USB device 190 are both 12W, the controller 121 can reselect (or update) a set of PDOs that can meet the operating voltage and operating current requirements of the load 140 and the USB device 190 from the power configuration information of the power device 10 according to the above judgment results.

在取得經更新的PDO之後，控制器121可透過配置通道介面電路123以及上行USB連接器110的CC接腳CC0來將經更新的PDO提供至電源裝置10。電源裝置10可依據經更新的PDO產生為9V的選定電壓以及為3A的選定電流(即主功率P_M)至上行USB連接器110。因此，上行USB連接器110的電源接腳Vbus0可以將經更新的主功率P_M提供至電壓調整器130、150以及160。 After obtaining the updated PDO, the controller 121 can provide the updated PDO to the power device 10 by configuring the channel interface circuit 123 and the CC pin CC0 of the upstream USB connector 110. The power device 10 can generate a selected voltage of 9V and a selected current of 3A (i.e., the main power P_M) to the upstream USB connector 110 according to the updated PDO. Therefore, the power pin Vbus0 of the upstream USB connector 110 can provide the updated main power P_M to the voltage regulators 130, 150, and 160.

由於負載140以及USB裝置190的操作電壓皆為12V，因此，電壓調整器130以及電壓調整器150可依據控制信號CS1、CS2對主功率P_M進行升壓操作，並各自通過本地功率匯流排Vbus1與下行USB連接器170將經升壓的功率提供至負載140以及USB裝置190，以對負載140以及USB裝置190進行供電。 Since the operating voltages of the load 140 and the USB device 190 are both 12V, the voltage regulator 130 and the voltage regulator 150 can boost the main power P_M according to the control signals CS1 and CS2, and respectively provide the boosted power to the load 140 and the USB device 190 through the local power bus Vbus1 and the downstream USB connector 170 to power the load 140 and the USB device 190.

在另一實施例中，當控制器121在步驟S252中判斷出USB裝置190連接至下行USB連接器170且USB裝置200連接至下行USB連接器180時，表示電源裝置10需要供電給消費性電子產品100的負載140、USB裝置190以及USB裝置200。 In another embodiment, when the controller 121 determines in step S252 that the USB device 190 is connected to the downstream USB connector 170 and the USB device 200 is connected to the downstream USB connector 180, it indicates that the power device 10 needs to supply power to the load 140 of the consumer electronic product 100, the USB device 190, and the USB device 200.

在此情況下，控制器121可透過配置通道介面電路124以及下行USB連接器170的CC接腳CC2來取得USB裝置190的功率需求。其中，同樣假設USB裝置190的功率需求為12W(亦即，USB裝置190的操作電壓為12V且USB裝置190的操作電流為1A)。 In this case, the controller 121 can obtain the power requirement of the USB device 190 by configuring the channel interface circuit 124 and the CC pin CC2 of the downstream USB connector 170. It is also assumed that the power requirement of the USB device 190 is 12W (that is, the operating voltage of the USB device 190 is 12V and the operating current of the USB device 190 is 1A).

接著，控制器121可依據USB裝置190的功率需求(亦即，12W)、負載140的功率資訊(亦即，12W)以及預先燒錄至記憶體122的USB裝置200的功率資訊(亦即，12W)，判斷當前的上行USB連接器110的電源模式(亦即，電源裝置10的輸出功率)是否能夠同時滿足負載140、USB裝置190以及USB裝置200的功率需求。 Then, the controller 121 can determine whether the current power mode of the upstream USB connector 110 (i.e., the output power of the power device 10) can simultaneously meet the power requirements of the load 140, the USB device 190, and the USB device 200 according to the power requirement of the USB device 190 (i.e., 12W), the power information of the load 140 (i.e., 12W), and the power information of the USB device 200 (i.e., 12W) pre-recorded in the memory 122.

對此，由於當前電源裝置10的輸出功率為15W(在電源裝置10僅需要供電給負載140的情況下)，而負載140、USB裝置190以及USB裝置200的功率需求皆為12W，因此，控制器121可依據上述的判斷結果來從電源裝置10的功率組態資訊中重新選擇(或更新)一組能夠同時符合負載140、USB裝置190以及USB裝置200的操作電壓以及操作電流之要求的PDO。 In this regard, since the current output power of the power device 10 is 15W (when the power device 10 only needs to supply power to the load 140), and the power requirements of the load 140, the USB device 190, and the USB device 200 are all 12W, the controller 121 can reselect (or update) a set of PDOs that can simultaneously meet the operating voltage and operating current requirements of the load 140, the USB device 190, and the USB device 200 from the power configuration information of the power device 10 according to the above judgment results.

在取得經更新的PDO之後，控制器121可透過配置通道介面電路123以及上行USB連接器110的CC接腳來將經更新的PDO提供至電源裝置10。電源裝置10可依據經更新的PDO產生為15V的選定電壓以及為3A的選定電流(即主功率P_M)至上行USB連接器110。因此，上行USB連接器110的電源接腳Vbus0可以將主功率P_M提供至電壓調整器130、電壓調整器150以及電壓調整器160。 After obtaining the updated PDO, the controller 121 can provide the updated PDO to the power device 10 by configuring the channel interface circuit 123 and the CC pin of the upstream USB connector 110. The power device 10 can generate a selected voltage of 15V and a selected current of 3A (i.e., the main power P_M) to the upstream USB connector 110 according to the updated PDO. Therefore, the power pin Vbus0 of the upstream USB connector 110 can provide the main power P_M to the voltage regulator 130, the voltage regulator 150, and the voltage regulator 160.

由於負載140、USB裝置190以及USB裝置200的操作電壓分別為12V、12V以及5V，因此，電壓調整器130、電壓調整器150以及電壓調整器160可依據控制信號CS1、CS2、CS3以對主功率P_M進行降壓操作，並將經降壓的功率提供至負載140、USB裝置190以及USB裝置200，以對負載140、USB裝置190 以及USB裝置200進行供電。 Since the operating voltages of the load 140, the USB device 190 and the USB device 200 are 12V, 12V and 5V respectively, the voltage regulator 130, the voltage regulator 150 and the voltage regulator 160 can reduce the voltage of the main power P_M according to the control signals CS1, CS2 and CS3, and provide the reduced power to the load 140, the USB device 190 and the USB device 200 to supply power to the load 140, the USB device 190 and the USB device 200.

值得一提的是，在控制器121執行完成步驟S253或步驟S254的操作動作之後，控制器121可以接續執行步驟S252的操作動作。 It is worth mentioning that after the controller 121 completes the operation of step S253 or step S254, the controller 121 can continue to execute the operation of step S252.

依照不同的設計需求，上述的電力管理裝置120以及(或是)控制器121的方塊的實現方式可以是硬體(hardware)、韌體(firmware)、軟體(software，即程式)或是前述三者中的多者的組合形式。 According to different design requirements, the power management device 120 and/or the controller 121 blocks can be implemented in the form of hardware, firmware, software (i.e., program), or a combination of the above three.

以硬體形式而言，上述的電力管理裝置120以及(或是)控制器121的方塊可以實現於積體電路(integrated circuit)上的邏輯電路。上述的電力管理裝置120以及(或是)控制器121的相關功能可以利用硬體描述語言(hardware description languages，例如Verilog HDL或VHDL)或其他合適的編程語言來實現為硬體。舉例來說，上述電力管理裝置120以及(或是)控制器121的相關功能可以被實現於一或多個控制器、微控制器、微處理器、特殊應用積體電路(Application-specific integrated circuit,ASIC)、數位訊號處理器(digital signal processor,DSP)、場可程式邏輯閘陣列(Field Programmable Gate Array,FPGA)及/或其他處理單元中的各種邏輯區塊、模組和電路。 In terms of hardware, the blocks of the power management device 120 and/or the controller 121 may be implemented as logic circuits on an integrated circuit. The related functions of the power management device 120 and/or the controller 121 may be implemented as hardware using hardware description languages (such as Verilog HDL or VHDL) or other suitable programming languages. For example, the above-mentioned power management device 120 and/or the related functions of the controller 121 can be implemented in various logic blocks, modules and circuits in one or more controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), digital signal processors (DSP), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) and/or other processing units.

以軟體形式及/或韌體形式而言，上述的電力管理裝置120以及(或是)控制器121的相關功能可以被實現為編程碼(programming codes)。例如，利用一般的編程語言(programming languages，例如C、C++或組合語言)或其他合適的編程語言來實現上述電力管理裝置120以及(或是)控制器121。所述編程碼可以被記錄/存放在記錄媒體中，所述記錄媒體中例如包括唯讀記憶體(Read Only Memory，ROM)、存儲裝置及/或隨機存取記憶體(Random Access Memory，RAM)。電腦、中央處理器(Central Processing Unit，CPU)、控制器、微控制器或微處理器可以從所述記錄媒體中讀取並執行所述編程碼，從而達成相關功能。作為所述記錄媒體，可使用「非臨時的電腦可讀取媒體(non-transitory computer readable medium)」，例如可使用帶(tape)、碟(disk)、卡(card)、半導體記憶體、可程式設計的邏輯電路等。而且，所述程式也可經由任意傳輸媒體(通信網路或廣播電波等)而提供給所述電腦(或CPU)。所述通信網路例如是互聯網(Internet)、有線通信(wired communication)、無線通信(wireless communication)或其它通信介質。 In software form and/or firmware form, the related functions of the power management device 120 and/or the controller 121 can be implemented as programming codes. For example, the power management device 120 and/or the controller 121 can be implemented using general programming languages (such as C, C++ or assembly language) or other suitable programming languages. The programming codes can be recorded/stored in a recording medium, and the recording medium includes, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a storage device and/or a random access memory (RAM). A computer, a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, a microcontroller or a microprocessor can read and execute the programming codes from the recording medium to achieve the related functions. As the recording medium, a "non-transitory computer readable medium" can be used, such as a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, etc. Moreover, the program can also be provided to the computer (or CPU) via any transmission medium (communication network or broadcast waves, etc.). The communication network is, for example, the Internet, wired communication, wireless communication, or other communication media.

綜上所述，本發明諸實施例所述的電力管理裝置以及消費性電子產品可以在至少一USB裝置電性連接至消費性電子產品的至少一下行USB連接器時，透過控制器來向至少一USB裝置取得至少一功率需求，並且依據消費性電子產品的負載的功率資訊以及至少一功率需求來變更上行USB連接器的電源模式。如此一來，控制器可以依據電源模式來控制消費性電子產品的電壓調整器以供電給負載以及至少一USB裝置，藉以提升電源裝置、消費性電子產品的負載以及至少一USB裝置之間的相容性，並取代傳統的直流電源插座(DC jack)。 In summary, the power management device and consumer electronic product described in the embodiments of the present invention can obtain at least one power requirement from at least one USB device through a controller when at least one USB device is electrically connected to at least one downstream USB connector of the consumer electronic product, and change the power mode of the upstream USB connector according to the power information of the load of the consumer electronic product and at least one power requirement. In this way, the controller can control the voltage regulator of the consumer electronic product according to the power mode to supply power to the load and at least one USB device, thereby improving the compatibility between the power device, the load of the consumer electronic product and at least one USB device, and replacing the traditional DC jack.

雖然本發明已以實施例揭露如上，然其並非用以限定本發明，任何所屬技術領域中具有通常知識者，在不脫離本發明的精神和範圍內，當可作些許的更動與潤飾，故本發明的保護範圍當視後附的申請專利範圍所界定者為準。 Although the present invention has been disclosed as above by the embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field can make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the scope defined by the attached patent application.

10:電源裝置 10: Power supply device

11、12、13:連接器 11, 12, 13: Connectors

100:消費性電子產品 100: Consumer electronics

110:上行USB連接器 110: Upstream USB connector

120:電力管理裝置 120: Power management device

121:控制器 121: Controller

122:記憶體 122: Memory

125:通訊介面電路 125: Communication interface circuit

130、150、160:電壓調整器 130, 150, 160: Voltage regulator

140:負載 140: Load

170、180:下行USB連接器 170, 180: Downstream USB connector

190、200:USB裝置 190, 200: USB device

CS1、CS2、CS3:控制信號 CS1, CS2, CS3: control signals

P_M:主功率 P_M: Main power

Vbus1:本地功率匯流排 Vbus1: local power bus

Claims

一種電力管理裝置，適於被配置在一消費性電子產品，該電力管理裝置包括：一記憶體，用以儲存該消費性電子產品的一負載的一負載特性資訊的一第一功率資訊與一電源裝置的一功率組態資訊；以及一控制器，耦接至該記憶體以及該消費性電子產品的一第一電壓調整器，其中該第一電壓調整器的一輸入端耦接至該消費性電子產品的一上行USB連接器的一電源接腳，該第一電壓調整器的一輸出端耦接至該負載的一電源端，其中該控制器依據該負載特性資訊判斷該消費性電子產品是否配置至少一下行USB連接器，以及判斷該至少一下行USB連接器是否連接該消費性電子產品的至少一USB裝置，當該控制器判斷出該消費性電子產品配置有該至少一下行USB連接器且該至少一USB裝置電性連接至該消費性電子產品的該至少一下行USB連接器時，該控制器向該至少一USB裝置取得至少一功率需求，該控制器依據該第一功率資訊以及該至少一功率需求決定是否變更該上行USB連接器的一電源模式，以及該控制器依據該電源模式控制該消費性電子產品的至少一第二電壓調整器以供電給該至少一USB裝置，其中，當該電源裝置連接至該上行USB連接器且該至少一USB裝置電性連接至該至少一下行USB連接器時，該控制器依據該第一功率資訊以及該至少一功率需求以從該功率組態資訊中選擇出一選定功率組態資訊且提供至該電源裝置，以向該電源裝置協商該電源裝置的輸出功率組態。 A power management device is suitable for being configured in a consumer electronic product. The power management device includes: a memory for storing a first power information of a load characteristic information of a load of the consumer electronic product and a power configuration information of a power supply device; and a controller coupled to the memory and a first voltage regulator of the consumer electronic product, wherein an input terminal of the first voltage regulator is coupled to the consumer electronic product. A power pin of an upstream USB connector of the consumer electronic product is coupled to an output end of the first voltage regulator, wherein the controller determines whether the consumer electronic product is equipped with at least one downstream USB connector according to the load characteristic information, and determines whether the at least one downstream USB connector is connected to at least one USB device of the consumer electronic product. When the controller determines that the consumer electronic product is equipped with the at least one downstream USB connector, the controller determines that the at least one downstream USB connector is connected to at least one USB device of the consumer electronic product. When the power device is connected to the upstream USB connector and the at least one USB device is electrically connected to the at least one downstream USB connector of the consumer electronic product, the controller obtains at least one power requirement from the at least one USB device, the controller determines whether to change a power mode of the upstream USB connector according to the first power information and the at least one power requirement, and the controller controls at least one second voltage regulator of the consumer electronic product according to the power mode to supply power to the at least one USB device, wherein when the power device is connected to the upstream USB connector and the at least one USB device is electrically connected to the at least one downstream USB connector, the controller selects a selected power configuration information from the power configuration information according to the first power information and the at least one power requirement and provides it to the power device, so as to negotiate the output power configuration of the power device with the power device.

如請求項1所述的電力管理裝置，其中該電力管理裝置更包括：一配置通道介面電路，耦接於該上行USB連接器的一配置通道接腳以及該控制器之間；以及至少一通訊介面電路，耦接於該至少一下行USB連接器以及該控制器之間。 The power management device as described in claim 1, wherein the power management device further comprises: a configuration channel interface circuit coupled between a configuration channel pin of the upstream USB connector and the controller; and at least one communication interface circuit coupled between the at least one downstream USB connector and the controller.

如請求項2所述的電力管理裝置，其中該控制器經由該配置通道介面電路將該選定功率組態資訊提供至該上行USB連接器，以及該上行USB連接器將來自該電源裝置的一主功率提供至該第一電壓調整器以及該至少一第二電壓調整器，以及該控制器依據該第一功率資訊以及該至少一功率需求控制該第一電壓調整器以及該至少一第二電壓調整器以將該主功率動態分配給該負載以及該至少一下行USB連接器。 A power management device as described in claim 2, wherein the controller provides the selected power configuration information to the upstream USB connector via the configuration channel interface circuit, and the upstream USB connector provides a main power from the power device to the first voltage regulator and the at least one second voltage regulator, and the controller controls the first voltage regulator and the at least one second voltage regulator according to the first power information and the at least one power requirement to dynamically distribute the main power to the load and the at least one downstream USB connector.

如請求項3所述的電力管理裝置，其中該電源裝置包括一USB充電器或是一USB適配器。 A power management device as described in claim 3, wherein the power device includes a USB charger or a USB adapter.

如請求項3所述的電力管理裝置，其中當該至少一USB裝置未電性連接至該消費性電子產品的至少一下行USB連接器時，該控制器動態要求該電源裝置變更該電源模式以及控制該第一電壓調整器供電給該負載。 The power management device as described in claim 3, wherein when the at least one USB device is not electrically connected to at least one downstream USB connector of the consumer electronic product, the controller dynamically requests the power device to change the power mode and control the first voltage regulator to supply power to the load.

如請求項1所述的電力管理裝置，其中該第一電壓調整器以及該至少一第二電壓調整器中的至少其中之一包括一升壓轉換器或一降壓轉換器。 A power management device as described in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first voltage regulator and the at least one second voltage regulator comprises a boost converter or a buck converter.

一種消費性電子產品，包括：一上行USB連接器；一第一電壓調整器，具有一輸入端耦接至該上行USB連接器的一電源接腳；一負載，具有一電源端耦接至該第一電壓調整器的一輸出端；至少一下行USB連接器；至少一第二電壓調整器，具有一輸出端耦接至一下行USB連接器；以及一電力管理裝置，包括：一記憶體，用以儲存該負載的一負載特性資訊的一第一功率資訊與一電源裝置的一功率組態資訊；以及一控制器，耦接至該記憶體、該第一電壓調整器以及該至少一第二電壓調整器，其中該控制器依據該負載特性資訊判斷該消費性電子產品是否配置該至少一下行USB連接器，以及判斷該至少一下行USB連接器是否連接該消費性電子產品的至少一USB裝置，當該控制器判斷出該消費性電子產品配置有該至少一下行USB連接器且該至少一USB裝置電性連接至該至少一下行USB連接器時，該控制器向該至少一USB裝置取得至少一功率需求，該控制器依據該第一功率資訊以及該至少一功率需求決定是否變更該上行USB連接器的一電源模式，以及該控制器依據該電源模式控制該至少一第二電壓調整器以供電給該至少一USB裝置，當該電源裝置連接至該上行USB連接器且該至少一USB裝置電性連接至該至少一下行USB連接器時，該控制器依據該第一功率資訊以及該至少一功率需求以從該功率組態資訊中選擇出一選定功率組態資訊，且提供至該電源裝置，以向該電源裝置協商該電源裝置的輸出功率組態。 A consumer electronic product includes: an upstream USB connector; a first voltage regulator having an input terminal coupled to a power pin of the upstream USB connector; a load having a power terminal coupled to an output terminal of the first voltage regulator; at least one downstream USB connector; at least one second voltage regulator having an output terminal coupled to the downstream USB connector; and a power management device including: a memory for storing a first power information of a load characteristic information of the load and a power configuration information of a power device; and a controller coupled to the memory, the first voltage regulator and the at least one second voltage regulator, wherein the controller determines whether the consumer electronic product is equipped with the at least one downstream USB connector according to the load characteristic information, and determines whether the at least one downstream USB connector is connected to the at least one USB device of the consumer electronic product. When the controller determines that the consumer electronic product is equipped with the at least one downstream USB connector and the at least one USB device is electrically connected to the at least one downstream USB connector, the controller obtains at least one power requirement from the at least one USB device, the controller determines whether to change a power mode of the upstream USB connector according to the first power information and the at least one power requirement, and the controller controls the at least one second voltage regulator according to the power mode to supply power to the at least one USB device, when the power device is connected to the upstream USB connector and the at least one USB device is electrically connected to the at least one downstream USB connector, the controller selects a selected power configuration information from the power configuration information according to the first power information and the at least one power requirement, and provides it to the power device, so as to negotiate the output power configuration of the power device with the power device.

如請求項7所述的消費性電子產品，其中該消費性電子產品更包括：一配置通道介面電路，耦接於該上行USB連接器的一配置通道接腳以及該控制器之間；以及至少一通訊介面電路，耦接於該至少一下行USB連接器以及該控制器之間。 A consumer electronic product as described in claim 7, wherein the consumer electronic product further comprises: a configuration channel interface circuit coupled between a configuration channel pin of the upstream USB connector and the controller; and at least one communication interface circuit coupled between the at least one downstream USB connector and the controller.

如請求項8所述的消費性電子產品，其中該控制器經由該配置通道介面電路將該選定功率組態資訊提供至該上行USB連接器，以及該上行USB連接器將來自該電源裝置的一主功率提供至該第一電壓調整器以及該至少一第二電壓調整器，以及該控制器依據該第一功率資訊以及該至少一功率需求控制該第一電壓調整器以及該至少一第二電壓調整器以將該主功率動態分配給該負載以及該至少一下行USB連接器。 A consumer electronic product as described in claim 8, wherein the controller provides the selected power configuration information to the upstream USB connector via the configuration channel interface circuit, and the upstream USB connector provides a main power from the power device to the first voltage regulator and the at least one second voltage regulator, and the controller controls the first voltage regulator and the at least one second voltage regulator according to the first power information and the at least one power requirement to dynamically distribute the main power to the load and the at least one downstream USB connector.

如請求項9所述的消費性電子產品，其中該電源裝置包括一USB充電器或是一USB適配器。 A consumer electronic product as described in claim 9, wherein the power supply device includes a USB charger or a USB adapter.

如請求項9所述的消費性電子產品，其中當該至少一USB裝置未電性連接至該至少一下行USB連接器時，該控制器動態要求該電源裝置變更該電源模式以及控制該第一電壓調整器以供電給該負載。 A consumer electronic product as described in claim 9, wherein when the at least one USB device is not electrically connected to the at least one downstream USB connector, the controller dynamically requests the power device to change the power mode and control the first voltage regulator to supply power to the load.

如請求項7所述的消費性電子產品，其中該第一電壓調整器以及該至少一第二電壓調整器中的至少其中之一包括一升壓轉換器或一降壓轉換器。 A consumer electronic product as described in claim 7, wherein at least one of the first voltage regulator and the at least one second voltage regulator comprises a boost converter or a buck converter.