TW201935260A - Electronic devices - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus comprises a first port, a second port, a battery, and a power control unit electrically connected to the battery, the first port and the second port. The power control unit is configured to, on the basis of an output from the battery: transmit a first power signal to the first port and transmit a second power signal to the second port; or transmit a third power signal received by the first port to the second port.

Description

Electronic device

The present invention relates generally to electronic devices, and more specifically, to devices capable of providing data and power transmission.

Hubs extend the connectivity of electronic devices. An example is a USB hub that allows multiple devices such as a keyboard, mouse, memory, and digital camera to connect to a USB port on one of the other devices, such as a laptop or mobile phone. The power pack is a mobile power source for electronic devices. The power pack can supply power to electronic devices such as laptops, mobile phones and tablets. The power pack can also charge the batteries of these electronic devices. Modern consumers often carry more than one mobile device, such as a mobile phone and a tablet. Therefore, it would be inconvenient for it to carry both the hub and the power pack separately. In addition, the hub and the power pack are provided with individual dedicated cables, so carrying both the hub and the power pack results in carrying separate cables, causing inconvenience to modern consumers.

In one or more embodiments, a device is provided. The device includes a first port, a second port, a battery, and a power control unit. The power control unit is electrically connected to the battery, the first port and the second port. The power control unit is configured to perform the following operations based on the output from the battery: transmitting the first power signal to the first port and transmitting the second power signal to the second port; or the third power signal received by the first port Transfer to the second port. In one or more embodiments, a device is provided. The device includes a first port, a second port, a power control unit, a battery, and a hub control unit. The power control unit is electrically connected to the first port and the second port. The battery is electrically connected to the power control unit. The hub control unit is electrically connected to the first port, the second port and the power control unit. The power control unit outputs a first voltage to the first port and outputs a second voltage different from the first voltage to the second port.

Electronic devices often provide a single function. For example, a hub expands the connectivity of a port. For example, a USB hub allows more than one device to be connected to a USB port. As another example, a power pack including a battery can supply power to other electronic devices in use. It can also be the internal battery (if one exists) of other electronic devices, regardless of whether other electronic devices are in use. The power pack can supply power via a standardized port, such as a USB port. The power pack can supply power through non-standard ports. In some embodiments of the invention, the port can carry both data transmission and power transmission. It is often desirable to have a device that provides more than a single function. For example, it would be advantageous to combine the functions of a hub and a power pack into one multifunctional device. Multifunctional devices can reduce the number of devices consumers must carry while providing the same level of convenience. In addition, multifunctional devices can reduce the number of cables that consumers must carry in order to use different single function devices. In some embodiments, data transmission to the hub and power transmission to the power pack require different types of cables. In some embodiments, the multifunctional device uses a standardized interface for both data and power transmission, thereby reducing the number of types of cables that consumers must carry while still enjoying the same or approximately the same amount of convenience. FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic device 10. The electronic device 10 includes a port 101, a port 102, a port 103, a port 104, a battery 20, a startup tool 311, and a communication unit 321. Each of the ports 101 to 104 can be connected to other devices. As illustrated in FIG. 1, devices that can be connected to the electronic device 10 include, but are not limited to, devices 30, 41, 42, 43, 50, and 60. It is contemplated that the electronic device 10 may include multiple ports other than ports 101 to 104 according to some other embodiments of the present invention. According to some other embodiments of the present invention, one or more of the ports 101 to 104 may be eliminated or omitted. The charger 70 can also be connected to the electronic device 10. Although FIG. 1 shows six devices 30, 41, 42, 43, 50, and 60 and the charger 70 can be connected to the electronic device 10, other numbers of devices that can be connected to the electronic device 10 are also possible, depending on the use case . In some embodiments, only one device is connected to the electronic device 10. In some embodiments, only one charger is connected to the electronic device 10. In some embodiments, two, three, four, five, six or more devices may be connected to the electronic device 10. In some embodiments, in addition to any number of devices, one or more chargers may be connected to the electronic device 10. Ports 101, 102, 103, and 104 can be the same, similar, or different types of ports. Ports 101, 102, 103, 104 can carry data transmission, power transmission, or both. In some embodiments, some or all of the ports 101, 102, 103, 104 may conform to standardized specifications, such as a universal serial bus specification (including but not limited to USB 1. 0, USB 1. 1.USB 2. 0, USB 3. 0, USB 3. 1.USB 3. 2.USB battery charging 1. 0, USB battery charging 1. 1.USB battery charging 1. USB Power Delivery (PD) version 1. 0, USB PD version 2. 0, USB PD version 3. 0, USB C type 1. 0, USB C type 1. 1 and future versions); different ports can meet different versions of the same standardized specifications. In some embodiments, some or all of the ports 101, 102, 103, 104 may be audio-visual interfaces, such as VGA, HDMI, DVI, mini DVI, micro DVI, and mini display port (MiniDP). In some embodiments, the ports 101, 102, 103, 104 may be of a proprietary type and have customizable functionality. In an embodiment, the port 101 may be an upstream facing port (UFP), and the port 102 may be a downstream facing port (DFP), and vice versa. In some embodiments, ports 101 and 102 are USB buses, each of which includes (VBUS, C1 / C2, D + / D-_1, D + / D-_1, SUB1 / SUB2, USB3. 0). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the device 30 may be a host device such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet, and a device that can be connected to port 101 through port 31 of device 30 Other devices. The device 30 also includes an internal battery 32. The device 30 may power itself by the internal battery 32 or receive power from an external power source. The port 31 can be used for both data transmission and power transmission with a port (such as port 101) of the electronic device 10. The internal battery 32 is rechargeable, for example, via an external power source via the port 31. In some embodiments, the port 31 is a USB port. Devices 41, 42, 43, 50 can be connected to ports 102, 103 and other ports, and can be used for both data transmission and power transmission. Examples of the devices 41, 42, 43, 50 include, but are not limited to, a memory, a hard drive, a keyboard, a computer mouse, a pointer, a digital camera, a flash, and a ventilation fan. In some embodiments, the devices 41, 42, 43, 50 may have USB interfaces that support the same or different versions. The device 60 may be an external display, which may be connected to the port 104 via an audio-visual interface or a USB interface or another standardized or proprietary interface. The charger 70 can supply power to the electronic device 10 and to the devices 41, 42, 43, 50, and 60 via the electronic device 10. The charger 70 can be connected to an AC / DC power outlet that operates at voltages such as 110 V and 220 V, or to other power sources. The activation tool 311 can be controlled by a user of the electronic device 10 to activate a specific function. In some embodiments, the activation tool 311 is a button, and a user can press the button to activate the battery 20 to supply power to a device connected to the electronic device 10. The activation tool 311 may have other physical appearances, such as switches, joysticks, handles, optical / acoustic / electrical / thermal / odd sensors. The signaling unit 321 indicates the state of the electronic device 10. In some embodiments, the signaling unit 321 may be a lamp or a light emitting diode (LED). In some embodiments, the signaling unit 321 may indicate the power of the battery 20. For example, the signaling unit 321 may be configured to emit light with different colors or intensities to indicate different power levels of the battery 20. As an example, the signaling unit 321 may be a single-color LED (which is offset from the multi-color light source), which indicates low battery power when it emits light. According to an embodiment of the present invention, device 30 is a smart phone connected to port 101, devices 41, 42, 43 are a keyboard, a mouse, and a speaker, device 50 is a USB memory card, and device 60 is a high-resolution external display 60 . In this embodiment, the devices 41, 42, 43, 50, 60 are connected to the port 31 of the device 30 via the electronic device 10, and the electronic device 10 provides a hub function in this case. The devices 41, 42, 43, 50, 60 may draw power from the smart phone 30, or if the battery is sufficient and the user starts the battery 20 by using the startup tool 311, then draw power from the battery 20. The electronic device 10 therefore also provides the function of a power pack. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the charger 70 is a power adapter connected to a 110 V indoor AC power outlet (not shown) and is additionally connected to the electronic device 10. In this embodiment, the charger 70 can supply power to the devices 30, 41, 42, 43, 50, 60 and charge the battery 20 of the electronic device 10. To further describe the functionality of the electronic device 10, different usage scenarios and different embodiments according to the present invention are provided below. Refer to the usage scenario illustrated in Figure 2A. Only the charger 70 is connected to the electronic device 10 via the port 101. The charger 70 can charge the battery 20 of the electronic device 10. The charger 70 can stop charging when the battery 20 is full. Refer to the usage scenario illustrated in Figure 2B. Only the charger 70 is connected to the electronic device 10 via the port 102. The charger 70 can charge the battery 20 of the electronic device 10 and can stop charging when the battery 20 is full. It will be clear from FIGS. 2A and 2B that ports 101 and 102 are capable of power transmission. Referring to FIG. 2C, a scenario where both ports 101 and 102 are connected is depicted. The device 30 and the charger 70 are connected to the port 101 and the port 102, respectively. The charger 70 can supply power to the device 30, or charge the internal battery 32 of the device 30, or both. The charger 70 can charge the battery 20 of the electronic device 10. In some embodiments, the charger 70 may simultaneously supply power to the device 30 and charge the battery 20. In some embodiments, the charger 70 can charge the battery 20 and the device 30 operates through its unique internal battery 32. Other uses are also possible. Referring to FIG. 2D, a scenario where both ports 101 and 102 are connected is depicted. The charger 70 and the device 41 are connected to the port 101 and the port 102, respectively. The charger 70 may supply power to the device 41. The charger 70 can charge the battery 20 of the electronic device 10. In some embodiments, the charger 70 may simultaneously supply power to the device 41 and charge the battery 20. In some embodiments, the charger 70 may supply power to the device 41 without charging the battery 20 of the electronic device 10. Other uses are also possible. FIG. 2E is similar to FIG. 2D and therefore does not repeat possible operating conditions. In some embodiments, ports 102 and 103 may have different capabilities, support different standards, or support different versions of the same standard, so devices 50 that can be connected to port 103 may not be connected to port 102 or may reduce functionality Connect to port 102. For example, if port 102 supports USB 3. 0 and port 103 support USB 2. 0, it has USB 3. 0 capable devices must be connected to port 102 in order to use USB 3. 0 functionality. In some embodiments, port 102 supports USB PD and port 103 does not. In this case, it is not possible to perform USB power delivery using port 103. FIG. 2F can be considered as the scenario of the scenario combination depicted in FIGS. 2D and 2E. The charger 70 can charge the battery 20 of the electronic device 10. The charger 70 may supply power to the device 41. The charger 70 may supply power to the device 50. The charger 70 can charge the battery 20 of the electronic device 10 and supply power to the devices 41, 50. The charger 70 can supply power to the devices 41, 50 without charging the battery 20. The charger 70 is connected to the electronic device 10 in all scenarios depicted in FIGS. 2A to 2F. The charger 70 can charge the battery 20 of the electronic device 10, can supply power to a device connected to the electronic device 10, or both. In some embodiments, the electronic device 10 may be viewed as operating in a "charging mode" in the scenario depicted in FIGS. 2A-2F. It is not necessary to connect the charger 70 to the electronic device 10 all the time; FIGS. 3A to 3C depict exemplary scenarios. Referring to FIG. 3A, only the device 30 is connected to the electronic device 10. In some embodiments, the device 30 is a smart phone. If the power of the battery 20 is sufficient, the device 30 can receive power from the electronic device 10. The device 30 can be operated through its unique internal battery 32 regardless of whether the battery 20 has sufficient power. The user of the electronic device 10 can know the status of the battery 20 through the signaling unit 321. The user may choose to activate the charging function of the electronic device 10 by the activation tool 311, such as by pressing the activation tool to cause the electronic device 10 to supply power to the device 30. In some embodiments, the internal battery 32 of the device 30 may supply power to the battery 20 of the electronic device 10. 3B and FIG. 3C are similar to FIG. 3A, with the difference between which devices are connected to the electronic device 10 and which ports the device is connected to. The operating conditions disclosed in FIG. 3 are also applicable to FIGS. 3B and 3C, and may have necessary modifications within the level of those skilled in the art. No charger 70 is connected to the electronic device 10 in the scenario depicted in FIGS. 3A to 3C. The devices 30, 41 and 50 can draw power from the battery 20 of the electronic device 10. In some embodiments, the electronic device 10 may be considered to operate in a “power pack mode” in the scenario depicted in FIGS. 3A to 3C. 4A and 4B depict other possible usage scenarios of the electronic device 10. Referring to FIG. 4A, the device 30 is connected to the port 101 and the device 41 is connected to the port 102. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the device 30 may be a host device including a port 31 and an internal battery 32, such as a smart phone or a tablet. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the device 41 may be a peripheral device that requires an external power source for operation. In some embodiments, the device 41 is a USB memory card or a keyboard. In some embodiments, devices other than device 41 are connected to port 102. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4A, the electronic device 10 can expand the connection capability of the port 31 of the host device 30. The electronic device 10 can also supply power to the host device 30 and the peripheral device 41 through the battery 20. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 4A is different from a simple hub device in which the peripheral device 41 must draw power from the host device 30. By eliminating the need to supply power from the host device 30 to the peripheral device 41, the electronic device 10 can save the power of the internal battery 32 of the host device 30. By being able to supply power to both the host device 30 and the peripheral device 41, the electronic device 10 can keep the host device 30 operating even when the internal battery 32 contains a low amount of power. 4B is different from FIG. 4A in that the charger 70 is additionally connected to the electronic device 10. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the device 30 may be a host, such as a smart phone or tablet, including the port 31 and the internal battery 32. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the device 41 may be a peripheral device that requires an external power source for operation. In some embodiments, the device 41 is a USB memory card or a keyboard. In some embodiments, devices other than device 41 are connected to port 102. The charger 70 provides an additional option for supplying power to the devices 30 and 41. The charger 70 can charge the battery 20 of the electronic device 10. In the scenario depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B, more than one power source is available, such as the battery 20 of the electronic device 10, the internal battery 32 of the device 30, and the charger 70. 5A illustrates an exemplary method for determining which power source is used to power / charge which device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Refer to Figure 5A. The electronic device 10 first determines whether a charger is connected or an external power supply. If one is present, the charger / external power supply supplies power to the electronic device 10 and charges the battery 20 of the electronic device 10 as appropriate. Taking power from an external power supply has the benefit of saving the internal battery of the host device and the battery 20 of the electronic device 10 whenever possible, thereby increasing the length of time that the host can run through its unique internal battery and the battery 20 of the electronic device 10 can be supplied The amount of electricity. If no charger or external power supply is present, the electronic device 10 determines whether to activate its battery 20 (by means of, for example, the activation tool 311). If it is not activated, the charging of the electronic device 10 is not activated, and a device (such as a keyboard or a mouse) without its own power source will have to have its own device (such as a smart phone, laptop) Or tablet) to draw power. If the battery 20 is activated, the electronic device 10 determines whether the battery 20 has sufficient power. If this is the case, the device connected to the electronic device 10 can draw power from the battery 20. If the battery 20 is activated but the battery 20 does not have sufficient power, the charging of the electronic device 10 is not activated, and a device (such as a keyboard or mouse) without its own power source will have to have its own device (such as a smart phone) Phone, laptop, or tablet). 5B illustrates an exemplary method for determining which power source is used to power / charge which device according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, it is determined similar to FIG. 5A that the charger or external power supply connected to the electronic device 10 is present. Making this determination early allows better saving of the battery of the device connected to the electronic device 10. Then, the electronic device 10 determines whether the battery 20 has sufficient power. If the battery does not have sufficient power, a device without its own power source, such as a keyboard or mouse, will have to draw power from a device with its own power source, such as a smartphone, laptop, or tablet. In some embodiments, the messaging unit 321 will indicate a low battery level, notify the user of this situation and prompt the user to charge the battery 20 of the electronic device 10. If the battery has sufficient power, the electronic device 10 determines whether to activate the charging function of the electronic device 10 (by means of, for example, the startup tool 311). If the charging function is activated, the device connected to the electronic device 10 can draw power from the battery 20. If the charging function is not activated, a device (such as a keyboard or mouse) without its own power source will have to draw power from a device (such as a smartphone, laptop or tablet) with its own power source. FIG. 6 illustrates a more detailed block diagram of an electronic device 10 according to some embodiments of the invention. In addition to the ports 101, 102, 103, 104 and the battery 20, the electronic device 10 includes a hub control unit 100 and a power control unit 200. The battery 20 is connected to the power control unit 200. The hub control unit 100 is connected to the ports 101 to 104 and the power control unit 200. The power control unit 200 is connected to the battery 20, the hub control unit 100, and the ports 101 and 102. In some embodiments, the power control unit 200 can also be connected to the ports 103 and 104. The hub control unit 100 provides data transmission between the connected ports. The hub control unit 100 may provide a hub function. The hub control unit 100 can provide data multiplexing / demultiplexing functions. In some embodiments, the hub control unit 100 is based on a standardized specification, such as a USB specification. Power control unit 200. Providing power transmission between connected ports, batteries, and blocks In some embodiments, the power control unit 200 can send and receive multiple identical, similar, or different power signals between the connected ports, batteries, and blocks. Multiple power signals can be at different voltages, such as 0 V, 1 V, 2 V, 3 V, 4 V, 5 V, 6 V, 7 V, 8 V, 9 V, 10 V, 11 V, 12 V, 13 V, 14 V, 15 V, 16 V, 17 V, 18 V, 19 V, 20 V, any suitable voltage exceeding 20 V, and any suitable non-integer voltage. The plurality of power signals may have any suitable amount of current or power. The plurality of power signals may be in different voltage ranges. In some embodiments, the power control unit 200 may provide data transmission. In some embodiments, the hub control unit 100 is based on standardized specifications, such as USB specifications and USB PD specifications. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the power control unit 200 may receive one or more power signals from the battery 20 and transmit the received power signals to any one of the connected ports and blocks. The power control unit 200 may transmit power signals at various voltages, such as at a voltage different from the power signals received from the ports 101, 102 or the battery 20. The power control unit 200 can detect a power signal connected to a port to which the battery 20 is connected. The power control unit 200 can detect a state of the battery 20, such as a battery level. The operation of the use scenario of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, and 4B can be further explained with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 6. In the use scenario of FIG. 2A, the power control unit 200 may determine whether to charge the battery 20. If charging is performed, a power signal may flow from the charger 70 to the power control unit 200 via the port 102, and then the power control unit 200 may direct the power signal to the battery 20. When receiving a power signal from the port 101, the power control unit 200 may modify or change the power signal before directing the power signal to the battery 20. Modifications or changes may be related to any suitable electrical characteristics (such as voltage, current, power, frequency, duty cycle, etc.). In some embodiments, the power control unit 200 may determine that the battery 20 does not have to be charged. In this case, the charger 70 may choose not to output a power signal or the power control unit 200 may cut off the power signal received from the port 101. The usage scenario of FIG. 2B is similar to the usage scenario of FIG. 2A, except that the charger 70 is connected to the port 102. Since ports 101 and 102 may have similar capabilities, the above explanations regarding FIG. 2A also apply to FIG. 2B and are therefore not repeated. In the use scenario of FIG. 2C, the power control unit 200 may determine whether to charge the battery 20. If charging is performed, a power signal may flow from the charger 70 to the power control unit 200 via the port 101, and then the power control unit 200 may direct the power signal to the battery 20. When receiving the power signal from the port 102, the power control unit 200 can modify or change any suitable electrical characteristics of the power signal (such as voltage, current, power, frequency, duty cycle, etc.). In some embodiments, the power control unit 200 may determine that the battery 20 does not have to be charged. In this case, the charger 70 may choose not to output a power signal. In some embodiments, the power control unit 200 or the device 30 may determine that the device 30 receives power from the charger 70. In this case, the power control unit 200 transmits the power signal to the port 101 based on the power signal received from the charger 70. In addition, the power control unit 200 can modify any electrical characteristics of the power signal received from the charger 70 and meet the requirements of the power signal transmitted to the port 101. In some embodiments, the battery 20 may provide power to the device 30 in addition to or instead of the charger 70. The usage scenario of FIG. 2D is similar to the usage scenario of FIG. 2C, except that the charger 70 is connected to the port 101 and the device 41 without its unique battery connected to the port 102. Therefore, the power control unit 200 may additionally determine whether power will be drawn from the battery 20 to supply the device 41. The use case of FIG. 2E is similar to the use case of FIG. 2D. In some embodiments, the ports 101, 102, 103 have different specifications or capabilities and therefore the electrical characteristics of the power signals that each of the ports 101, 102, 103 can handle are different. The power control unit 200 will then make the necessary modifications to the received power signals and then transmit the modified power signals. The usage scenario of FIG. 2F is different from FIG. 2D and FIG. 2E in that more than one device is connected to the electronic device 10. The power control unit 200 may output more than one power signal to different devices by, for example, drawing more power from the charger 70 or drawing additional power from the battery 20 or both. In the scenarios of FIGS. 2A to 2G, the power control unit 200 may determine whether to draw power from the charger 70, whether to charge or draw power from the battery 20, and output power having a device that is compatible with the connection to the electronic device 10 A method of supplying a power signal with required electrical characteristics. An advantage of the power control unit 200 is the flexibility of using / charging the battery 20 to make optimal use of the battery and extend the life of the battery 20. Another advantage is the ability to supply power to many devices that can have different power supply requirements. The power control unit 200 may use different methods to determine whether to charge the battery 20 or draw power from the battery. In some embodiments, the power control unit 200 can detect the amount of power available in the battery 20. In some embodiments, the power control unit 200 can detect the amount of voltage or current that the battery 20 can output. None of the scenarios of FIGS. 3A to 3C involves the charger 70. The power control unit 200 determines the power of the battery 20 and supplies power signals with possibly different electrical characteristics to meet the needs of different devices connected to the electronic device 10 and different capabilities of the ports of the electronic device 10. In some embodiments, such as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the power control unit 200 checks whether the startup tool 311 is triggered in determining whether to draw power from the battery 20. In the use scenario of FIG. 4A, the devices 30, 41 are connected to the electronic device 10. The power control unit 200 may determine whether to draw power from the battery 20 based on the factors described above. The power control unit 200 may determine whether to supply power to the device 30. The power control unit 200 may determine whether to let the device 30 supply power to the device 41 or let the battery 20 supply power to the device 41; in some embodiments, the determination may be based at least in part on the method described in FIGS. 5A and 5B . The power control unit 200 may change the electrical characteristics of the received power signal. The power control unit 200 may convert the electrical characteristics of the received power signal and transmit the converted power signal to any one of the memory 20, the hub control unit 100, or the port. In some embodiments, such as one depicted in FIG. 1, other devices may be connected to the electronic device 10, and the hub control unit 100 handles data transmission between the connected devices. The use scenario of FIG. 4B is different from the use scenario of FIG. 4A in that the charger 70 is additionally connected to the electronic device 10. Based on the factors described above, the power control unit 200 may determine whether to use or charge the battery 20, whether to draw power from or charge the device 30, whether to draw power from the charger 70, and which ( Some) power source to charge the device 41. In some embodiments, the determination may be based at least on the method illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The power control unit 200 may change the electrical characteristics of the received power signal. The power control unit 200 may convert the electrical characteristics of the received power signal and transmit the converted power signal to any one of the memory 20, the hub control unit 100, or the port. The power control unit 200 may use different methods to determine which power source (s) to use. In some embodiments, the power control unit 200 can detect the electrical characteristics of the output of the battery 20. The battery 20 may select the first drawn power from the charger 70 whenever it can be used to save power stored in the battery 20 and the internal battery 32 of the device 30. The power control unit 200 may also consider input from a user, such as whether the startup tool 311 has been touched. In some embodiments, the power control unit 200 may compare the voltage and the threshold of the output of the battery 20. In some embodiments, the power control unit 200 may compare the voltage output by the battery 20 with the voltage of the power signal provided by the device 30. In some embodiments, if the voltage output by the battery 20 is the voltage of the power signal received at one of the ports, the power control unit 200 may determine that the battery 20 has sufficient power. In some embodiments, if the difference between the voltage output by the battery 20 and the voltage of the power signal received at one of the ports is within a predetermined or adaptive threshold, the power control unit 200 may determine the battery 20 Have enough power. FIG. 7 illustrates an electronic device according to some embodiments of the invention. The power control unit 200 includes a power delivery control unit 210, a power delivery control unit 220, a voltage conversion unit 230, a voltage conversion unit 240, a mode setting unit 310, a startup tool 311, a monitor unit 320, a transmission unit 321, and a detection unit 330 , A voltage setting unit 340, a switching control unit 350, and a switch module 360. Those skilled in the art will understand that the interconnections shown in FIG. 7 are exemplary and non-limiting. The power delivery control unit 210 is connected to the port 101 and can determine whether and how to transmit and receive signals, such as data signals and power signals. The power delivery control unit 210 may be connected to the hub control unit 100 and may deliver power to the hub control unit. The power delivery control unit 210 may be connected to the switch module 360. The power delivery control unit 210 may have a bus. The bus bar may have pins that at least partially match pins of the port 101. The power delivery control unit 210 may support standardized specifications (possibly with different versions). In some embodiments, the power delivery control unit 210 may be USB-based. In some embodiments, the power delivery control unit 210 may support USB 3. 0. In some embodiments, the power delivery control unit 210 may support USB 3. 0 Type C power delivery (PD). In some embodiments, the bus of the power delivery control unit 210 may have pins (VBUS, C1 / C2, D + / D-_1, D + / D-_1, SUB1 / SUB2) connectable to the port 101. The power delivery control unit 220 is similar to the power delivery control unit 210 and therefore will not be discussed in detail. The voltage conversion unit 230 may be connected to the battery 20. The voltage conversion unit 230 may be connected to the switching module 360. The voltage conversion unit 230 may be connected to the monitor unit 320. The voltage conversion unit 230 may receive an electric signal, such as a power signal, at least one voltage, and convert the electric signal into another voltage. The voltage conversion unit 230 can receive and transmit electrical signals in a voltage range. The voltage range can be any suitable range. In some embodiments, the voltage range is from 5V to 20V. The voltage conversion unit 230 can operate at a fixed nominal voltage (such as 5 V); in this case, the voltage conversion unit 230 can provide functions other than voltage conversion, such as signal isolation and impedance conversion. The voltage conversion unit 230 may be a converter or a voltage regulator. In some embodiments, the voltage conversion unit 230 may be a DC-DC converter, such as a buck-boost DC-DC converter. The input / output voltage of the voltage conversion unit 230 may be based on a parameter supplied from another block (such as the voltage setting unit 340). The voltage conversion unit 240 may be connected to the switching module 360. The voltage conversion unit 240 may be connected to the hub control unit 100. In some embodiments, the voltage conversion unit 240 may supply power to the hub control unit 100. The voltage conversion unit 240 may receive an electric signal, such as a power signal, at least one voltage, and convert the electric signal into another voltage. The voltage conversion unit 240 can receive and transmit electrical signals in a voltage range. The voltage range can be any suitable range. In some embodiments, the voltage range is from 5V to 20V. The voltage conversion unit 240 can operate at a fixed nominal voltage (such as 5 V); in this case, the voltage conversion unit 240 can provide functions other than voltage conversion, such as signal isolation and impedance conversion. The voltage conversion unit 240 may be a converter or a voltage regulator. In some embodiments, the voltage conversion unit 240 may be a DC-DC converter, such as a step-down DC-DC converter. The input / output voltage of the voltage conversion unit 240 may be based on a parameter supplied from another block (such as the voltage setting unit 340). The mode setting unit 310 may be connected to the startup tool 311. In some embodiments, the startup tool 311 instructs the startup of the battery 20. The mode setting unit 310 will then instruct this activation to the switching control unit 350, which in turn configures the switch module 360 so that the output of the battery 20 is transmitted to any one of the ports, such as ports 101, 102. The mode setting unit 310 may determine which power source (s) is used to power which connected device (s). The mode setting unit 310 may be programmed or configured to practice the method illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The monitor unit 320 may monitor the state of the battery 20. The monitor unit 320 can monitor the power of the battery 20. The monitoring unit 320 may be connected to the signaling unit 321 to indicate the status or power of the battery 20. The monitor unit 320 may be connected to the switching control unit 350 to affect the power signals entering or leaving the switch module 360. In some embodiments, if the monitor unit 320 determines that the battery 20 does not have sufficient power, the switching control unit 350 may configure the switch module 360 so that there is no direct or indirect electrical connection between the battery 20 and the ports 101 and 102. The detection unit 330 can be connected to any number of ports of the electronic device 10, such as port 101, port 102, or two ports 101, 102. The detection unit 330 may be connected to the switching control unit 350 to configure a power signal based on the output of the detection unit 330. The detecting unit 330 can detect whether there is data or a power signal at the connected port. The detection unit 330 can detect electrical characteristics of signals existing at the connected ports, such as voltage, current, and power. The detection unit 330 can detect whether the port is connected to other devices, and which devices the port is connected to. In some embodiments, the detection unit 330 can detect whether the connected device supports standardized specifications (and which version (s)), such as USB PD. The detection unit 330 may determine the type of the connected device, such as a host device, a peripheral device, a self-powered device, a charger, and the like. The detection unit 330 may be connected to the voltage setting unit 340 and may feed different outputs to the voltage setting unit 340 in response to the detection result. The switching control unit 350 is connected to the switch module 360. The switching control unit 350 may be connected to other blocks, such as a mode setting unit 310, a monitor unit 320, and a detection unit 330, whose outputs may affect the characteristics and flow of the power signals in the power control unit 200. The switch module 360 includes switches and is controlled and / or configured by the switching control unit 350. The switch module 360 determines the manner in which the electric signal flows in the power control unit 200. The switch module 360 may include a switch 361 (S1), a switch 362 (S2), a switch 363 (S3), a switch 364 (S4), a switch 365 (Q1), and a switch 366 (Q2). In some embodiments, the switch module 360 may include a comparison unit 367 which compares the electrical characteristics of the signals coupled to it. S1 can be connected between the VBUS pin of port 101 and the voltage conversion unit 240. S2 can be connected between the VBUS pin of port 101 and the voltage conversion unit 240. S2 can be connected to S4. S3 can be connected between the VBUS pin of the port 102 and the voltage conversion unit 230. S3 can be connected to Q1. S4 can be connected between the VBUS pin of the port 102 and the voltage conversion unit 240. S4 can be connected to S2. Q1 can be connected between the VBUS pin of port 101 and the voltage conversion unit 230. Q2 may be connected between the battery 20 and the voltage conversion unit 240. The comparison unit 367 may be connected between S1 and the voltage conversion unit 240. In some embodiments, the comparison unit 367 may compare the electrical characteristics of the signal from S1 with the signal from the voltage conversion unit 240. The comparison unit 367 may have an output based on the comparison result. In some embodiments, the comparison unit 367 may be a voltage comparator. The comparison unit 367 may be an operational amplifier. The comparison unit 367 may be an asymmetric conductive device. The comparison unit 367 may be a diode. In some embodiments, the anode (positive terminal) may be connected to S1, and the cathode (negative terminal) may be connected to the voltage conversion unit 240. In some embodiments, the diode may have a pressure drop, such as 0. 7V. If the voltage of the diode is higher than the voltage at the terminals of the voltage conversion unit 240, the power signal from S1 can pass through the diode in the Q2 closed embodiment. If the voltage from S1 is higher than the battery 20 Voltage (in the presence of a voltage drop, the voltage drop is reached), the diode will become forward biased. In other words, the diode can determine whether the power signal from the VBUS pin of the battery 20 or the port 101 reaches the voltage conversion unit 240. In other words, the diode can determine which power source supplies power to the voltage conversion unit 240, the battery 20, or a device connected to the port 101. The operation of the use scenario of FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, FIG. 2D, FIG. 2E, FIG. 2F, FIG. 2G, FIG. In the use scenario of FIG. 2A, Q1 can be closed and the charger 70 can charge the battery 20 through the voltage conversion unit 230. In the use scenario of FIG. 2B, S3 can be closed and the charger 70 can charge the battery 20 through the voltage conversion unit 230. In the use scenario of Figure 2C, Q1 and S3 can be closed. The charger 70 can charge the battery 20 through the voltage conversion unit 230. The charger 70 can charge the device 30. The power delivery control unit 220 may modify the power signal of the charger 70 before the power signal of the charger 70 reaches the device 30. In the use scenario of Figure 2D, Q1 and S3 can be closed. The charger 70 can charge the battery 20 through the voltage conversion unit 230. The charger 70 can charge the device 30. The power delivery control unit 210 or the power delivery control unit 220 may modify the power signal before the power signal of the charger 70 reaches the device 30. In the use scenario of Figure 2E, Q1 and S3 can be closed. The charger 70 can charge the battery 20 through the voltage conversion unit 230. The charger 70 can power the device 41. The power delivery control unit 210 or the power delivery control unit 220 may modify the power signal before the power signal of the charger 70 reaches the device 41. In the use scenario of Figure 2F, Q1 and S1 can be closed. The charger 70 can charge the battery 20 through the voltage conversion unit 230. The charger 70 can supply power to the device 50 through the voltage conversion unit 240 and the hub control unit 100. In the usage scenario of Figure 2G, Q1, S1, and S3 can be closed. The operations described with respect to FIGS. 2E and 2F also apply. In the use scenario of FIG. 3A, Q1 may be closed. The battery 20 can charge the device 30 through the voltage conversion unit 230. In some embodiments, Q2 and S2 can be closed to enable the battery 20 to charge the device 30 through the voltage conversion unit 240. Since the voltage conversion unit 230 and the voltage conversion unit 240 can have different output voltage ranges, the switch module 360 enables the electronic device 10 to charge the device with various voltage requirements. In the use scenario of FIG. 3B, S3 can be closed. The battery 20 can charge the device 41 through the voltage conversion unit 230. In some embodiments, S4 can be closed to enable the battery 20 to charge the device 41 through the voltage conversion unit 240. This configuration may enable the electronic device 10 to charge the device with various voltage requirements. In the use scenario of FIG. 3C, Q2 may be closed. The battery 20 can charge the device 41 through the voltage conversion unit 240 and the hub control unit 100. In the use scenario of FIG. 4A, Q1, Q2, and S4 can be closed, and S1, S2, and S3 can be opened. This may allow the battery 20 to charge the device 30 by the voltage conversion unit 230 and the device 41 by the voltage conversion unit 240. This configuration may enable the electronic device 10 to charge the device with various voltage requirements. In some embodiments, the power control unit 200 may decide to cause the device 30 to supply power to the device 41. In this case, Q1 and S3 may be closed and the voltage conversion unit 230 may be deactivated by the voltage setting unit 340. In the use scenario of FIG. 4B, Q1, Q2, and S3 can be closed. The charger 70 can charge the battery 20 through the voltage conversion unit 230. The charger 70 can power the device 41 through the power delivery control unit 220. The charger 70 may power the device 30 directly or through the power delivery control unit 210 or the power delivery control unit 220. S1 may be closed to feed a power signal from the charger 70 to the voltage conversion unit 240. An embodiment of the present invention provides a multifunctional device that can combine the functions of a hub and a power pack, thereby giving users more convenience. Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for determining which power source is used to power / charge which devices when more than one power source is present. Embodiments of the present invention help to save battery power of multi-function devices and battery power of self-powered mobile devices. The multifunctional device according to the embodiment of the present invention can supply power to various devices with different electrical requirements. As used herein, the terms "about", "substantially", "substantially", and "about" are used to describe and consider small variations. When used in conjunction with an event or situation, the terms may refer to a situation in which the event or situation explicitly occurs and a situation in which the event or situation is close to occurring. For example, when used in conjunction with numerical values, these terms can refer to a range of variation that is less than or equal to ± 10% of their value, such as less than or equal to ± 5%, less than or equal to ± 4%, and less than or equal to ± 3% , Less than or equal to ± 2%, less than or equal to ± 1%, less than or equal to ± 0. 5%, less than or equal to ± 0. 1%, or less than or equal to ± 0. 05%. For example, if the difference between two values is less than or equal to ± 10% of the mean 2%, less than or equal to ± 1%, less than or equal to ± 0. 5%, less than or equal to ± 0. 1%, or less than or equal to ± 0. 05%), the values can be considered to be "substantially" or "approximately" the same. For example, "substantially" parallel may refer to a range of angular variation from 0 ° less than or equal to ± 10 °, such as less than or equal to ± 5 °, less than or equal to ± 4 °, less than or equal to ± 3 °, Less than or equal to ± 2 °, less than or equal to ± 1 °, and less than or equal to ± 0. 5 °, less than or equal to ± 0. 1 °, or less than or equal to ± 0. 05 °. For example, "substantially" vertical may refer to a range of angular variation from 90 ° less than or equal to ± 10 °, such as less than or equal to ± 5 °, less than or equal to ± 4 °, less than or equal to ± 3 °, Less than or equal to ± 2 °, less than or equal to ± 1 °, and less than or equal to ± 0. 5 °, less than or equal to ± 0. 1 °, or less than or equal to ± 0. 05 °. If the displacement between the two surfaces is not greater than 5 µm, not greater than 2 µm, not greater than 1 µm, or not greater than 0. 5 µm, the two surfaces can be considered coplanar or substantially coplanar. As used herein, the terms "conductive", "conductive", and "conductivity" refer to the ability to transmit current. Conductive materials generally indicate those materials that exhibit little or no opposition to current flow. One measure of conductivity is Siemens / meter (S / m). Generally, conductive materials are ⁴ S / m conductivity material, for example at least 10 ⁵ S / m or at least 10 ⁶ S / m. The conductivity of a material can sometimes change with temperature. Unless otherwise specified, the conductivity of materials is measured at room temperature. As used herein, the singular terms "a", "an" and "the" may include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the description of some embodiments, a component provided "above" or "above" another component may include a condition in which the latter component is directly on the previous component (e.g., physical contact), and one or more of them The intervention component can be in a condition between the previous component and the latter component. Although the invention has been described and illustrated with reference to specific embodiments thereof, these descriptions and illustrations do not limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the scope of the accompanying patent application, various changes may be made and equivalent components may be replaced in the embodiments. Instructions need not be drawn to scale. Due to variables in the manufacturing process, etc., there may be differences between the delicate representation in the present invention and the actual device. There may be other embodiments of the present invention that are not specifically described. The description and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, method or procedure to the purpose, spirit and scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the accompanying patent applications. Although the methods disclosed herein have been described with reference to specific operations performed in a specific order, it is understood that such operations can be combined, subdivided, or reordered to form equivalent methods without departing from the teachings of the present invention. Therefore, unless specifically indicated herein, the order and grouping of operations is not a limitation of the present invention.

10‧‧‧ electronic device

20‧‧‧ Battery

30‧‧‧device / smartphone

31‧‧‧port

32‧‧‧ Internal battery

41‧‧‧device / keyboard

42‧‧‧device / mouse

43‧‧‧device / speaker

50‧‧‧device / universal serial bus (USB) memory card

60‧‧‧device / high-resolution external display

70‧‧‧ Charger

100‧‧‧ Hub Control Unit

101‧‧‧port

102‧‧‧port

103‧‧‧port

104‧‧‧port

200‧‧‧Power Control Unit

210‧‧‧ Power Delivery Control Unit

220‧‧‧ Power Delivery Control Unit

230‧‧‧Voltage Conversion Unit

240‧‧‧Voltage Conversion Unit

310‧‧‧ Mode Setting Unit

311‧‧‧Launch Tool

320‧‧‧Monitor Unit

321‧‧‧Message Unit

330‧‧‧ Detection Unit

340‧‧‧Voltage Setting Unit

350‧‧‧ Switching control unit

360‧‧‧Switch Module

361‧‧‧Switch (S1)

362‧‧‧Switch (S2)

363‧‧‧Switch (S3)

364‧‧‧Switch (S4)

365‧‧‧Switch (Q1)

366‧‧‧Switch (Q2)

367‧‧‧Comparison Unit

C1 / C2‧‧‧pin

D + / D-_1‧‧‧ pins

D + / D-_2‧‧‧pin

SUB1 / SUB2‧‧‧pin

VBUS‧‧‧pin

Aspects of the present invention will be best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the various features may not be drawn to scale and the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of the discussion. FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F illustrate different usage scenarios and different embodiments according to the present invention. 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate different usage scenarios and different embodiments according to the present invention. 4A and 4B illustrate different usage scenarios and different embodiments according to the present invention. 5A and 5B illustrate a method for determining which power source is used to power / charge which device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The use of common reference numbers throughout the drawings and the detailed description indicates the same or similar elements. The invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Claims (25)

A device includes: a first port; a second port; a battery; a power control unit electrically connected to the battery, the first port, and the second port, wherein the power control unit is configured to The following operations are performed based on an output from the battery: transmitting a first power signal to the first port and transmitting a second power signal to the second port; or receiving a third power by the first port The signal is transmitted to the second port. The device of claim 1, wherein the first power signal has a first voltage, the second power signal has a second voltage, the third power signal has a third voltage at the first port, and the first The three power signals are converted to have a fourth voltage and transmitted to the second port. The device of claim 2, wherein the second voltage is different from the first voltage and the fourth voltage is different from the third voltage. The device of claim 1, wherein the power control unit is configured to determine whether the output from the battery is greater than a first threshold. The device of claim 4, wherein the power control unit is configured to transmit the first power signal to the first port if the output from the battery is greater than or substantially equal to the first threshold value and Transmitting the second power signal to the second port. The device of claim 4, wherein the power control unit is configured to transmit the third power signal received by the first port to the second if the output from the battery is less than the first threshold. port. The device of claim 4, wherein the power control unit includes a comparison unit having a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is electrically connected to the first port or the second port and the second terminal Electrically connected to the output from the battery. The device of claim 7, wherein the first threshold is substantially equal to a difference between the third voltage and an offset voltage of the comparison unit. The device of claim 1, wherein the power control unit includes a switch module electrically connected to the first port, the second port, and the battery. The device of claim 1, further comprising a hub control unit that controls data transmission between the first port and the second port. The device of claim 1, wherein the third power signal is provided by an external power supply and the power control unit is configured to charge the battery with the third power signal. The device of claim 1, wherein the power control unit includes a detection module configured to detect a connection state of the first port. The device of claim 1, wherein the power control unit includes a detection module configured to detect a connection status of the second port. A device includes: a first port; a second port; a power control unit electrically connected to the first port and the second port; a battery electrically connected to the power control unit; a hub control A unit electrically connected to the first port, the second port, and the power control unit; wherein the power control unit outputs a first voltage to the first port and will be a second voltage different from one of the first voltage Output to this second port. The device of claim 14, wherein the power control unit includes a first voltage conversion unit operable in a first voltage range and a second voltage conversion unit operable in a second voltage range. The device of claim 15, wherein the first voltage conversion unit is electrically connected to the battery. The device of claim 15, wherein the second voltage conversion unit is coupled to the first voltage conversion unit and the second voltage range is different from the first voltage range. The device of claim 14, wherein the power control unit includes a switch module and a switching control unit coupled to the switch module, wherein the switch module is electrically connected to the battery, the first port, and the second Port, wherein the switching control unit determines the first voltage and the second voltage. The device of claim 14, wherein the hub control unit is a USB hub control unit. The device of claim 19, wherein the hub control unit is a USB 3.0 hub control unit. The device of claim 14, further comprising a detection module electrically connected to the first port. The device of claim 21, wherein the first voltage is determined based at least in part on the detection module. The device of claim 14, further comprising a detection module electrically connected to the second port. The device of claim 23, wherein the second voltage is determined based at least in part on the detection module. The device of claim 14, wherein the power control unit includes a monitor circuit electrically connected to the battery, wherein the first voltage and the second voltage are determined based on an output from the monitor circuit.