US20060082934A1 - Power adapter featuring multiple power outputs - Google Patents
Power adapter featuring multiple power outputs Download PDFInfo
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- US20060082934A1 US20060082934A1 US10/966,616 US96661604A US2006082934A1 US 20060082934 A1 US20060082934 A1 US 20060082934A1 US 96661604 A US96661604 A US 96661604A US 2006082934 A1 US2006082934 A1 US 2006082934A1
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- power adapter
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
Definitions
- IHSs information handling systems
- power adapters for IHSs.
- An IHS generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information.
- information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated.
- the variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications.
- information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
- multiple portable IHSs e.g., a notebook computer or a laptop computer
- a single physical location e.g., a conference room.
- each of the multiple portable IHSs likely operates in association with its own power adapter so that the portable IHS may receive power from a power source (e.g., an alternating current (“AC”) outlet).
- a power source e.g., an alternating current (“AC”) outlet
- the number of IHSs usable at the physical location may be limited by, for example, the number of AC outlets available.
- operating multiple portable IHSs, each with its own power adapter may cause various problems including personal injury (e.g., injury caused by tripping over wires) and equipment damage.
- a power adapter having multiple power outputs is provided.
- an amount of power that is supplied to the power output is determined.
- an amount of power that is supplied to a second power output included by the multiple power outputs is determined.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a power adapter coupled to multiple IHSs, according to the illustrative embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an information handling system that is representative of one of the IHSs of FIG. 1 , according to the illustrative embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the power adapter of FIG. 1 , according to the illustrative embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart of operations of a processes executed by the power adapter of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a flow chart of operations of another process executed by the power adapter of FIG. 1 .
- an information handling system includes any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or other purposes.
- Example of an IHS include, personal computer (“PC”), a network storage device, personal digital assistant (“PDA”), or any other suitable device with variations in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price.
- An IHS also includes other components such as, random access memory (“RAM”), one or more processing resources (e.g., central processing unit (“CPU”)), hardware or software control logic, read only memory (“ROM”), other types of memory, one or more disk drives, one or more network interfaces, one or more input/output devices and/or one or more buses.
- RAM random access memory
- processing resources e.g., central processing unit (“CPU”)
- ROM read only memory
- other types of memory e.g., one or more disk drives, one or more network interfaces, one or more input/output devices and/or one or more buses.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a power adapter that couples to multiple IHSs, according to the illustrative embodiment. Accordingly, a power adapter 105 is coupled to an IHS 110 , an IHS 115 , and an IHS 120 . The power adapter 105 is coupled to and receives power from a power source 125 (e.g., an alternating current (“AC”) outlet, so that the power adapter 105 is able to supply each of the IHSs 110 , 115 , and 120 with power that is received from the power source 125 .
- a power source 125 e.g., an alternating current (“AC”) outlet
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an IHS, indicated generally at 200 , that is representative of one of the IHSs 110 , 115 , and 120 , according to the illustrative embodiment.
- the IHS 200 includes a processor 205 (e.g., an Intel Pentium series processor).
- An Intel Hub Architecture (IHA) chipset 210 provides the IHS 200 with graphics/memory controller hub functions and I/O functions. More specifically, the IHA chipset 210 acts as a host controller which communicates with a video controller 225 coupled thereto.
- a display device 230 is coupled to the video controller 225 .
- IHA Intel Hub Architecture
- the chipset 210 further acts as a controller for main memory 215 which is coupled thereto.
- the chipset 210 also acts as an input/output (“I/O”) controller hub (ICH) which performs I/O functions.
- I/O input/output
- ICH input/output controller hub
- a USB controller 270 is coupled to chipset 210 so that devices such as a print device 275 can be connected to the chipset 110 and the processor 205 .
- a system basic input-output system (“BIOS”) 240 is coupled to chipset 210 as shown.
- the BIOS 240 is stored in CMOS or FLASH memory so that it is nonvolatile.
- a local area network (“LAN”) controller 245 is coupled to the chipset 210 to facilitate connection of the IHS 200 to other IHSs via a network (e.g., the network 125 ).
- a media driver controller 250 is coupled to chipset 210 so that devices such as media drives 255 can be connected to the chipset 210 and the processor 205 . Examples of the media devices 255 capable of being coupled to the media controller 250 include CD-ROM drives, DVD drives, hard disk drives and other fixed or removable media drives.
- An expansion bus 220 such as a PCI bus, PCI Express bus, serial advanced technology attachment (“SATA”) bus or other bus is coupled to the chipset 110 as shown.
- the expansion bus 220 includes one or more expansion slots (not shown) for receiving expansion cards which provide the IHS 200 with additional functionality.
- FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the power adapter 105 of FIG. 1 , according to the illustrative embodiment.
- the power adapter 105 includes an alternating current/direct current (“AC/DC”) converter 305 .
- the AC/DC converter 305 is coupled to the power source 125 .
- the power source 125 is an AC power source such as an AC outlet.
- the power adapter 105 also includes power outputs 310 , 315 , and 320 . Each of the power outputs 310 , 315 , and 320 is a DC power output. Via the power outputs 310 , 315 , and 320 , the power adapter 105 supplies power to multiple IHSs.
- each of the power outputs 310 , 315 , 320 is coupled to an IHS (e.g., one of the IHSs of FIG. 1 ) as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the power adapter 105 includes a controller circuit 325 .
- the controller circuit 325 is coupled to each of the power outputs 310 , 315 , and 320 .
- the controller circuit 325 is respectively coupled to the IHSs that are coupled to the power outputs 310 , 315 , or 320 .
- the power adapter 105 optionally includes network interfaces (e.g., interfaces for Ethernet, or wireless networks such as Blue-tooth or IEEE 802.11 networks) 330 , 335 , and 340 .
- network interfaces e.g., interfaces for Ethernet, or wireless networks such as Blue-tooth or IEEE 802.11 networks
- Each of the network interfaces 330 , 335 , and 340 is coupled to a network so that the such network interface is an interface between an IHS and the network.
- the AC/DC converter 305 of the power adapter 105 is capable of supplying power (e.g., DC) to the power outputs 310 , 315 , and 320 and ultimately to IHSs that are coupled to each the power outputs 310 , 315 , and 320 .
- the AC/DC converter 305 's aggregate capacity, and accordingly, the power adapter 105 's aggregate capacity for supplying such power is indicated by the power adapter 105 's power rating (e.g., indicated in volts).
- the power adapter 105 determines an amount of power that is supplied to each of the power outputs that is coupled to an IHS. For each of the power outputs 310 , 315 , and 320 , such amount of power determined is a portion of the power adapter 105 's aggregate power capacity. In response to determining such amount of power for each of the power outputs 310 , 315 , and 320 , the power adapter 105 supplies such determined amount of power to the respective power output. In performing the functions discussed above, the power adapter 105 performs the processes discussed below in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5 .
- FIG. 4 is flow chart of operations of a process executed by the power adapter 105 of FIG. 1 .
- the operation begins at a step 405 , where the controller circuit 325 of the power adapter 105 self loops until it has detected an IHS being coupled to one of the power outputs 310 , 315 , and 320 .
- the operation continues to a step 410 .
- the controller circuit 325 receives information about the IHS' power requirement (e.g., as indicated by the IHS' power rating). Such information includes the IHS' non-preferred or less than preferred (e.g., minimum) power requirement and its preferred (e.g., optimum) power requirement. In one example, the controller circuit 325 receives such information by identifying the IHS' type (e.g., as indicated by the IHS' model number) and determining power requirement information that is associated with such IHS type. After the step 410 , the operation continues to a
- the controller circuit 325 determines an amount of power that will be supplied to the power output, to which the IHS detected at the step 405 is coupled.
- the controller circuit 325 determines such amount in response to aggregate capacity of the power adapter 105 and the amount of power that is currently supplied to the power adapter 105 's other power outputs. In one example, If the controller circuit 325 determines that the power adapter 105 has sufficient available capacity to supply the amount of power (e.g., the minimum or the optimum amount of power as indicated by the information received at the step 410 ) required by the IHS, the controller circuit 325 determines that such amount will be supplied to the power output.
- the amount of power e.g., the minimum or the optimum amount of power as indicated by the information received at the step 410
- the controller circuit 325 determines that the power adapter 105 does not have sufficient available capacity to supply the required amount (e.g., at least the minimum amount) of power, the controller circuit 325 is nonetheless capable of adjusting amounts of power currently supplied to one or more of the other power outputs so that the power adapter 105 is able to supply power (e.g., the minimum amount of power or the optimum amount of power) to the power output.
- the controller circuit 325 increases the available capacity of the power adapter 105 by reducing an amount of power supplied to one of the other power outputs if such amount is greater than minimum power requirement of an IHS that is coupled to such power output.
- the power adapter 105 in response to its determining that the power adapter 105 does not have sufficient available capacity to supply power to a power output, the power adapter 105 allows one or more of the power outputs to share the available capacity. In one example, the power adapter 105 allows such sharing by supplying one or more power outputs with power for a first period of predetermined amount of time, and after the predetermine amount of time, supplying power for a second period of predetermined amount time to other power outputs which did not receive power during the first time period. Also, the power adapter 105 repeats such operation. After the step 415 , the operation continues to a step 420 .
- the power adapter 105 supplies power to the power output according to the amount of power determined at the step 415 .
- the operation continues to a step 425 .
- the controller circuit 325 outputs power output information (e.g., information including the amount of power that the power adapter is supplying to the power output) to the IHS.
- the controller circuit 325 outputs such information to the IHS by outputting information indicating to the IHS that the IHS is receiving power from a conventional power adapter (e.g., a conventional power adapter that is designed to supply power to the IHS).
- a conventional power adapter e.g., a conventional power adapter that is designed to supply power to the IHS.
- FIG. 5 is flow chart of operations of another process executed by the power adapter 105 of FIG. 1 .
- the operation begins at a step 505 , where the controller circuit 325 self loops until it has detected an IHS being decoupled from one of the power outputs 310 , 315 , 320 . In response to detecting as such, the operation continues to a step 510 .
- the controller circuit 325 determines whether it is specified to modify (e.g., adjust) amounts of power supplied to one or more of the other power outputs, to which, IHSs are still coupled. In one example, the controller circuit 325 makes such determination if decoupling of the IHS has increased the power adapter 105 's available capacity so that the power adapter 105 is now able to supply more power to one of the other power outputs coupled to an IHS that is capable of receiving more power (e.g., is currently receiving minimum amount of power it requires). In response to the controller circuit 325 determining that it is specified to modify amounts of power supplied to one or more of the other power outputs, the operation continues to a step 515 . Otherwise, the operation ends.
- modify e.g., adjust
- the controller circuit 325 determines an amount of power that will be supplied.
- the controller circuit 325 makes such determination by distributing the now increased available capacity to one or more of the power outputs, still coupled to IHSs, that are capable of receiving more power.
- the controller circuit 325 supplies more power to a power output coupled to an IHS receiving its minimum power required so that the IHS now receives its optimum power required.
- the power adapter 105 for each of the outputs that is adjustable, supplies an adjusted amount of power that is determined at the step 515 . After the step 525 , the operation continues to a step 525 .
- the controller circuit 325 outputs the power information to an IHS that is coupled to such power output.
- the controller circuit 325 performs such operation in a manner that is substantially similar to the operation discussed above in connection with the step 425 of FIG. 4 .
- the power adapter 105 determines an amount of power supplied to each of the power outputs in response to the power adapter 105 's available power capacity and a power requirement of an IHS that is coupled to the power output.
- the power adapter 105 is capable of determining such amount of power without receiving the IHS' power requirement.
- the power adapter 105 determines the amount of power supplied to each of the power outputs in response to number of IHSs that are coupled to the power adapter 105 .
- the power adapter 105 in response to three IHSs being coupled to the power adapter 105 , the power adapter supplies 150 watts to each of the power outputs, and in response to four or more IHSs being coupled to the power adapter 105 , the power adapter 105 supplies 90 watts to each of the power outputs.
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Abstract
A power adapter having multiple power outputs is provided. In a first embodiment, in response to an IHS being coupled to a power output included by the multiple power outputs, an amount of power that is supplied to the power output is determined. In a second embodiment, in response to an IHS being decoupled from a first power output included by the multiple power outputs, an amount of power that is supplied to a second power output included by the multiple power outputs is determined.
Description
- The description herein relates generally to information handling systems (“IHSs”) and more particularly to power adapters for IHSs.
- As the value and use of information continue to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An IHS generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
- In some situations, multiple portable IHSs (e.g., a notebook computer or a laptop computer) are used in a single physical location (e.g., a conference room). In such situation, each of the multiple portable IHSs likely operates in association with its own power adapter so that the portable IHS may receive power from a power source (e.g., an alternating current (“AC”) outlet).
- In such situation, the number of IHSs usable at the physical location may be limited by, for example, the number of AC outlets available. Also, operating multiple portable IHSs, each with its own power adapter, may cause various problems including personal injury (e.g., injury caused by tripping over wires) and equipment damage.
- Accordingly, what is needed is a method and power adapter without the disadvantages discussed above.
- A power adapter having multiple power outputs is provided. In a first embodiment, in response to an IHS being coupled to a power output included by the multiple power outputs, an amount of power that is supplied to the power output is determined.
- In a second embodiment, in response to an IHS being decoupled from a first power output included by the multiple power outputs, an amount of power that is supplied to a second power output included by the multiple power outputs is determined.
-
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a power adapter coupled to multiple IHSs, according to the illustrative embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an information handling system that is representative of one of the IHSs ofFIG. 1 , according to the illustrative embodiment. -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the power adapter ofFIG. 1 , according to the illustrative embodiment. -
FIG. 4 is a flow chart of operations of a processes executed by the power adapter ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a flow chart of operations of another process executed by the power adapter ofFIG. 1 . - For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system (“IHS”) includes any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or other purposes. Example of an IHS include, personal computer (“PC”), a network storage device, personal digital assistant (“PDA”), or any other suitable device with variations in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. An IHS also includes other components such as, random access memory (“RAM”), one or more processing resources (e.g., central processing unit (“CPU”)), hardware or software control logic, read only memory (“ROM”), other types of memory, one or more disk drives, one or more network interfaces, one or more input/output devices and/or one or more buses.
-
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a power adapter that couples to multiple IHSs, according to the illustrative embodiment. Accordingly, apower adapter 105 is coupled to an IHS 110, an IHS 115, and an IHS 120. Thepower adapter 105 is coupled to and receives power from a power source 125 (e.g., an alternating current (“AC”) outlet, so that thepower adapter 105 is able to supply each of the IHSs 110, 115, and 120 with power that is received from thepower source 125. -
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an IHS, indicated generally at 200, that is representative of one of the IHSs 110, 115, and 120, according to the illustrative embodiment. The IHS 200 includes a processor 205 (e.g., an Intel Pentium series processor). An Intel Hub Architecture (IHA)chipset 210 provides the IHS 200 with graphics/memory controller hub functions and I/O functions. More specifically, the IHAchipset 210 acts as a host controller which communicates with avideo controller 225 coupled thereto. Adisplay device 230 is coupled to thevideo controller 225. - The
chipset 210 further acts as a controller formain memory 215 which is coupled thereto. Thechipset 210 also acts as an input/output (“I/O”) controller hub (ICH) which performs I/O functions. AUSB controller 270 is coupled tochipset 210 so that devices such as aprint device 275 can be connected to thechipset 110 and theprocessor 205. A system basic input-output system (“BIOS”) 240 is coupled tochipset 210 as shown. TheBIOS 240 is stored in CMOS or FLASH memory so that it is nonvolatile. - A local area network (“LAN”)
controller 245, alternatively called a network interface controller (“NIC”), is coupled to thechipset 210 to facilitate connection of the IHS 200 to other IHSs via a network (e.g., the network 125). Amedia driver controller 250 is coupled tochipset 210 so that devices such asmedia drives 255 can be connected to thechipset 210 and theprocessor 205. Examples of themedia devices 255 capable of being coupled to themedia controller 250 include CD-ROM drives, DVD drives, hard disk drives and other fixed or removable media drives. Anexpansion bus 220, such as a PCI bus, PCI Express bus, serial advanced technology attachment (“SATA”) bus or other bus is coupled to thechipset 110 as shown. Theexpansion bus 220 includes one or more expansion slots (not shown) for receiving expansion cards which provide the IHS 200 with additional functionality. -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of thepower adapter 105 ofFIG. 1 , according to the illustrative embodiment. Thepower adapter 105 includes an alternating current/direct current (“AC/DC”)converter 305. The AC/DC converter 305 is coupled to thepower source 125. Thepower source 125 is an AC power source such as an AC outlet. Thepower adapter 105 also includespower outputs power outputs power outputs power adapter 105 supplies power to multiple IHSs. Accordingly, each of thepower outputs FIG. 1 ) as shown inFIG. 3 . Moreover, thepower adapter 105 includes acontroller circuit 325. Thecontroller circuit 325 is coupled to each of thepower outputs power outputs controller circuit 325 is respectively coupled to the IHSs that are coupled to thepower outputs - As depicted in
FIG. 3 , thepower adapter 105 optionally includes network interfaces (e.g., interfaces for Ethernet, or wireless networks such as Blue-tooth or IEEE 802.11 networks) 330, 335, and 340. Each of thenetwork interfaces - The AC/
DC converter 305 of thepower adapter 105 is capable of supplying power (e.g., DC) to thepower outputs power outputs DC converter 305's aggregate capacity, and accordingly, thepower adapter 105's aggregate capacity for supplying such power is indicated by thepower adapter 105's power rating (e.g., indicated in volts). In response to one or more IHSs being coupled to and/or decoupled from itspower outputs power adapter 105 determines an amount of power that is supplied to each of the power outputs that is coupled to an IHS. For each of thepower outputs power adapter 105's aggregate power capacity. In response to determining such amount of power for each of thepower outputs power adapter 105 supplies such determined amount of power to the respective power output. In performing the functions discussed above, thepower adapter 105 performs the processes discussed below in connection withFIGS. 4 and 5 . -
FIG. 4 is flow chart of operations of a process executed by thepower adapter 105 ofFIG. 1 . The operation begins at astep 405, where thecontroller circuit 325 of thepower adapter 105 self loops until it has detected an IHS being coupled to one of the power outputs 310, 315, and 320. In response to thecontroller circuit 325 detecting an IHS being coupled to one of the power outputs 310, 315, and 320, the operation continues to astep 410. - At the
step 410, thecontroller circuit 325 receives information about the IHS' power requirement (e.g., as indicated by the IHS' power rating). Such information includes the IHS' non-preferred or less than preferred (e.g., minimum) power requirement and its preferred (e.g., optimum) power requirement. In one example, thecontroller circuit 325 receives such information by identifying the IHS' type (e.g., as indicated by the IHS' model number) and determining power requirement information that is associated with such IHS type. After thestep 410, the operation continues to a - At the
step 415, thecontroller circuit 325 determines an amount of power that will be supplied to the power output, to which the IHS detected at thestep 405 is coupled. Thecontroller circuit 325 determines such amount in response to aggregate capacity of thepower adapter 105 and the amount of power that is currently supplied to thepower adapter 105's other power outputs. In one example, If thecontroller circuit 325 determines that thepower adapter 105 has sufficient available capacity to supply the amount of power (e.g., the minimum or the optimum amount of power as indicated by the information received at the step 410) required by the IHS, thecontroller circuit 325 determines that such amount will be supplied to the power output. However, if thecontroller circuit 325 determines that thepower adapter 105 does not have sufficient available capacity to supply the required amount (e.g., at least the minimum amount) of power, thecontroller circuit 325 is nonetheless capable of adjusting amounts of power currently supplied to one or more of the other power outputs so that thepower adapter 105 is able to supply power (e.g., the minimum amount of power or the optimum amount of power) to the power output. In one example, thecontroller circuit 325 increases the available capacity of thepower adapter 105 by reducing an amount of power supplied to one of the other power outputs if such amount is greater than minimum power requirement of an IHS that is coupled to such power output. - In an alternative embodiment, in response to its determining that the
power adapter 105 does not have sufficient available capacity to supply power to a power output, thepower adapter 105 allows one or more of the power outputs to share the available capacity. In one example, thepower adapter 105 allows such sharing by supplying one or more power outputs with power for a first period of predetermined amount of time, and after the predetermine amount of time, supplying power for a second period of predetermined amount time to other power outputs which did not receive power during the first time period. Also, thepower adapter 105 repeats such operation. After thestep 415, the operation continues to astep 420. - At the
step 420, thepower adapter 105 supplies power to the power output according to the amount of power determined at thestep 415. After thestep 425, the operation continues to astep 425. - At the
step 425, thecontroller circuit 325 outputs power output information (e.g., information including the amount of power that the power adapter is supplying to the power output) to the IHS. In one example, thecontroller circuit 325 outputs such information to the IHS by outputting information indicating to the IHS that the IHS is receiving power from a conventional power adapter (e.g., a conventional power adapter that is designed to supply power to the IHS). After thestep 425, the operation ends. -
FIG. 5 is flow chart of operations of another process executed by thepower adapter 105 ofFIG. 1 . The operation begins at astep 505, where thecontroller circuit 325 self loops until it has detected an IHS being decoupled from one of the power outputs 310, 315, 320. In response to detecting as such, the operation continues to astep 510. - At the
step 510, thecontroller circuit 325 determines whether it is specified to modify (e.g., adjust) amounts of power supplied to one or more of the other power outputs, to which, IHSs are still coupled. In one example, thecontroller circuit 325 makes such determination if decoupling of the IHS has increased thepower adapter 105's available capacity so that thepower adapter 105 is now able to supply more power to one of the other power outputs coupled to an IHS that is capable of receiving more power (e.g., is currently receiving minimum amount of power it requires). In response to thecontroller circuit 325 determining that it is specified to modify amounts of power supplied to one or more of the other power outputs, the operation continues to astep 515. Otherwise, the operation ends. - At the
step 515, thecontroller circuit 325, for each of the outputs that is adjustable, determines an amount of power that will be supplied. Thecontroller circuit 325 makes such determination by distributing the now increased available capacity to one or more of the power outputs, still coupled to IHSs, that are capable of receiving more power. In one example, thecontroller circuit 325 supplies more power to a power output coupled to an IHS receiving its minimum power required so that the IHS now receives its optimum power required. After thestep 515, the operation continues to astep 520. - At the
step 520, thepower adapter 105, for each of the outputs that is adjustable, supplies an adjusted amount of power that is determined at thestep 515. After thestep 525, the operation continues to astep 525. - At the
step 525, for each of the power outputs that is receiving an adjusted amount of power, thecontroller circuit 325 outputs the power information to an IHS that is coupled to such power output. Thecontroller circuit 325 performs such operation in a manner that is substantially similar to the operation discussed above in connection with thestep 425 ofFIG. 4 . - In the illustrative embodiment discussed above in connection with
FIGS. 4 and 5 , thepower adapter 105 determines an amount of power supplied to each of the power outputs in response to thepower adapter 105's available power capacity and a power requirement of an IHS that is coupled to the power output. However, in an alternative embodiment, thepower adapter 105 is capable of determining such amount of power without receiving the IHS' power requirement. In one version of such embodiment, thepower adapter 105 determines the amount of power supplied to each of the power outputs in response to number of IHSs that are coupled to thepower adapter 105. In one example, in response to three IHSs being coupled to thepower adapter 105, the power adapter supplies 150 watts to each of the power outputs, and in response to four or more IHSs being coupled to thepower adapter 105, thepower adapter 105 supplies 90 watts to each of the power outputs. - Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, change and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. Also, in some instances, some features of the embodiments may be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be constructed broadly and in manner consistent with the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.
Claims (26)
1. A method performed by a power adapter having multiple power outputs, the method comprising:
in response to an information handling system (“IHS”) being coupled to a power output included by the multiple power outputs, determining an amount of power that is supplied to the power output.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the amount of power is in response to number of IHSs that are coupled to the power adapter.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the amount of power includes:
receiving the IHS' power requirement; and
determining whether the power adapter has sufficient available capacity to supply power according to the IHS' power requirement.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein determining the amount of power further includes:
in response to determining that the power adapter does not have sufficient available capacity, determining whether the power adapter is capable of increasing the power adapter's available capacity.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the power output is a first power output and determining whether the power adapter is capable of increasing the power adapter's available capacity includes:
determining whether the power adapter is capable of reducing power supplied to a second power output included by the multiple power outputs.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the power adapter includes a network interface.
7. A method performed by a power adapter having multiple power outputs, the method comprising:
in response to an IHS being decoupled from a first power output included by the multiple power outputs, determining an amount of power that is supplied to a second power output included by the multiple power outputs.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the IHS is a fist IHS and determining the amount of power that is supplied to the second power output includes:
determining whether a second IHS, coupled to the second power output, is capable of receiving more power from the power adapter's increased available capacity.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein determining whether the second IHS is capable of receiving more power includes:
determining whether the second IHS is currently receiving less than a preferred amount of power.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein determining whether the second IHS is capable of receiving more power further includes:
in response to determining that the second IHS is currently receiving less than a preferred amount of power, determining whether the power adapter's increased available capacity is sufficient to supply the IHS with the preferred amount of power.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein the preferred amount of power is indicated by the second IHS' optimum power requirement.
12. The method of claim 9 , wherein less than the preferred amount of power is indicated by the second IHS' minimum power requirement.
13. The method of claim 7 , wherein the power adapter includes a network interface.
14. A power adapter comprising:
multiple power outputs; and
a controller circuit for:
in response to an information handling system (“IHS”) being coupled to a power output included by the multiple power outputs, determining an amount of power that is supplied to the power output.
15. The power adapter of claim 14 , wherein determining the amount of power is in response to number of IHSs that are coupled to the power adapter.
16. The power adapter of claim 14 , wherein determining the amount of power includes:
receiving the IHS' power requirement; and
determining whether the power adapter has sufficient available capacity to supply power according to the IHS' power requirement.
17. The power adapter of claim 16 , wherein determining the amount of power further includes:
in response to determining that the power adapter does not have sufficient available capacity, determining whether the power adapter is capable of increasing the power adapter's available capacity.
18. The power adapter of claim 17 , wherein the power output is a first power output and determining whether the power adapter is capable of increasing the power adapter's available capacity includes:
determining whether the power adapter is capable of reducing power supplied to a second power output included by the multiple power outputs.
19. The power adapter of claim 14 , and comprising:
a network interface.
20. A power adapter comprising:
multiple power outputs; and
a controller circuit for:
in response to an IHS being decoupled from a first power output included by the multiple power outputs, determining an amount of power that is supplied to a second power output included by the multiple power outputs.
21. The power adapter of claim 20 , wherein the IHS is a fist IHS and determining the amount of power that is supplied to the second power output includes:
determining whether a second IHS, coupled to the second power output, is capable of receiving more power from the power adapter's increased available capacity.
22. The power adapter of claim 21 , wherein determining whether the second IHS is capable of receiving more power includes:
determining whether the second IHS is currently receiving less than a preferred amount of power.
23. The power adapter of claim 22 , wherein determining whether the second IHS is capable of receiving more power further includes:
in response to determining that the second IHS is currently receiving less than a preferred amount of power, determining whether the power adapter's increased available capacity is sufficient to supply the IHS with the preferred amount of power.
24. The power adapter of claim 22 , wherein the preferred amount of power is indicated by the second IHS' optimum power requirement.
25. The power adapter of claim 22 , wherein less than the preferred amount of power is indicated by the second IHS' minimum power requirement.
26. The power adapter of claim 20 , and comprising:
a network interface.
Priority Applications (2)
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US10/966,616 US20060082934A1 (en) | 2004-10-15 | 2004-10-15 | Power adapter featuring multiple power outputs |
US11/750,666 US7550871B2 (en) | 2004-10-15 | 2007-05-18 | Power adapter featuring multiple power outputs |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/966,616 US20060082934A1 (en) | 2004-10-15 | 2004-10-15 | Power adapter featuring multiple power outputs |
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US11/750,666 Division US7550871B2 (en) | 2004-10-15 | 2007-05-18 | Power adapter featuring multiple power outputs |
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US20060082934A1 true US20060082934A1 (en) | 2006-04-20 |
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US10/966,616 Abandoned US20060082934A1 (en) | 2004-10-15 | 2004-10-15 | Power adapter featuring multiple power outputs |
US11/750,666 Active US7550871B2 (en) | 2004-10-15 | 2007-05-18 | Power adapter featuring multiple power outputs |
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US11/750,666 Active US7550871B2 (en) | 2004-10-15 | 2007-05-18 | Power adapter featuring multiple power outputs |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20070222296A1 (en) | 2007-09-27 |
US7550871B2 (en) | 2009-06-23 |
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