Apparatus and method for optimizing use of NVDC chargers

摘要

A method includes detecting removal or depletion of a power supply associated with a powered device. The powered device is configured to receive power from a power adapter via a narrow-voltage direct current/direct current (NVDC) charger and from the power supply. The method also includes, in response to the detection, disabling a dynamic power management function of the NVDC charger. The method further includes monitoring input current or input power provided to the powered device by the NVDC charger and determining if the input current or input power exceeds a threshold. In addition, the method includes, if the input current or input power exceeds the threshold, triggering a throttling of an operating clock frequency of the powered device. The method could also include (i) disabling a specified mode of operation and turning on a voltage regulator of the NVDC charger in response to the detection and (ii) providing over-voltage protection.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
detecting removal or depletion of a power supply associated with a powered device, the powered device configured to receive power from a power adapter via a narrow-voltage direct current/ direct current (NVDC) charger and from the power supply; in response to the detection, disabling a dynamic power management (DPM) function of the NVDC charger; monitoring input current or input power provided to the powered device by the NVDC charger; determining if the input current or input power exceeds a threshold; and if the input current or input power exceeds the threshold, triggering a throttling of an operating clock frequency of the powered device, wherein: the NVDC charger comprises a voltage regulator, a first transistor coupled to the power adapter, and a second transistor coupled between the first transistor and the voltage regulator; and the input current flows through the first transistor, the second transistor, and the voltage regulator to the powered device; and further comprising: monitoring a system voltage provided by the NVDC charger to the powered device; and upon determining that the system voltage exceeds a second threshold, turning off the first transistor.