WO2017019090A1

WO2017019090A1 - A data and power adapter

Info

Publication number: WO2017019090A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/042906
Authority: WO
Inventors: Derek W. Hanson
Original assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
Current assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
Priority date: 2015-07-30
Filing date: 2015-07-30
Publication date: 2017-02-02
Anticipated expiration: 2018-01-30

Abstract

The current disclosure is related to a method and apparatus for converting a power supply from a first voltage to a second voltage using an adapter. The method includes sending power from the adapter to a first device over power lines associated with a high-speed serial connection. The method includes transmitting data between the adapter and the first device over the high-speed serial connection. The method includes sending power from the adapter to a second device over an auxiliary connection. The method also includes transmitting data between the adapter and the second device over the auxiliary connection.

Description

A DATA AND POWER ADAPTER

BACKGROUND

[0001 ] Modern computer devices can be connected to other devices for various reasons. Hardware components of computers can communicate using a variety of different connections. The means for the exchange of data and the supply of power can vary among computers and peripheral devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Certain examples are described in the following detailed description and in reference to the drawings, in which:

[0003] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an example data and power adapter;

[0004] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an example apparatus for converting and exchanging power and transmitting data;

[0005] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an example apparatus for exchanging power and data among devices; and

[0006] Fig. 4 is a process flow diagram illustrating an example of a method for providing power and data between devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] The primary components of a computer system are generally mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) that is termed a motherboard. Examples of primary components include a central processing unit (CPU) and memory, among others. The motherboard can also include connectors or slots for peripheral devices. Peripheral devices can include any suitable computer peripheral device that can transmit data and/or power over a particular high-speed connection. For example, common hardware standards and specifications exist for universal serial bus (USB), high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe), Thunderbolt™, and display port (DP) connections. The Thunderbolt™ specification is a high-speed serial connection that combines the PCIe protocol and DisplayPort protocol in a mini DisplayPort form factor port.

[0008] Electrical power can be converted from a higher voltage power source to a lower voltage before being supplied to a connected device. The ability to transfer data and supply power varies based on a particular connection used within a computer system, or used between multiple computer systems or devices.

[0009] The techniques disclosed herein provide an adapter or hub apparatus that provides power and data paths between various devices. The adapter includes circuitry, wiring, batteries, and other components, for example, to supply power throughout the device as necessary. A change in voltage may be performed, and the power may be converted from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), when supplying power to a device. A decrease in voltage and the conversion of AC to DC can be achieved through use of the example converter or adapter.

[0010] The technology herein discloses an adapter apparatus that may convert a high voltage, AC source of power to any number of lower voltage, DC levels for various devices. For example, a 120-volt AC power supply may be converted to a 12-volt or lower DC power supply. The apparatus may also include multiple high-speed ports to exchange data with, and supply power to, a device. Various devices can connect to the apparatus, including personal computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, mobile phones, external storage drives, display devices, audio devices, interface devices, and other computers and peripheral devices. The devices may be to send, receive, and store data, including exchanging data among devices connected through the data and power adapter.

[0011 ] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an example data and power adapter 100. The data and power adapter 100 can be a converter device that can be plugged into a common electrical outlet. For example, the data and power adapter 100 may include a plug 102 for insertion into an 120-volt electrical outlet. The data and power adapter 100 includes an AC to DC converter 104, to convert an AC source of power into a DC supply of power. The data and power adapter 100 may include a DC to DC converter 106 to drop the voltage for different specifications. For example, a DC voltage of around 120 volts can be converted by the DC to DC converter 106 to a voltage of around 24 volts, 12 volts, 5 volts, or any other target voltage that is to be supplied at the high-speed serial port 1 10 or the auxiliary port 1 12, depending on the high-speed connection.

[0012] In addition to providing AC to DC conversion and a stepdown in voltage, the data and power adapter 100 can be a multi-port adapter or hub. The data and power adapter 100 includes a data converter 108. The data converter 108 may be a protocol convenor to convert data from one protocol to another, such as converting PCIe data to USB data or USB type-C data to HDMI data, among others. In some examples, the data convenor 106 may be merely a high-speed serial bus to transmit data between multiple devices connected to the data and power adapter 100.

[0013] The data and power adapter 100 may include a high-speed serial port 1 10 and an auxiliary port 1 12. The high-speed serial port 1 10 and auxiliary port 1 12 can exchange data between devices connected to the ports. The high-speed serial port 1 10 and auxiliary port 1 12 may also supply power to a device. The power that is supplied through connections at the high-speed serial port 1 10 and auxiliary port 1 12 can be converted from a higher voltage power source to a lower voltage power supply. The high-speed serial port 1 10 and auxiliary port 1 12 can be for different connection standards and interfaces, such as USB Type-C, Thunderbolt™, PCIe, HDMI, mobile high-definition link (MHL), and Display Port connections, among others.

[0014] In some examples, the high-speed serial port 1 10 may supply a device with power and to exchange data with the device. Various additional high-speed ports or auxiliary ports may be included to connect to additional devices. Depending on the connection, data and power may be exchanged between a device connected to the high-speed serial port 1 10 to the other devices connected to the various additional ports.

[0015] It is to be understood that the block diagram of Fig. 1 is not intended to indicate that the data and power adapter 100 is to include all of the components shown in Fig. 1 . Rather, the data and power adapter 100 can include fewer or additional components not illustrated in Fig. 1 . In one example, the data and power adapter 100 may provide bi-directional power supply and the exchange of data between multiple devices connected to the high-speed serial port 1 10 and the auxiliary port 1 12.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an example apparatus 200 for converting and exchanging power and transmitting data. The apparatus 200 can be connected to a power source 202, for example, through a standard electrical plug inserted into an outlet. The apparatus 200 may include a power converter 204 that can function to convert the power source 202 from a first voltage to other voltages. In examples, the apparatus 200 includes at least one high-speed serial port in addition to other ports, where the high-speed serial port is to connect to a first device 206 over a high-speed serial connection. A variety of high-speed serial ports may be used to supply the first device 206 with power and to exchange data and/or power between additional devices connected to the apparatus 200 over a high-speed serial connection.

[0017] The first device 206 can be connected through a USB Type-C connection to a USB Type-C port 208 of the apparatus 200. The apparatus 200 can convert an AC power source 202 to a DC power supply with the power converter 204, and the power supply can also be converted to a lower voltage level. A DC to DC converter 210 can be included in the apparatus 200. The DC to DC converter 210 can send a preferred level of voltage to the USB Type-C port 208 of the apparatus 200. Converted power can be provided by the apparatus 200 to the first device 206 though the USB Type-C port 208. The apparatus 200 is to exchange data between the first device 206 and other devices connected to the apparatus 200.

[0018] A USB Type-A port 212 of the apparatus 200 may be used to connect a second device 214 to the apparatus 200. The second device 214 may be provided with power by the USB Type-A port using power converted by a DC to DC converter 216. For example, the DC to DC converter 216 can convert a higher voltage to a lower voltage of around 5 volts. The second device 214 may be any device that is compatible with the USB Type-A connection. The second device 214 can send and receive data over the USB Type-A connection and between other devices connected to the apparatus 200, for example, the first device 206 or other devices. [0019] A USB Type-B port 218 of the apparatus 200 can connect to a third device 220 through a USB Type-B connection. The third device 220 can be powered through the USB Type-B port 218 using the power source 202 that has been converted from AC to DC at the power converter 204. The converted DC power supply may be further converted by a DC to DC converter 222 to a desired voltage level provided at the USB Type-B port 218. For example, the DC to DC converter 222 can convert the power supply to a voltage level of around 5 volts that can be supplied to the third device 220. The third device 220 can be any device that is compatible with the USB Type-B connection. The third device 220 can exchange various data over the USB Type-B connection and between other devices connected to the apparatus 200, for example, the first device 206, the second device 214, or other devices.

[0020] An HDMI port 224 of the apparatus 200 can connect to a fourth device 226 through an HDMI connection. In examples, an HDMI plug and cable, for example, a Type-A HDMI plug and cable with bandwidth to support various audio, video such as 1080p, 4K, 3D, and deep color, and other signals, can be inserted into the HDMI port 224. The fourth device 226 can include a compatible HDMI device, for example, a Blu- Ray Disc or DVD player, a digital camera or camcorder, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or other device. In some examples, the HDMI connection can include a mobile high-definition link (MHL) connection to transfer power to and from the fourth device 226 and the apparatus 200. In some examples, the MHL connection can transfer power between the fourth device 226 and other devices connected to the apparatus 200. The fourth device 226 can send and receive data over the HDMI connection and between other devices connected to the apparatus 200, for example, the first device 206, the second device 214, and/or the third device 220.

[0021 ] A DP port 228 of the apparatus 200 can connect to a fifth device 230 through a DP connection. The DP connection is a high-speed serial connection that relies on packetized data transmission, similar to Ethernet, USB, PCIe, and other high-speed connections for serial communication. A DP plug and cable can be inserted into the DP port 228. The DP plug and cable is to transmit various encrypted and non-encrypted data, including, for example, single-link signals including HDMI and digital visual interface (DVI) signals when in a dual-mode. Bi-directional communication is possible through a half-duplex channel within the DP connection. The fifth device 230 can include, for example, a monitor or display device, a personal computer, a laptop computer, or other compatible device. The fifth device 230 can send and receive data over the DP connection and between other devices connected to the apparatus 200, for example, the first device 206, the second device 214, the third device 220, and/or the fourth device 226.

[0022] A PCIe port 232 of the apparatus 200 can connect to a sixth device 234 through a PCIe connection. The PCIe connection is a high-speed serial connection to couple a compatible PCIe device to the PCIe port 224. The sixth device 234 can be powered through the PCIe port 232 using the power supply 202 that has been converted from AC to DC power. A DC to DC converter 236 may further convert the supply of DC power to a desired voltage level. For example, the DC to DC converter 236 can convert the power supply to a voltage level of around 24 volts, 12 volts, or another preferred voltage. The sixth device 234 can send and receive data over the PCIe connection and between other devices connected to the apparatus 200, for example, the first device 206, the second device 214, the third device 220, the fourth device 226, and/or the fifth device 230.

[0023] It is to be understood that the block diagram of Fig. 2 is not intended to indicate that the apparatus 200 is to include all of the components shown in Fig. 2. Rather, the apparatus 200 can include fewer or additional components not illustrated in Fig. 2. In one example, the apparatus 200 may be for bi-directional power supply between multiple devices without relying on the power source 201 , depending on the connection between the device and the apparatus 200. For example, the apparatus 200 can include a Thunderbolt™ port for transmitting data and power between a Thunderbolt™ device, the apparatus 200, and other devices connected to the apparatus 200.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an example apparatus 300 for exchanging power and data among devices. The apparatus 300 may include a power converter 302 for use when the apparatus 300 is connected to a power source. In some examples, the apparatus 300 is to transmit power between devices connected by the apparatus 300.

[0025] The apparatus 300 can include a USB Type-C port 304 to connect a USB Type-C device 306 through a USB Type-C connection. The USB Type-C device 306 can include example devices as described herein. The apparatus 300 includes a voltage converter 308 to convert the voltage of a power supply provided to the apparatus 300 by the USB Type-C device 306. In examples, the voltage converter 308 can convert the voltage of a power supply from the USB Type-C device 306 to a preferred voltage. Depending on the connection between the apparatus 300 and an additional connected device, power can be transmitted bi-directionally between the USB Type-C device 306 and another connected device.

[0026] The apparatus 300 can include a USB Type-A port 310 to connect a USB Type-A device 312. The USB Type-A port 306 may supply power to the USB Type-A device 308 from power provided by the USB Type-C device 306. The power from the USB Type-C device 306 can be transmitted over the USB Type-C connection to the apparatus 300. The power supplied by the USB Type-C device 306 can have the voltage lowered by a voltage converter 314 to a preferred level of volts. For example, the voltage converter 314 can convert the voltage for the power from the USB Type-C device 306 to a level of 5 volts, for example, which is supplied at the USB Type-A port 310 for the USB Type-A device 312. In addition to being supplied power from the first device 306, the USB Type-A device 312 can send and receive data between the USB Type-C device 306 and additional devices connected to the apparatus 300.

[0027] The apparatus 300 can include a USB Type-B port 316 to connect a USB Type-B device 318. In examples, the USB Type-B device 318 can be powered by power supplied from the USB Type-C device 306. The power supplied by the USB Type-C device 306 can have the voltage lowered by a voltage converter 320 to a preferred level of volts. For example, the voltage converter 320 can convert the voltage for the power from the USB Type-C device 306 to a level of around 5 volts, which is supplied through the USB Type-B port 316 to the USB Type-B device 318. In addition to being supplied power from the USB Type-C device 306, the apparatus 300 can send and receive data between the USB Type-C device 306, the USB Type-B device 318, and additional devices connected to the apparatus 300, such as the USB Type-A device 312, among others.

[0028] The apparatus 300 can include an H DM I port 322 to connect an H DM I device 324 through an HDMI connection, as described with respect to the HDMI port 224 of Fig. 2. An HDMI plug and cable can be inserted into the HDMI port 322. The HDMI connection can transmit information between the HDMI port 322 and the HDMI device 324. In some examples, information can be transmitted between another device connected to the apparatus 300, such as the USB Type-C device 306 connected to the USB Type-C port 304. In some examples, the HDMI connection can incorporate an MHL connection to supply power as well as data to the HDMI device 324.

[0029] A DP port 326 of the apparatus 300 can connect to a DP device 328 through a DP connection, as described with respect to the DP port 228 of Fig. 2. A DP plug and cable can be inserted into the DP port 326. The DP device 328 can exchange data over the DP connection and between other devices connected to the apparatus 300, for example, the USB Type-C device 306, the USB Type-A device 312, the USB Type-B device 318, and/or the HDMI device 324, among others.

[0030] The apparatus 300 can include a PCIe port 330 to connect a PCIe device 332 through a PCIe connection. The PCIe connection can transmit information between the PCIe device 332 and other devices connected to the apparatus 300. In examples, the power supplied by the USB Type-C device 306 can have the voltage altered by a voltage converter 334 to a preferred level of volts supplied to the PCIe device 332. The voltage converter 334 can convert the voltage for the power from the first device 303 to a level of around 12 volts, for example, which is supplied at the PCIe port 330 to the PCIe device 332. In addition to being supplied power from the USB Type-C device 306, the apparatus 300 can send and receive data between the USB Type-C device 306, the PCIe device 332, and additional devices connected to the apparatus 300, such as the USB Type-A device 312, USB Type-B device 318, HDMI device 324, and DP device 328, among others. [0031 ] It is to be understood that the block diagram of Fig. 3 is not intended to indicate that the apparatus 300 is to include all of the components shown in Fig. 3. Rather, the apparatus 300 can include fewer or additional components not illustrated in Fig. 3. In one example, the apparatus 300 may be used for bi-directional power supply and/or transmission of data between devices connected at different ports, such as at the USB Type-C port 304, the USB Type-A port 310, the USB Type-B port 316, the HDMI port 322, the DP port 326, the PCIe port 334, or a Thunderbolt™ port, among others.

[0032] Fig. 4 is a process flow diagram illustrating an example of a method 400 for providing power and data between devices. The method 400 begins at block 402 where power from a power supply is converted from a first voltage to a second voltage using an adapter. The adapter can be, for example, the data and power adapter 100 as described in Fig. 1 . The first voltage can be a higher voltage, for example 120 volts, and the second voltage can be a lower voltage, for example 12 volts. In some examples, the adapter can convert the supplied power from AC to DC, as well as decrease the voltage of the power supply.

[0033] The method 400 continues at block 404, where power is sent from the adapter to a first device over a power line associated with a high-speed serial connection. The first device can be a USB Type-C device, among others, and power can be sent bi-directionally over a high-speed serial connection, such as a USB Type-C connection. As described herein, the first device can be connected to the adapter through a variety of connections.

[0034] The method 400 continues at block 406, where data is exchanged between the adapter and the first device. Various data can be transmitted using different highspeed serial connections as described herein. The method 400 continues at block 408, where power is sent from the adapter to a second device over an auxiliary connection. Power can be transmitted using power lines associated with high-speed serial connections for the auxiliary connection. Depending on the auxiliary connection, power can be provided in a bi-directional configuration between multiple devices. The method 400 concludes at block 410, where data is exchanged between the adapter and the second device over the auxiliary connection. The data can be encrypted or non- encrypted and can be transmitted between multiple devices.

[0035] It is to be understood that the process flow diagram of Fig. 4 is not intended to indicate that the method 400 is to include all of the blocks shown in Fig. 4 in every case. Further, any number of additional blocks can be included within the method 400, depending on the details of the specific implementation.

[0036] While the present techniques may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, the exemplary examples discussed above have been shown only by way of example. It is to be understood that the technique is not intended to be limited to the particular examples disclosed herein. Indeed, the present techniques include all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents falling within the true spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . An apparatus for converting a power source and exchanging data, comprising:

a power adapter, wherein the power adapter is to convert the power source from a first voltage to a second voltage;

a high-speed serial port to connect to a first device with a high-speed serial connection, and wherein the high-speed serial port may supply the first device with power and exchange data with the first device over the highspeed serial connection; and

an auxiliary port to connect to a second device, wherein the auxiliary port may supply the second device with power and exchange data with the second device over the auxiliary connection, and wherein data may be exchanged between the first device connected to the high-speed serial port and the second device connected to the auxiliary port.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the power adapter is to convert the power source from an alternating current (AC) to a direct current (DC).

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , comprising a universal serial bus (USB) Type-C port.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , comprising a USB Type-A port, a USB Type-B port, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) port, or a display port (DP).

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a DC to DC converter to convert the power source to a preferred voltage level based on the first device or the second device.

6. A data and power adapter, comprising:

an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converter;

a DC to DC converter;

a data converter;

a high-speed serial port; and

an auxiliary port, wherein a device connected to the auxiliary port exchanges data and power with a device connected to the high-speed serial port.

7. The data and power adapter of claim 6, wherein an AC power from a power supply is converted to a 120-volt DC power by the AC to DC converter.

8. The data and power adapter of claim 7, wherein the 120-volt DC power is converted to a lower voltage level by the DC to DC converter.

9. The data and power adapter of claim 6, wherein the high-speed serial port or the auxiliary port comprises a USB Type-A port, USB Type-B port, a USB Type-C port, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) port, or a display port (DP).

10. A method for converting a power source and exchanging data, comprising: converting power from a power supply from a first voltage to a second voltage using an adapter;

sending power from the adapter to a first device over power lines associated with a high-speed serial connection;

exchanging data between the adapter and the first device over the high-speed serial connection;

sending power from the adapter to a second device over power lines associated with an auxiliary connection; and exchanging data between the adapter and the second device over the auxiliary connection.

1 1 . The method of claim 10, further comprising sending power bi-directionally between the first device and the second device.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising exchanging data between the first device and the second device.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising converting the power from an alternating current (AC) power to a direct current (DC) power.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising converting the voltage of the DC power to a preferred voltage level.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising exchanging power between the first device and a third device connected to the adapter.