Power storage adapter for wireless power transmission

A power storage adapter may include wireless power units for wireless power transmission of multiple portable information handling systems. In particular, when a wireless power unit wirelessly transmits a first wireless power to one of the portable information handling systems, another wireless power unit may wirelessly transmit a second wireless power to another portable information handling system. The transmission of the first wireless power may be simultaneous with the transmission of the second wireless power.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure relates generally to information handling systems and, more particularly, to a power storage adapter for wireless power transmission of multiple portable information handling systems.

Description of the Related Art

Examples of information handling systems include portable devices such as notebook computers, media players, personal data assistants, digital cameras, cellular phones, cordless phones, smart phones, tablet computers, and 2-in-1 tablet-laptop combination computers. A portable device may generally be any device that a user may carry for handheld use and that includes a processor. Typically, portable devices are powered using a rechargeable battery and include a display device.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a disclosed power storage adapter (PSA) may include a housing that may include a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a PSA port, a PSA battery, a first wireless power unit that may include a first transmitter, a first receiver, a first coil in proximity to the first surface, and a first proximity sensor, a second wireless power unit that may include a second transmitter, a second receiver, a second coil in proximity to the second surface, and a second proximity sensor, and a communication device. The power storage adapter may also include a PSA controller having access to memory media storing instructions executable by the PSA controller that may detect a first electronic device having a third coil at one of the first surface and the second surface using the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor, and determine, using the communication device, whether the first electronic device may be enabled to receive or transmit wireless power. The instructions may also, when the first electronic device may be enabled to transmit the wireless power, receive a first wireless power from the third coil at one of the first surface and the second surface based on the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor, and when the first electronic device may be enabled to receive the wireless power, transmit the first wireless power to the third coil at one of the first surface and the second surface based on the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor.

In any of the disclosed embodiments of the power storage adapter, may further include instructions that may, when the first electronic device may be detected at the first surface: when the first electronic device may be enabled to transmit the wireless power, configure the first coil as a receive coil, and when the first electronic device may be enabled to receive the wireless power, configure the first coil as a transmit coil.

In any of the disclosed embodiments of the power storage adapter, may further include instructions that may, when the first electronic device is detected at the second surface: when the first electronic device may be enabled to transmit the wireless power, configure the second coil as a receive coil, and when the first electronic device may be enabled to receive the wireless power, configure the second coil as a transmit coil.

In any of the disclosed embodiments of the power storage adapter, may further include instructions that may detect a second electronic device having a fourth coil at one of the first surface and the second surface using the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor. The second electronic device and the first electronic device may be detected at different surfaces. The power storage adapter may also include instructions that may determine, using the communication device, whether the second electronic device may be enabled to receive or transmit wireless power, when the second electronic device may be enabled to transmit the wireless power, receive a second wireless power from the fourth coil at one of the first surface and the second surface based on the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor, and when the second electronic device may be enabled to receive the wireless power, transmit the second wireless power to the fourth coil at one of the first surface and the second surface based on the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor. Receiving or transmitting the second wireless power may be simultaneous with receiving or transmitting the first wireless power.

In any of the disclosed embodiments of the power storage adapter, may further include instructions that may receive a request for a third power delivery contract from a third electronic device coupled to the power storage adapter at the PSA port, the third power delivery contract may supply a third electrical power to the third electronic device, and responsive to receiving the request, establish the third power delivery contract. Supplying the third wireless power may be simultaneous with receiving or transmitting the first wireless power.

In any of the disclosed embodiments of the power storage adapter, may further include instructions that may, when the first electronic device may be enabled to receive the wireless power, supply the first wireless power from the PSA battery.

In any of the disclosed embodiments of the power storage adapter, may further include instructions that may, when the first electronic device may be enabled to receive the wireless power, supply the first wireless power from an AC line power source coupled to the power storage adapter using an AC-DC converter.

In any of the disclosed embodiments of the power storage adapter, may further include instructions that may, when the first electronic device may be enabled to transmit the wireless power, charge the PSA battery using the first wireless power.

In any of the disclosed embodiments of the power storage adapter, the first electronic device may be a portable information handling system and the second electronic device may be one of a charging device and a portable information handling system.

In any of the disclosed embodiments of the power storage adapter, the power storage adapter may further include a first magnetic shield that may divert a first magnetic flux of the first coil away from the second coil and ma generate a first opposing magnetic flux to remove effects of the first magnetic flux on the second coil. The power storage adapter may also include a second magnetic shield that may divert a second magnetic flux of the second coil away from the first coil and may generate a second opposing magnetic flux to remove effects of the second magnetic flux on the first coil.

In a further aspect, a disclosed method may include detecting a first electronic device having a third coil at one of a first surface and a second surface of a housing of a power storage adapter using a first proximity sensor and a second proximity sensor of the power storage adapter. The second surface may be opposite the first surface. The method may also include determining, using a communication device of the power storage adapter, whether the first electronic device may be enabled to receive or transmit wireless power. The method may further include, when the first electronic device may be enabled to transmit the wireless power, receiving the wireless power from the third coil at one of the first surface and the second surface based on the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor. The method may also include, when the first electronic device may be enabled to receive the wireless power, transmitting a first wireless power to the third coil at one of the first surface and the second surface based on the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor.

In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the method may also include, when the first electronic device may be detected at the first surface: when the first electronic device may be enabled to transmit the wireless power, configuring the first coil as a receive coil, and when the first electronic device may be enabled to receive the wireless power, configuring the first coil as a transmit coil.

In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the method may also include, when the first electronic device may be detected at the second surface: when the first electronic device may be enabled to transmit the wireless power, configuring the second coil as a receive coil, and when the first electronic device may be enabled to receive the wireless power, configuring the second coil as a transmit coil.

In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the method may also include detecting a second electronic device having a fourth coil at one of the first surface and the second surface using the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor. The second electronic device and the first electronic device may be detected at different surfaces. The method may also include determining, using the communication device, whether the second electronic device may be enabled to receive or transmit wireless power. The method may further include, when the second electronic device may be enabled to transmit the wireless power, receiving a second wireless power from the fourth coil at one of the first surface and the second surface based on the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor, and when the second electronic device may be enabled to receive the wireless power, transmitting the second wireless power to the fourth coil at one of the first surface and the second surface based on the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor. Receiving or transmitting the second wireless power may be simultaneous with receiving or transmitting the first wireless power.

In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the method may also include receiving a request for a third power delivery contract from a third electronic device coupled to the power storage adapter at the PSA port, the third power delivery contract may supply a third electrical power to the third electronic device, and responsive to receiving the request, establishing the third power delivery contract. Supplying the third wireless power may be simultaneous with receiving or transmitting the first wireless power.

In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the method may also include, when the first electronic device may be enabled to receive the wireless power, supplying the first wireless power from the PSA battery.

In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the method may also include, when the first electronic device may be enabled to receive the wireless power, supplying the first wireless power from an AC line power source coupled to the power storage adapter using an AC-DC converter.

In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the method may also include, when the first electronic device may be enabled to transmit the wireless power, charging the PSA battery using the first wireless power.

In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the first electronic device may be a portable information handling system and the second electronic device may be one of a charging device and a portable information handling system.

In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the method may also include diverting, by a first magnetic shield of the power storage adapter, a first magnetic flux of the first coil away from the second coil, and generating, by the first magnetic shield of the power storage adapter, a first opposing magnetic flux to remove effects of the first magnetic flux on the second coil. The method may further include diverting, by a second magnetic shield of the power storage adapter, a second magnetic flux of the second coil away from the first coil, and generating, by the second magnetic shield of the power storage adapter, a second opposing magnetic flux to remove effects of the second magnetic flux on the first coil.

DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENT(S)

As used herein, a hyphenated form of a reference numeral refers to a specific instance of an element and the un-hyphenated form of the reference numeral refers to the collective or generic element. Thus, for example, widget “72-1” refers to an instance of a widget class, which may be referred to collectively as widgets “72” and any one of which may be referred to generically as a widget “72”.

For the purposes of this disclosure, computer-readable media may include an instrumentality or aggregation of instrumentalities that may retain data and instructions for a period of time. Computer-readable media may include, without limitation, storage media such as a direct access storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive or floppy disk), a sequential access storage device (e.g., a tape disk drive), compact disk, CD-ROM, DVD, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and flash memory (SSD); as well as communications media such wires, optical fibers, microwaves, radio waves, and other electromagnetic or optical carriers; or any combination of the foregoing.

Particular embodiments are best understood by reference toFIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, and 6wherein like numbers are used to indicate like and corresponding parts.

Turning now to the drawings,FIG. 1illustrates a block diagram depicting selected elements of an embodiment of portable information handling system100. It is noted thatFIG. 1is not drawn to scale but is a schematic illustration. In various embodiments, portable information handling system100may represent different types of portable devices. A portable device may generally be any device that a user may carry for handheld use and that includes a processor. Typically, portable devices are powered using a rechargeable battery. Examples of portable information handling system100may include laptop computers, notebook computers, netbook computers, tablet computers, and 2-in-1 tablet laptop combination computers, among others. In some instances, portable information handling system100may represent certain personal mobile devices, and may further include examples such as media players, personal data assistants, digital cameras, cellular phones, cordless phones, smart phones, and other cellular network devices.

As shown inFIG. 1, components of information handling system100may include, but are not limited to, a processor subsystem120, which may comprise one or more processors, and a system bus121that communicatively couples various system components to processor subsystem120including, for example, a memory130, an I/O subsystem140, local storage resource150, and a network interface160. Also shown within information handling system100is embedded controller180, an internal battery management unit (BMU)170-1that manages an internal battery171, and a wireless power unit191. Furthermore, information handling system100is shown removably coupled to a power storage adapter172that incorporates various high efficiency features for use with portable information handling system100, as disclosed herein. As shown, power storage adapter172may be an external device to portable information handling system100and may transmit wireless power wirelessly to portable information handling system100via wireless power unit191, as described in further detail below. Also shown, power storage adapter172may be coupled to portable information handling system100using a variable power bus142, for example, using an appropriate connector, as described in further detail below.

As depicted inFIG. 1, processor subsystem120may comprise a system, device, or apparatus operable to interpret and execute program instructions and process data, and may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another digital or analog circuitry configured to interpret and execute program instructions and process data. In some embodiments, processor subsystem120may interpret and execute program instructions and process data stored locally (e.g., in memory130). In the same or alternative embodiments, processor subsystem120may interpret and execute program instructions and process data stored remotely (e.g., in a network storage resource).

InFIG. 1, system bus121may represent a variety of suitable types of bus structures, e.g., a memory bus, a peripheral bus, or a local bus using various bus architectures in selected embodiments. For example, such architectures may include, but are not limited to, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, PCI-Express bus, HyperTransport (HT) bus, and Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus.

Also inFIG. 1, memory130may comprise a system, device, or apparatus operable to retain and retrieve program instructions and data for a period of time (e.g., computer-readable media). Memory130may comprise random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a PCMCIA card, flash memory, magnetic storage, opto-magnetic storage or a suitable selection or array of volatile or non-volatile memory that retains data after power is removed. InFIG. 1, memory130is shown including an operating system (OS)132, which may represent an execution environment for portable information handling system100. Operating system132may be UNIX or be based on UNIX (e.g., a LINUX variant), one of a number of variants of Microsoft Windows® operating systems, a mobile device operating system (e.g., Google Android™ platform, Apple® iOS, among others), an Apple® MacOS operating system, an embedded operating system, a gaming operating system, or another suitable operating system.

InFIG. 1, local storage resource150may comprise computer-readable media (e.g., hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, CD-ROM, and other type of rotating storage media, flash memory, EEPROM, or another type of solid state storage media) and may be generally operable to store instructions and data, and to permit access to stored instructions and data on demand.

InFIG. 1, network interface160may be a suitable system, apparatus, or device operable to serve as an interface between information handling system100and a network (not shown). Network interface160may enable information handling system100to communicate over the network using a suitable transmission protocol or standard. In some embodiments, network interface160may be communicatively coupled via the network to a network storage resource (not shown). The network coupled to network interface160may be implemented as, or may be a part of, a storage area network (SAN), personal area network (PAN), local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a virtual private network (VPN), an intranet, the Internet or another appropriate architecture or system that facilitates the communication of signals, data and messages (generally referred to as data). The network coupled to network interface160may transmit data using a desired storage or communication protocol, including, but not limited to, Fibre Channel, Frame Relay, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Internet protocol (IP), other packet-based protocol, small computer system interface (SCSI), Internet SCSI (iSCSI), Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) or another transport that operates with the SCSI protocol, advanced technology attachment (ATA), serial ATA (SATA), advanced technology attachment packet interface (ATAPI), serial storage architecture (SSA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), or any combination thereof. The network coupled to network interface160or various components associated therewith may be implemented using hardware, software, or any combination thereof.

In information handling system100, I/O subsystem140may comprise a system, device, or apparatus generally operable to receive and transmit data to or from or within information handling system100. I/O subsystem140may represent, for example, a variety of communication interfaces, graphics interfaces, video interfaces, user input interfaces, and peripheral interfaces. In various embodiments, I/O subsystem140may be used to support various peripheral devices, such as a touch panel, a display adapter, a keyboard, an accelerometer, a touch pad, a gyroscope, or a camera, among other examples. In some implementations, I/O subsystem140may support so-called ‘plug and play’ connectivity to external devices, in which the external devices may be added or removed while portable information handling system100is operating.

Also shown inFIG. 1is embedded controller (EC)180, which may include EC processor182as a second processor included within portable information handling system100for certain management tasks, including supporting communication and providing various functionality with respect to internal BMU170-1. Thus, EC processor182may have access to EC memory184, which may store EC firmware186, representing instructions executable by EC processor182.

In some embodiments, EC firmware186may include pre-boot instructions executable by EC processor182. For example, EC firmware186may be operable to prepare information handling system100to boot by activating various hardware components in preparation of launching an operating system for execution. Accordingly, in some embodiments, EC firmware186may include a basic input/output system (BIOS). In certain embodiments, EC firmware186includes a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) according to a specification promulgated by the UEFI Forum (uefi.org). Embedded controller180may execute EC firmware186on EC processor182even when other components in information handling system100are inoperable or are powered down. Furthermore, EC firmware186may be in control of EC communication interface(s)188, which may represent one or more input/output interfaces or signals that embedded controller180can use to communicate with other elements of information handling system100, such as processor subsystem120or I/O subsystem140, among others.

Also shown within embedded controller180is power control148, which may be responsible for communication of wireless power transmission information between power storage adapter172, wireless power unit191, and portable information handling system100. Power control148may further be responsible for managing wireless power transmissions between power storage adapter172, wireless power unit191, and portable information handling system100. In some embodiments, power control148may be implemented as a separate controller external to embedded controller180. For example, when power control148receives a request from power storage adapter172to determine whether portable information handling system100is enabled to receive or transmit wireless power, power control148may transmit a response that indicates portable information handling system100is enabled to receive wireless power. The response may also include a request for a first wireless power to receive and other wireless power transmission information. When power control148receives a response from power storage adapter172that indicates power storage adapter will transmit the first wireless power, power control148may enable wireless power unit191to receive the first wireless power.

Power control148may further be responsible for managing wireless power transmissions between power storage adapter172, wireless power unit191, and portable information handling system100. When wireless power unit191receives the first wireless power, power control148may further be responsible for managing electrical power connections between wireless power unit191and internal BMU170-1. For example, when portable information handling system100receives the first wireless power from power storage adapter172, power control148may determine whether the first wireless power is used to charge internal battery171or to directly power portable information handling system100. Power control148may also manage so-called ‘soft start up’ of portable information handling system100, such as when portable information handling system100awakes from a low power state, such as sleep mode, by determining a source of power during the low power state and managing operation of portable information handling system100during the low power state. Power control148may accordingly route the first wireless power and communicate with wireless power unit191and internal BMU170-1via DC power and control144, which may represent suitable connections between embedded controller180, wireless power unit191, and internal BMU170-1, for example. It is noted that in some embodiments, at least certain portions of power control148may be implemented using EC firmware186, such as specialized executable instructions for power management and control.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, power storage adapter172may include wireless power units190-1and190-2. Power storage adapter172may control wireless power transmission from each of wireless power units190-1and190-2to a corresponding wireless power unit191of a portable information handling system100enabled to receive wireless power. Power storage adapter172may also control wireless power reception of each of wireless power units190-1and190-2from a corresponding wireless power unit191of a charging device (seeFIG. 4, charging device410) enabled to transmit wireless power.

Wireless power unit191may include a coil (seeFIG. 2, coil293) which power control148enables to receive wireless power from a charging device, such as for example power storage adapter172. Wireless power units190-1and190-2may include reconfigurable coils (seeFIG. 2, reconfigurable coils296-1and296-2respectively). When power storage adapter172determines that portable information handling system100is in proximity of one of the reconfigurable coils and is enabled to receive wireless power, the corresponding wireless power unit190may configure the reconfigurable coil to transmit wireless power.

Power storage adapter172may convert a DC voltage into a high frequency alternating current that is sent to the transmitter reconfigurable coil by the corresponding wireless power unit190. For example, the DC voltage may be converted into the high frequency alternating current using a high frequency switching power amplifier having a frequency of 108 kh. The high frequency alternating current induces a time varying magnetic field in the transmitter reconfigurable coil. The high frequency alternating current flowing within the transmitter reconfigurable coil generates an induced electro-magnetic field (EMF) into the adjacent receive coil of portable information handling system100by mutual inductance. The EMF generates a high frequency alternating current within the receive coil. The high frequency alternating current flowing within the receive coil may be converted into direct current (DC) by wireless power unit191, which may be used to charge internal battery171or provide electrical power to portable information handling system100.

Power storage adapter172and portable information handling system100may use resonance in order to achieve coupling of the transmitter reconfigurable coil and the receive coil at the same frequency. The transmitter reconfigurable coil and the receive coil oscillate or resonant at the same frequency. Power storage adapter172and portable information handling system100may also use non-resonance to achieve coupling, where the transmitter reconfigurable coil may operate at a different frequency from the receive coil. The transmitter reconfigurable coil and the receive coil may have the same coil sizes or different coil sizes.

Power control148may also be responsible for managing electrical power connections between power storage adapter172, internal BMU170-1, and to portable information handling system100. For example, when variable power bus142supplies electrical power to portable information handling system100, power control148may determine whether the electrical power is used to charge internal battery171or to directly power portable information handling system100. Power control148may accordingly route electrical power and communicate with internal BMU170-1via DC power and control144for example.

In particular embodiments, embedded controller180may support a variable power bus142, which may represent a data bus that also carries and distributes electrical power to and from portable information handling system100. In various embodiments, variable power bus142supports different levels of direct-current (DC) power that may be provided to certain peripherals connected to I/O subsystem140. In particular embodiments, variable power bus142may be used to receive DC power from an external source, such as a power storage adapter172. For example, the DC power received from the external source may be routed via DC power connection144to internal BMU170-1for purposes of charging internal battery171or otherwise powering portable information handling system100.

In certain embodiments, variable power bus142is implemented according to an industry standard, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB), which is developed and supported by the USB Implementers Forum, Inc. (USB IF, www.usb.org). In particular, variable power bus142may be implemented as a USB Type-C bus that may support different USB devices, such as USB Type-C devices with USB Type-C connectors. Accordingly, variable power bus142may support device detection, interface configuration, communication, and power delivery mechanisms according to the USB Type-C standard. The USB Type-C connector system allows the transport of data and electrical power (in the form of DC power) between various USB devices that are connected using USB Type-C ports and USB Type-C connectors. A USB device may be an information handling system, a peripheral device, a power device, among other types of USB devices, and may support more than one USB standard or generation, such as USB 1.0, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, or other versions. Furthermore, USB devices may also support one or more types of physical USB ports and corresponding connectors (i.e., receptacles and plugs), such as Type-A, Type-A SuperSpeed, Type-B, Type-B SuperSpeed, Mini-A, Mini-B, Micro-A, Micro-B, Micro-B SuperSpeed, and Type-C (also referred to as USB Type-C herein), among other variants. In one example, USB 3.1 Type-C cables may provide electronic functionality using an integrated semiconductor device with an identification function based on a configuration data channel and vendor-defined messages (VDMs) from a USB Power Delivery specification published by USB IF (http://www.usb.org/developers/powerdelivery/). Examples of source power rules governed by the USB Power Delivery Specification, revision 2.0, version 1.2 are given in Table 1 below.

A USB device, such as a USB Type-C device, may provide multiple power ports that can individually transfer power in either direction and may accordingly be able to operate as a power source device, a power sink device, or both (dual-role power device). A USB device operating as a dual-role power device may operate as a power source or a power sink depending on what kinds of other USB devices are connected. In addition, each of the multiple power ports provided by the USB device may be a dual-role power port that is able to operate as either a power source port or a power sink port. For example, a USB Type-C bus, such as variable power bus142, may support power delivery from a power source port of a power source USB device to a power sink port of a power sink USB device, while simultaneously supporting bidirectional USB data transport. The power source port of the power source USB device and the power sink port of the power sink USB device form a power port pair. Each of the other power ports provided by the USB device may form other power port pairs of other USB dual-role power devices.

According to the USB Power Delivery Specification, USB Type-C devices may perform a negotiation process to negotiate and establish a power contract for a particular power port pair that specifies a level of DC power that is transferred using USB. For example, a USB Type-C device may negotiate a power contract with another USB device for a level of DC power that is supported by a power port pair of both devices, where one power port is a power source port of the USB Type-C device and the other power port is a power sink port of the other USB device. The power contract for power delivery and consumption may represent an agreement reached between the power source device and the power sink device for the power port pair. While operating in Power Delivery mode, the power contract for the power port pair will generally remain in effect unless altered by a re-negotiation process, a USB soft reset, a USB hard reset, a removal of power by a power source, a failure of the power source, or a USB role swap (such as between power source and power sink devices), as specified in detail by USB IF. When a particular power contract is in place, additional power contracts can be established between another power port of the power source device and a power port of another power sink device.

According to the USB Power Delivery specification, the negotiation process may begin with the power source device detecting an attachment of a USB device operating as a power sink to a power port of the power source device. In response to the detection of the attachment at the respective USB ports, the power source device may communicate a set of supported capabilities including power levels, voltage levels, current levels, and direction of power flow of the power port of the power source device by sending the set of supported capabilities to the power sink over the USB connection. In response to receiving the set of supported capabilities, the power sink device may request one of the communicated capabilities by sending a request message to the power source device. In response to receiving the request message, the power source device may accept the request by sending an accept message and by establishing a power source output corresponding to the request. The power contract for the power port pair may be considered established and in effect when the power source device sends the accept message to the power sink device, which ends the negotiation process. A re-negotiation process may occur in a similar manner when a power contract is already in effect.

During the negotiation process, a power sink USB device that may be unable to fully operate at any of the communicated capabilities may request a default capability but indicate that the power sink USB device would prefer another power level. In response to receiving the default capability request, the power source device may accept the default capability request by storing the power sink USB device's preferred power level, sending an accept message, and by establishing a power source output corresponding to the default capability request.

During the various negotiation processes described above for USB Power Delivery, the negotiation may fail when a request is not accepted, and may result in no power contract being established. For example, the power sink USB device and the power source USB device may have timeouts for pending requests, or other communications, to a respective counterparty. When a counterparty does not respond within the timeout, a pending request or other communication may fail. It is also noted that in some embodiments, a power delivery contract for zero electrical power may be established, such that no power is transferred but the power port pair remains connected over the USB connection.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, each of portable information handling system100and power storage adapter172may include a battery management unit (BMU)170that controls operation of a respective battery. In particular implementations, BMU170may be embedded within a respective battery whose operation BMU170controls. For example, internal BMU170-1within portable information handling system100may control operation of an internal battery171, while PSA BMU170-2within power storage adapter172may control operation of a PSA battery174. More specifically, BMU170-1may monitor information associated with, and control charging operations of, internal battery171, while BMU170-2may monitor information associated with, and control charging operations of, PSA battery174. In operation, each BMU170may control operation of a respective battery to enable sustained operation, such as by protecting the battery. Protection of the battery by BMU170may comprise preventing the battery from operating outside of safe operating conditions, which may be defined in terms of certain allowable voltage and current ranges over which the battery can be expected to operate without causing self-damage. For example, the BMU170may modify various parameters in order to prevent an over-current condition (whether in a charging or discharging mode), an over-voltage condition during charging, an under-voltage condition while discharging, or an over-temperature condition, among other potentially damaging conditions.

As used herein, “top-of-charge voltage” (or “TOC” voltage) refers to a voltage threshold used during a charge cycle of a battery to determine a 100% charge level. It is noted that the top-of-charge voltage set on a given battery may be lower than a “maximum charge voltage”, which may specify a maximum voltage that a given battery having a given battery chemistry can safely endure during charging without damage. As used herein, the terms “state of charge”, “SOC”, or “charge level” refer to an actual charge level of a battery, from 0% to 100%, for example, based on the currently applied top-of-charge voltage. The SOC may be correlated to an actual voltage level of the battery, for example, depending on a particular battery chemistry.

In some embodiments, a battery (such as internal battery171or PSA battery174illustrated inFIG. 1) may be considered to be discharged when an SOC of the battery corresponds to an SOC that is below a predetermined threshold percentage or amount below the 100% charge level given by the TOC voltage, such as below a 5% charge level in one example. A battery may be considered to be charged, i.e., at least partially charged, when the SOC for the battery corresponds to an SOC that is above a first predetermined threshold percentage or amount below the 100% charge level given by the TOC voltage, such as above the 25% charge level in one example. A battery may be considered to be fully charged when the SOC of the battery corresponds to an SOC that is above a second predetermined threshold percentage or amount below the 100% charge level given by the TOC voltage, such as above the 95% charge level for example. A battery may be considered to be at least partially discharged when the SOC of the battery corresponds to an SOC that is below the 100% charge level. The parameters for specifying an SOC described above are examples and may be modified using different values in different embodiments.

In various embodiments, a battery (such as internal battery171or PSA battery174illustrated inFIG. 1) may include one or more cells having a particular chemistry in a particular cell configuration. For example, in one embodiment, the battery may include four Lithium-ion cells in a two parallel-two serial (2S-2P) configuration. In other embodiments, the battery may include a different number of cells or may include multiple cells in a different configuration. For example, the battery may include three or more cells in various configurations. In some embodiments, the battery may include one or more cells based on any one of a variety of Lithium-ion electrochemistries, or one or more cells based a different electrochemistry than Lithium-ion.

As shown inFIG. 1, power storage adapter172may be designed to removably couple to portable information handling system100using variable power bus142. For example, variable power bus142may include power connections for electrically coupling power storage adapter172to portable information handling system100as an external load on power storage adapter172. Variable power bus142may also include a communication link to enable power storage adapter172to communicate with portable information handling system100, such as via embedded controller180. For example, power storage adapter172may communicate battery data collected locally at power storage adapter172to portable information handling system100over a communication link within variable power bus142. In other embodiments, there may be a communication link between power storage adapter172and portable information handling system100that is separate from variable power bus142instead of, or in addition to, a communication link that is part of variable power bus142. In some embodiments, a communication link between power storage adapter172and portable information handling system100, or DC power and control144, may operate in accordance with a System Management Bus (SMBus) protocol for sending and receiving data. As noted above, in particular embodiments, variable power bus142is compatible with USB Type-C and may be implemented according to USB Type-C and USB Power Delivery specifications promulgated by USB IF.

In various embodiments, each of internal battery171or PSA battery174may include at least certain portions of a main power circuit across positive and negative terminals, a current sensor, a voltage sensor, one or more battery cells, a fuse, and a power switch (not shown). The current sensor may represent a shunt resistor, or other current sensing element, over which a voltage that is directly proportional to the current flowing through the main power circuit is measured. The battery cells may store and output electrical energy based on a given electrochemical composition internal to the battery cells. The voltage sensor may enable voltage measurement of individual battery cells, or measurement of an aggregate voltage for the battery including all battery cells operating together. The temperature sensor may be located in proximity to the battery cells to provide an accurate indication of a temperature within the battery. The fuse may be a safety element for limiting current flowing through the main power circuit. The power switch may be an electronically controlled switching element that closes or opens the main power circuit, and thereby allows the battery to operate for charging or discharging.

InFIG. 1, each BMU170may include a charging unit (seeFIG. 2, charging unit246) that may control charging cycles for a battery and may apply a TOC voltage as a threshold to determine when charging is complete as the battery voltage increases during charging. The TOC voltage may be lower than or equal to the maximum charge voltage that the battery can physically sustain, in different embodiments. Depending on the actual value for the TOC voltage, a given energy capacity may be stored using the battery. BMU170may also be enabled to obtain various types of information associated with a battery and to make decisions according to the obtained information. For example, each BMU170may monitor various charging-related parameters or other operating parameters received from one or more batteries, including parameters received from a local battery or parameters received from a remote battery over variable power bus142.

In some embodiments, parameters monitored by a BMU170may include a charging current, a voltage, and a temperature associated with a battery. More specifically, the parameters monitored by the BMU170may include any or all of the cell configuration and chemistry of battery cells within the battery, the total voltage of the battery, the voltages of individual battery cells, minimum or maximum cell voltages, the average temperature of the battery as a whole, the temperatures of individual battery cells, the SOC of the battery, the depth of discharge of the battery, the current flowing into the battery, the current flowing out of the battery, and any other measurement of the overall condition of the battery, in various embodiments. In some embodiments, monitoring the SOC may include continuous or periodic monitoring of battery output current, voltage, or both. In some cases, Coulomb counting, in which the charge delivered or stored by a battery is tracked, is used for battery monitoring. In some embodiments, a battery temperature may be monitored through the use of periodic voltage measurements, a thermometer, or any other method to detect or correct for variations in temperature. In some embodiments, at least some of the parameters monitored by BMU170may be used internally by BMU170for internal battery management operations. In some embodiments, at least some of the parameters monitored by BMU170may be provided to another device, such as information associated with PSA battery174that is provided to or obtained by PSA BMU170-2on power storage adapter172, and which may be provided to portable information handling system100over variable power bus142.

In some embodiments, BMU170may calculate additional values, based on the monitored battery parameters or other information obtained from a battery, for example, in order to make decisions related to the charging and operation of the battery. For example, BMU170may calculate any or all of a charge current limit (CCL), a discharge current limit (DCL), a total amount of energy delivered, an amount of energy delivered since the last charge, an amount of charge delivered or stored, a number of charging cycles, a total operating time, and an operating time since the last charge. In some embodiments, BMU170, or another component of portable information handling system100or power storage adapter172, may analyze and compare monitored parameter values to historic values or predicted models relative to an SOC of the battery, and may calculate the remaining battery life. Remaining battery life may refer to a duration or a fraction of a time period remaining that a battery may safely provide electrical power, an amount or a fraction of a voltage drop remaining over which a battery may safely provide electrical power, or an amount or fraction of a discharge capacity remaining that a battery may safely provide electrical power. Based on the obtained and calculated values, BMU170may detect various alert conditions associated with a battery, conditions such as battery charge full, battery charge empty, battery charging, battery discharging, battery over temperature, battery over current, other battery system status conditions, or various combinations thereof. In some embodiments, information indicating an alert condition for PSA battery174that is detected by PSA BMU170-2on power storage adapter172may be provided to portable information handling system100over variable power bus142.

In various embodiments, BMU170may further include a DC boost converter (seeFIG. 2, DC boost converter248) that is capable of boosting the voltage provided by the cells within a battery. The DC boost converter may be externally controlled to provide a desired boost voltage output from the battery, such as in response to a control signal or other trigger condition. Because the internal output voltage of the battery may be constrained by the particular battery electrochemistry used to implement the cells, the DC boost converter may enable the battery to output a higher voltage, as desired. In some embodiments, the DC boost converter may be a buck-boost type converter that can step up or step down an input DC voltage.

In some embodiments, embedded controller180may implement a voltage control module that senses the current drawn by an electrical load and provides a control signal to BMU170-1based on the current drawn by the electrical load. For example, the voltage control module may be implemented as executable code stored by EC memory184, while the electrical load may be information handling system100, or portions thereof. It may be advantageous, for example, to provide a higher voltage to the electrical load in order to minimize the power dissipated by losses incurred in transmitting current from internal battery171to the electrical load. In another embodiment, the voltage control module may provide control signals in response to a voltage set signal. The voltage set signal may instruct the voltage control module to control BMU170-1to produce a particular voltage at the load. For example, the particular voltage level may allow the load to operate in a desired mode of operation. In one embodiment, the particular voltage level indicated by the voltage set signal may be higher than the voltage output by cells within a battery. BMU170-1may boost the voltage output by the cells to the voltage indicated by the voltage set signal.

For example, in some embodiments, a battery (such as internal battery171or PSA battery174illustrated inFIG. 1) may provide electrical power to the information handling system100at an output voltage controlled by its respective BMU170. In some cases, portable information handling system100may provide load state information to the voltage control module. In some embodiments, the load state information may be based on the operating mode of the load, or on a desired future operating mode of the load. The voltage control module may determine a voltage level based on the load state information, and may provide voltage control information based on the determined voltage level to internal BMU170-1or PSA BMU170-2. In one embodiment, voltage control information provided to PSA BMU170-2may specify the output voltage level of power storage adapter172. In another embodiment, voltage control information provided to PSA BMU170-2may indicate a preferred voltage range for the output voltage level of power storage adapter172. In yet another embodiment, voltage control information provided to PSA BMU170-2may indicate that the output voltage level of power storage adapter172should be increased or should be decreased.

In certain embodiments, BMU170may include a processor and memory (not shown). The memory may store instructions executable by the processor to perform one or more of the methods described herein for obtaining and calculating values related to the operation and charging of a battery and for controlling the operation and charging of the battery. The memory may also store data, obtained and calculated values, thresholds, and parameters related to the methods described herein.

InFIG. 1, power storage adapter172is shown receiving AC line power146as an external power source. AC line power146may represent a connection to line power, such as using a standard line power cable. In some embodiments, AC line power146may be a removable connection, such as a cable that plugs into line power in a wall socket, and plugs into a corresponding receptacle included with power storage adapter172. Also included within power storage adapter172inFIG. 2is AC-DC converter176. AC-DC converter176may receive alternating current (AC) from AC line power146and may output one or more DC voltages for supplying electrical power to other components in power storage adapter172. For example, an output DC voltage from AC-DC converter176may be supplied to PSA battery174for charging purposes. An output DC voltage from AC-DC converter176may be supplied to a DC-DC converter178, which may then generate one or more other DC voltages. Also, an output DC voltage from AC-DC converter176may be directly supplied to variable power bus142, such as to fulfill a power contract, as described above. Additional details of power storage adapter172are described below with respect toFIGS. 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, and 4F.

As will be described in further detail herein, a charging device may wirelessly transfer wireless power from the charging device to a portable information handling system, which may be used to charge one or more batteries of the portable information handling system. The charging device may transfer wireless power through electromagnetic inductive coupling of a transmit coil of the charging device and a receive coil of the portable information handling system. Typical charging devices have one transmit coil and one charging surface and may transfer wireless power to the portable information handling system when the portable information handling system is on or near the charging surface. However, when the portable information handling system is on or near another surface of the charging device, the charging device may not be able to transfer wireless power to the portable information handling system. For example, the charging surface of the charging device may be face down on a table top and the portable information handling system may be placed on the other non-charging surface of the charging device.

Therefore, a charging device, for example, power storage adapter172that may have a first surface (top surface) and a second surface (bottom surface) opposite the first surface, a first reconfigurable coil in proximity to the first surface, a second reconfigurable coil in proximity to the second surface, a first proximity sensor, and a second proximity sensor, may transfer wireless power to the portable information handling system when power storage adapter172detects a portable information handling system having a receive coil at one of the first surface and the second surface using the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor. The first reconfigurable coil in proximity to the first surface and second reconfigurable coil in proximity to the second surface allows free placement and orientation of the portable information handling system on or near either the first surface or the second surface of power storage adapter172. As such, there is no up or down or face up or face down when placing the portable information handling system on or near power storage adapter172. Various features and advantages of power storage adapter172for wireless power transmission are described in further detail herein.

Referring now toFIG. 2, selected elements of an embodiment of a system200with multiple portable information handling systems100and power storage adapter172are shown.FIG. 2illustrates further internal details of power storage adapter172. It is noted thatFIG. 2is not drawn to scale but is a schematic illustration. In various embodiments, power storage adapter172may be implemented using fewer or additional components than illustrated inFIG. 2.

InFIG. 2, portable information handling system100-1is on or near either a first surface or a second surface of power storage adapter172and power storage adapter172is coupled to portable information handling system100-2via variable power bus (VPB)142, as described above with respect toFIG. 1. Additionally, power storage adapter172is also externally connected to AC line power146, as described above with respect toFIG. 1.

As shown inFIG. 2, power storage adapter172includes power sources250, a DC-DC converter178, a VPB controller240, two ports230, and two wireless power units190, as well as a PSA controller221comprising processor220, memory224, and a communication device226. InFIG. 2, each of the two wireless power units190includes a transmitter292, a receiver294, a reconfigurable coil296, and sensors298. As shown, power sources250comprise an AC-DC converter176, a PSA battery174, and a PSA BMU170-2. InFIG. 2, PSA BMU170-2is shown including a charging unit246and a DC boost converter248, while VPB controller240is shown including a power distributor242and a data hub244. In some embodiments, DC boost converter248may include buck-boost DC conversion functionality to step up or step down an input DC voltage. VBP controller240is depicted inFIG. 2in an implementation with two ports230-1and230-2that support variable power bus142. As noted above, variable power bus142may be compatible with USB Type-C specifications promulgated by USB IF. Accordingly, in particular embodiments, port230-1may be a USB Type-C port. In different embodiments, port230-1may also be a USB Type-C port or another type of port, such as a USB Type-A port, among others. Although two ports230are shown in the example embodiment ofFIG. 2, it will be understood that power storage adapter172may include fewer or more ports230in different embodiments.

As shown inFIG. 2, power storage adapter172includes PSA controller221, which may perform various actions and functions. In some embodiments, PSA controller221is implemented using a custom integrated circuit, or a customizable integrated circuit, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA). In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, PSA controller221includes processor220and memory224, which may store executable instructions (such as executable code) that may be executed by processor220, which has access to memory224. PSA controller221also includes communication device226. Processor220is typically implemented as an integrated circuit, such as a microprocessor or microcontroller, and is enabled to execute instructions that cause power storage adapter172to perform the functions and operations described herein. For the purposes of this disclosure, memory224may include non-transitory computer-readable media that stores data and instructions for at least a period of time. Memory224may comprise persistent and volatile media, fixed and removable media, and magnetic and semiconductor media. Memory224may include, without limitation, storage media such as a direct access storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive or floppy disk), a sequential access storage device (e.g., a tape disk drive), compact disk (CD), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or flash memory, non-transitory media, or various combinations of the foregoing. Memory224is operable to store instructions, data, or both. Memory224may store sets or sequences of instructions that may represent executable computer programs for implementing various functionality provided by power storage adapter172.

Sensors298may be used to detect portable information handling system100-1and or a charging device in proximity of one of a first surface and a second surface (SeeFIG. 3, first surface304and second surface306) of power storage adapter172. Portable information handling system100-1and or the charging device may be on or near one of the first surface and the second surface when in proximity of power storage adapter172. Sensors298may include one or more of a proximity sensor, a wireless communication device, a track sensor device, a touch sensor device, an optical sensor device, and an eddy current sensor device, among other types of sensor devices. The wireless communication device may be communication device226. Power storage adapter172may collect sensor feedback information from sensors298to determine, based on the sensor feedback information, the relative distance between portable information handling system100-1and or the charging device and one of the first surface and the second surface of power storage adapter172, the relative position of portable information handling system100-1and or the charging device on or near one of the first surface and the second surface, the proximity of portable information handling system100-1and or the charging device on or near one of the first surface and the second surface and the eddy current induced by the magnetic flux between reconfigurable coil296and a receive coil293of portable information handling system100-1and or a transmit coil293of the charging device.

Communication device226may be a wireless communication device that may be used to communicate wireless power information between communication device226and a communication device249-1of portable information handling system100-1. Each of communication device226and communication device249-1may be a Bluetooth device, an infrared device, a near field communication device, a Zigbee device, among other types of wireless communication devices. Communication device226may also control each transmitter292to communicate wireless power information to a corresponding receiver of a wireless power unit191. For example, communication device226may control each transmitter292to use frequency shift keying, in which transmitter292modulates the operating frequency of the wireless power signal to communicate to the corresponding receiver of wireless power unit191. Transmitter292may use a differential bi-phase encoding scheme to modulate data bits in the wireless power signal to communicate the wireless power information to the corresponding receiver of wireless power unit191and to communication device249-1. Communication device249-1may control the receiver of wireless power unit191, which may decode the wireless power information received from transmitter292. Further, the receiver of wireless power unit191may modulate the amount of wireless power it draws from the wireless power signal to communicate a response to transmitter292. Transmitter292may detect this as a modulation of current through and or voltage at wireless power unit190. In other words, the receiver of wireless power unit191and transmitter292may use an amplitude modulated wireless power signal to provide a power receiver to power transmitter communications channel. In a similar manner as described above, communication device226may also control each receiver294to communicate wireless power information between receiver294and a corresponding transmitter of a charging device (SeeFIG. 4, charging device410). For example, the transmitter of the charging device and receiver294may use both frequency modulated wireless power signal and amplitude modulated wireless power signal to provide a power transmitter and power receiver communications channel.

One of transmitters292may be used to transmit wireless power wirelessly to portable information handling system100-1by configuring reconfigurable coil296as a transmit coil. Similarly, one of receivers294may be used to receive wireless power wirelessly from a charging device by configuring reconfigurable coil296as a receive coil. Operation of sensors298, communication device226, wireless power units190, transmitters292, receivers294, and reconfigurable coils296will be described in further detail below with reference toFIGS. 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, and 4F.

The functionality and implementation details of certain elements in power storage adapter172, such as AC-DC converter176, PSA battery174, PSA BMU170-2, and DC-DC converter178, are described above with respect toFIG. 1.

As shown, VPB controller240may include power distributor242, which may represent various electronic components that enable distribution of DC power with respect to variable power bus142via ports230. Specifically, power distributor242may receive at least one DC power input from DC-DC converter178. Power distributor242may route or switch power connections to respective ports230, for example, to enable fulfillment of a power contract, as described above. A power contract established by VPB controller240, such as according to a USB Power Delivery Specification, may govern the supply of DC power to portable information handling system100via port230-1. VPB controller240may also establish another power contract to supply DC power to another device coupled to port230-2. In some embodiments, VPB controller240supplies DC power to both port230-1and port230-2. Power distributor242may supply different DC voltages for output power at different ports230. In particular embodiments, power distributor242supplies a different DC voltage to port230-1than to port230-2.

InFIG. 2, data hub244may represent electronic functionality to manage various VPB connections over variable power bus142. Specifically, data hub244may control operation of power distributor242and may, in turn, be controlled by PSA controller221, such as by executable code (not shown) stored in memory224and executed by processor220. Additionally, data hub244may store state information for each respective port230, such as USB state information. For example, data hub244may store information associated with power contracts that power storage adapter172has established or is in the process of negotiating. Accordingly, data hub244may store various information about different VPB devices connected to power storage adapter172via ports230. As used herein, the phrase “power consuming device” may refer to any system, apparatus, or device consuming the electrical power provided by a battery. For example, a portable information handling system may consume power for components such as one or more displays, processors, storage media, memory, or other components.

In the illustrated embodiment, charging unit246of BMU170-2may draw electrical power from AC-DC converter176, and may, in turn output a charging voltage and charging current suitable to charge the cells of PSA battery174. The charging voltage and the charging current demands of the battery may be dependent on an electrochemistry or a cell configuration of the battery cells. The charging of the battery may be limited by the current supply capability of the DC source. In some embodiments, the DC source may be AC-DC converter176. Once the battery reaches 100% state of charge, BMU170-2may stop drawing current from the AC-DC converter176. When a boost source of power is desired, charging unit246may also be enabled to supply electrical from PSA battery174, which is then boosted to a desired output voltage by DC boost converter248.

In some embodiments, portable information handling system100may communicate with power storage adapter172to instruct PSA BMU170-2to charge the battery cells of PSA battery174. As previously noted, PSA BMU170-2may send information to portable information handling system100, such as the cell configuration, the state of charge of the battery, or other information. Portable information handling system100may communicate with PSA BMU170-2using a system management bus (not shown), for example System Management Bus (SMBus) promulgated by SBS Implementers Forum (www.smbus.org), in some embodiments.

Referring now toFIG. 3, a power storage adapter300is illustrated in particular detail. Specifically, power storage adapter300is an embodiment of power storage adapter172shown inFIGS. 1 and 2with particular elements and components illustrated. It is noted thatFIG. 3is not drawn to scale but is a schematic illustration. In various embodiments, power storage adapter300may be implemented using fewer or additional components than illustrated inFIG. 3.

As shown inFIG. 3, components of power storage adapter172may include, but are not limited to, a housing302having a first surface304and a second surface306, and communication device226, reconfigurable coil296-1, reconfigurable coil296-2, sensors298-1, sensors298-2, a magnetic shielding312-1, and a magnetic shielding312-2within housing302. Reconfigurable coil296-1may be between first surface304and magnetic shielding312-1. Reconfigurable coil296-2may be between second surface306and magnetic shielding312-2. Sensors298-1may be included in first surface304, between first surface304and magnetic shielding312-1, or any combination of the two. Sensors298-2may be included in second surface306, between second surface306and magnetic shielding312-2, or any combination of the two.

Magnetic shielding312-1and312-2may include at least one of a ferrite and a mu-metal including a nickel-iron alloy, copper, chromium, and molybdenum. Magnetic shielding312-1may be used to divert a first magnetic flux of reconfigurable coil296-1away from reconfigurable coil296-2. Magnetic shielding312-1may also be used to generate a first opposing magnetic flux to remove effects of the first magnetic flux on reconfigurable coil296-2. Magnetic shielding312-2may be used to divert a second magnetic flux of reconfigurable coil296-2away from reconfigurable coil296-1. Magnetic shielding312-2may also be used to generate a second opposing magnetic flux to remove effects of the second magnetic flux on reconfigurable coil296-1.

Referring now toFIG. 4A, illustrates an embodiment of operation of power storage adapter172for wireless power transmission with portable information handling system100-1. It is noted thatFIG. 4Ais not drawn to scale but is a schematic illustration. In various embodiments, power storage adapter172may be implemented using fewer or additional components than illustrated inFIG. 4A.

InFIG. 4A, PSA controller221may detect portable information handling system100-1having a coil293at first surface304using sensors298-1. PSA controller221may communicate with portable information handling system100-1using communication device226to exchange wireless power information. PSA controller221may determine whether portable information handling system100-1may be enabled to receive or transmit wireless power based on the received wireless power information from portable information handling system100-1. PSA controller221may also determine a wireless power420requested by portable information handling system100-1based on the received wireless power information. When portable information handling system100-1may be enabled to receive wireless power, PSA controller221may configure reconfigurable coil296-1as a transmit coil. When portable information handling system100-1may be enabled to receive wireless power, power storage adapter172may transmit wireless power420to coil293at first surface304based on sensors296-1using transmitter292-1and reconfigurable coil296-1. Wireless power420is transmitted wirelessly to portable information handling system100-1by magnetic flux414generated by reconfigurable coil296-1and coupled to coil293.

In one or more embodiments, when AC line power source146is not coupled to power storage adapter172or not enabled to receive power from AC line power source146, wireless power420may be supplied from PSA battery174. When AC line power source146is coupled to power storage adapter172and enabled to receive power from AC line power source146, wireless power420may be supplied from AC line power source146.

Referring now toFIG. 4B, illustrates an embodiment of operation of power storage adapter172for wireless power transmission with portable information handling system100-1. It is noted thatFIG. 4Bis not drawn to scale but is a schematic illustration. In various embodiments, power storage adapter172may be implemented using fewer or additional components than illustrated inFIG. 4B.

InFIG. 4B, PSA controller221may detect portable information handling system100-1having a coil293at second surface306using sensors298-2. PSA controller221may determine whether portable information handling system100-1may be enabled to receive or transmit wireless power based on the received wireless power information from portable information handling system100-1. PSA controller221may also determine a wireless power420requested by portable information handling system100-1based on the received wireless power information. When portable information handling system100-1may be enabled to receive wireless power, PSA controller221may configure reconfigurable coil296-2as a transmit coil. When portable information handling system100-1may be enabled to receive wireless power, power storage adapter172may transmit wireless power420to coil293at second surface304based on sensors296-2using transmitter292-2and reconfigurable coil296-2. Wireless power420is transmitted wirelessly to portable information handling system100-1by magnetic flux414generated by reconfigurable coil296-2and coupled to coil293.

Referring now toFIG. 4C, illustrates an embodiment of operation of power storage adapter172for wireless power transmission with portable information handling system100-1and a charging device410. It is noted thatFIG. 4Cis not drawn to scale but is a schematic illustration. In various embodiments, power storage adapter172may be implemented using fewer or additional components than illustrated inFIG. 4C.

InFIG. 4C, PSA controller221may detect portable information handling system100-1having a coil293-1at first surface304using sensors298-1. PSA controller221may determine whether portable information handling system100-1may be enabled to receive or transmit wireless power based on received wireless power information from portable information handling system100-1. PSA controller221may also determine a wireless power420requested by portable information handling system100-1based on the received wireless power information. When portable information handling system100-1may be enabled to receive wireless power, PSA controller221may configure reconfigurable coil296-1as a transmit coil. When portable information handling system100-1may be enabled to receive wireless power, power storage adapter172may transmit wireless power420to coil293-1at first surface304based on sensors296-1using transmitter292-1and reconfigurable coil296-1.

PSA controller221may also detect charging device410having a coil293-2at second surface306using sensors298-2. PSA controller221may determine whether charging device410may be enabled to receive or transmit wireless power based on received wireless power information from charging device410. When charging device410may be enabled to transmit wireless power, PSA controller221may also determine a wireless power421to be received based on the received wireless power information. When charging device410may be enabled to transmit wireless power, PSA controller221may configure reconfigurable coil296-2as a receive coil. When charging device410may be enabled to transmit wireless power, power storage adapter172may receive wireless power421from coil293-2at second surface306based on sensors296-2using receiver292-2and reconfigurable coil296-2. Power storage adapter172may wirelessly receive wireless power421simultaneous with power storage adapter172wirelessly transmitting wireless power420.

In one or more embodiments, power storage adapter172may charge PSA battery174using wireless power421. In some embodiments, charging device410may be a portable information handling system100that may be enabled to transmit wireless power.

Referring now toFIG. 4D, illustrates an embodiment of operation of power storage adapter172for wireless power transmission with portable information handling system100-1and a charging device410. It is noted thatFIG. 4Dis not drawn to scale but is a schematic illustration. In various embodiments, power storage adapter172may be implemented using fewer or additional components than illustrated inFIG. 4D.

InFIG. 4D, PSA controller221may receive a request for a power delivery contract from portable information handling system100-1coupled to power storage adapter172at PSA port230-1. The power delivery contract may supply an electrical power422to portable information handling system100-1. Responsive to receiving the request, power storage adapter172may establish the power delivery contract. Then, power storage adapter172may supply electrical power422to portable information handling system100-1via variable power bus142.

PSA controller221may also detect charging device410having a coil293at second surface306using sensors298-2. PSA controller221may determine whether charging device410may be enabled to receive or transmit wireless power based on received wireless power information from charging device410. When charging device410may be enabled to transmit wireless power, PSA controller221may also determine a wireless power421to be received based on the received wireless power information. When charging device410may be enabled to transmit wireless power, PSA controller221may configure reconfigurable coil296-2as a receive coil. When charging device410may be enabled to transmit wireless power, power storage adapter172may receive wireless power421from coil293at second surface306based on sensors296-2using receiver292-2and reconfigurable coil296-2. Power storage adapter172may wirelessly receive wireless power421simultaneous with power storage adapter172supplying electrical power422.

Referring now toFIG. 4E, illustrates an embodiment of operation of power storage adapter172for wireless power transmission with portable information handling systems100-1and100-2. It is noted thatFIG. 4Eis not drawn to scale but is a schematic illustration. In various embodiments, power storage adapter172may be implemented using fewer or additional components than illustrated inFIG. 4E.

InFIG. 4E, PSA controller221may detect portable information handling system100-1having a coil293-1at first surface304using sensors298-1. PSA controller221may determine whether portable information handling system100-1may be enabled to receive or transmit wireless power based on received wireless power information from portable information handling system100-1. PSA controller221may also determine a wireless power420requested by portable information handling system100-1based on the received wireless power information. When portable information handling system100-1may be enabled to receive wireless power, PSA controller221may configure reconfigurable coil296-1as a transmit coil. When portable information handling system100-1may be enabled to receive wireless power, power storage adapter172may transmit wireless power420to coil293-1at first surface304based on sensors296-1using transmitter292-1and reconfigurable coil296-1.

PSA controller221may also detect portable information handling system100-2having a coil293-2at second surface306using sensors298-2. PSA controller221may determine whether portable information handling system100-2may be enabled to receive or transmit wireless power based on received wireless power information from portable information handling system100-2. PSA controller221may also determine a wireless power421requested by portable information handling system100-2based on the received wireless power information. When portable information handling system100-2may be enabled to receive wireless power, PSA controller221may configure reconfigurable coil296-2as a transmit coil. When portable information handling system100-2may be enabled to receive wireless power, power storage adapter172may transmit wireless power421to coil293-2at second surface306based on sensors296-2using transmitter292-2and reconfigurable coil296-2. Power storage adapter172may wirelessly transmit wireless power420simultaneous with power storage adapter172wirelessly transmitting wireless power421.

Referring now toFIG. 4F, illustrates an embodiment of operation of power storage adapter172for wireless power transmission with portable information handling systems100-1,100-2, and100-3. It is noted thatFIG. 4Fis not drawn to scale but is a schematic illustration. In various embodiments, power storage adapter172may be implemented using fewer or additional components than illustrated inFIG. 4F.

InFIG. 4F, PSA controller221may detect portable information handling system100-1having a coil293-1at first surface304using sensors298-1. PSA controller221may determine whether portable information handling system100-1may be enabled to receive or transmit wireless power based on received wireless power information from portable information handling system100-1. PSA controller221may also determine a wireless power420requested by portable information handling system100-1based on the received wireless power information. When portable information handling system100-1may be enabled to receive wireless power, PSA controller221may configure reconfigurable coil296-1as a transmit coil. When portable information handling system100-1may be enabled to receive wireless power, power storage adapter172may transmit wireless power420to coil293-1at first surface304based on sensors296-1using transmitter292-1and reconfigurable coil296-1.

PSA controller221may also detect portable information handling system100-2having a coil293-2at second surface306using sensors298-2. PSA controller221may determine whether portable information handling system100-2may be enabled to receive or transmit wireless power based on received wireless power information from portable information handling system100-2. PSA controller221may also determine a wireless power421requested by portable information handling system100-2based on the received wireless power information. When portable information handling system100-2may be enabled to receive wireless power, PSA controller221may configure reconfigurable coil296-2as a transmit coil. When portable information handling system100-2may be enabled to receive wireless power, power storage adapter172may transmit wireless power421to coil293-2at second surface306based on sensors296-2using transmitter292-2and reconfigurable coil296-2.

PSA controller221may further receive a request for a power delivery contract from portable information handling system100-3coupled to power storage adapter172at PSA port230-1. The power delivery contract may supply an electrical power422to portable information handling system100-3. Responsive to receiving the request, power storage adapter172may establish the power delivery contract. Then, power storage adapter172may supply electrical power422to portable information handling system100-3via variable power bus142. Power storage adapter172may wirelessly transmit wireless power420simultaneous with power storage adapter172wirelessly transmitting wireless power421and power storage adapter172supplying electrical power422.

FIG. 5illustrates a charging curve500for a battery, such as internal battery171or PSA battery174. Charging curve500is schematically illustrated and is not drawn to scale or perspective. Charging curve500may be implemented by BMU170, for example, using charging unit246(seeFIG. 2). Charging curve500depicts how a charging current502and a charging voltage504respond over time to various conditions. Specifically, at time510, it is assumed that the battery is discharged and is charged by supplying charging current502that is constant, given by Imax, which is a maximum charging current. In the constant current charging regime between time510and time512, charging voltage504may increase from a low value to a higher value as the SOC for the battery increases. At time512, charging voltage504may approach a maximum value, given by Vmax, and may remain constant after time512. At about time512, meanwhile, charging current502may begin to decrease as the SOC for the battery increases at a lower rate. After time512, in a constant voltage charging regime, charging current502may taper off until at some point, the SOC approaches a maximum value, and no further charging occurs.

Also shown inFIG. 5is a boost charging voltage506. Specifically, charging unit246may apply boost charging voltage506to improve a charging efficiency, for example, by reducing an amount of electrical power consumed during charging, as compared with supplying constant charging voltage Vmax.

Referring now toFIG. 6, a flow chart of selected elements of an embodiment of method600wireless power transmission of multiple portable information handling systems using a power storage adapter, as described herein, is depicted in flowchart form. Method600may be performed using power storage adapter172and, in particular, by PSA controller221. It is noted that certain operations described in method600may be optional or may be rearranged in different embodiments.

Method600may begin at, step602, by detecting a first electronic device having a third coil at one of a first surface and a second surface of a housing of a power storage adapter using a first proximity sensor and a second proximity sensor of the power storage adapter. The second surface may be opposite the first surface. At step604, determining, using a communication device of the power storage adapter, whether the first electronic device may be enabled to receive or transmit wireless power. At step606, when the first electronic device may be enabled to transmit the wireless power, receiving the wireless power from the third coil at one of the first surface and the second surface based on the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor. At step608, when the first electronic device may be enabled to receive the wireless power, transmitting a first wireless power to the third coil at one of the first surface and the second surface based on the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor. At step610, detecting a second electronic device having a fourth coil at one of the first surface and the second surface using the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor. The second electronic device and the first electronic device may be detected at different surfaces. At step612, determining, using the communication device, whether the second electronic device may be enabled to receive or transmit wireless power. At step614, when the second electronic device may be enabled to transmit the wireless power, receiving a second wireless power from the fourth coil at one of the first surface and the second surface based on the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor. At step616, when the second electronic device may be enabled to receive the wireless power, transmitting the second wireless power to the fourth coil at one of the first surface and the second surface based on the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor. Receiving or transmitting the second wireless power may be simultaneous with receiving or transmitting the first wireless power. At step618, receiving a request for a third power delivery contract from a third electronic device coupled to the power storage adapter at the PSA port, the third power delivery contract may supply a third electrical power to the third electronic device. At step620, responsive to receiving the request, establishing the third power delivery contract. Supplying the second wireless power may be simultaneous with receiving or transmitting the first wireless power.

As disclosed herein, a power storage adapter may include wireless power units for wireless power transmission of multiple portable information handling systems. In particular, when a wireless power unit wirelessly transmits a first wireless power to one of the portable information handling systems, another wireless power unit may wirelessly transmit a second wireless power to another portable information handling system. The transmission of the first wireless power may be simultaneous with the transmission of the second wireless power.