Electronic device and multi-wireless transmission power control method based on states of plurality of external electronic devices

Various embodiments relating to an electronic device are disclosed, and according to an embodiment, the electronic device may comprise: a plurality of coils; a first power generation circuit electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of coils; a second power generation circuit electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of coils; and a control circuit, wherein when the approach of a second external electronic device is detected while first power is provided to a first external electronic device by using a first frequency via the first power generation circuit, the control circuit allows the frequency of the second power generation circuit to be configured to a second frequency different from a first frequency in order to provide second power to the second external electronic device. Other embodiments may be possible.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a National Phase Entry of PCT International Application No. PCT/KR2019/008006, which was filed on Jul. 2, 2019 and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0077201, which was filed on Jul. 3, 2018 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Various embodiments relate to an electronic device and method for wirelessly transmitting power.

2. Description of the Related Art

With development of a wireless power transmission technology, many electronic devices have recently used the wireless power transmission technology for wireless charging or contactless charging. The wireless power transmission technology (wireless power transfer) is a technology which converts electrical energy into an electromagnetic wave having a frequency and wirelessly transfers energy to a load without a transmission line. The wireless power transmission technology may be a technology in which power is wirelessly transferred from a power transmission device to a power reception device without a connection between the power reception device and the power transmission device via a separate connector, thereby a battery of the power reception device is charged. The wireless power transmission technology may include a magnetic induction scheme and a magnetic resonance scheme, and there may be various types of wireless power transmission technologies.

A magnetic induction scheme-wireless power transmission system is a scheme of transferring power by using a magnetic field induced in a coil, and is also a technology which provides a load with energy by flowing an induced current via a reception coil by using a magnetic field generated from a current flowing via a transmission coil. Typical standards of the magnetic induction scheme include wireless power consortium (WPC), power matters alliance (PMA), and/or the like, and a designated frequency band such as 110 to 205 kHz for WPC, and 227 to 357 kHz, and 118 to 153 kHz for PMA may be used as a frequency used for power transmission.

A magnetic resonance scheme-wireless power transmission system is a technology which transmits and receives power by using a resonance phenomenon between two coils having the same resonance frequency, typical standards of the magnetic resonance scheme include alliance for wireless power (A4WP), and a designated resonance frequency such as 6.78 MHz may be used in the magnetic resonance scheme-wireless power transmission system.

SUMMARY

In a wireless power transmission system, a single wireless power transmission device (e.g., an electronic device) may provide a single wireless power reception device (e.g., an external electronic device) with power without a physical connection, and the single wireless power transmission device may provide each of a plurality of wireless power reception devices (e.g., a first external electronic device and a second external electronic device) with power.

A wireless power transmission device may transmit a wireless power signal by using a frequency to provide wireless power. For example, if a single wireless power transmission device such as a multi-wireless charger, or a multi-wireless charging pad, and/or the like uses the same frequency band or an adjacent frequency band for simultaneously providing a plurality of wireless power reception devices with power, interference among wireless power transmission signals provided to each of the plurality of wireless power reception devices may occur. Due to occurrence of the interference, a phase of each of the wireless power transmission signals may change, electric field strength, e.g., H-Field Strength of each of the wireless power transmission signals may increase, and electromagnetic interference (EMI), radiated emission (RE), or conducted emission (CE) may occur. Due to the H-Field Strength, EMI, RE, or CE, the power transmission device and the plurality of wireless power reception devices may cause a failure.

Various embodiments may provide an electronic device for preventing occurrence of H-Field Strength, EMI, RE, or CE by providing a plurality of external electronic devices with power by using different frequency bands or non-adjacent frequency bands, and a multi-wireless transmission power control method which is based on states of a plurality of external electronic devices.

An electronic device according to various embodiments may include a plurality of coils, a first power generation circuit electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of coils, a second power generation circuit electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of coils, and a control circuit, and the control circuit may control to when approach of a second external electronic device is detected while first power is provided to a first external electronic device by using a first frequency via the first power generation circuit, and to set a frequency of the second power generation circuit to a second frequency different from the first frequency for providing the second external electronic device with second power.

An electronic device according to various embodiments may include a plurality of coils, a first power generation circuit electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of coils, a second power generation circuit electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of coils, and a control circuit, and the control circuit may control the first power generation circuit to generate a first signal for providing a first external electronic device with first power, and control the second power generation circuit to generate a second signal for providing a second external electronic device with second power.

According to various embodiments, in a case that an electronic device provides a plurality of external electronic devices with power, the electronic device provides the plurality of external electronic devices with the power by using different frequencies, so occurrence of H-Field Strength, EMI, RE, or CE in which a wireless power transmission signal provided to one external electronic device affects another external electronic device may be prevented.

According to various embodiments, if a second external electronic device approaches an electronic device while the electronic device provides a first external electronic device with first power by using a first frequency, the electronic device provides the second external electronic device with second power by using a second frequency different from the first frequency, so interference between a first power signal provided to the first external electronic device and a second power signal provided to the second external electronic device may be prevented.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device changes a first frequency and a second frequency based on charging states of a first external electronic device and a second external electronic device while providing the first external electronic device with first power by using the first frequency and providing the second external electronic device with second power by using the second frequency, thereby the electronic device may adjust magnitudes of the first power and the second power which are provided to the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device, respectively based on the charging states of the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device.

According to various embodiments, if first power provided to a first external electronic device is greater than second power provided to a second external electronic device, an electronic device sets a first frequency for providing the first power to a frequency which is lower than a second frequency for providing the second power, thereby the first external electronic device which requires high power transmission may use a low frequency, so power transmission efficiency may be increased.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to various embodiments, power and signals may be transmitted and received between the electronic device101and the external electronic device102by using the first network198. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may wirelessly receive power from the external electronic device102.

The communication module190may transmit and receive power information or a control signal for receiving power to and from the external electronic device102. The power information may include at least one of a remaining amount of a battery of the electronic device101, a number of times of charging, a usage amount, a battery capacity, or a battery ratio. The communication module190of the electronic device101may transmit a charging function control signal for controlling the charging function of the electronic device101. The charging function control signal may be a control signal for enabling or disabling the charging function of the electronic device101. Alternatively, the charging function control signal may include information related to a power adjustment or power control command to respond to occurrence of an abnormal situation according to various embodiments.

FIG.2is a block diagram200illustrating the power management module188and the battery189according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.2, the power management module188may include charging circuitry210, a power adjuster220, or a power gauge230. The charging circuitry210may charge the battery189by using power supplied from an external power source outside the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the charging circuitry210may select a charging scheme (e.g., normal charging or quick charging) based at least in part on a type of the external power source (e.g., a power outlet, a USB, or wireless charging), magnitude of power suppliable from the external power source (e.g., about 20 Watt or more), or an attribute of the battery189, and may charge the battery189using the selected charging scheme. The external power source may be connected with the electronic device101, for example, directly via the connecting terminal178or wirelessly via the antenna module197. For example, the charging circuitry210may charge the battery189by using power which is wirelessly provided from an external electronic device102.

The power adjuster220may generate a plurality of powers having different voltage levels or different current levels by adjusting a voltage level or a current level of the power supplied from the external power source or the battery189. The power adjuster220may adjust the voltage level or the current level of the power supplied from the external power source or the battery189into a different voltage level or current level appropriate for each of some of the components included in the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the power adjuster220may be implemented in the form of a low drop out (LDO) regulator or a switching regulator. The power gauge230may measure use state information about the battery189(e.g., a capacity, a number of times of charging or discharging, a voltage, or a temperature of the battery189).

The power management module188may determine, using, for example, the charging circuitry210, the power adjuster220, or the power gauge230, charging state information (e.g., lifetime, over voltage, low voltage, over current, over charge, over discharge, overheat, short, or swelling) related to the charging of the battery189based at least in part on the measured use state information about the battery189. The power management module188may determine whether the state of the battery189is normal or abnormal based at least in part on the determined charging state information. If the state of the battery189is determined to abnormal, the power management module188may adjust the charging of the battery189(e.g., reduce the charging current or voltage, or stop the charging). According to an embodiment, at least some of the functions of the power management module188may be performed by an external control device (e.g., the processor120).

The battery189, according to an embodiment, may include a battery protection circuit (protection circuit module (PCM))240. The PCM240may perform one or more of various functions (e.g., a pre-cutoff function) to prevent a performance deterioration of, or a damage to, the battery189. The PCM240, additionally or alternatively, may be configured as at least part of a battery management system (BMS) capable of performing various functions including cell balancing, measurement of battery capacity, count of a number of charging or discharging, measurement of temperature, or measurement of voltage.

According to an embodiment, at least part of the charging state information or use state information regarding the battery189may be measured using a corresponding sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor) of the sensor module176, the power gauge230, or the power management module188. According to an embodiment, the corresponding sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor) of the sensor module176may be included as part of the PCM240, or may be disposed near the battery189as a separate device.

According to various embodiments, the external electronic device102may include the same components as the electronic device101, and may wirelessly provide the electronic device101with power.

FIG.3is a diagram illustrating a wireless charging environment according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.3, an electronic device301(e.g.,102inFIG.1) (hereinafter, referred to as ‘a power transmission device’) according to various embodiments may wirelessly provide an external electronic device302(e.g.,101inFIG.1) (hereinafter, referred to as ‘a power reception device’) with power, and the external electronic device302may wirelessly receive the power.

According to various embodiments, the power transmission device301may include a power transmission circuit311, a control circuit312, a communication circuit313, and/or a sensing circuit314.

According to various embodiments, the power transmission circuit311may include a power adaptor311awhich inputs a power source (or power) from external and properly converts a voltage of the inputted power source, a power generation circuit311bwhich generates power, and/or a matching circuit311cwhich maximizes efficiency between a transmission coil311L and a reception coil321L.

According to various embodiments, the power transmission circuit311may include a plurality of at least some of the power adapter311a, the power generation circuit311b, the transmission coil311L, or the matching circuit311cso that power may be transmitted to a plurality of power reception devices (e.g., a first external electronic device and a second external electronic device).

According to various embodiments, the power transmission circuit311may generate a first signal of a first frequency for providing the first external electronic device with first power and a second signal of a second frequency for providing the second external electronic device with second power by using the power generation circuit311b.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit312may perform overall control for the power transmission device301, generate various messages required for wireless power transmission, and transfer the various messages to the communication circuit313. In an embodiment, the control circuit312may calculate power (or amount of power) to be transmitted to the power reception device302based on information received from the communication circuit313. In an embodiment, the control circuit312may control the power transmission circuit311so that power calculated by the transmission coil311L is transmitted to the power reception device302.

According to various embodiments, if the control circuit312transmits power to each of a plurality of power reception devices (e.g., the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device), the control circuit312may control the power generation circuit311bto generate the first signal of the first frequency for providing the first external electronic device with the first power and the second signal of the second frequency for providing the second external electronic device with the second power.

According to various embodiments, the communication circuit313may include at least one of a first communication circuit313aand a second communication circuit313b. The first communication circuit313amay communicate with a first communication circuit323aof the power reception device302by using, for example, the same frequency as a frequency used for power transfer in the transmission coil311L (e.g., an inband scheme). In an embodiment, the second communication circuit313bmay communicate with a second communication circuit323bof the power reception device302by using, for example, a frequency which is different from the frequency used for power transfer in the transmission coil311L (e.g., an outband scheme). For example, the second communication circuit313bmay obtain information (Vrec information, Iout information, various packets, messages, etc.) related to a charging state from the second communication circuit323bby using one of various short-range communication schemes such as Bluetooth, BLE, WI-Fi, and NFC.

According to various embodiments, the sensing circuit314may include at least one sensor, and may sense at least one state of the power transmission device302by using the at least one sensor.

According to various embodiments, the sensing circuit314may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, or a current (or voltage) sensor, sense a temperature state of the power transmission device301by using the temperature sensor, sense a motion state of the power transmission device301by using the motion sensor, and sense a state, e.g., a current magnitude, a voltage magnitude, or a power magnitude of an output signal of the power transmission device301by using the current (or voltage) sensor.

According to an embodiment, the current (or voltage) sensor may measure a signal in the power transmission circuit311. A signal may be measured in at least part of the coil311L, the matching circuit311c, or the power generation circuit311b. For example, the current sensor (or voltage sensor) may include a circuit measuring a signal at a front end of the coil311L.

According to various embodiments, the sensing circuit314may be a circuit for foreign object detection (FOD).

According to various embodiments, the power reception device302(e.g.,101inFIG.1) may include a power reception circuit321(e.g., a power management module188), a control circuit322(e.g., a processor120), a communication circuit323(e.g., a communication module190), at least one sensor324(e.g., a sensor module176), a display325(e.g., a display device160), and a sensing circuit326. For the power reception device302, a description of a structure corresponding to the power transmission device301may be partially omitted.

According to various embodiments, the power reception circuit321may include a reception coil321L for wirelessly receiving power from the power transmission device301, a matching circuit321a, a rectifier circuit321bfor rectifying received AC power to DC, an adjustment circuit321cfor adjusting a charging voltage, a switch circuit321d, and/or a battery321e(e.g., a battery189).

According to various embodiments, the control circuit322may perform overall control for the power reception device302, generate various messages required for wireless power transmission, and transfer the various messages to the communication circuit323.

According to various embodiments, the communication circuit323may include at least one of the first communication circuit323aand the second communication circuit323b. The first communication circuit323amay communicate with the power transmission device301via the reception coil321L. The second communication circuit323bmay communicate with the power transmission device301by using one of various short-range communication schemes such as Bluetooth, BLE, WI-Fi, and NFC.

According to various embodiments, the at least one sensor324may include at least some of a current/voltage sensor, a temperature sensor, an illuminance sensor, or a sound sensor.

According to various embodiments, the display325may display various display information required for wireless power transmission and reception.

According to various embodiments, the sensing circuit326may sense the power transmission device301by sensing a search signal or power received from the power transmission device301. The sensing circuit326may sense a change in signals at an input/output terminal of the coil321L, or the matching circuit321a, or the rectifier circuit321bby a coil321L signal generated by a signal outputted from the power transmission device301. According to various embodiments, the sensing circuit326may be included in a receiving circuit351.

FIG.4is a diagram illustrating an electronic device capable of transmitting power to a plurality of external electronic devices according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.4, an electronic device401(e.g., an electronic device102inFIG.1or a power transmission device301inFIG.3, hereinafter, also referred to as ‘a power transmission device’) according to various embodiments may wirelessly transmit power to each of a first external electronic device402-1(e.g., an electronic device101inFIG.1or a power reception device302inFIG.3, hereinafter, also referred to as ‘a first power reception device’) and a second external electronic device402-2(e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the power reception device302inFIG.3, hereinafter, also referred to as ‘a second power reception device’), and the first external electronic device402-1and the second external electronic device402-2may wirelessly receive the power.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device401may include a plurality of coils411L (e.g., a transmission coil311L inFIG.3), a first power transmission circuit411-1(e.g., a power transmission circuit311inFIG.3), a second power transmission circuit411-2(e.g., the power transmission circuit311inFIG.3), and/or a control circuit412(e.g., a control circuit312inFIG.3).

According to various embodiments, the plurality of coils411L (e.g., the transmission coil311L inFIG.3) may include at least two transmission coils (or antennas). According to an embodiment, the plurality of coils411L may include a first transmission coil411L-1and a second transmission coil411L-1, or may include N coils such as the first transmission coil411L-1to an Nth transmission coil411L-N.

According to various embodiments, the first power transmission circuit411-1may include a first power adjustment circuit411-1aand/or a first power generation circuit411-1b.

According to various embodiments, the first power adjustment circuit411-1amay provide the first power generation circuit411-1bwith a first voltage (power source or power). According to an embodiment, the first power adjustment circuit411-1amay vary the first voltage (power source or power) provided to the first power generation circuit411-1b.

According to various embodiments, the first power generation circuit411-1bmay generate a first signal of a designated frequency (hereinafter, also referred to as ‘a first frequency’) for providing the first power by using the first voltage (power source or power) provided from the first power adjustment circuit411-1a. For example, the designated frequency may be a designated frequency band, and the first frequency may be a first frequency band.

According to an embodiment, the first power generation circuit411-1bmay include an inverter (e.g., a bridge circuit) including a plurality of switches, and may generate the first signal of the first frequency for providing the first power via an on or off operation of each of the plurality of switches. According to an embodiment, the first power generation circuit411-1bmay change the first frequency to another frequency (e.g., a second frequency) by controlling the on or off operation of each of the plurality of switches.

According to various embodiments, a switch (not shown) may be further included between the first power generation circuit411-1band the plurality of coils411L, and at least one of the plurality of coils411L may be connected to the first power generation circuit411-1bvia the switch. According to various embodiments, the first signal generated from the first power generation circuit411-1bmay be radiated in a form of an electromagnetic wave via a transmission coil (e.g., the first transmission coil411L-1or at least one of the first transmission coil411-L to the Nth transmission coil411L-N) connected to the first power generation circuit411-1bamong the plurality of coils411L.

According to various embodiments, the second power transmission circuit411-2may include a second power adjustment circuit411-2aand/or a second power generation circuit411-2b.

According to various embodiments, the second power adjustment circuit411-2amay provide the second power generation circuit411-2bwith a second voltage (power source or power). According to an embodiment, the second power adjustment circuit411-2amay vary the second voltage (power source or power) provided to the second power generation circuit411-2b.

According to various embodiments, the second power generation circuit411-2bmay generate a second signal of a designated frequency (hereinafter, also referred to as ‘a second frequency’) for providing second power by using a second voltage (power source or power) provided from the second power adjustment circuit411-2a. According to an embodiment, the second power generation circuit411-2bmay include an inverter (e.g., a bridge circuit) including a plurality of switches, and may generate the second signal of the second frequency for providing the second power via an on or off operation of each of the plurality of switches. According to an embodiment, the second power generation circuit411-2bmay change the second frequency to another frequency by controlling the on or off operation of each of the plurality of switches.

According to various embodiments, a switch (not shown) may be further included between the second power generation circuit411-2band the plurality of coils411L, and at least one of the plurality of coils411L may be connected to the second power generation circuit411-2bvia the switch. According to various embodiments, the second signal generated from the second power generation circuit411-2bmay be radiated in a form of an electromagnetic wave via a transmission coil (e.g., the second transmission coil411L-2or at least one of the first transmission coil411-L to the Nth transmission coil411L-N) connected to the second power generation circuit411-2bamong the plurality of coils411L.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit412(e.g., the control circuit312inFIG.3) may control the first power generation circuit411-1bto generate the first signal of the first frequency for providing the first external electronic device402-1with the first power, and control the second power generation circuit411-2bto generate the second signal of the second frequency for providing the second external electronic device402-2with the second power.

According to an embodiment, if it is required to transmit power to the first external electronic device402-1for wireless charging via the first transmission coil411L-1, the control circuit412may control the first power adjustment circuit411-1ato provide the first power generation circuit411-1bwith a first voltage (Vdc1), control the first power generation circuit411-1bto generate a first signal of the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz), and control the generated first signal of the first frequency to be transferred to the first external electronic device402-1via the first transmission coil411L-1.

According to an embodiment, if it is required to transmit power to the second external electronic device402-2for wireless charging via the second transmission coil411L-2, the control circuit412may control the second power adjustment circuit411-2ato provide the second power generation circuit411-2bwith a second voltage (Vdc2), control the second power generation circuit411-2bto generate a second signal of the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz), and control the generated second signal of the second frequency to be transferred to the second external electronic device402-2via the second transmission coil411L-2.

According to various embodiments, if an electronic device is adjacent to one external electronic device in a default state (a state in which power is not transmitted) and transmits power to the external electronic device, the electronic device may set a transmission frequency of each of the first power transmission circuit411-1or the second power transmission circuit411-1to a first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz). According to various embodiments, if each of a plurality of external electronic devices (e.g., the first external electronic device402-1and the second external electronic device402-2) requests power transmission from the control circuit412while the control circuit412is in a default state (a state in which power is not transmitted), the control circuit412may change a frequency of one of the first power generation circuit411-1bor the second power generation circuit411-2bto a second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) different from the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz), and change a first voltage (Vdc1) to a second voltage (Vdc2). The second voltage (Vdc2) may be a voltage capable of compensating for a difference between first power provided via the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) and second power provided by using the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz).

According to various embodiments, if the control circuit412senses approach of the second external electronic device402-2while providing the first external electronic device402-1with the first power by using the first signal of the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) by using the first power generation circuit411-1b, the control circuit412may control to set a frequency of the second power generation circuit411-2bto the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) different from the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz), and control to set a voltage provided to the second power generation circuit411-2bto the second voltage (Vdc2) which corresponds to the second frequency. According to an embodiment, the control circuit412may receive an approach sensing signal from a sensing means (e.g., a coil, and/or the like) which senses the approach of the second external electronic device402-2.

According to various embodiments, if the control circuit412senses approach of the second external electronic device402-2while providing the first external electronic device402-1with the first power by using the first signal of the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) by using the first power generation circuit411-1b, the control circuit412may control to set a frequency of the first power generation circuit411-1bto the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) different from the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz), and control to set a voltage provided to the first power generation circuit411-1bto the second voltage (Vdc2) which corresponds to the second frequency.

According to various embodiments, while providing the first external electronic device402-1with the first power by using the first signal of the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) and providing the second external electronic device402-2with the second power by using the second signal of the second frequency, the control circuit412may control each of the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) and the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) to be changed based on charging states of the first external electronic device402-1and the second external electronic device402-2.

According to an embodiment, if charging power charged in the first external electronic device402-1is lower than charging power charged in the second external electronic device402-2(for example, if the first external electronic device402-1is fully charged and the charging power charged in the first external electronic device402-1is lower than the charging power charged in the second external electronic device402-2) while the control circuit412provides the first external electronic device402-1with the first power by using the first signal of the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) and provides the second external electronic device402-2with the second power by using the second signal of the second frequency, the control circuit412may change the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) and the first voltage (Vdc1) of the first signal to another frequency and another voltage, respectively, to provide the external electronic device402-1with power less than the first power, and change the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) and the second voltage (Vdc2) of the second signal to another frequency and another voltage so that the changed frequency and the other frequency of the first signal may be used and the second power may be provided. For example, the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) and the first voltage (Vdc1) of the first signal may be changed to the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) and a voltage which is equal to or lower than the first voltage, respectively, and the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) and the second voltage (Vdc2) of the second signal may be changed to the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) and the first voltage (Vdc1), respectively.

According to various embodiments, if one device (e.g., the first external electronic device402-1) among the first external electronic device402-1and the second external electronic device402-2requires high power transmission, the control circuit412may configure a power transmission circuit (e.g., the first power transmission circuit411-1) for providing the first external electronic device402-1with high power among the first power transmission circuit411-1and the second power transmission circuit411-2to generate a first signal of the first frequency (e.g. 110 kHz) for the high power transmission, and configure another power transmission circuit (e.g., the second power transmission circuit411-2) to generate a second signal of the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz). The first signal of the first frequency may be a signal capable of providing higher power than the second signal of the second frequency.

According to various embodiments, if a device (e.g., a third external electronic device) other than the first external electronic device402-1and the second external electronic device402-2requests transmission, the control circuit412may be configured to generate a third signal of a third frequency via a third power transmission circuit. For example, the third signal of the third frequency may provide power without interference with the first signal of the first frequency or the second signal of the second frequency and may be generated by using the third signal and a third voltage (vdc3). For example, the third frequency may be different from the first and second frequencies, and the third voltage (Vdc3) may be different from the first voltage (Vdc1) and the second voltage (Vdc2).

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g.,102inFIG.1,301inFIG.3, or401inFIG.4) provides a plurality of external electronic devices (e.g.,101inFIG.1,302inFIG.3, or402-1and402-2inFIG.4) with power by using different frequencies or non-adjacent frequencies, thereby occurrence of H-Field Strength, EMI, RE, or CE may be prevented.

According to various embodiments, if a second external electronic device (e.g.,402-2inFIG.4) approaches an electronic device (e.g.,102inFIG.1,301inFIG.3, or401inFIG.4) while the electronic device provides a first external electronic device (e.g.,402-1inFIG.4) with first power by using a first frequency, the electronic device provides the second external electronic device with second power by using a second frequency different from the first frequency, so interference between a first power signal provided to the first external electronic device and a second power signal provided to the second external electronic device may be prevented.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g.,102inFIG.1,301inFIG.3, or401inFIG.4) changes a first frequency and a second frequency based on charging states of a first external electronic device (e.g.,402-1inFIG.4) and a second external electronic device (e.g.,402-2inFIG.4) while providing the first external electronic device with first power by using the first frequency and providing the second external electronic device with second power by using the second frequency, thereby the electronic device may adjust magnitudes of the first power and the second power which are provided to the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device, respectively based on the charging states of the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device.

According to various embodiments, if first power provided to a first external electronic device (e.g.,402-1inFIG.4) is greater than second power provided to a second external electronic device (e.g.,402-2inFIG.4), an electronic device (e.g.,102inFIG.1,301inFIG.3, or401inFIG.4) sets a first frequency for providing the first power to a frequency which is lower than a second frequency for providing the second power, thereby the first external electronic device which requires high power transmission may use a low frequency, so power transmission efficiency may be increased.

FIG.5is a diagram illustrating an example of a circuit structure of an electronic device capable of transmitting power to a plurality of external electronic devices according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.5, an electronic device501(e.g., an electronic device102inFIG.1, a power transmission device301inFIG.3, or a power transmission device401inFIG.4) (hereinafter, also referred to as ‘an electronic device’) according to various embodiments may include a plurality of coils511L (e.g., a transmission coil311L inFIG.3or a plurality of coils411L inFIG.4), a first power transmission circuit511-1(e.g., a power transmission circuit311inFIG.3or a first power transmission circuit411-1inFIG.4), a second power transmission circuit511-2(e.g., the power transmission circuit311inFIG.3or a second power transmission circuit411-2inFIG.4), and/or a control circuit512(e.g., a control circuit312inFIG.3or a control circuit412inFIG.4).

According to various embodiments, the plurality of coils511L may include a first transmission coil511L-1and a second transmission coil511L-2. According to an embodiment, the plurality of coils511L may further include an additional transmission coil (e.g., an Nth transmission coil411L-N) in addition to the first transmission coil511L-1and the second transmission coil511L-1.

According to various embodiments, the first power transmission circuit511-1may include a first power adjustment circuit511-1a, a first power generation circuit511-1b, and/or a first TxIC51.

According to various embodiments, the first Tx IC51may control the first power adjustment circuit511-laand the first power generation circuit511-1b. The first power adjustment circuit511-lamay provide the first power generation circuit511-1bwith a first voltage (power source or power). According to an embodiment, the first power adjustment circuit511-1amay be connected to the first Tx IC (transmit integrated circuit)51, and vary a first voltage Vdc1 provided to a first inverter (Tx inverter)52of the first power generation circuit511-1bbased on a control signal from the first Tx IC (transmit integrated circuit)51. According to an embodiment, the first power adjustment circuit511-1amay be included in the first Tx IC (transmit integrated circuit)51, and the first Tx IC (transmit integrated circuit)51may vary the first voltage Vdc1 provided to the first inverter (Tx inverter)52of the first power generation circuit511-1b.

According to various embodiments, the first power generation circuit511-1bmay include the first inverter (Tx inverter)52. The first inverter (Tx inverter)52may generate a first signal of a first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) for providing first power by using the first voltage (Vdc1) provided by the Tx IC (transmit integrated circuit)51. According to an embodiment, the first inverter (Tx inverter)52may include a bridge circuit including a plurality of field effect transistors (FETs)52-1to52-4. The first inverter (Tx inverter)52may generate the first signal of the first frequency according to a signal provided to a gate of each of the plurality of field effect transistors (FETs)52-1to52-4.

According to various embodiments, the first signal generated from the first power generation circuit511-1bmay be radiated in a form of an electromagnetic wave via the first transmission coil511L-1.

According to various embodiments, the second power transmission circuit511-2may include a second power adjustment circuit511-2a, a second power generation circuit511-2b, and/or a second TxIC53.

According to various embodiments, the second power adjustment circuit511-2amay provide the second power generation circuit511-2bwith a second voltage (power source or power). According to an embodiment, the second power adjustment circuit511-2amay vary a second voltage Vdc2 provided to a second inverter (Tx inverter)54of the second power generation circuit511-2bbased on a control signal from a Tx IC (transmit integrated circuit)53. According to an embodiment, the second power adjustment circuit511-2amay be included in the second Tx IC (transmit integrated circuit)53, and the second Tx IC (transmit integrated circuit)53may vary the second voltage Vdc2 provided to a drain of the second inverter (Tx inverter)54of the second power generation circuit511-2b.

According to various embodiments, the second power generation circuit511-2bmay include the second inverter (Tx inverter)54. The second inverter (Tx inverter)54may generate a second signal of a second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) for providing second power by using the second voltage (Vdc2) provided by the Tx IC (transmit integrated circuit)53. According to an embodiment, the second inverter (Tx inverter)54may include a bridge circuit including a plurality of field effect transistors (FETs)54-1to54-4. The second inverter (Tx inverter)54may generate the second signal of the second frequency according to a signal provided to a gate of each of the plurality of field effect transistors (FETs)54-1to54-4.

According to various embodiments, the second signal generated from the second power generation circuit511-2bmay be radiated in a form of an electromagnetic wave via the second transmission coil511L-2.

According to various embodiments, a switch (not shown) may be further included between the first power generation circuit511-1bor the second power generation circuit511-2band the plurality of coils511L, and at least one of the plurality of coils511L may be connected to the first power generation circuit511-1bor the second power generation circuit511-2bvia the switch.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit512(e.g., the control circuit312inFIG.3, or the control circuit412inFIG.4) may control the first TxIC51to generate a first signal of a first frequency for providing a first external electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device402-1) with first power, and control the second TxIC53to generate a second signal of a second frequency for providing a second external electronic device (e.g., the second external electronic device402-2) with second power.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit512may include the first TxIC51and the second TxIC53. According to an embodiment, if it is required to transmit power to the first external electronic device402-1for wireless charging via the first transmission coil511L-1, the control circuit512may control the first TX IC51thereby a first voltage (Vdc1) may be provided to the first inverter52, and the control circuit512may control the first TX IC51thereby a signal for generating a signal of the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) may be provided to gates of FETs of the first inverter52.

According to an embodiment, if it is required to transmit power to the second external electronic device402-2for wireless charging via the second transmission coil511L-2, a second voltage (Vdc2) may be controlled by the control circuit512to be provided to the second inverter54via the second TX IC53, and a signal for generating a signal of the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) may be controlled by the control circuit512to be provided to gates of FETs of the second inverter54via the second TX IC53.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit512may set a frequency of a first signal generated in the first power transmission circuit511-1and the second power transmission circuit511-2to be a first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) in a default state (a state in which power is not transmitted).

According to various embodiments, if power transmission is required by each of a plurality of external electronic devices (e.g., the first external electronic device402-1and the second external electronic device402-2) in a state in which a transmission signal frequency of each of the first power transmission circuit511-1and the second power transmission circuit511-2is set to a first signal of a first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz), the control circuit512may set (or change) a frequency of one (e.g., the second power generation circuits511-2b) of the first power generation circuits511-1bor the second power generation circuits511-2bto a second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) different from the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz), and set (or change) a voltage provided to the second inverter54of the second power generation circuits511-2bto a second voltage (Vdc2). The second voltage (Vdc2) may be a voltage capable of compensating for a difference between first power provided via the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) and second power provided by using the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz).

According to various embodiments, if approach of the second external electronic device402-2is sensed while the control circuit512provides the first external electronic device402-1with first power by using the first signal of a first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) by using the first power generation circuit511-1b, the control circuit512may control to set a frequency of the second power generation circuit511-2bto a second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) different from the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz), and to set a voltage provided to the second inverter54of the second power generation circuit511-2bto a second voltage (Vdc2) which corresponds to the second frequency. According to an embodiment, the control circuit512may receive an approach sensing signal from a sensing means (e.g., a coil, and/or the like) which senses the approach of the second external electronic device402-2. For example, the approach sensing signal may be a Ping response signal received in the coil.

According to various embodiments, if approach of the second external electronic device402-2is sensed while the control circuit512provides the first external electronic device402-1with first power by using a first signal of a first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) by using the second power generation circuit511-2b, the control circuit512may control to set a frequency of the first power generation circuit511-1bto a second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) different from the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz), and to set a voltage provided to the first inverter52of the first power generation circuit511-1bto a second voltage (Vdc2) which corresponds to the second frequency. According to an embodiment, the control circuit512may receive an approach sensing signal from a sensing means (e.g., a coil, and/or the like) which senses the approach of the second external electronic device402-2. For example, the approach sensing signal may be a Ping response signal received in the coil.

According to various embodiments, while providing the first external electronic device402-1with the first power by using the first signal of the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) and providing the second external electronic device402-2with the second power by using the second signal of the second frequency, the control circuit512may control each of the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) and the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) to be set (or changed) to another frequency based on charging states of the first external electronic device402-1and the second external electronic device402-2.

For example, if charging power charged in the first external electronic device402-1is lower than charging power charged in the second external electronic device402-2(for example, if the first external electronic device402-1is fully charged and the charging power charged in the first external electronic device402-1is lower than the charging power charged in the second external electronic device402-2) while the control circuit412provides the first external electronic device402-1with the first power by using the first signal of the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) and provides the second external electronic device402-2with the second power by using the second signal of the second frequency, the control circuit512may change the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) and the first voltage (Vdc1) of the first power generation circuit511-1bto another frequency and another voltage, respectively, to provide the external electronic device402-1with power less than the first power, and change the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) of the second power generation circuit511-2bto a frequency which is different from the changed frequency of the first power generation circuit511-1b. If the second frequency is changed to the different frequency, the second voltage (Vdc2) may be changed to a different voltage for maintaining the second power. For example, the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) and the first voltage (Vdc1) of the first signal may be changed to the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) and a voltage which is equal to or lower than the first voltage, respectively, and the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) and the second voltage (Vdc2) of the second signal may be changed to the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) and the first voltage (Vdc1), respectively.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device e.g., an electronic device102inFIG.1, a power transmission device301inFIG.3, a power transmission device401inFIG.4, or an electronic device501inFIG.5) may include a plurality of coils (e.g.,411L inFIG.4or511LinFIG.5), a first power generation circuit e.g.,411-1binFIG.4or511-1binFIG.5) electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of coils, a second power generation circuit (e.g.,411-2binFIG.4or511-2binFIG.5) electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of coils, and a control circuit (e.g.,412inFIG.4or512inFIG.5), and the control circuit may be configured to: when approach of a second external electronic device is detected while first power is provided to a first external electronic device by using the first power generation circuit, set a frequency of the second power generation circuit to a second frequency different front a first frequency for providing the second external electronic device with second power.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit (e.g.,412inFIG.4or512inFIG.5) may be configured to set a first voltage of the second power generation circuit to a second voltage which corresponds to the second frequency.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of coils may include a first coil (e.g.,411L-1inFIG.4or511L-1inFIG.5) and a second coil (e.g.,411L-2inFIG.4or511L-2inFIG.5), the first coil may be electrically connected to the first power generation circuit, and the second coil may be electrically connected to the second power generation circuit.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of coils may include a first coil (e.g.,411L-1inFIG.4or511L-1inFIG.5) and a second coil (e.g.,411L-2inFIG.4or511L-2inFIG.5), and the electronic device may further include a switch configured to connect at least one of the first coil and the second coil to the first power generation circuit, and connect at least one of the first coil and the second coil to the second power generation circuit.

According to various embodiments, the second frequency may be a frequency higher than the first frequency by a designated frequency.

According to various embodiments, the second voltage may be a voltage higher than the first voltage by a designated voltage corresponding to the second frequency.

According to various embodiments, the first power and the second power may have the same magnitude.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit may be configured to control the first frequency to be set to a frequency lower than the second frequency if the first power is greater than the second power.

According to various embodiments, the first power generation circuit may include a first inverter (e.g.,52inFIG.5), the second power generation circuit may include a second inverter (e.g.,54inFIG.5), and the first inverter and the second inverter may include at least one field effect transistor (FET) (e.g.,52-1˜52-4inFIG.5).

According to various embodiments, the control circuit may be configured to set a voltage provided to a drain of the at least one field effect transistor (FET) of the second inverter to the second voltage which corresponds to the second frequency.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device an electronic device102inFIG.1, a power transmission device301inFIG.3, a power transmission device401inFIG.4, or an electronic device501inFIG.5) may include a plurality of coils (e.g.,411L inFIG.4or511LinFIG.5), a first power generation circuit (e.g.,411-1binFIG.4or511-1binFIG.5) electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of coils, a second power generation circuit (e.g.,411-2binFIG.4or511-2binFIG.5) electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of coils, and a control circuit (e.g.,412inFIG.4or512inFIG.5), and the control circuit may be configured to: provide a first external electronic device with first power using a first signal of a first frequency via the first power generation circuit, and set the first frequency and a second frequency based on a charging state of each of the first external electronic device and a second external electronic device while providing the second external electronic device with second power using a second signal of the second frequency via the second power generation circuit.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of coils may include a first coil (e.g.,411L-1inFIG.4or511L-1inFIG.5) and a second coil (e.g.,411L-2inFIG.4or511L-2inFIG.5), the first coil may be electrically connected to the first power generation circuit, and the second coil may be electrically connected to the second power generation circuit.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of coils may include a first coil (e.g.,411L-1inFIG.4or511L-1inFIG.5) and a second coil (e.g.,411L-2inFIG.4or511L-2inFIG.5), and the electronic device may further include a switch configured to connect at least one of the first coil and the second coil to the first power generation circuit, and connect at least one of the first coil and the second coil to the second power generation circuit.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit412inFIG.4or512inFIG.5) may be configured to control to change the first frequency and the second frequency if a charging state of at least one of the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device is a full charging state.

According to various embodiments, the first power and the second power may have the same magnitude.

According to various embodiments, the first power generation circuit may include a first inverter (e.g.,52inFIG.5), the second power generation circuit may include a second inverter (e.g.,54inFIG.5), and the first inverter and the second inverter may include at least one field effect transistor (FET) (e.g.,52-1˜52-4inFIG.5).

According to various embodiments, the first frequency and the second frequency may be included in a designated wireless charging frequency band.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device102inFIG.1, a power transmission device301inFIG.3, a power transmission device401inFIG.4, or an electronic device501inFIG.5) may include a plurality of coils (e.g.,411L inFIG.4or511LinFIG.5), a first power generation circuit (e.g.,411-1binFIG.4or511-1binFIG.5) electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of coils, a second power generation circuit (e.g.,411-2binFIG.4or511-2binFIG.5) electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of coils, and a control circuit (e.g.,412inFIG.4or512inFIG.5), and the control circuit may be configured to: control the first power generation circuit to generate a first signal for providing a first external electronic device with first power, and control the second power generation circuit to generate a second signal for providing a second external electronic device with second power.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit412inFIG.4or512inFIG.5) may be configured to: when approach of the second external electronic device is detected while the first power is provided to the first external electronic device, set a frequency of the second signal of the second power generation circuit (e.g.,411-2binFIG.4or511-2binFIG.5) to a second frequency different from a first frequency of the first signal, and set a first voltage provided to the second power generation circuit to a second voltage which corresponds to the second frequency.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit e.g.,412inFIG.4or512inFIG.5may be configured to: when approach of the second external electronic device is detected while the first power is provided to the first external electronic device, set a frequency of the first signal of the first power generation circuit (e.g.,411-1binFIG.4or511-1binFIG.5) to a second frequency (or change the frequency of the first signal of the first power generation circuit (e.g.,411-1binFIG.4or511-1binFIG.5) from the first frequency to the second frequency), and set a frequency of the second signal of the second power generation circuit (e.g.,411-2binFIG.4or511-2binFIG.5) to the first frequency.

FIGS.6aand6bare graphs illustrating a power relation according to a frequency of a wireless power transmission signal in an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.6aand6b, a horizontal axis may indicate a frequency (f) of a power transmission signal, and a vertical axis may indicate a power level (dB). According to various embodiments, the lower the frequency is, the greater a transmission power magnitude is. According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device102inFIG.1, a power transmission device301inFIG.3, a power transmission device401inFIG.4, or a power transmission device501inFIG.5) (hereinafter, the power transmission apparatus501inFIG.5will be described as an example) may use a designated frequency band60to transmit wireless power. According to an embodiment, the designated frequency band may be a wireless charging frequency band, and may be 110 kHz to 190 kHz. According to various embodiments, the designated frequency band may be designated as a different frequency band according to a type of a wireless power reception device, or according to a preset frequency band.

Referring toFIG.6a, if the electronic device501according to various embodiments provides each of a first external electronic device402-1and a second external electronic device402-2with power by using signals61and62of the same frequency (e.g., a first frequency (110 kHz)), the signals61and62of the same frequency (e.g., the first frequency (110 kHz)) interfere (electromagnetic interference: EMI) with each other. Due to this, for example, H-Field Strength, radiated emission (RE), or conducted emission (CE) occurs, so electric field strength of each of wireless power transmission signals increases and a unnecessary signal65-1or65-2may occur. Due to the occurrence of the H-Field Strength, RE, or CE, a power transmission device and a plurality of wireless power reception devices may fail, and if the signal65-1or65-2which prevents a designated H-Field, RE, or CE criterion from being satisfied occurs, the electronic device501may not be authenticated as a power transmission device. Due to the H-Field Strength, RE, or CE, amount of power transferred from the power transmission device501to the first external electronic device402-1or the second external electronic device402-2becomes lower, so wireless power transmission efficiency may be reduced.

Referring toFIG.6b, an electronic device501may use a first signal of a first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz)63to provide a first external electronic device402-1with first power, and use a second signal of a second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz)64which is different from the first frequency to provide a second external electronic device402-2with second power. For example, if it is required to transmit power P2 of the same magnitude to the first external electronic device402-1and the second external electronic device402-2, the electronic device501may compensate for difference (ΔP) in power according to difference (Δf) between the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz)63and the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz)64.

For example, in a state in which it is required to transmit the power P2 of the same magnitude to the first external electronic device402-1and the second external electronic device402-2, if the electronic device501sets a frequency of a first power generation circuit511-1bto the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz), and sets a frequency of a second power generation circuit511-2bto the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz), the electronic device501may cause a voltage provided to a second inverter54of the second power generation circuit511-2bto be set (or changed) from a first voltage Vdc1 to a second voltage Vdc2 for compensating for the difference (ΔP) in transmission power according to difference between the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) and the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz). According toFIG.6b, the power transmission device501may prevent occurrence of the unnecessary signal65-1or65-2due to, for example, H-Field Strength, radiated emission (RE), or conducted emission (CE) by transmitting power to the first external electronic device402-1and the second external electronic device402-2by using different frequencies (e.g., the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) and the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz)).

FIG.7is a graph illustrating a result of measuring conducted emission (CE) when transmitting power using different frequencies in an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.7, a horizontal axis may indicate a frequency of measured conductive emission energy, and a vertical axis may indicate a level (dB) of the measured conductive emission energy. The conducted emission energy may be unnecessary electromagnetic energy occurred in an electronic device501.

For example, if the electronic device501provides a first external electronic device402-1and a second external electronic device402-2with first power and second power, respectively, by using different first and second frequencies, a result of measuring conducted emission energy may appear as a conducted emission peak spectrum71and a conducted emission average spectrum72. In other words, the conductive emission peak spectrum71may not exceed a designated peak limit71-1, and the conductive emission average spectrum72may not exceed a designated average limit72-1. For example, the designated peak limit71-1and the designated average limit72-1may be criteria for identifying whether EMI occurs due to conducted emission, and may be preset limits. So, if the electronic device501provides the first external electronic device402-1and the second external electronic device402-2with the first power and the second power, respectively, by using the different first and second frequencies and an inputted voltage (e.g., 230V), a result in which a degree of conductive emission is lower than the designated limit may indicate that occurrence of EMI may be prevented.

FIG.8is a flowchart illustrating a multi-wireless transmission power control method in an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Operations810and820according to various embodiments may be understood as an operation performed in an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device102inFIG.1, a power transmission device301inFIG.3, a power transmission device401inFIG.4, or a power transmission device501inFIG.5), or a control circuit (e.g., a control circuit312inFIG.3, a control circuit412inFIG.4, or a control circuit512inFIG.5, hereinafter, the control circuit512inFIG.5will be described as an example) of the electronic device.

Referring toFIG.8, in operation810, the control circuit512may perform an operation of controlling a first power generation circuit (e.g., a power generation circuit311binFIG.3, a first power generation circuit411-1binFIG.4, or a first power generation circuit511-1binFIG.5) to generate a first signal of a first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) for providing a first external electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device402-1inFIG.4) with first power. For example, if it is required to transmit power to the first external electronic device402-1for wireless charging via a first transmission coil511L-1, the control circuit512may control a first power adjustment circuit511-1ato provide the first power generation circuit511-1bwith a first voltage (Vdc1), control the first power generation circuit511-1bto generate a first signal of the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz), and control the generated first signal of the first frequency to be transferred to the first external electronic device402-1via the first transmission coil511L-1.

In operation820, the control circuit512may control a second power generation circuit (e.g., the power generation circuit311bofFIG.3, a second power generation circuit411-2binFIG.4, or a second power generation circuit511-2binFIG.5) to generate a second signal of a second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) for providing a second external electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device402-2inFIG.4) with second power. For example, if it is required to transmit power to the second external electronic device402-2for wireless charging via a second transmission coil511L-2, the control circuit512may control a second power adjustment circuit511-2ato provide the second power generation circuit511-2bwith a second voltage (Vdc2), control the second power generation circuit511-2bto generate a second signal of the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz), and control the generated second signal of the second frequency to be transferred to the second external electronic device402-2via the second transmission coil511L-2.

According to various embodiments, a multi-wireless transmission power control method in the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102inFIG.1, the power transmission device301inFIG.3, the electronic device401inFIG.4, or the electronic device501inFIG.5) may include an operation of controlling the first power generation circuit (e.g., the power generation circuit311binFIG.3, the first power generation circuit411-1binFIG.4, or the first power generation circuit511-1binFIG.5) to generate the first signal of the first frequency for providing the first external electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device402-1inFIG.4) with the first power, and an operation of controlling the second power generation circuit (e.g., the power generation circuit311binFIG.3, the second power generation circuit411-2binFIG.4, or the second power generation circuit511-2binFIG.5) to generate the second signal of the second frequency for providing the second external electronic device (e.g., the second external electronic device402-2inFIG.4) with the second power.

According to various embodiments, the first power and the second power may have the same magnitude.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit512may further include an operation of sensing approach of the second external electronic device while providing the first external electronic device with the first power, and an operation of setting a frequency of the second power generation circuit to the second frequency different from the first frequency when the approach is sensed, and setting the first voltage provided to the second power generation circuit to a second voltage which corresponds to the set second frequency.

According to various embodiments, the second frequency may be a frequency which is higher than the first frequency by a designated frequency, and the second voltage may be a voltage which is higher than the first voltage by a designated voltage corresponding to the second frequency.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit may further include an operation of identifying charging states of the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device while providing the first external electronic device with the first power and providing the second external electronic device with the second power, and an operation of changing the first frequency of the first power generation circuit and the second frequency of the second power generation circuit based on the charging states of the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device.

According to various embodiments, if the first power is greater than the second power, the first external electronic device may set the first frequency to a frequency which is lower than the second frequency.

According to various embodiments, when the first voltage provided to the second power generation circuit is set to the second voltage which corresponds to the set second frequency, the first voltage provided to a drain of at least one field effect transistor (FET) of a second inverter included in the second power generation circuit may be set to the second voltage which corresponds to the second frequency.

According to various embodiments, the first frequency and the second frequency may be frequencies included in a designated wireless charging frequency band.

FIGS.9aand9bare flowcharts illustrating a multi-wireless transmission power control method when a second external electronic device approaches an electronic device while the electronic device provides a first external electronic device with first power in the electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.9a, operations910to930according to various embodiments may be understood as an operation performed in an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device102inFIG.1, a power transmission device301inFIG.3, a power transmission device401inFIG.4, or a power transmission device501inFIG.5), or a control circuit (e.g., a control circuit312inFIG.3, a control circuit412inFIG.4, or a control circuit512inFIG.5, hereinafter, the control circuit512inFIG.5will be described as an example) of the electronic device.

In operation910, the control circuit512may sense approach of a second external electronic device402-2while providing a first external electronic device402-1with first power by using a first signal of a first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) by using a first power generation circuit511-1b. According to an embodiment, the control circuit512may receive an approach sensing signal from a sensing means (e.g., a coil, and/or the like) which senses the approach of the second external electronic device402-2. For example, the approach sensing signal may be a Ping response signal received in the coil.

In operation920, if the approach of the second external electronic device402-2is sensed, the control circuit512may set a frequency of a second power generation circuit511-2bto a second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) different from the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz).

In operation930, the control circuit512may set a voltage provided to the second power generation circuit511-2bto a second voltage (Vdc2) which corresponds to the second frequency. For example, the control circuit512may set the voltage provided to the second power generation circuit511-2bto the second voltage (Vdc2) for compensating for power according to a difference between the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) and the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz).

Referring toFIG.9b, operations940to960according to various embodiments may be understood as an operation performed in an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device102inFIG.1, a power transmission device301inFIG.3, a power transmission device401inFIG.4, or a power transmission device501inFIG.5), or a control circuit (e.g., a control circuit312inFIG.3, a control circuit412inFIG.4, or a control circuit512inFIG.5, hereinafter, the control circuit512inFIG.5will be described as an example) of the electronic device.

In operation940, the control circuit512may sense approach of a second external electronic device402-2while providing a first external electronic device402-1with first power by using a first signal of a first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) by using a first power generation circuit511-1b. According to an embodiment, the control circuit512may receive an approach sensing signal from a sensing means (e.g., a coil, and/or the like) which senses the approach of the second external electronic device402-2. For example, the approach sensing signal may be a Ping response signal received in the coil.

In operation950, if the approach of the second external electronic device402-2is sensed, the control circuit512may change a frequency of a first power generation circuit511-1bto a second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) different from a first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz), and set a frequency of a second power generation circuit511-2bto the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz). According to an embodiment, if the second external electronic device402-2needs rapid charging, the control circuit512may change the frequency of the first power generation circuit511-1bto the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) which is higher than the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz), and change the frequency of the second power generation circuit511-2bto the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) which is lower than the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz).

In operation960, the control circuit512may set a voltage provided to the first power generation circuit511-1bto a second voltage (Vdc2) which corresponds to the second frequency, and may set a voltage provided to the second power generation circuit511-2bto a first voltage (Vdc1) which corresponds to the first frequency.

FIG.10is a flowchart illustrating a multi-wireless transmission power control method according to charging states of external electronic devices in an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Operations1010to1030according to various embodiments may be understood as an operation performed in an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device102inFIG.1, a power transmission device301inFIG.3, a power transmission device401inFIG.4, or a power transmission device501inFIG.5), or a control circuit (e.g., a control circuit312inFIG.3, a control circuit412inFIG.4, or a control circuit512inFIG.5, hereinafter, the control circuit512inFIG.5will be described as an example) of the electronic device.

Referring toFIG.10, in operation1010, the control circuit512may control to provide a first external electronic device402-1with first power by using a first signal of a first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) and provide a second external electronic device402-2with second power by using a second signal of a second frequency.

In operation1020, the control circuit512may identify charging states of the first external electronic device402-1and the second external electronic device402-2while providing the first external electronic device402-1with the first power by using the first signal of the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) and providing the second external electronic device402-2with the second power by using the second signal of the second frequency. For example, the control circuit512may identify whether a battery of each of the first external electronic device402-1and the second external electronic device402-2is in a full charging state, or may identify a remaining charge of the battery of each of the first external electronic device402-1and the second external electronic device402-2, and/or the like.

In operation1030, the control circuit512may control to change each of the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) of the first signal provided to the first external electronic device (420-1) and the second frequency of the second signal provided to the second external electronic device402-2based on the charging states of the first external electronic device402-1and the second external electronic device402-2. For example, if charging power charged in the first external electronic device402-1is lower than charging power charged in the second external electronic device402-2(for example, if the first external electronic device402-1is fully charged and the charging power charged in the first external electronic device402-1is lower than the charging power charged in the second external electronic device402-2), the control circuit512may change the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) and a first voltage (Vdc1) of the first signal to another frequency and another voltage, respectively, to provide the external electronic device402-1with power less than the first power, and change the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) and a second voltage (Vdc2) of the second signal to another frequency and another voltage, respectively, to provide the second external electronic device402-2with power greater than the second power. According to an embodiment, a changed frequency of the first signal and a changed frequency of the second signal may be different from each other.

For example, the control circuit512may control to set (or change) the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) of the first power generation circuit511-1bto a frequency (e.g., the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz)) which is higher than the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz) by a designated frequency, and control to set (or change) the first voltage (Vdc1) provided to the first power generation circuit511-1bto a voltage (e.g., the second voltage (Vdc2)) which is equal to or lower than the first voltage (Vdc1). Further, the control circuit512may control to set (or change) the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) of the second power generation circuit511-2bto a frequency (e.g., the first frequency (e.g., 110 kHz)) which is lower than the second frequency (e.g., 120 kHz) by a designated frequency, and control to set (or change) the second voltage (Vdc2) provided to the second power generation circuit511-2bto the first voltage (Vdc1) for compensating for power which corresponds to the set (or changed) frequency.

FIGS.11and12are diagrams illustrating an electronic device and a plurality of external electronic devices according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.11, an electronic device1101(e.g., an electronic device102inFIG.1, a power transmission device301inFIG.3, a power transmission device401inFIG.4, or a power transmission device501inFIG.5) according to various embodiments may be a wireless charging pad on which a plurality of external electronic devices1102-1to1102-3, e.g., three or more external electronic devices may be placed. The wireless charging pad1101may include a housing1101-2in which a portion on which the plurality of external electronic devices1102-1to1102-3are mounted or placed is not identified or distinguished. The plurality of external electronic devices1102-1to1102-3may include a smart phone1102-1, a smart watch1102-2, or a wireless charging battery pack1102-3. For example, the electronic device1101may wiredly receive power from the external, wirelessly provide the smart phone1102-1with first power by using a first signal of a first frequency, and wirelessly provide the smart watch1102-2with second power by using a second signal of a second frequency. The electronic device1101may wiredly receive power from the external and wirelessly provide the wireless charging battery pack1102-3with third power by using a third signal of a third frequency.

Referring toFIG.12, an electronic device1201(e.g., an electronic device102inFIG.1, a power transmission device301inFIG.3, a power transmission device401inFIG.4, or a power transmission device501inFIG.5) according to various embodiments may be a wireless charging pad on which a first external electronic device1202-1and a second external electronic device1202-2may be placed. The wireless charging pad1201may include a housing1201-1including a first portion1201-1aon which the first external electronic device1202-1is mounted or placed and a second portion1201-1bon which the second external electronic device1202-2is mounted or placed. For example, if a smart phone1202-1is mounted or placed on the first portion1201-1a, the electronic device1201may wiredly receive power from the external, wirelessly provide the smart phone1202-1with first power by using a first signal of a first frequency, and if a wireless speaker1202-2is mounted or placed on the second portion1201-1b, the electronic device1201may wirelessly provide the wireless speaker1202-2with second power by using a second signal of a second frequency.

FIGS.13ato13care diagrams illustrating an example in which a plurality of external electronic devices are mounted or placed on an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.13ato13c, an electronic device1301(e.g., an electronic device102inFIG.1, a power transmission device301inFIG.3, a power transmission device401inFIG.4, or a power transmission device501inFIG.5) according to various embodiments may include a housing1301-1in which a first portion1301-1aon which a first external electronic device1302-1is mounted or placed and a second portion1301-1bon which a second external electronic device1302-2is mounted or placed are arranged to face different angles. According to various embodiments, the first portion1301-1amay be a charging portion dedicated for a first type-external electronic device (e.g., the smart phone1302-1), and the second portion1301-1bmay be a portion capable of charging an external electronic device (e.g., the smart phone1302-1, the smart watch1302-2, or the wireless speaker1302-3) which may be wirelessly charged without type limitation.

For example, if the smart phone1302-1is mounted or placed on the first portion1301-1a, the electronic device1301may wiredly receive power from the external, wirelessly provide the smart phone1302-1with first power by using a first signal of a first frequency, and if the smart phone1302-1, the smart watch1302-2, or the wireless speaker1302-3is mounted or placed on the second portion1301-1b, the electronic device1301may wirelessly provide the mounted or placed smart phone1302-1, smart watch1302-2, or wireless speaker1302-3with second power by using a second signal of a second frequency.

Each of elements described in the present document may be configured with one or more components, names of which may vary with a type of an electronic device. In various embodiments, the electronic device may be configured to include at least one of the elements described in the present document, some of which may be omitted or to which other elements may be added. In addition, some of the elements of the electronic device according to various embodiments may be integrated into one entity to perform functions of the corresponding elements in the same manner as before they are integrated.

A term “module” used in the present document may mean, for example, a unit including one of or a combination of two or more of hardware, software, and firmware. The “module” may be interchangeably used with a unit, a logic, a logical block, a component, or a circuit. The “module” may be a minimum unit or a portion of an integrated component. The “module” may be a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. The “module” may be implemented mechanically or electronically. For example, the “module” may include at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and a programmable-logic device performing certain operations already known or to be developed.

At least a part of a device (e.g., modules or functions thereof) or a method (e.g., operations) according to various embodiments may be implemented with instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium in a form of a programming module. If the instructions are executed by one or more processors (for example, a processor120), the one or more processors may perform functions corresponding to the instructions. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, a memory130.

According to various embodiments, in a storage medium having stored therein instructions, the instructions may be configured to, when executed by at least one circuit, cause the at least one circuit to perform at least one operation including controlling a first power generation circuit to generate a first signal for providing a first external electronic device with first power, and controlling a second power generation circuit to generate a second signal for providing a second external electronic device with second power.

A computer readable recording medium may include a hard disk, a floppy disk, or magnetic media (e.g., a magnetic tape, optical media (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) or digital versatile disc (DVD)), magneto-optical media (e.g., floptical disk), a hardware device (e.g., ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.)), and so forth. Further, program instructions may include a machine language code created by a compiler and a high-level language code executable by a computer by using an interpreter, and/or the like. The foregoing hardware device may be configured to be operated as at least one software module to perform an operation in various embodiments, or vice versa.

Modules or programming modules according to various embodiments may include one or more of the foregoing elements, have some of the foregoing elements omitted, or further include additional other elements. Operations performed by the modules, the programming modules or other elements according to various embodiments may be executed in a sequential, parallel, repetitive or heuristic manner. Also, some of the operations may be executed in different order or omitted, or may have additional different operations.

An electronic device in various embodiments of the present invention described above is not limited to the above-described embodiments and drawings, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various substitutions, modifications, and changes are possible within a technical scope of the present invention.