Patent Publication Number: US-2023155366-A1

Title: Electronic device with overcurrent protection and method for overcurrent protection

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a U.S. National Stage application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of an International application number PCT/KR2020/011714, filed on Sep. 1, 2020, which is based on and claimed priority of a Korean patent application number 10-10-2019-0108452, filed on Sep. 2, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates to an electronic device having an overcurrent protection function and an overcurrent protection method. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     An electronic device includes devices such as semiconductors or passive components that consume power, and each device must be supplied with power corresponding to rated voltage and rated current. In order to supply corresponding power to each device, the electronic device employs a plurality of power converters. 
     The power converter is a device that converts the level of input power, converts alternate current (AC) power to direct current (DC) power, or converts DC power to AC power. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     The electronic device includes a power converter that processes input power to supply power which is required by devices in the electronic device and corresponds to the rated voltage and rated current of the devices. The power converter may output the rated current to supply power required by the devices in the electronic device. However, the power converter may output overcurrent exceeding the rated current due to various factors. When the overcurrent is output from the power converter, the devices in the electronic device may be overheated and damaged, so that the electronic device may perform an operation for protecting the overcurrent. For example, the electronic device may perform a protection operation when an output of overcurrent exceeding a designated threshold value (e.g., a certain percentage of the rated current {e.g., 120% to 150%} or more) is detected from the power converter. 
     In general, the electronic device performs the protection operation for a case in which overcurrent exceeding the threshold value is output. However, even when the power converter outputs current larger than the rated current and smaller than the threshold value for a predetermined time or longer, overheating and damage of the devices in the electronic device may be caused. 
     One embodiment may detect whether current output from a power converter exceeds a threshold value or whether current larger than rated current and smaller than a threshold value is output for a predetermined time or longer, and may provide an overcurrent protection function based on the detection result. 
     The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. 
     Solution to Problem 
     The electronic device includes, at least one power converter, and the at least one power converter may include: a power conversion unit configured to convert an input voltage or an input current to supply an output current, a control unit configured to adjust the output current; and an overcurrent protection unit configured to detect the output current and to transmit a detection result to the control unit. The overcurrent protection unit may include an overcurrent extraction module configured to output a difference between the output current exceeding designated first reference current and the first reference current; a calculation module configured to calculate an accumulative value obtained by integrating the difference with respect to time; and a first comparison module configured to compare the accumulative value with a designated threshold value and to transmit a first detection result in which the accumulative value exceeds the threshold value to the control unit. 
     The electronic device includes, at least one power converter, and the at least one power converter may include: a power conversion unit configured to convert an input voltage or an input current to supply an output current, and an overcurrent protection unit configured to detect the output current and to transmit a detection result to the power conversion unit to adjust the output current. The overcurrent protection unit may include: an overcurrent extraction module configured to output a difference between the output current exceeding designated first reference current and the first reference current; a calculation module configured to calculate an accumulative value obtained by integrating the difference with respect to time; and a first comparison module configured to compare the accumulative value with a designated threshold value and to transmit a first detection result in which the accumulative value exceeds the threshold value to the power conversion unit. 
     An overcurrent protection method of an electronic device includes, converting an input voltage or an input current to supply an output current, outputting a difference between the output current exceeding designated first reference current and the first reference current, calculating an accumulative value obtained by integrating the difference with respect to time, comparing the accumulative value with a designated value and transmitting a first detection result in which the accumulative value exceeds the threshold value. 
     Each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure is defined in the appended claims. Combinations of the features of the dependent claims may be suitably combined with the features of the independent claims, as well as those explicitly presented in the claims. 
     In addition, one or more features selected from any one embodiment described in disclosure may be combined with one or more features selected from any other embodiment described in the disclosure, and alternative combinations of these features at least partially alleviate one or more technical issues discussed in the disclosure, or at least partially alleviate technical issues that is discernable by those skilled in the art from the disclosure. Furthermore, the combinations are possible unless the specific combinations or permutations thus formed of the embodiment features are understood to be incompatible by one skilled in the art. 
     In any described example implementation described in the disclosure, two or more physically separate components may alternatively be integrated into a single component if the integration is possible. If the same function is performed by the single component formed in this manner, the integration is possible. Conversely, a single component of any embodiment described in the disclosure may alternatively, if appropriate, be implemented with two or more separate components that achieve the same function. 
     The purpose of certain embodiments of the disclosure is to at least partially, at least partially, solve, mitigate or eliminate one of the problems and/or disadvantages associated with the prior art. Certain embodiments aim to provide at least one of the advantages described below. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     An electronic device according to an embodiment may accumulate overcurrent larger than rated current and smaller than a threshold value and may protect the overcurrent exceeding the threshold value, thereby quickly responding to abnormal operations of devices in the electronic device and preventing overheating and damage of the devices in the electronic device. 
     An electronic device according to an embodiment may protect the accumulation of overcurrent larger than rated current and smaller than a threshold value, thereby effectively utilizing peak current characteristics for each operation time of semiconductors and passive components in the electronic device. 
     An electronic device according to an embodiment may adjust a protection operation against overcurrent larger than rated current and smaller than a threshold value, so that the electronic device may be designed with components having minimum component rating corresponding to the rated current in consideration of peak current characteristics of the components of the electronic device and the material costs and the size of the components may be reduced. 
     The effects obtainable in the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a diagram illustrating an example of implementing an electronic device including at least one power converter according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a diagram illustrating another example of implementing an electronic device including at least one power converter according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 A  is a block diagram illustrating a power converter according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 B  is a configuration diagram illustrating a power converter according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  5 A  is a block diagram illustrating a power converter according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  5 B  is a configuration diagram illustrating a power converter according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    is a block diagram illustrating a power converter according to still an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  7    is a graph of output current according to time illustrating an occurrence condition of an overcurrent protection operation according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    is a flowchart illustrating an overcurrent protection method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  9    is a flowchart illustrating a method of identifying an occurrence of overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  10 A  is a flowchart illustrating an overcurrent protection operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  10 B  is a flowchart illustrating an overcurrent protection operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  10 C  is a flowchart illustrating an overcurrent protection operation of an electronic device according to still an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  11 A  is a graph illustrating a first overcurrent protection operation according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and 
         FIG.  11 B  is a graph illustrating a second overcurrent protection operation according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, embodiments of the document are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.  FIG.  1    is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to  FIG.  1   , an electronic device  101  in a network environment  100  may communicate with an electronic device  102  via a first network  198  (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device  104  or a server  108  via a second network  199  (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device  101  may communicate with the electronic device  104  via the server  108 . According to an embodiment, the electronic device  101  may include a processor  120 , memory  130 , an input device  150 , a sound output device  155 , a display device  160 , an audio module  170 , a sensor module  176 , an interface  177 , a haptic module  179 , a camera module  180 , a power management module  188 , a battery  189 , a communication module  190 , a subscriber identification module (SIM)  196 , or an antenna module  197 . In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the display device  160  or the camera module  180 ) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device  101 , or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device  101 . In some embodiments, some of the components may be implemented as single integrated circuitry. For example, the sensor module  176  (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented as embedded in the display device  160  (e.g., a display). 
     The processor  120  may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program  140 ) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device  101  coupled with the processor  120 , and may perform various data processing or computation. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor  120  may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module  176  or the communication module  190 ) in volatile memory  132 , process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory  132 , and store resulting data in non-volatile memory  134 . According to an embodiment, the processor  120  may include a main processor  121  (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), and an auxiliary processor  123  (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor  121 . Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor  123  may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor  121 , or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor  123  may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor  121 . 
     The auxiliary processor  123  may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display device  160 , the sensor module  176 , or the communication module  190 ) among the components of the electronic device  101 , instead of the main processor  121  while the main processor  121  is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor  121  while the main processor  121  is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor  123  (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module  180  or the communication module  190 ) functionally related to the auxiliary processor  123 . 
     The memory  130  may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor  120  or the sensor module  176 ) of the electronic device  101 . The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program  140 ) and input data or output data for a command related thererto. The memory  130  may include the volatile memory  132  or the non-volatile memory  134 . 
     The program  140  may be stored in the memory  130  as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS)  142 , middleware  144 , or an application  146 . 
     The input device  150  may receive a command or data to be used by other component (e.g., the processor  120 ) of the electronic device  101 , from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device  101 . The input device  150  may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen). 
     The sound output device  155  may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device  101 . The sound output device  155  may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record, and the receiver may be used for an incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker. 
     The display device  160  may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device  101 . The display device  160  may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display device  160  may include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch, or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch. 
     The audio module  170  may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module  170  may obtain the sound via the input device  150 , or output the sound via the sound output device  155  or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device  102 ) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device  101 . 
     The sensor module  176  may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device  101  or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device  101 , and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module  176  may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor. 
     The interface  177  may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device  101  to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  102 ) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface  177  may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface. 
     A connecting terminal  178  may include a connector via which the electronic device  101  may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  102 ). According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal  178  may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector). 
     The haptic module  179  may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module  179  may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator. 
     The camera module  180  may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module  180  may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes. 
     The power management module  188  may manage power supplied to the electronic device  101 . According to one embodiment, the power management module  188  may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). 
     The battery  189  may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device  101 . According to an embodiment, the battery  189  may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell. 
     The communication module  190  may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device  101  and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  102 , the electronic device  104 , or the server  108 ) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module  190  may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor  120  (e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module  190  may include a wireless communication module  192  (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module  194  (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network  198  (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™ wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network  199  (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module  192  may identify and authenticate the electronic device  101  in a communication network, such as the first network  198  or the second network  199 , using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module  196 . 
     The antenna module  197  may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device  101 . According to an embodiment, the antenna module  197  may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., printer circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module  197  may include a plurality of antennas. In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network  198  or the second network  199 , may be selected, for example, by the communication module  190  (e.g., the wireless communication module  192 ) from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module  190  and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module  197 . 
     At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)). 
     According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device  101  and the external electronic device  104  via the server  108  coupled with the second network  199 . Each of the electronic devices  102  and  104  may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device  101 . According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device  101  may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices  102 ,  104 . For example, if the electronic device  101  should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device  101 , instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device  101 . The electronic device  101  may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates an example of implementing an electronic device including at least one power converter according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , an electronic device  201  (e.g., the electronic device  101  of  FIG.  1   ) including at least one power converter according to an embodiment may include at least one power converter  230  including power converters  231 ,  232 ,  233  and  234  and devices  241 ,  242 ,  243 , and  244  in the electronic device  201 . The at least one power converter  230  may be configured to convert input power into power having different current, voltage, or frequency, and to supply the converted power to other power converters or the devices  241 ,  242 ,  243 , and  244  in the electronic device. 
     The at least one power converter  230  of the example illustrated in  FIG.  2    is a single output power converter, and the single output power converter may convert one input power to supply one output power. In addition, the at least one power converter  230  of the example illustrated in  FIG.  2    is a built-in power converter disposed inside the electronic device, and may be supplied with power from an external power converter  220  disposed outside the electronic device. 
     The power source  210  may supply power to the outside. In this example, the power source  210  and the external power converter  220  may be configured to supply power from the outside of the electronic device  201 , but are not limited thereto. The power source  210  and the external power converter  220  may be built in the electronic device  201  to supply power to the electronic device. For example, the power source  210  may be the battery  189  illustrated in  FIG.  1   , and the external power converter may be one component of the power management module  188  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
     The devices  241 ,  242 ,  243 , and  244  are responsible for various functions that the electronic device  201  should have, and may be, for example, the processor  120 , the display device  160 , etc., included in the electronic device  101  of  FIG.  1   . The built-in power converter  230  may process the input power transmitted from the power source  210  or the external power converter  220  to supply power corresponding to rated voltage and rated current required by the devices  241 ,  242 ,  243 , and  244  in the electronic device  201 . The manner in which the at least one power converter  230  supplies power to the devices  241 ,  242 ,  243 , and  244  is not limited to the illustration of  FIG.  2   , and the devices  241 ,  242 ,  243 , and  244  in the electronic device  201  may require single or multiple power sources, so that the electronic device may be variously implemented according to the output of the power converter  230  and the power demand of the devices  241 ,  242 ,  243 , and  244  in the electronic device. 
     In addition, each of the devices  241 ,  242 ,  243 , and  244  has a limit of the allowable power, and in order for the electronic device  201  to be safely and smoothly used, appropriate voltage, current, and power should be supplied to the devices  241 ,  242 ,  243 , and  244  which are called rated voltage, rated current, and rated power. When overvoltage exceeding rated voltage or overcurrent exceeding rated current is supplied to the devices  241 ,  242 ,  243 , and  244 , it may cause overheating and damage of the devices  241 ,  242 ,  243 , and  244 . In addition, although the devices can withstand a low overcurrent condition for a short time, when the overcurrent condition persists even if it is high overcurrent or low overcurrent exceeding a threshold, functional damage of the electronic device  201  and the at least one power converter  230  employed in the electronic device  201  may be caused. Therefore, the electronic device  201  may include an overcurrent protection function (or an overcurrent protection circuit) to supply a current within a safe operating range. 
       FIG.  3    is a diagram illustrating another example of implementing an electronic device including at least one power converter according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , an electronic device  301  including at least one power converter, as in the example illustrated in  FIG.  2   , may include at least one power converter  330  and devices  341 ,  342 ,  343 ,  344 , and  354  in the electronic device  301 . The at least one power converter  330  may be configured to convert input power into power having different current, voltage, or frequency and to supply the converted power to other power converters or the devices  341 ,  342 ,  343 ,  344 , and  354  in the electronic device. However, some of an external power converter  320  and the at least one power converter  330  may include power converters  320  and  331  including a plurality of output terminals, unlike the example illustrated in  FIG.  2   . The power converters  320  and  331  may include one input terminal and the plurality of output terminals, and the plurality of output terminals may output different rated voltage and/or rated current from each other. For example, input power may be divided and processed by a plurality of power conversion circuits so that the power converters  320  and  331  may output a plurality of power sources. 
       FIG.  4 A  is a block diagram illustrating a power converter according to an embodiment of the disclosure.  FIG.  4 B  is a configuration diagram illustrating a power converter according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to  FIG.  4 A , a power converter  400  according to an embodiment may include a power conversion unit  410 , a control unit  420 , and an overcurrent protection unit  430 . 
     The power conversion unit  410  may convert input voltage or input current to match an output condition and may supply output current Io to devices in the electronic devices  101 ,  201 , and  301 . The power conversion unit  410  may function to convert input power to power having different current, voltage, or frequency, and may convert, for example, AC power into DC power and may convert a DC voltage level. It is not limited to the above examples. In addition, the power conversion unit  410  may include a semiconductor power converter using a semiconductor device. 
     The control unit  420  may detect output voltage Vo and/or output current Io output from the power conversion unit  410 , and may control the power conversion unit  410  to adjust the output voltage Vo within a rated range. According to an embodiment, the control unit  420  may be configured to detect the output current Io output from the power conversion unit  410  and to receive a processing result from the overcurrent protection unit  430  to control the power conversion unit  410 , thereby performing an overcurrent protection operation. 
     Referring to  FIG.  4 B , the overcurrent protection unit  430  may detect output current output from the power conversion unit  410 , may derive a detection result indicating the occurrence of overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection, and may transmit the detection result to the control unit  420 . The overcurrent protection unit  430  according to an embodiment may include an overcurrent extraction module  431 , a calculation module  432 , a first comparison module  433 , and a second comparison module  434 . 
     The overcurrent extraction module  431  may output a difference between the output current Io, which is output from the power conversion unit  410  and exceeds predetermined first reference current, and the first reference current. The first reference current may be designated in advance as the rated current of the power converter  400 , and may be designated in advance in the memory  130  shown in  FIG.  1   . The output current exceeding the first reference current may be defined as overcurrent exceeding the rated current. For example, the overcurrent extraction module  431  may receive two input signals and may output a single output signal. The two input signals may respectively correspond to the output current Io output from the power converter and the first reference current, and a single output signal may correspond to a difference ΔIo between the output current Io exceeding the first reference current and the first reference current. In addition, the overcurrent extraction module  431  may identify whether the output current Io exceeds the first reference current, and may output the difference ΔIo between the output current Io and the first reference when the output current Io exceeds the first reference current. 
     The overcurrent extraction module  431  may use a differential amplifier to output the difference between the output current and the first reference current. In the case of using the differential amplifier, voltage at which the output current exceeding the predetermined first reference current is converted and voltage at which the first reference current is converted may be input to two input terminals of the differential amplifier, and one output terminal of the differential amplifier may output voltage at which a difference between the output current exceeding the predetermined first reference current and the first reference current is converted. In addition, since the difference output from the differential amplifier is output as an analog signal, the overcurrent extraction module  431  may further include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to convert the difference into digital data. 
     The calculation module  432  may calculate an accumulative value obtained by integrating the difference between the output current exceeding the first reference current output from the overcurrent extraction module  431  and the first reference current with respect to time, and may transmit the calculated accumulative value to the first comparison module  433 . For example, the accumulative value may be a certain area (B or C) shaded in the graph shown in  FIG.  7   . For example, in order for the calculation module  432  to calculate the accumulative value, an integrator that integrates the output signal of the overcurrent extraction module with respect to time may be used, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Further, according to an embodiment, the calculation module  432  may initialize the accumulative value at a predetermined time period. For example, the calculation module  432  may initialize the accumulative value calculated every 5 minutes. By initializing the accumulative value at a constant period, it is possible to prevent the overcurrent protection operation from being performed when the low overcurrent condition does not persist. 
     The first comparison module  433  may compare the accumulative value calculated by the calculation module  432  with a predetermined critical value, and may transmit a first detection result to the control unit  420  when the accumulative value exceeds the predetermined critical value. The first detection result may correspond to the occurrence of overcurrent that requires overcurrent protection, and the critical value may be a criterion for determining whether the overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection occurs. For example, the first comparison module  433  may receive two input signals and may output a single output signal. The two input signals may respectively correspond to the accumulative value and critical value transmitted by the calculation module, and the single output signal may correspond to a first detection result corresponding to the occurrence of the overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection. For example, the first comparison module  433  may include a comparator that compares two different input signals to identify whether there is a difference in their sizes, and may notify the identification result as an output signal. 
     A low overcurrent condition for a short time period may not require protection, but when the overcurrent condition persists even if the overcurrent is low, it may cause functional damage of the power converter  400  and the devices that receive the output current of the power converter  400 . Accordingly, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  101  of  FIG.  1   , the electronic device  201  of  FIG.  2   , and the electronic device  301  of  FIG.  3   ) including the power converter  400  may perform an overcurrent protection function. When the overcurrent protection operation is performed under the condition that an accumulated value indicating the continuation of the overcurrent state exceeds a predetermined critical value, effective overcurrent protection is possible. In addition, when the overcurrent protection condition can be adjusted, that is, when the overcurrent protection condition can be adjusted according to the designated critical value, the devices of the electronic device may effectively utilize peak current characteristic, whereby the efficiency of use compared to the rating of the devices can be increased. 
     The second comparison module  434  may compare the output current Io output from the power conversion unit  410  with a predetermined second reference current and may transmit a second detection result to the control unit  420  when the output current exceeds the second reference current. The second detection result may correspond to the occurrence of the overcurrent that requires overcurrent protection, and the second reference current may be a criterion for determining whether the overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection occurs. The second reference current is greater than the first reference current. For example, the second reference current may be generally designated as a constant value from 120% to 150% of the first reference current, but is not limited thereto. 
     The second comparison module  434  may receive two input signals and may output a single output signal. The two input signals may respectively correspond to the output current Io output from the power conversion unit  410  and the predetermined second reference current, and the single output signal may correspond to the second detection result corresponding to the occurrence of the overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection. 
     For example, the second comparison module  434  may include a comparator that compares two different input signals to identify whether there is a difference in their sizes and notifies the identification result as an output signal. When the comparator is used, voltage at which the output current Io output from the power converter is converted and voltage at which the second reference current is converted may be respectively input to two input terminals of the comparator, and the output terminal of the comparator may output the second detection result. In addition, in order to convert the output current Io output from the power converter into voltage, a resistor may be inserted between the power converter and the single input terminal of the comparator. 
     The overcurrent protection unit  430  may be configured to transmit the first detection result output from the first comparison module  433  or the second detection result output from the second comparison module  434  to the control unit  420 . For example, in the first detection result, the overcurrent protection operation may be performed in the electronic devices  101 ,  201 , and  301  including the power converter  400  under the condition in which an accumulative value indicating the continuation of a low overcurrent condition exceeding rated current exceeds a predetermined critical value, and in the second detection result, the overcurrent protection operation may be performed in the electronic devices  101 ,  201 , and  301  including the power converter  400  under the condition in which the output current output from the power conversion unit  410  exceeds the second reference current. Accordingly, according to the disclosure, it is possible to effectively protect the electronic devices  101 ,  201 , and  301  including the power converter  400  from side effects due to the overcurrent. 
     The control unit  420  may be configured to perform an overcurrent protection operation based on the first detection result or the second detection result transmitted from the overcurrent protection unit  430 . The control unit  420  may stop the supply of the output current output from the power conversion unit  410  based on the first detection result or the second detection result. In addition, the control unit  420  may pause the supply of the output current output from the power conversion unit  410  based on the first detection result or the second detection result. The control unit  420  may be configured to turn on/off a switch in the power conversion unit  410  to stop or pause the supply of the output current. 
     The control unit  420  may define the overcurrent protection operation for stopping the output current output from the power conversion unit  410  as a first overcurrent protection operation, and the first overcurrent protection operation corresponds to an operation in which an operation-pause state is continuously maintained unless the power conversion unit  410  is manually restarted. The control unit  420  may define the overcurrent protection operation for pausing the output current output from the power conversion unit  410  as the second overcurrent protection operation, and the second overcurrent protection operation corresponds to an operation of stopping the operation of the power conversion unit  410  and automatically restarting the power conversion unit  410  after a predetermined time elapses. When the first and second overcurrent protection operations are performed, the electronic devices  101 ,  201 , and  301  may lower a temperature raised due to the overcurrent. 
       FIG.  11 A  is a graph illustrating a first overcurrent protection operation according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and  FIG.  11 B  is a graph illustrating a second overcurrent protection operation according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  11 A , the control unit  420  may stop the supply of the output current output from the power conversion unit  410  based on the first detection result or the second detection result at time t 1 , and an stoppage period (between t 1  and t 4 ) may be maintained unless the power conversion unit  410  is manually restarted. In this case, it may correspond to the first overcurrent protection operation. The output current becomes 0 at time t 2  when a certain reaction time has elapsed from time t 1 , and when a re-operation event (e.g., reset through recycling after removing input power or operation of a predetermined reset circuit) occurs at time t 3 , the power converter may start the corresponding operation at time t 4  when a certain reaction time has elapsed. 
     Referring to  FIG.  11 B , the control unit  420  may pause the supply of the output current output from the power conversion unit  410  based on the first detection result or the second detection result at time t 1  (or time t 11  or time t 12 ), and may automatically restart the power conversion unit  410  after a predetermined time (from time t 1  to time t 01  or from time t 11  to time t 02 ). In this case, it may correspond to the second overcurrent protection operation. The output current becomes 0 at time t 2  (or t 21  or time t 22 ) when a certain reaction time has elapsed from time t 1 , and from time t 2  to time t 01  (or time t 21  to time t 02 ), the power converter may be restarted at time t 01  (or time t 02 ) after having recovery time Tr. 
     In addition, the power converter  400  may further include a counter (not shown) that counts the number of times of the occurrence of the second overcurrent protection operation. When the control unit  420  is configured to perform the second overcurrent protection operation based on the first detection result and the second detection result, the counter may count the number of times of the occurrence of the second overcurrent protection operation. In addition, the control unit  420  may be configured to identify whether the number of times of the occurrence of the second overcurrent protection operation exceeds a predetermined number of times, and to switch from a second overcurrent protection mode to a first overcurrent protection operation mode when the number of occurrences of the second overcurrent protection operation exceeds a predetermined number of times. 
     In addition, the control unit  420  may be configured to alarm the stoppage of the operation of the power conversion unit  410  to the electronic device  101 ,  201 , or  301  by performing the overcurrent protection operation. For example, when the control unit is electrically connected to the processor  120  of the electronic device  101 ,  201 , or  301 , the control unit may transmit, to the processor  120 , a warning signal indicating that the overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection has occurred. 
     The electronic devices  101 ,  201 , and  301  including the at least one power converter  400  according to an embodiment may further include a means (not shown) for displaying the operation state of the power conversion unit  410 . For example, the means for displaying the operation state of the power conversion unit  410  may be operated by a control signal from the control unit  420 . Alternatively, when the control unit  420  is configured to transmit, to the processor of the electronic device, the warning signal indicating that the overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection has occurred, the means for displaying the operation state of the power conversion unit  410  may be operated by the control signal from the processor  120 . 
     According to an embodiment, at least some or all of the overcurrent extraction module  431 , the calculation module  432 , the first comparison module  433 , and the second comparison module  434  of the overcurrent protection unit  430  may be configured with one chipset (e.g., the power management module  188  of  FIG.  1   ). According to an embodiment, the overcurrent protection unit  43  and the control unit  420  may be configured with a single chipset (e.g., the power management module  188  of  FIG.  1   ). 
       FIG.  5 A  is a block diagram illustrating a power converter according to an embodiment of the disclosure.  FIG.  5 B  is a configuration diagram illustrating a power converter according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to  FIG.  5 A , a power converter  500  according to another embodiment may include a power conversion unit  510  and an overcurrent protection unit  520 . 
     The power conversion unit  510  according to another embodiment may be configured in the same manner as the power conversion unit  410  shown in  FIG.  4 A or  4 B  according to an embodiment, or may be configured to include some of the power conversion unit  410  and the control unit  420 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  5 B , the overcurrent protection unit  530  according to another embodiment may be configured to detect output current output from the power conversion unit  510 , to derive a detection result indicating the occurrence of overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection, and to transmit the detection result to the power conversion unit  510  to adjust the output current Io output from the power conversion unit  510 . Accordingly, the overcurrent protection unit  530  may include an overcurrent extraction module  531 , a calculation module  532 , a first comparison module  533 , and a second comparison module  534 . The overcurrent protection unit  530  according to an embodiment may be configured in the same manner as the overcurrent protection unit  430  illustrated in  FIG.  4 B , except that the detection result is directly transmitted to the power conversion unit  510 . 
     The overcurrent protection unit  530  according to another embodiment may be configured to transmit the first detection result output from the first comparison module  533  or the second detection result output from the second comparison module  534  to the power conversion unit  510 . For example, in the first detection result, the overcurrent protection operation may be performed in the electronic devices  101 ,  201 , and  301  including the power converter  500  under the condition in which an accumulative value indicating the continuation of a low overcurrent condition exceeding rated current exceeds a predetermined critical value, and in the second detection result, the overcurrent protection operation may be performed in the electronic devices  101 ,  201 , and  301  including the power converter  500  under the condition in which the output current output from the power conversion unit  510  exceeds the second reference current. Accordingly, according to the disclosure, it is possible to effectively protect the electronic devices  101 ,  201 , and  301  including the power converter  500  from side effects due to the overcurrent. 
     The power converter  500  according to another embodiment may be configured to perform the overcurrent protection operation when the first detection result or the second detection result is transmitted from the overcurrent protection unit  530 . The overcurrent protection operation according to another embodiment may be the same as the overcurrent protection operation performed by the power converter  400  according to an embodiment. For example, the overcurrent protection unit  530  may transmit the first detection result or the second detection result to the power conversion unit  510  to stop the supply of the output current output from the power conversion unit  510 . In addition, the overcurrent protection unit  530  may transmit the first detection result or the second detection result to the power conversion unit  510  to pause the supply of the output current output from the power conversion unit  510 . The overcurrent protection unit  530  may be configured to turn off a switch in the power conversion unit  510  to stop or pause the supply of the output current. 
       FIG.  6    is a block diagram illustrating a power converter according to still an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , a power converter  600  according to still another embodiment shows an example of the plurality of output power converters  320  and  331  illustrated in  FIG.  3   . The power converter  600  may include a plurality of power conversion units  610 - 1 ,  610 - 2 , and  610 - n  and a plurality of overcurrent protection units  630 - 1 ,  630 - 2 , and  630 - n . The plurality of power conversion units  610 - 1 ,  610 - 2 , and  610 - n  may be operatively connected to the plurality of overcurrent protection units  630 - 1 ,  630 - 2 , and  630 - n , respectively. The plurality of power conversion units  610 - 1 ,  610 - 2 , and  610 - n  may perform overcurrent protection by feedback for the output current provided by the plurality of connected overcurrent protection units  630 - 1 ,  630 - 2 , and  630 - n , respectively. The plurality of overcurrent protection units  630 - 1 ,  630 - 2 , and  630 - n  according to still another embodiment may be configured in the same manner as that in the overcurrent protection unit  430  according to an embodiment or the overcurrent protection unit  530  according to another embodiment. In addition, the plurality of power conversion units  610 - 1 ,  610 - 2 , and  610 - n  may be operatively connected to the control unit  420  according to an embodiment, respectively. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and one control unit may be operatively connected to the plurality of power conversion units  610 - 1 ,  610 - 2 , and  610 - n.    
       FIG.  7    is a graph of output current according to time illustrating an occurrence condition of an overcurrent protection operation according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , the output current shown in the graph may be output from a power converter (e.g., the at least one power converter  230  of  FIG.  2   , the at least one power converter  330  of  FIG.  3   , the power converter  400  of  FIG.  4 A or  4 B , or the power converter  500  of  FIG.  5 A or  5 B ). When the output current does not exceed a first reference current, the electronic devices  101 ,  201 , and  301  including the power converter according to an embodiment may be stably operated. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates three types of output current that can be output from a power converter according to an embodiment. First, type A corresponds to a case in which the output current exceeds second reference current larger than first reference current while the output current is changed and output over time. In type A, the overcurrent protection units  430  and  530  of the power converter may transmit a second detection result in which the output current exceeds the second reference current to the control unit  420  that controls the power conversion unit  510  or the power conversion unit  410 , whereby the output current may be stopped or paused at t 1 . That is, when the output current exceeds the second reference current, the overcurrent protection operation may be performed in the electronic devices  101 ,  201 , and  301 . 
     Type B or C corresponds to a case in which the overcurrent that does not exceed the second reference current but exceeds the first reference current flows while the output current is changed and output over time. When the overcurrent exceeding the first reference current flows for a short time period, stable operation of the electronic device may be maintained, but when the time during which the overcurrent flows continues, overheating and damage of the electronic device may be caused. In type B or C, when overcurrent less than the second reference current and more than the first reference current flows, the overcurrent protection units  430  and  530  of the power converter may extract a difference between the output current exceeding the first reference current and the first reference current, may calculate an accumulative value obtained by integrating the difference with respect to time, may compare the accumulative value with a predetermined critical value, and may transmit a first detection result in which the accumulative value exceeds the critical value to the control unit  420  controlling the power conversion unit  510  or the power conversion unit  410 , whereby the overcurrent protection operation in which the output current is stopped or paused at t 2  or t 3 , respectively. That is, when the accumulative value indicating the continuation of the low overcurrent state exceeding the rated current exceeds the predetermined critical value, the overcurrent protection operation may be performed in the electronic devices  101 ,  201 , and  301 . 
     In type B, an accumulative value obtained by integrating a difference ΔI 0 B between the output current exceeding the first reference current in type B and the first reference current with respect to time may correspond to the area of a hatched region which is inclined in a clockwise direction from t 0  to t 2 . When the area exceeds a critical value, a first detection result may be derived. In type C, an accumulative value obtained by integrating a difference ΔI 0 C between the output current exceeding the first reference current and the first reference current with respect to time may correspond to the area of a hatched region which is inclined in a counterclockwise direction from t 0  to t 3 . When the area exceeds a critical value, a first detection result may be derived. Types B and C have different times when the overcurrent protection operation is performed, but the respective accumulated values and the critical values may be the same. In addition, type B and type C show a case in which the output current is constantly output, but the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the output current may be irregularly changed and output over time. 
       FIG.  8    is a flowchart illustrating an overcurrent protection method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , an overcurrent protection method of an electronic device according to an embodiment may include supplying output current in operation  810 , detecting the output current in operation  820 , identifying whether overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection occurs in operation  830 , and performing the overcurrent protection in operation  840 . The operations included in the overcurrent protection method of the electronic device according to an embodiment may be performed in the electronic device including at least one power converter. For example, the at least one power converter may be the at least one power converter  230  illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the at least one power converter  330  illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the power converter  400  illustrated in  FIG.  4 A or  4 B , the power converter  500  illustrated in  FIG.  5 A or  5 B , or the power converter  600  illustrated in  FIG.  6   . In addition, the at least one power converter may include power conversion units  410 ,  510 ,  610 - 1 ,  610 - 2 , and  610 - n  and overcurrent protection units  430 ,  530 ,  630 - 1 ,  630 - 2 , and  630 - n.    
     In operation  810 , in the electronic device, the power conversion units  410 ,  510 ,  610 - 1 ,  610 - 2 , and  610 - n  of the at least one power converter included in the electronic devices  101 ,  201 , and  301  may convert input voltage or input current supplied by the power source or other power converters to match an output condition, and may supply the output current to devices in the electronic devices  101 ,  201 , and  301 . The output condition may be rated current, rated voltage, and rated power of the devices in the electronic devices  101 ,  201 , and  301 . 
     In operation  820 , the electronic device may detect the output current output from the power converter in operation  810 . The electronic device may convert the detected output current into voltage. 
     In operation  830 , the electronic device may identify whether the output current is overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection. In operation  830 , the electronic device may perform operation  840  when it is identified that the output current corresponds to the overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection, and may return to operation  820  to continuously detect the output current when it is identified that the output current does not correspond to the overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection. Detailed descriptions of operations  820  and  830  will be described later. 
     In operation  840 , the electronic device may perform overcurrent protection when it is identified in operation  830  that the output current corresponds to the overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection. For example, the electronic device may stop the supply of the output current of the power converter to prevent overheating and damage of the devices in the electronic device due to the overcurrent. In another example, the electronic device may pause the supply of the output current of the power converter. Detailed description of operation  840  will be described later. 
     The overcurrent protection method of the electronic device according to an embodiment may further include notifying that the overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection has occurred. For example, the control unit  420  or the overcurrent protection units  430 ,  530 ,  630 - 1 ,  630 - 2 , and  630 - n  may transmit, to the processor  120  of the electronic device, a warning signal indicating that the overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection has occurred and the operation of the power conversion units  410 ,  510 ,  610 - 1 ,  610 - 2 , and  610 - n  is stopped while performing operation  840 . 
     In addition, the overcurrent protection method of the electronic device according to an embodiment may further include displaying whether the output current is supplied, that is, displaying the operation state of the power converter. The overcurrent protection method of the electronic device according to an embodiment may further include notifying that the overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection has occurred in operation  840 . 
       FIG.  9    is a flowchart illustrating a method of identifying the occurrence of overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  9   , in operation  832 , the electronic device may compare the output current detected in operation  820  with a second predetermined reference current, and may determine whether the detected output current exceeds the second reference current. For example, the electronic device may compare voltage corresponding to the output current detected in operation  820  with voltage corresponding to the second reference current. In operation  832 , when the detected output current exceeds the predetermined second reference current, operation  840  may be performed. In operation  832 , operation  834  may be performed when the detected output current is equal to or less than the predetermined second reference current. For example, the second reference current may be generally designated as a constant value between 120% and 150% of the first reference current. 
     In operation  834 , the electronic device may compare the output current detected in operation  820  with a predetermined first reference current, and may determine whether the detected output current exceeds the first reference current. For example, the electronic device may compare voltage corresponding to the output current detected in operation  820  with voltage corresponding to the first reference current. As to the first reference current, rated current of the power converter that outputs the detected output current may be designated in advance. Therefore, the second reference current is greater than the first reference current. In operation  834 , when the detected output current exceeds the predetermined first reference current, operation  836  may be performed. In operation  834 , when the detected output current is equal to or less than the predetermined first reference current, operation  820  may be performed. 
     In operation  836 , the electronic device may calculate an accumulative value obtained by integrating a difference ΔIo between the output current exceeding the first reference current and the first reference current with respect to time. The electronic device may first extract the difference between the output current exceeding the first reference current and the first reference current and may integrate the extracted difference with respect to time. For example, the electronic device may extract the difference between the output current exceeding the first reference current and the first reference current using a differential amplifier, may use an analog-to-digital converter to convert the difference from an analog signal to a digital signal, and may use the integrator to calculate the accumulative value by integrating the different with respect to time. In addition, the calculated accumulative value may be initialized every predetermined time period. For example, the calculated accumulative value may be initialized every 5 minutes. 
     In operation  838 , the electronic device may compare the accumulative value calculated in operation  836  with a predetermined critical value to determine whether the accumulative value exceeds the critical value. In operation  838 , when the accumulative value calculated in operation  836  exceeds the predetermined critical value, operation  840  may be performed. In operation  838 , when the calculated accumulative value is less than or equal to the critical value, operation  820  may be performed. 
     In a method of identifying the occurrence of the overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure, conditions identified by the occurrence of the overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection may include at least two. In operation  838 , overcurrent protection may be performed under the condition in which the accumulative value indicating the continuation of a low overcurrent condition exceeding the rated current exceeds a predetermined critical value. In operation  832 , overcurrent protection may be performed under the condition in which the output current output in operation  810  exceeds the second reference current. According to the disclosure, it is possible to effectively protect the electronic devices  101 ,  201 , and  301  including the at least one power converter from side effects due to the overcurrent. 
       FIG.  10 A  is a flowchart illustrating an overcurrent protection operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.  FIG.  10 B  is a flowchart illustrating an overcurrent protection operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.  FIG.  10 C  is a flowchart illustrating an overcurrent protection operation of an electronic device according to still an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  10 A , in operation  840  of overcurrent protection of an electronic device according to an embodiment, when it is determined in operation  830  that output current corresponds to overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection, the electronic device may stop the supply of the output current. Operation  842  corresponds to an operation in which the operation stoppage state is maintained unless the power converter is manually restarted. For example, in order to stop the supply of the output current, the electronic device may turn off a switch in the power conversion unit  410 ,  510 ,  610 - 1 ,  610 - 2 , or  610 - n . Operation  842  may be the first overcurrent protection operation illustrated in  FIG.  11 A , and may include the above description. 
     Referring to  FIG.  10 B , in operation  840  of overcurrent protection of an electronic device according to another embodiment, when it is determined in operation  830  that the output current corresponds to the overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection, the electronic device may pause the supply of the output current . Operation  844  is an operation of stopping the operation of the power converter and automatically restarting the power converter after a predetermined time has elapsed. In operation  845 , the electronic device may determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time is the time until the power converter is stopped and restarted, and corresponds to the time required for the devices of the electronic device or the power converter to cool the elevated temperature due to the overcurrent and required to maintain the electronic device so that they can be stably operated. When the time designated in operation  845  has elapsed, the electronic device may perform operation  846 . When the time designated in operation  845  has not elapsed, the electronic device returns to operation  844  to maintain a state which the output current is paused. In operation  846 , the electronic device may cause the output current to be re-supplied when the designated time has elapsed. When the output current is re-supplied, the electronic device may return to operation  810 . Operation  844 , operation  845 , and operation  846  may be the second overcurrent protection operation illustrated in  FIG.  11 B , and may include the above description. 
     Referring to  FIG.  10 C , in operation  840  of overcurrent protection of an electronic device according to another embodiment, when it is determined in operation  830  that the output current corresponds to overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection, the electronic device may pause the supply of the output current. Operation  844  is an operation of stopping the operation of the power converter and automatically restarting the power converter after a predetermined time has elapsed. When an operation of pausing the output current occurs in operation  844 , in operation  847 , the electronic device may count the number of times operation  844  has occurred. For example, the electronic device may further include a counter (not shown) that counts the number of times of the occurrence of operation  844 . The electronic device may count the number of times of the occurrence of operation  844  using the counter. 
     In operation  848 , the electronic device may determine whether the number of times of the occurrence of operation  844  counted in operation  847  exceeds a predetermined number of times n. When the number of times of the occurrence of operation  844  exceeds the predetermined number of times, the electronic device may perform operation  842  of stopping the output current. That is, the electronic device may prevent the power converter from automatically restarting. When the number of times of the occurrence of operation  844  does not exceed the predetermined number of times, the electronic device may perform operation  845 . In operation  840  of overcurrent protection of the electronic device according to still another embodiment, when the output current corresponds to the overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection, the electronic device may identify whether the number of times of the occurrence of operation  844  exceeds the predetermined number of times in a mode of operation  844  of pausing the output current. In the case in which the number of times of the occurrence of operation  844  exceeds the predetermined number of times, when the output current corresponds to the overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection in the mode of operation  844 , the electronic device may switch the output current to a mode of operation  842  of stopping the output current. 
     In one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  101 ,  201 , or  301 ) according to example 1 may include at least one power converter (e.g., the power converter  230 ,  330 ,  400 ,  500 , or  600 ), and the at least one power converter may include: a power conversion unit configured to convert input voltage or input current to supply output current; a control unit configured to adjust the output current; and an overcurrent protection unit configured to detect the output current and transmit a detection result to the control unit. The overcurrent protection unit may include: an overcurrent extraction module configured to output a difference between the output current exceeding designated first reference current and the first reference current; a calculation module configured to calculate an accumulative value obtained by integrating the difference with respect to time; and a first comparison module configured to compare the accumulative value with a designated critical value and to transmit a first detection result in which the accumulative value exceeds the critical value to the control unit. 
     In example 2 of the disclosure, the overcurrent protection unit according to example 1 may further include a second comparison module configured to compare the output current with second reference current larger than the first reference current and to transmit a second detection result in which the output current exceeds the second reference current to the control unit. 
     In example 3 of the disclosure, the control unit according to example 1 and example 2 may stop the supply of the output current based on the first detection result or the second detection result. 
     In example 4 of the disclosure, the control unit according to example 1 to example 3 may pause the supply of the output current so that the output current is re-supplied after a predetermined time elapses based on the first detection result or the second detection result. 
     In example 5 of the disclosure, the at least one output converter according to example 1 to example 4 may include a counter configured to count the number of times the supply of the output current is paused, and the control unit may pause the supply of the output current so that the output current is re-supplied after a predetermined time elapses based on the first detection result or the second detection result and may stop the supply of the output current to prevent the output current from being re-supplied when the counted number of times exceeds the predetermined number of times. 
     In example 6 of the disclosure, the overcurrent extraction module according to example 1 to example 5 may include a differential amplifier. 
     In example 7 of the disclosure, the overcurrent extraction module according to example 1 to example 6 may further include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). 
     In one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  101 ,  201 , or  301 ) according to example 8 may include at least one power converter (e.g., the power converter  230 ,  330 ,  400 ,  500 , or  600 ), and the at least one power converter may include: a power conversion unit configured to convert input voltage or input current to supply output current; and an overcurrent protection unit configured to detect the output current and to transmit a detection result to the power conversion unit to adjust the output current. The overcurrent protection unit may include: an overcurrent extraction module configured to output a difference between the output current exceeding designated first reference current and the first reference current; a calculation module configured to calculate an accumulative value obtained by integrating the difference with respect to time; and a first comparison module configured to compare the accumulative value with a designated critical value and to transmit a first detection result in which the accumulative value exceeds the critical value to the power conversion unit. 
     In example 9 of the disclosure, the overcurrent protection unit according to example 8 may further include a second comparison module configured to compare the output current with second reference current larger than the first reference current and to transmit a second detection result in which the output current exceeds the second reference current to the power converter. 
     In example 10 of the disclosure, the power converter according to example 8 and example 9 may stop the supply of the output current based on the first detection result or the second detection result. 
     In example 11 of the disclosure, the power converter according to example 8 to example 10 may pause the supply of the output current so that the output current is re-supplied after a predetermined time elapses based on the first detection result or the second detection result. 
     In example 12 of the disclosure, the at least one power converter according to example 8 to example 11 may include a counter configured to count the number of times the supply of the output current is paused, and the power converter may pause the supply of the output current so that the output current is re-supplied after a predetermined time elapses based on the first detection result or the second detection result and may stop the supply of the output current to prevent the output current from being re-supplied when the counted number of times exceeds the predetermined number of times. 
     In example 13 of the disclosure, the overcurrent extraction module according to example 8 to example 12 may include a differential amplifier. 
     In example 14 of the disclosure, the overcurrent extraction module according to example 8 to example 13 may further include an ADC. 
     In one embodiment, an overcurrent protection method according to example 15 may include: converting input voltage or input current to supply output current; outputting a difference between the output current exceeding designated first reference current and the first reference current; calculating an accumulative value obtained by integrating the difference with respect to time; and comparing the accumulative value with a designated critical value and transmitting a first detection result in which the accumulative value exceeds the critical value. 
     In example 16 of the disclosure, the method of example 15 may further include: comparing the output current with second reference current larger than the first reference current and transmitting a second detection result in which the output current exceeds the second reference current. 
     In example 17 of the disclosure, the method of example 15 and example 16 may further include stopping the output current based on the first detection result or the second detection result. 
     In example 18 of the disclosure, the method of example 15 to example 17 may further include: pausing the output current so that the output current is re-supplied after a predetermined time elapses based on the first detection result or the second detection result. 
     In example 19 of the disclosure, the method of example 15 to example 18 may further include: pausing the output current so that the output current is re-supplied after a predetermined time elapses based on the first detection result or the second detection result; counting the number of times the supply of the output current is paused; and stopping the supply of the output current to prevent the output current from being re-supplied when the counted number of times exceeds the predetermined number of times. 
     In example 20 of the disclosure, the method of example 15 to example 19 may further include: notifying that the output current is overcurrent requiring overcurrent protection based on the first detection result or the second detection result. 
     The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic devices may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above. 
     It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of such phrases as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C,” may include any one of, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd,” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with,” “coupled to,” “connected with,” or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element. 
     As used herein, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry”. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). 
     Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program  140 ) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory  136  or an external memory  138 ) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device  101 ). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor  120 ) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device  101 ) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a complier or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium. 
     According to an embodiment, a method according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore™), or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly. If distributed online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as memory of the manufacturer&#39;s server, a server of the application store, or a relay server. 
     According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added. 
     The scope of protection is defined by the accompanying independent claims. Additional features are specified by the appended dependent claims. Example implementations may be realized by including one or more features, taken jointly and individually, in any and all permutations, from any claim. 
     The examples described in this disclosure include non-limiting example implementations of components corresponding to one or more features specified by the appended independent claims, and these features (or their corresponding components), individually or in combination, can contribute to improving one or more technical problems that can be deduced by those skilled in the art from this disclosure. 
     Further, one or more selected components of any one example described in this disclosure can be combined with one or more selected components of another one or more examples described in this disclosure, or alternatively in combination with the features of the attached independent claims, additional alternative examples can be formed. 
     Additional example implementations can be realized by including one or more components taken jointly and individually, in any and all permutations, from any implementation described in the disclosure. Still other example implementations may also be realized by combining one or more features of the appended claims with one or more selected components of any example implementation described in this disclosure. 
     In forming such additional example implementations, some components of any example implementation described in this disclosure may be omitted. One or more components that may be omitted are components that can be directly and clearly understood by those skilled in the art that in light of the technical problems discernable from the disclosure, it is not so essential to the functionality of the technology. It would be recognized that a person skilled in the art does not need to modify other components or features of the further alternative example to compensate for the change even if these omitted components are replaced or removed. Accordingly, further example implementations may be included within the disclosure, in accordance with the present technology, although selected combinations of features and/or components are not specifically mentioned. 
     In any described example implementation described in the disclosure, two or more physically separate components may alternatively be integrated into a single component if the integration is possible. If the same function is performed by the single component formed in this manner, the integration is possible. Conversely, a single component of any embodiment described in the disclosure may alternatively, if appropriate, be implemented with two or more separate components that achieve the same function.