Patent ID: 8248031

Claim:
A method for charging a portable computer via a docking station, said method comprising: determining the total power consumption of a first charger and a first system load within said docking station and a second charger and a second system load within said portable computer in relation to an output power of an AC/DC adapter capable of supplying power to said docking station and said portable computer; permitting the power consumptions of said first and second chargers and said first and second system loads to be completely met when the total power consumption of said first and second chargers and said first and second system loads is less than a first predetermined output power threshold of said AC/DC adapter; reducing the charging current of said first charger while permitting the power consumptions of said second charger and said first and second system loads to be completely met when the total power consumption of said first and second chargers and said first and second system loads exceeds said first predetermined output power threshold but less than a second predetermined output power threshold of said AC/DC adapter; and reducing the charging current of said first and second chargers while permitting the power consumptions of said first and second system loads to be completely met when the total power consumption of said first and second chargers and said first and second system loads exceeds said second predetermined output power threshold but less than said predetermined rating capacity of said AC/DC adapter.