Abstract: A communication system and method are disclosed for transmitting packets of information in at least one first format over a communications link that utilizes packets of information in a second format. In certain embodiments, the packets of information in a first format are converted to packets of information in the second format prior to transmission via the communications link by packing and fragmenting the information in the first format in a coordinated manner. Embodiments may also utilize packing subheaders and fragmentation control bits in the packing and fragmentation processes.

Abstract: A communication system and method are disclosed for transmitting packets of information in at least one first format over a communications link that utilizes packets of information in a second format. In certain embodiments, the packets of information in a first format are converted to packets of information in the second format prior to transmission via the communications link by packing and fragmenting the information in the first format in a coordinated manner. Embodiments may also utilize packing subheaders and fragmentation control bits in the packing and fragmentation processes.

Abstract: A communication system and method are disclosed for transmitting packets of information in at least one first format over a communications link that utilizes packets of information in a second format. In certain embodiments, the packets of information in a first format are converted to packets of information in the second format prior to transmission via the communications link by packing and fragmenting the information in the first format in a coordinated manner. Embodiments may also utilize packing subheaders and fragmentation control bits in the packing and fragmentation processes.

Abstract: A power supply includes a connector, a power conversion controller to generate a power supply signal at the connector, and a communication and control processor. The communication and control processor is to receive a set of current control parameters including a current limit over a communication link in the connector, receive measurements of current and voltage of the power supply signal, and generate a drive signal for controlling the power conversion controller based on the received current control parameters and the measurements of the current and the voltage.

Abstract: A power supply system is operable to contemporaneously supply power to multiple output ports when available power from a power source is insufficient to meet maximum potential power requirements of load devices coupled to the output ports. The power supply system includes a system monitor, multiple power converters, and optional temperature sensing circuits, where each power converter supplies power to a respective output port. The system monitor monitors an output power characteristic of the power source, output powers delivered to the output ports, and/or temperatures detected by the temperature sensing circuits. When the system monitor detects an overload condition is approaching based on the monitored parameter or parameters, the system monitor generates control signals which cause the power converters to maintain or reduce their output powers such that the overload condition is abated and two or more output ports continue to deliver output power to their respective load devices.

Abstract: A power supply includes a connector, a power conversion controller to generate a power supply signal at the connector, and a communication and control processor. The communication and control processor is to receive a set of current control parameters including a current limit over a communication link in the connector, receive measurements of current and voltage of the power supply signal, and generate a drive signal for controlling the power conversion controller based on the received current control parameters and the measurements of the current and the voltage.

Abstract: A communication system and method are disclosed for transmitting packets of information in at least one first format over a communications link that utilizes packets of information in a second format. In certain embodiments, the packets of information in a first format are converted to packets of information in the second format prior to transmission via the communications link by packing and fragmenting the information in the first format in a coordinated manner. Embodiments may also utilize packing subheaders and fragmentation control bits in the packing and fragmentation processes.

Abstract: A communication system and method are disclosed for transmitting packets of information in at least one first format over a communications link that utilizes packets of information in a second format. In certain embodiments, the packets of information in a first format are converted to packets of information in the second format prior to transmission via the communications link by packing and fragmenting the information in the first format in a coordinated manner. Embodiments may also utilize packing subheaders and fragmentation control bits in the packing and fragmentation processes.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) includes at least one electrochemical cell (106) and at least one pass element (104) serially coupled with the electrochemical cell. A control circuit (102) is operable to open the at least one pass element when a charger (105) or power supply (107) is connected to the electrochemical cell for at least a predetermined time and to measure an open circuit voltage of the at electrochemical cell to determine a state of charge. The control circuit can then close the pass element to charge the electrochemical cell, determine an amount of the charge, and store an estimated energy capacity of the electrochemical cell based upon the open circuit voltage and the amount.

Abstract: A communication system and method are disclosed for transmitting packets of information in at least one first format over a communications link that utilizes packets of information in a second format. In certain embodiments, the packets of information in a first format are converted to packets of information in the second format prior to transmission via the communications link by packing and fragmenting the information in the first format in a coordinated manner. Embodiments may also utilize packing subheaders and fragmentation control bits in the packing and fragmentation processes.

Abstract: A power supply system is operable to contemporaneously supply power to multiple output ports when available power from a power source is insufficient to meet maximum potential power requirements of load devices coupled to the output ports. The power supply system includes a system monitor, multiple power converters, and optional temperature sensing circuits, where each power converter supplies power to a respective output port. The system monitor monitors an output power characteristic of the power source, output powers delivered to the output ports, and/or temperatures detected by the temperature sensing circuits. When the system monitor detects an overload condition is approaching based on the monitored parameter or parameters, the system monitor generates control signals which cause the power converters to maintain or reduce their output powers such that the overload condition is abated and two or more output ports continue to deliver output power to their respective load devices.

Abstract: A communication system and method are disclosed for transmitting packets of information in at least one first format over a communications link that utilizes packets of information in a second format. In certain embodiments, the packets of information in a first format are converted to packets of information in the second format prior to transmission via the communications link by packing and fragmenting the information in the first format in a coordinated manner. Embodiments may also utilize packing subheaders and fragmentation control bits in the packing and fragmentation processes.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) includes at least one electrochemical cell (106) and at least one pass element (104) serially coupled with the electrochemical cell. A control circuit (102) is operable to open the at least one pass element when a charger (105) or power supply (107) is connected to the electrochemical cell for at least a predetermined time and to measure an open circuit voltage of the at electrochemical cell to determine a state of charge. The control circuit can then close the pass element to charge the electrochemical cell, determine an amount of the charge, and store an estimated energy capacity of the electrochemical cell based upon the open circuit voltage and the amount.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method (200) for charging energy storage devices. The method (200) can include a battery charging method in a power supply client connected by a data bus to a power supply host. The method (200) includes the steps of: detecting (210) a state of the power supply host; determining (220) a limit of current from the host to the client; allocating (230) a portion of the limit to a battery charging current; and charging (240) a battery of the client at the battery charging current such that the current from the host is greater than a recommended limit and less than or equal to the determined amount. Thus a client device can confidently charge at a rate which causes the port current to exceed a recommended limit, such as a USB port limit of 500 mA, when allowed by conditions of the host device.

Abstract: This document describes techniques (300, 400) and apparatuses (100, 500, 600, 700) for peripheral authentication. These techniques (300, 400) and apparatuses (100, 500, 600, 700) may configure data lines for authentication between host device (102) and peripheral (106), use these configured data lines to authenticate the peripheral (106), and then reconfigure the data lines for use.

Abstract: A portable electronic device employs a method for recovering power to a rechargeable battery used therein when the battery is in a low state of charge. The portable electronic device includes at least a power management subsystem (PMS), a main processor subsystem, and the battery. When the battery is incapable of supplying boot-up power to the processor subsystem, power is provided from a battery charger to the PMS to power-up the PMS. The PMS then determines the battery's type and a state-of-charge (SOC) parameter for the battery, and compares the SOC parameter to a threshold, which is based on at least the battery type. If the SOC parameter is less than the threshold, power is provided from the battery charger to the battery for use in recharging the battery. Otherwise, power is supplied from the battery to the processor subsystem to facilitate general operation of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A method (300) and device (400) for augmenting the useful life of an energy storage device in a portable electronic device is disclosed. The method (300) can include the steps of: providing (315) a power module comprising a fuel cell and a battery; determining (310) relative humidity; and controlling (315) the operations of the power module in response to the determined relative humidity. Advantageously, the method (300) and device (400) can augment and prolong the useful life of an energy storage device in a portable electronic device, with minimal power drain.

Abstract: A communication system and method are disclosed for transmitting packets of information in at least one first format over a communications link that utilizes packets of information in a second format. In certain embodiments, the packets of information in a first format are converted to packets of information in the second format prior to transmission via the communications link by packing and fragmenting the information in the first format in a coordinated manner. Embodiments may also utilize packing subheaders and fragmentation control bits in the packing and fragmentation processes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method (200) for charging energy storage devices. The method (200) can include a battery charging method in a power supply client connected by a data bus to a power supply host. The method (200) includes the steps of: detecting (210) a state of the power supply host; determining (220) a limit of current from the host to the client; allocating (230) a portion of the limit to a battery charging current; and charging (240) a battery of the client at the battery charging current such that the current from the host is greater than a recommended limit and less than or equal to the determined amount. Thus a client device can confidently charge at a rate which causes the port current to exceed a recommended limit, such as a USB port limit of 500 mA, when allowed by conditions of the host device.

Abstract: A portable electronic device employs a method for recovering power to a rechargeable battery used therein when the battery is in a low state of charge. The portable electronic device includes at least a power management subsystem (PMS), a main processor subsystem, and the battery. When the battery is incapable of supplying boot-up power to the processor subsystem, power is provided from a battery charger to the PMS to power-up the PMS. The PMS then determines the battery's type and a state-of-charge (SOC) parameter for the battery, and compares the SOC parameter to a threshold, which is based on at least the battery type. If the SOC parameter is less than the threshold, power is provided from the battery charger to the battery for use in recharging the battery. Otherwise, power is supplied from the battery to the processor subsystem to facilitate general operation of the portable electronic device.