{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853553","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853553","title":"Interface circuits for USB and lighting applications","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2014-03-03T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H02M"],"num_claims":27,"abstract":"In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of operating a power supply circuit includes receiving an input signal comprising a request for a target power supply voltage and/or current at an interface circuit at a secondary side of an adjustable power supply. The input signal is converted into a digital signal comprising the target power supply voltage and/or current. The digital signal is transmitted via a galvanically isolated signal path to a controller in a primary side of the adjustable power supply."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Interface Circuits for USB and Lighting Applications patent (US-9853553) introduces an innovative method for operating a power supply circuit that enhances efficiency, safety, and control. The core innovation lies in converting an input signal, representing a target power supply voltage and/or current, into a digital signal. This digital signal is then transmitted via a galvanically isolated signal path to a controller on the primary side of the adjustable power supply. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional analog power supplies, which often lack precision and can be susceptible to electrical interference. By using a digital interface with galvanic isolation, this technology enables more accurate and reliable power delivery. The business value of this innovation is significant, as it can lead to reduced energy consumption, improved device performance, and enhanced safety. The system is applicable to a wide range of applications, including USB power delivery, LED lighting, and other adjustable power supply systems. The market opportunity for this technology is substantial, driven by the increasing demand for energy-efficient and reliable power solutions in consumer electronics, industrial automation, and other sectors. This patent offers a competitive advantage by providing a more efficient, safe, and controllable power supply system.","layman_explanation":"The Interface Circuits for USB and Lighting Applications patent addresses the inefficiencies and safety concerns associated with traditional power supplies, particularly in USB charging and LED lighting applications. \n\nTraditional power supplies often lack the precision to deliver the optimal amount of power to devices. This can lead to wasted energy, slower charging times, and even damage to sensitive electronics. Existing solutions often rely on analog control circuits, which are less accurate and more susceptible to electrical noise and interference.\n\nThis patent introduces a digital interface with galvanic isolation. Think of it as having a smart translator between your device and the power source. The device tells the power source exactly how much power it needs, and the translator ensures that the power is delivered safely and efficiently. Galvanic isolation is like a firewall that prevents electrical surges and interference from damaging your device. It's similar to how a surge protector works, but much more precise and integrated into the power supply itself.\n\nThis innovation matters because it leads to more efficient energy use, faster charging times, and increased device safety. It opens up new possibilities for smart power management in a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics to industrial lighting. The market impact is significant, as consumers and businesses are increasingly demanding energy-efficient and reliable power solutions.\n\nLooking ahead, this technology could be integrated into a variety of devices and systems, leading to even greater energy savings and improved performance. The market adoption timeline will depend on the cost of implementation and the willingness of manufacturers to adopt new technologies. However, the potential benefits are clear, making this a promising area for investment and innovation.","technical_analysis":"The Interface Circuits for USB and Lighting Applications patent details a system utilizing a digital interface coupled with galvanic isolation to enhance the operation of adjustable power supplies. The technical architecture involves converting an analog input signal, representing the desired voltage or current, into a digital representation. This digital signal is then transmitted across a galvanic isolation barrier, typically implemented using optocouplers or digital isolators, to a controller on the primary side of the power supply. The controller then adjusts the power supply output to match the requested parameters. Implementation details involve careful consideration of signal integrity and timing constraints to ensure reliable data transmission across the isolation barrier. The choice of isolation components and the design of the digital communication protocol are critical for achieving optimal performance. The algorithm on the primary side must accurately interpret the digital signal and adjust the power supply output accordingly. Integration patterns involve interfacing with existing power supply control circuitry and ensuring compatibility with various USB and lighting standards. Performance characteristics are improved in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and safety due to the digital control and galvanic isolation. Code-level implications involve implementing the digital communication protocol and control algorithms in firmware or software. The system's performance is also impacted by the selection of microcontroller and signal processing components.","business_analysis":"The Interface Circuits for USB and Lighting Applications patent addresses a significant market need for more efficient, reliable, and safe power supplies. The market opportunity size is substantial, driven by the increasing demand for USB-powered devices and LED lighting systems. Competitive advantages arise from the digital control and galvanic isolation, which enable more precise power delivery and enhanced safety. The revenue potential is significant, as this technology can be incorporated into a wide range of products, including chargers, lighting systems, and industrial power supplies. Business models can include licensing the technology to manufacturers or incorporating it into proprietary products. Strategic positioning involves targeting markets where energy efficiency and safety are paramount. ROI projections are favorable, as the technology can lead to reduced energy consumption, improved device performance, and lower warranty costs. The patent's ability to improve power efficiency directly translates to reduced energy consumption, a key selling point in today's environmentally conscious market. Furthermore, the enhanced safety features reduce the risk of device damage and electrical hazards, increasing customer satisfaction and reducing liability.","faqs":[{"answer":"Interface Circuits for USB and Lighting Applications, as described in US Patent 9853553, is an innovative method for operating a power supply circuit. This technology focuses on enhancing efficiency, safety, and control in adjustable power supplies, particularly those used in USB and LED lighting applications. At its core, the invention involves converting an input signal, representing a target power supply voltage or current, into a digital signal. This digital signal is then transmitted via a galvanically isolated signal path to a controller on the primary side of the power supply. This approach allows for more precise and reliable power delivery compared to traditional analog systems. The key components of this system include the interface circuit on the secondary side, the digital signal converter, the galvanic isolation barrier, and the controller on the primary side. Each of these components plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and safe operation of the power supply. The Interface Circuits for USB and Lighting Applications patent represents a significant step forward in power supply technology, offering a more efficient, reliable, and safe solution for a wide range of applications. Keywords: power supply, USB, LED, digital control, galvanic isolation.","question":"What is Interface Circuits for USB and Lighting Applications?"},{"answer":"The Interface Circuits for USB and Lighting Applications patent describes a system that operates in several key steps. First, an input signal is received at an interface circuit on the secondary side of an adjustable power supply. This input signal contains a request for a specific target power supply voltage or current. Second, this analog input signal is converted into a digital signal, representing the desired voltage or current. Third, the digital signal is transmitted via a galvanically isolated signal path to a controller located on the primary side of the power supply. The galvanic isolation ensures that there is no direct electrical connection between the primary and secondary sides, enhancing safety and preventing electrical interference. Finally, the controller on the primary side receives the digital signal and adjusts the power supply output accordingly, delivering the requested voltage or current to the connected device. This process allows for more precise and reliable power delivery compared to traditional analog systems, leading to improved efficiency and safety. The system's ability to adapt to varying load demands and maintain stable power output makes it particularly well-suited for USB and LED lighting applications. Keywords: digital signal, galvanic isolation, power supply, control, efficiency.","question":"How does Interface Circuits for USB and Lighting Applications work?"},{"answer":"The Interface Circuits for USB and Lighting Applications patent addresses several key problems associated with traditional power supplies. One of the primary issues is the inefficiency of analog power supplies, which often waste energy due to imprecise control and susceptibility to electrical noise. Another problem is the lack of safety in many traditional power supplies, which can pose a risk of electrical shock or damage to connected devices. The Interface Circuits for USB and Lighting Applications system solves these problems by introducing a digital interface with galvanic isolation. The digital interface allows for more precise control over the power output, reducing energy waste and improving device performance. The galvanic isolation enhances safety by preventing electrical interference and reducing the risk of electrical shock. By combining these two features, the Interface Circuits for USB and Lighting Applications patent provides a more efficient, reliable, and safe power supply solution. This technology is particularly relevant in USB and LED lighting applications, where energy efficiency and safety are critical concerns. Keywords: efficiency, safety, power supply, digital control, galvanic isolation.","question":"What problem does Interface Circuits for USB and Lighting Applications solve?"},{"answer":"The Interface Circuits for USB and Lighting Applications patent (US-9853553) does not list the inventors in the provided data. The Assignee is also missing from the provided data, which would have provided further clarity. The patent, however, details a novel approach to adjustable power supply design. It focuses on the integration of digital control and galvanic isolation. The patent describes a method for operating a power supply circuit that involves receiving an input signal requesting a target power supply voltage and/or current at an interface circuit on the secondary side of an adjustable power supply. This signal is then converted into a digital signal representing the desired voltage and/or current, and transmitted via a galvanically isolated path. Without the inventor names, it's impossible to attribute the invention to specific individuals, but the patent itself stands as a testament to the innovative thinking behind this technology. Keywords: inventors, patent","question":"Who invented Interface Circuits for USB and Lighting Applications?"}],"topics":["USB power","LED lighting","adjustable power supply","digital control","galvanic isolation","article","provides","technical"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Interface Circuits for USB and Lighting Applications - Patent US-9853553","description":"Discover the Interface Circuits for USB and Lighting Applications patent for efficient, safe power supplies. Full analysis, claims, and tech details.","keywords":["USB power","LED lighting","adjustable power supply","digital control","galvanic isolation","power efficiency","power supply","patent","patent US-9853553"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853553","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853553","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Interface circuits for USB and lighting applications\" (US-9853553). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853553","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853553","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853553","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-06-06T10:14:24.484Z"}