Load condition controlled power module

Abstract

In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a method and circuit for reducing power consumption of a power module during idle conditions is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a power module is configured for reducing power during idle mode by disengaging at least one power output from a power input. A power module may include one or more power outputs and one or more power module circuits, with power input connected to the power outputs through the power module circuit(s). The power module circuit may include a current measuring system, a control circuit, and a switch. The current measuring system provides an output power level signal that is proportional to the load at the power output. If current measuring system behavior indicates that a power output is drawing substantially no power from the power input, the switch disengages the power input from the power output.

1 . A power module configured as a component of an electronic device to reduce power consumption during idle operation of the electronic device, said power module comprising:
 a power module circuit configured to receive power from a power input and transmit the power to at least one power output;   a control circuit configured to receive an output power level signal and control the connection between said at least one power output and the power input, wherein said power module circuit disengages transmitting power to said at least one power output in response to said at least one power output drawing substantially no power; and   a reconnection device configured to override said control circuit and re-engage said at least one power output and the power input, and wherein said reconnection device is further configured to disengage said at least one power output and the power input.   
     
     
         2 . The power module of  claim 1 , wherein said power module circuit comprises:
 a current measuring system configured to monitor current from the power input, wherein said current measuring system provides the output power level signal.   
     
     
         3 . The power module of  1 , wherein said reconnection device is controlled by at least one of an infra-red signal, a radio frequency signal, and a signal received through the power input. 
     
     
         4 . The power module of  claim 1 , wherein said reconnection device is configured to override a single control circuit. 
     
     
         5 . The power module of  claim 1 , wherein said substantially no power is approximately 0-1% of a typical maximum output load of said electronic device at said at least one power output. 
     
     
         6 . A power module configured for integration into an electronic device to efficiently provide power to the electronic device, said power module comprising:
 at least one power output configured to provide power to said electronic device; and   a control circuit disconnects a power input if the current drawn by said at least one power output is below a threshold level, such that said at least one power output is effectively disengaged from the power input.   
     
     
         7 . The power module of  claim 6 , wherein said control circuit tests a load condition at said at least one power output by reengaging said at least one power output to said power and determining if the current drawn by said at least one power output is below the threshold level. 
     
     
         8 . The power module of  claim 6 , wherein said control circuit controls said at least one power output individually. 
     
     
         9 . The power module of  claim 6 , wherein said threshold level is a learned level determined by long term monitoring of a load condition at said at least one power output. 
     
     
         10 . The power module of  claim 6 , wherein said threshold level is a percentage of a determined approximate low power level of said electronic device, and wherein said percentage of said determined approximate low power level is at least one range of approximately 100-105%, approximately 100-110%, and approximately 110-120%.