Apple Files Patent to Make a Zero-Power PSU
Is this an obvious way to improve PSUs?
Apple just applied for a patent that would grant it the rights to a zero-power PSU that would use no power when a connected electronic device is turned off.
Apple's idea is based on creating a much more complex AC/DC unit, which consists of the usual regulating circuitry as well as a control circuitry with an attached microprocessor and battery. The control circuitry can determine whether a electronic device is on or off simply by sending data through extra wiring and waiting for a response. If there is a response, the power regulating circuitry is enabled - or it is taken offline if there is no response.
The control circuitry is powered by a battery, which is charged during regular power flow. The patent was filed on April 29, 2011 and there is no indication when it could make it into an actual product. The financial benefit is unclear and the cost to build such a PSU may be higher than the actual power savings in the end. However, there is an environmental benefit, especially if all those millions of devices that Apple sells every quarter use less power.
These iClowns are more focused on getting themselves exposed in the media then they are developing truly better product.
I can't wait until it all falls apart at Apple, I'm going to really enjoy watching them crash and burn. Then it will be great to see their name splashed all over the news.
I will admit that for a properly created device, it won't actually save any power seeing that what's out there now pulls the power straight from the wall, while apples will pull from a battery, and then pull additional power while on to charge said battery, but meh.
Also, am I the only one that thinks that the extra battery is just another thing to go bad that you'll have to pay apple to replace? Seriously, most devices don't shut off, but go into low power mode so you can turn them on with a remote or similar, if this battery goes bad, you won't be able to turn it on short of a switch on the box. And at that point, you might as well create a zero power PSU by simply putting a hard switch which physically disconnects the PSU from power like a light switch does.
Just because you replace the "sensing" mechanism of the psu with a battery that provides power is neither novel or non-obvious in the current state of things. I could just as well have rewired my current psu with a capacitor and a couple other things to make it "zero" power. Oh boy. Using a battery that eventually will wear out is just stupid. Try to find a new clock/config IC for a old Sun box.
Soon, not only will you have to replace your battery in your iDevice, but also your PSU when your time runs out.