Multiport power converter with load detection capabilities

An apparatus configured to provide power-related data to a device, the apparatus comprising:

• load detection circuitry configured to detect when the device is connected to the apparatus;
• control circuitry configured to provide a power availability indication to the device based in part on a number of active loads connected to the apparatus, wherein the power availability indication is provided to the device using an electrical signal over a data terminal, wherein the power availability indication corresponds to a per-port available power level for at least one port of the plurality of ports, and wherein the per-port power level comprises a fraction of the total available power for the plurality of ports relative to a number of connected ports;
• and
• a plurality of ports, wherein a first port of the plurality of ports comprises:
• i) a power terminal, ii) a ground terminal, and iii) the data terminal.

A power management device comprising:

• a plurality of ports, wherein a first port of the plurality of ports comprises:
• i) a power terminal, ii) a ground terminal, and iii) a data terminal;
• and
• control circuitry configured to:
• provide a per-port available power level over the data terminal of the first port of the plurality of ports of the power management device based on a number of active loads that are connected to the plurality of ports, wherein the per-port power level comprises a fraction of the total available power for the plurality of ports relative to the number of active loads.