Test the current draw capacity from an unknown USB power source

Abstract

A method, system, and computer-readable medium are operable to facilitate testing an unknown USB power supply connected to a CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) device to determine the current draw capacity of the USB power supply. The CPE device may test the USB power supply to determine whether the USB power supply is capable of supplying a predetermined current. If it is determined that the USB power supply cannot supply the predetermined current, the end user may be instructed to insert a replacement PSU (Power Supply Unit) into the CPE device, where the replacement PSU is capable of supplying the predetermined current to the CPE device. The CPE device may output an indication that the replacement PSU should be used via graphics output to a display device through an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connection, or via LED indication using one or more LEDs at the CPE device.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application is a non - provisional application claiming the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 781,191, filed on December 18, 2018, entitled "Testing Current Draw Capacity from an Unknown USB Supply", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Field of the Disclosure

[0003] The present disclosure relates to testing current draw capacity from an unknown USB power supply. Background Art

[0004] Typically, when a USB port is overloaded with current draw, the USB port shuts down and can present an error feedback to the end - user. Typically, the minimum current delivery of a TV USB port is 500 mA. However, many USB ports deliver far beyond the specification (e.g., up to 7 A). There is a desire to provide methods and systems for preventing over - current shutdown of USB ports while measuring the ability to draw a predetermined current (e.g., 1 A) from an unknown USB power supply (e.g., a TV's USB port). Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary CPE device connected to a display device, the CPE device being operable to facilitate current draw capacity testing.

[0006] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary CPE device operable to use a power monitor to facilitate current draw capacity testing.

[0007] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process operable to use a power monitor to facilitate current draw capacity testing.

[0008] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary CPE device operable to use an under - voltage detector to facilitate current draw capacity testing.

[0009] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process operable to use an under - voltage detector to facilitate current draw capacity testing.

[0010] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary CPE device operable to facilitate current draw capacity testing by pulsed current loading.

[0011] Figure 7It is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process operable to use a pulse test signal to facilitate a current draw capacity test.

[0012] Figure 8 It is a block diagram of a hardware configuration operable to facilitate a current draw capacity test.

[0013] Like reference numerals and labels in the various figures indicate like elements. Detailed Description

[0014] There is a desire to provide methods and systems for preventing overcurrent shutdown of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port while measuring the ability to draw a predetermined current (e.g., 1 A) from an unknown USB power source (e.g., the USB port of a television). In an embodiment, an unknown USB power source (e.g., the USB port of a television) connected to a CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) device (e.g., an STB (Set Top Box)) can be tested to determine the current draw capacity of the USB power source. For example, the CPE device can test the USB power source to determine whether the USB power source is capable of supplying a predetermined current (e.g., 1 A). If it is determined that the USB power source cannot supply the predetermined current, the end user can be instructed to insert a replacement PSU (Power Supply Unit) into the CPE device, where the replacement PSU is capable of supplying the predetermined current to the CPE device. For example, the CPE device can output an indication to use the replacement PSU via graphics output to a display device through an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connection, or using one or more LEDs at the CPE device via LED indication.

[0015] Figure 1is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary CPE device 105 connected to a display device 110. The CPE device 105 is operable to facilitate a current draw capacity test. In an embodiment, the CPE device 105 (e.g., an STB (set-top box), a TV dongle, or other multimedia device) may be connected to the display device 110 (e.g., a TV or other display device) through a connection to a USB port 115 of the display device 110, and the CPE device 105 may be further connected to the display device 110 through an HDMI connection (e.g., an HDMI cable 120). For example, a USB cable 125 may be connected at one end to the USB port 115 of the display device and at the other end to a connector 130 (e.g., a USB port or other connector) of the CPE device 105, and the HDMI cable 120 may be connected at one end to the HDMI port 135 of the display device and at the other end to a connector 140 (e.g., an HDMI port or other connector) of the CPE device 105. As another example, the CPE device 105 may include a USB connector and / or an HDMI connector, each of which may be directly inserted into the USB port 115 of the display device 110 and / or the HDMI port 135 of the display device 110, respectively.

[0016] Upon each startup, a power test may be run by the CPE device 105, where the CPE device 105 tests the ability of an unknown USB power supply (e.g., the USB port 115 of the display device 110 to which the CPE device 105 is connected) to supply a predetermined current. The predetermined current may be the current draw applied during normal operation of the CPE device. When initiating a current draw capacity test, the CPE device 105 may generate and apply a current load, where the manner of applying the current load during the current draw capacity test is different from the current draw applied during normal operation of the CPE device. The power test may start in a low (e.g., less than 500 mA) known DC loading state in order to ensure that the system is okay before the test starts. The power test may be completed without turning off the unknown USB power supply (e.g., the USB port 115 and / or the display device 110 to which the CPE device 105 is connected). The power test may be completed without the display device 110 generating an error message and without an error message being displayed on the display device 110. The minimum current delivery of the USB power supply may be 500 mA, and the power of the CPE device 105 may vary between ~.3 A and 1 A during operation.

[0017] If, during power testing, the CPE device 105 determines that an unknown USB power supply cannot supply a predetermined current, the CPE device 105 may output a notification instructing the user to insert the CPE device 105 into an alternative PSU (Power Supply Unit) 145. The CPE device 105 may determine whether the USB port can support the current draw applied during normal operation of the customer premise equipment device, and the CPE device may output a notification when determining that the USB port cannot support the current draw applied during normal operation of the customer premise equipment device. For example, the CPE device 105 may generate a visual and / or audible notification, and the visual and / or audible notification may be output from the CPE device 105 to the display device 110 via an HDMI connection. The visual and / or audible notification may be displayed or otherwise output by the display device 110. As another example, the CPE device 105 may utilize one or more indicator lights (e.g., LEDs) to output an LED indication associated with the failed power test.

[0018] In an embodiment, the loading of the current draw may be performed via progressive loading. For example, the current drawn from the unknown USB power supply may be gradually loaded while monitoring the voltage at each stage to detect when it drops below a critical threshold, indicating that the unknown USB power supply will not be able to provide sufficient power. This may be achieved by ramping up the SW drive in known steps until a predetermined current limit (e.g., 1A) is reached.

[0019] In an embodiment, the loading of the current draw may be performed via pulsating loading. For example, a predetermined current load (e.g., 1A) may be pulsated in a controlled manner for a sufficiently short duration to prevent the overcurrent trip from fully activating. The current load may be pulsated by periodically removing the entire load. Once the trigger threshold is reached, the current load may be released as soon as possible to avoid the possibility of overloading the USB power supply to the extent that the USB power supply is disabled.

[0020] When pulsating loading is used to generate a predetermined current load (e.g., 1A), the steady state of the SW may be utilized. During pulsating loading, the applied current load may be a pulsed current load that is equivalent to the current draw applied during normal operation of the customer premise equipment device, where the current load is periodically removed. For example, to generate a 1A current load, the SW loader may be brought to ~400mA, and then a known load (e.g., ~600mA) may be applied to simulate a total of 1A. It should be understood that the actual current value may be adjusted according to various parameters associated with the usage.

[0021] Figure 2FIG. is a block diagram of an exemplary CPE device 105 operable to use a power monitor 205 to facilitate a current draw capacity test. The CPE device 105 may include a power monitor 205, a current load source 210, a notification module 215, a current load test module 220, a connector 130, and a connector 140.

[0022] In an embodiment, Figure 2 the CPE device 105 shown in FIG. may use progressive loading to test the current draw capacity of an unknown USB power source (e.g., the USB port of a device to which the CPE device 105 is connected). When using progressive (i.e., stepwise) loading, a predetermined current load (e.g., 1 A) may be obtained from the current load source 210 by adding more functionality in a controlled manner, and the current load test module 220 may read back a voltage value from the power monitor 205 (e.g., an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) power monitor). For example, at each respective one of one or more stages, the current load source 210 may increase the amount of current supplied (e.g., the current supplied by the SW or the current supplied by the unknown USB power source may increase in incremental amounts), and at the end of the respective stage, the current load test module 220 may read the resulting voltage value from the power monitor 205 and determine whether the voltage has dropped below a threshold. If the resulting voltage value is not below the threshold, then the current load test module 220 may initiate the next stage, in which the amount of current supplied is again increased, and the resulting voltage value is read. When the current load test module 220 identifies that the voltage (the voltage value recovered from the power monitor 205) has dropped below a critical threshold, the current load test module 220 may determine that the unknown USB power source cannot supply the predetermined current. The measured voltage may still be within the USB specification (e.g., >4.75 V).

[0023] Figure 3 FIG. is a flow chart of an exemplary process 300 operable to use a power monitor to facilitate a current draw capacity test. The process 300 may be performed, for example, by the CPE device 105. The process 300 may begin when a process for testing an unknown USB power source to which the CPE device 105 is connected is initiated. For example, when the CPE device 105 is connected to a USB power source (e.g., Figure 1 the USB port 115 of the display device 110 of FIG.) via a USB connection and / or an HDMI connection, a test process may be initiated. The process 300 may begin at 305, where the current supplied to the CPE device is increased by a certain amount. In an embodiment, Figure 2 the current load source 210 of FIG. may increase the amount of current supplied (e.g., the current supplied by the SW or the current supplied by the unknown USB power source may increase by an increment), where the amount by which the supplied current is increased is less than the predetermined current that needs to be supplied to the CPE device 105.

[0024] At 310, the resulting voltage value can be read. For example, Figure 2 the current load test module 220 of Figure 2 can read the resulting voltage value from the power monitor 205 of . The read voltage value can be the voltage value achieved by the power monitor 205 in response to an increase in the supplied current.

[0025] At 315, it can be determined whether the read voltage value is less than a threshold. In an embodiment, the CPE device 105 can be configured with a critical threshold, and the voltage value read from the power monitor 205 is compared with this critical threshold.

[0026] If it is determined at 315 that the read voltage value is less than the threshold, the process 300 can proceed to 320. At 320, the CPE device 105 can output a notification that the current supply test has failed. In an embodiment, the CPE device 105 can output a notification instructing the user to insert the CPE device 105 into an alternative PSU (Power Supply Unit). For example, the CPE device 105 can generate a visual and / or audible notification, and the visual and / or audible notification can be output from the CPE device 105 to a display device. The visual and / or audible notification can be displayed or otherwise output by the display device. As another example, the CPE device 105 can utilize one or more indicator lights (e.g., LEDs) to output an LED indication associated with the failed power test.

[0027] If it is determined at 315 that the read voltage value is not less than the threshold, the process 300 can proceed to 325. At 325, it can be determined whether the supply current load generated by the increase at 305 has reached a predetermined current load that needs to be supplied by the USB power to the CPE device 105. If the predetermined current load has not been reached, at 305, the supplied current can be increased by a certain amount again. If the predetermined current load has been reached, the CPE device 105 can determine that the USB power to which the CPE device 105 is connected can supply the predetermined current at 330. Since it is determined that the USB power can supply the predetermined current, the CPE device 105 can end the current supply test.

[0028] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary CPE device 105 operable to use an undervoltage detector 405 to facilitate a current draw capacity test. The CPE device 105 can include an undervoltage detector 405, a current load source 410, a notification module 415, a current load test module 420, a gate 425, a connector 130, and a connector 140.

[0029] In an embodiment, Figure 4The CPE device 105 shown in can use progressive loading to test the current draw capacity of an unknown USB power supply (e.g., the USB port of a device to which the CPE device 105 is connected). When using progressive (i.e., stepped) loading, a predetermined current load (e.g., 1A) can be supplied from the current load source 410 by adding more functionality in a controlled manner, and the current load test module 420 can monitor the undervoltage detector 405 (e.g., via an input / output such as GPIO (General-Purpose Input / Output)). For example, at each respective one of one or more stages, the current load source 410 can increase the amount of current supplied (e.g., the current supplied by the SW or the current supplied by the unknown USB power supply can increase in incremental amounts), and at the end of the respective stage, the current load test module 420 can read the output from the undervoltage detector 405 and determine whether a fault condition has been flagged. If no fault condition has been flagged, the current load test module 420 can initiate the next stage, in which the amount of current supplied is increased again and the fault condition is checked again. When the current load test module 420 determines that a fault condition has been flagged, the current load test module 420 can determine that the unknown USB power supply is unable to supply the predetermined current.

[0030] In an embodiment, the undervoltage detector 405 and the gate 425 can be used to detect a fault. In an embodiment, the undervoltage detector 405 can be used to detect, for example, a 3V negative threshold. When the VBUS +5V rail drops through 4.85V, the voltage divider can be set to provide a 3.08V level (it should be understood that these threshold levels can be adjusted to suit). The input of the undervoltage detector 405 to the system-on-chip (SoC) (set to interrupt) can be monitored during the test cycle (e.g., by the current load test module 420). The undervoltage detector 405 signal can be asserted within, for example, 20 us of reaching the undervoltage threshold voltage and can remain asserted for, for example, 220 ms. If the DC can withstand the load, there is no change. If the drop appears to exceed a predetermined undervoltage threshold, a negative pulse will occur from the undervoltage detector 405 and enter the gate 425 (e.g., a logic gate, such as the AND gate U12001). This logic function can immediately end the HW pulse test and can prevent overcurrent on the USB port of the connected device (e.g., Figure 1 the USB port 115 of the display device 110). A signal can also be displayed on the input / output indicating that a fault condition has been flagged. The current load test module 420 can utilize this to mark a message on the display device 110 graphics via the HDMI connection between the CPE device 105 and the display device 110.

[0031] Figure 5is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 500 that is operable to use an under-voltage detector to facilitate a current draw capacity test. Process 500 may be performed, for example, by the CPE device 105. Process 500 may begin when initiating a process for testing an unknown USB power supply to which the CPE device 105 is connected. For example, when the CPE device 105 is connected to a USB power supply (e.g., Figure 1 the USB port 115 of the display device 110) via a USB connection and / or an HDMI connection, the test process may be initiated. Process 500 may begin at 505, where the current supplied to the CPE device is increased by a certain amount. In an embodiment, Figure 4 the current load source 410 may increase the amount of current supplied (e.g., the current supplied by the SW or the current supplied by the unknown USB power supply may be increased by an increment), where the amount by which the supplied current is increased is less than a predetermined current that needs to be supplied to the CPE device 105.

[0032] At 510, a check may be made for a fault condition. In an embodiment, Figure 4 the current load test module 420 may read the output from Figure 4 the under-voltage detector 405 and determine whether a fault condition has been flagged. The under-voltage detector 405 may be configured to output a signal on the input / output indicating that a fault condition has been flagged in response to detecting a fault state in response to the increased current.

[0033] At 515, it may be determined whether a fault condition has been flagged.

[0034] If it is determined at 515 that a fault condition has been flagged, process 500 may proceed to 520. At 520, the CPE device 105 may output a notification that the current supply test has failed. In an embodiment, the CPE device 105 may output a notification instructing the user to insert the CPE device 105 into an alternative PSU (power supply unit). For example, the CPE device 105 may generate a visual and / or audible notification, and the visual and / or audible notification may be output from the CPE device 105 to the display device. The visual and / or audible notification may be displayed or otherwise output by the display device. As another example, the CPE device 105 may utilize one or more indicator lights (e.g., LEDs) to output an LED indication associated with the failed power test.

[0035] If it is determined at 515 that there is no marked fault condition, the process 500 can proceed to 525. At 525, it can be determined whether the supply current load generated by the increase at 505 has reached a predetermined current load that needs to be supplied by the USB power supply to the CPE device 105. If the predetermined current load has not been reached, at 505, the supplied current can be increased by a certain amount again. If the predetermined current load has been reached, the CPE device 105 can determine at 530 that the USB power supply to which the CPE device 105 is connected can supply the predetermined current. Since it is determined that the USB power supply can supply the predetermined current, the CPE device 105 can end the current supply test.

[0036] Figure 6 FIG. is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary CPE device 105 operable to facilitate a current draw capacity test by pulsed current loading. The CPE device 105 can include an undervoltage detector 605, a test signal module 610, a notification module 615, a current load test module 620, a gate 625, a connector 130, and a connector 140.

[0037] In an embodiment, Figure 6 the CPE device 105 shown in FIG. can use pulsed current loading to test the current draw capacity of an unknown USB power supply (e.g., the USB port of a device to which the CPE device 105 is connected). The test signal module 610 can generate a test signal (e.g., from a processor) and emit the test signal on an input / output (e.g., GPIO). A steady state SW can be used. The test signal module 610 (e.g., SW loader) can generate a first load (e.g., ~400 mA), and then apply a known load (e.g., ~600 mA) to generate a total load of, for example, ~1 A. It should be understood that depending on the usage, the test signal module 610 can generate various loads. For example, AON_GPIO_16 can be driven at ~10 KHz for a specific period of time (e.g., ~1 - 10 ms), and this test signal can be passed through a logic gate (e.g., gate 625) where no undervoltage fault condition is marked. Different frequencies and mark-to-space ratios can be used to load different conditions / correct power draws for the port to find the optimal / minimum current required to trip the port (drop the voltage on a short duration pulse). The test signal can be applied to a switch on a pulsed signal (e.g., Q4002 / Q4003), such as switching to "heavy airborne load". The load can be ~8.3R to mimic 600 mA (total 1 A test limit). The switched 1 A signal can prevent full load energy from being present on the resistive load, and current will flow during each pulse, thereby applying a load on the voltage.

[0038] The test signal module 610 can generate test signals for each of one or more test scenarios, which are applied to an unknown USB power supply in a series of one or more phases. For example, the test signal module 610 can generate and apply test signals, and the current load test module 620 can determine whether the test signals result in a fault condition. The test signals can be pulse signals applied at a frequency lower than a predetermined frequency, which can cause an overcurrent condition at the USB power supply. If the current load test module 620 determines that the test signals result in a fault condition (e.g., at the undervoltage detector 605), then the current load test module 620 can cause the test signal module 610 to stop the pulsed test signals, and the current load test module 620 can determine that the USB power supply is unable to supply a predetermined current.

[0039] In an embodiment, the undervoltage detector 605 and the gate 625 can be used to detect faults. In an embodiment, the undervoltage detector 605 can be used to detect, for example, a 3V negative threshold. When the VBUS + 5V rail drops through 4.85V, the voltage divider can be set to provide a 3.08V level (it should be understood that these threshold levels can be adjusted to suit). The input of the undervoltage detector 605 to the system-on-chip (SoC) (set to interrupt) can be monitored during a test cycle (e.g., by the current load test module 620). The undervoltage detector 605 signal can be asserted within, for example, 20 us of reaching the undervoltage threshold voltage, and can remain asserted for, for example, 220 ms. If the DC can withstand the load, there is no change. If the drop appears to exceed a predetermined undervoltage threshold, a negative pulse will occur from the undervoltage detector 605 and enter the gate 625 (e.g., a logic gate, such as an AND gate U12001). This logic function can immediately end the HW pulse test and can prevent overcurrent on the USB port of the connected device (e.g., Figure 1 the USB port 115 of the display device 110). A signal can also be displayed on the input / output indicating that a fault condition has been flagged. The current load test module 620 can utilize this to mark a message on the display device 110 graphics via the HDMI connection between the CPE device 105 and the display device 110.

[0040] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 700 operable to use pulsed test signals to facilitate a current draw capacity test. The process 700 can be performed, for example, by the CPE device 105. The process 700 can begin when initiating a process for testing an unknown USB power supply connected to the CPE device 105. For example, when the CPE device 105 is connected to a USB power supply (e.g., Figure 1When the USB port 115 of the display device 110), a test process can be initiated. Process 700 can start at 705, where a first pulse test signal is applied. In an embodiment, Figure 6 The test signal module 610 of can generate test signals for each of one or more test scenarios, which are applied to an unknown USB power supply in a series of one or more stages. For example, the test signal module 610 can generate and apply a pulse test signal. The pulse test signal can be sent out on an input / output (e.g., GPIO). The test signal module 610 (e.g., SW loader) can generate a first load (e.g., ~400 mA), and then apply a known load (e.g., ~600 mA) to generate a total load of, for example, ~1 A. It should be understood that depending on the usage, the test signal module 610 can generate various loads.

[0041] At 710, an inspection can be performed for a fault condition. In an embodiment, Figure 6 the current load test module 620 of can read the output from Figure 6 the undervoltage detector 605 of, and determine whether a fault condition has been marked. The undervoltage detector 605 can be configured to output a signal on the input / output indicating that a fault condition has been marked when a fault state is detected in response to the pulse test signal.

[0042] At 715, it can be determined whether a fault condition has been marked.

[0043] If it is determined at 715 that a fault condition has been marked, process 700 can proceed to 720. At 720, the load generated by the applied test signal can be released.

[0044] At 725, the CPE device 105 can output a notification that the current supply test has failed. In an embodiment, the CPE device 105 can output a notification instructing the user to insert the CPE device 105 into an alternative PSU (power supply unit). For example, the CPE device 105 can generate a visual and / or audible notification, and the visual and / or audible notification can be output from the CPE device 105 to the display device. The visual and / or audible notification can be displayed or otherwise output by the display device. As another example, the CPE device 105 can utilize one or more indicator lights (e.g., LEDs) to output an LED indication associated with the failed power test.

[0045] If it is determined at 715 that there is no marked fault condition, process 700 may proceed to 730. At 730, it may be determined whether to test other test scenarios. For example, CPE device 105 may be configured to generate test signals for each of one or more test scenarios, which are applied to an unknown USB power supply in a series of one or more phases. If there is at least one other test scenario to be tested, the next pulse test signal associated with the next test scenario may be applied at 735. If there are no other scenarios to be tested, CPE device 105 may determine that the USB power supply to which CPE device 105 is connected can supply a predetermined current at 740. Since it is determined that the USB power supply is capable of supplying the predetermined current, CPE device 105 may end the current supply test.

[0046] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration 800 that is operable to facilitate a current draw capacity test. It should be understood that hardware configuration 800 may be present in various types of devices. Hardware configuration 800 may include a processor 810, a memory 820, a storage device 830, and an input / output device 840. Each of components 810, 820, 830, and 840 may be interconnected, for example, using a system bus 850. Processor 810 may be capable of processing instructions for execution within hardware configuration 800. In one embodiment, processor 810 may be a single-threaded processor. In another embodiment, processor 810 may be a multi-threaded processor. Processor 810 is capable of processing instructions stored in memory 820 or on storage device 830.

[0047] Memory 820 may store information within hardware configuration 800. In one embodiment, memory 820 may be a computer-readable medium. In one embodiment, memory 820 may be a volatile memory unit. In another embodiment, memory 820 may be a non-volatile memory unit.

[0048] In some embodiments, storage device 830 is capable of providing mass storage for hardware configuration 800. In one embodiment, storage device 830 may be a computer-readable medium. In various different embodiments, storage device 830 may include, for example, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, a flash memory, or some other large-capacity storage device. In other embodiments, storage device 830 may be a device external to hardware configuration 800.

[0049] The input / output device 840 provides input / output operations for the hardware configuration 800. In an embodiment, the input / output device 840 may include one or more of a network interface device (e.g., an Ethernet card), a serial communication device (e.g., an RS-232 port), one or more universal serial bus (USB) interfaces (e.g., a USB 2.0 port), and / or a wireless interface device (e.g., an 802.11 card). In an embodiment, the input / output device may include a driver device configured to send communications to and receive communications from one or more networks and / or one or more access devices and / or stations.

[0050] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention improves methods and systems for preventing over-current shutdown of a USB port while measuring the ability to draw a predetermined current from an unknown USB power source. In an embodiment, an unknown USB power source (e.g., the USB port of a television) connected to a CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) device (e.g., an STB (Set-Top Box)) can be tested to determine the current draw capacity of the USB power source. For example, the CPE device can test the USB power source to determine whether the USB power source is capable of supplying a predetermined current (e.g., 1A). If it is determined that the USB power source cannot supply the predetermined current, the end user can be instructed to insert a replacement PSU (Power Supply Unit) into the CPE device, where the replacement PSU is capable of supplying the predetermined current to the CPE device. For example, the CPE device can output an indication to use the replacement PSU via graphics output to a display device through an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connection, or via LED indication using one or more LEDs at the CPE device.

[0051] The subject matter of the present disclosure and its components can be implemented by instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processing devices to perform the above processes and functions. For example, such instructions may include interpretive instructions, such as script instructions, such as JavaScript or ECMAScript instructions, or executable code, or other instructions stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0052] Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be provided in digital electronic circuitry or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in a combination of one or more of them. Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented as one or more computer program products, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a tangible program carrier for execution by, or to control the operation of, a data processing apparatus.

[0053] A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, or declarative or procedural languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. The program can be stored as part of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language file), in a single file dedicated to the relevant program, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, subroutines, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to execute on one computer or on multiple computers located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0054] The processes and logical flows described in this specification are performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output, thereby binding the processes to a particular machine (e.g., a machine programmed to perform the processes described herein). The processes and logical flows can also be performed by dedicated logic circuitry, and the apparatus can also be implemented as dedicated logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0055] Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, such as including semiconductor storage devices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices); magnetic disks (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks); magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, dedicated logic circuitry.

[0056] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what can be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of a particular invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented separately or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. In addition, although the features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, in some cases, one or more features from a claimed combination can be removed from the combination, and the claimed combination can refer to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0057] Similarly, although operations are shown in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be construed as requiring that such operations be performed in that order or in the particular order shown, or that all illustrated operations be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Additionally, the separation of various system components in the above-described embodiments should not be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0058] Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. For example, unless otherwise expressly stated, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve the desired result. As one example, the processes depicted in the figures do not necessarily need to be in the particular order or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result. In some implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

Claims

1. A method, comprising: providing a customer premise equipment device having an input / output device configured to communicate with one or more networks and receive communications from the one or more networks using current supplied by a universal serial bus (USB) port of a display device during normal operation; when connecting the customer premise equipment device to the USB port of the display device, initiating, at the customer premise equipment device, a pulsed current draw capacity test of a pulsed current, the pulsed current being drawn from a power supply of the display device by a current load source of the customer premise equipment device, the power supply of the display device being provided to the customer premise equipment device through the USB port of the display device, so as to supply, through the USB port of the display device, a predetermined current required by the customer premise equipment device during normal operation of the customer premise equipment device; pulsing a predetermined current load by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device to apply a pulsed current load to the power supply of the display device for a duration that prevents full activation of an overcurrent trip, the pulsed current load being generated by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device by periodically removing the predetermined current load, wherein the current load source of the customer premise equipment device gradually increases the pulsed current drawn from the power supply of the display device by increasing more functions in a controlled manner, thereby generating the pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device to the power supply of the display device; determining whether the power supply of the display device can support the pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device to the power supply of the display device through the USB port of the display device to provide the predetermined current to the customer premise equipment device during normal operation of the customer premise equipment device; and when it is determined during the pulsed current draw capacity test that the power supply of the display device cannot support the pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device to the power supply of the display device through the USB port of the display device, outputting, by the customer premise equipment device, a notification to the display device, wherein the notification includes an indication presented on the display device to insert an alternative power supply into the customer premise equipment device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The pulsed current load gradually increases in stages.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein Determining whether the power supply of the display device can support the pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device to the power supply of the display device through the USB port of the display device to provide the predetermined current to the customer premise equipment device during normal operation of the customer premise equipment device includes: reading a voltage value at a power monitor of the customer premise equipment device after each increase in the pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device to the power supply of the display device through the USB port of the display device; and When the voltage value drops below a threshold, it is determined that the power supply of the display device cannot support the pulsed current load applied to the power supply of the display device by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device through the USB port.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein, Determining whether the power supply of the display device can support the pulsed current load applied to the power supply of the display device by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device through the USB port of the display device to provide the predetermined current to the customer premise equipment device during normal operation of the customer premise equipment device includes: Monitoring the output of the under-voltage detector of the customer premise equipment device; and When the under-voltage detector flags a fault condition, determining that the power supply of the display device cannot support the pulsed current load applied to the power supply of the display device by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device through the USB port.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein, Determining whether the power supply of the display device can support the pulsed current load applied to the power supply of the display device by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device through the USB port of the display device to provide the predetermined current to the customer premise equipment device during normal operation of the customer premise equipment device includes: Monitoring the output of the under-voltage detector of the customer premise equipment device; and When the under-voltage detector flags a fault condition, determining that the power supply of the display device cannot support the pulsed current load applied to the power supply of the display device by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device through the USB port.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The notification causes the display device to output a message instructing the user to connect the customer premise equipment device to an alternative power supply unit.

7. A customer premise equipment device, the customer premise equipment device comprising: An input / output device configured to send communications to and receive communications from one or more networks using current supplied by a universal serial bus (USB) port of a display device during normal operation, wherein the customer premise equipment device is configured to: When connecting the customer premise equipment device to the USB port of the display device, initiate a pulsed current draw capacity test of the pulsed current at the customer premise equipment device to test the capacity of the power supply of the display device, the pulsed current being drawn from the power supply of the display device by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device, the power supply of the display device being provided to the customer premise equipment device through the USB port of the display device, so as to supply the predetermined current required by the customer premise equipment device during normal operation of the customer premise equipment device to the customer premise equipment device through the USB port of the display device; The current load source of the customer premises equipment device pulses a predetermined current load to apply a pulsed current load to the power supply of the display device for a duration that prevents full activation of an overcurrent trip. The pulsed current load is generated by the current load source of the customer premises equipment device by periodically removing the predetermined current load. Wherein, by increasing more functions in a controlled manner, the current load source of the customer premises equipment device gradually increases the pulsed current drawn from the power supply of the display device, thereby generating a pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premises equipment device to the power supply of the display device; Determine whether the power supply of the display device can support the pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premises equipment device to the power supply of the display device through the USB port of the display device to provide the predetermined current to the customer premises equipment device during normal operation of the customer premises equipment device; and When it is determined during the pulsed current draw capacity test that the power supply of the display device cannot support the pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premises equipment device to the power supply of the display device through the USB port of the display device, output a notification to the display device, wherein the notification includes an indication presented on the display device to insert an alternative power supply into the customer premises equipment device.

8. The customer premises equipment device according to claim 7, wherein, The pulsed current load gradually increases in each stage.

9. The customer premises equipment device according to claim 8, wherein, Determining whether the power supply of the display device can support the pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premises equipment device to the power supply of the display device through the USB port of the display device to provide the predetermined current to the customer premises equipment device during normal operation of the customer premises equipment device includes: Reading the voltage value at the power monitor of the customer premises equipment device after each increase in the pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premises equipment device to the power supply of the display device through the USB port of the display device; and When the voltage value drops below a threshold, determining that the power supply of the display device cannot support the pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premises equipment device to the power supply of the display device through the USB port.

10. The customer premise equipment device according to claim 8, wherein, Determining whether the power supply of the display device can support the pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premises equipment device to the power supply of the display device through the USB port of the display device to provide the predetermined current to the customer premises equipment device during normal operation of the customer premises equipment device includes: Monitoring the output of the undervoltage detector of the customer premises equipment device; and When the undervoltage detector flags a fault condition, determining that the power supply of the display device cannot support the pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premises equipment device to the power supply of the display device through the USB port.

11. The customer premise equipment device according to claim 9, wherein, Determining whether the power supply of the display device can support a pulsed current load applied to the power supply of the display device by a current load source of the customer premise equipment device through a USB port of the display device to provide the predetermined current to the customer premise equipment device during normal operation of the customer premise equipment device includes: Monitoring an output of an under-voltage detector of the customer premise equipment device; and When the under-voltage detector flags a fault condition, determining that the power supply of the display device cannot support a pulsed current load applied to the power supply of the display device by a current load source of the customer premise equipment device through the USB port.

12. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media having instructions that are operable to cause one or more processors to perform operations, the operations including: Providing a customer premise equipment device having an input / output device configured to send communications to and receive communications from one or more networks using current supplied by a universal serial bus (USB) port of a display device during normal operation; When connecting the customer premise equipment device to the USB port of the display device, initiating, at the customer premise equipment device, a pulsed current draw capacity test of a pulsed current, the pulsed current being drawn from the power supply of the display device by a current load source of the customer premise equipment device, the power supply of the display device being provided to the customer premise equipment device through the USB port of the display device, so as to supply, through the USB port of the display device, the predetermined current required by the customer premise equipment device during normal operation of the customer premise equipment device; Pulsing a predetermined current load by a current load source of the customer premise equipment device to apply a pulsed current load to the power supply of the display device for a duration that prevents full activation of an over-current trip, the pulsed current load being generated by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device by periodically removing the predetermined current load, wherein the current load source of the customer premise equipment device gradually increases the pulsed current drawn from the power supply of the display device by increasing more functions in a controlled manner, thereby generating a pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device to the power supply of the display device; Determining whether the power supply of the display device can support a pulsed current load applied to the power supply of the display device by a current load source of the customer premise equipment device through the USB port of the display device to provide the predetermined current to the customer premise equipment device during normal operation of the customer premise equipment device; and When it is determined during the pulsed current draw capacity test that the power supply of the display device cannot support the pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device to the power supply of the display device through the USB port of the display device, a notification is output from the customer premise equipment device to the display device, where the notification includes an indication presented on the display device for inserting an alternative power supply into the customer premise equipment device.

13. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media according to claim 12, wherein, The pulsed current load gradually increases in each stage.

14. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media according to claim 13, wherein, Determining whether the power supply of the display device can support the pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device to the power supply of the display device through the USB port of the display device to provide the predetermined current to the customer premise equipment device during normal operation of the customer premise equipment device includes: Reading the voltage value at the power monitor of the customer premise equipment device after each increase in the pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device to the power supply of the display device through the USB port of the display device; and When the voltage value drops below a threshold, determining that the power supply of the display device cannot support the pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device to the power supply of the display device through the USB port.

15. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media according to claim 13, wherein, Determining whether the power supply of the display device can support the pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device to the power supply of the display device through the USB port of the display device to provide the predetermined current to the customer premise equipment device during normal operation of the customer premise equipment device includes: Monitoring the output of the under-voltage detector of the customer premise equipment device; and When the under-voltage detector flags a fault condition, determining that the power supply of the display device cannot support the pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device to the power supply of the display device through the USB port.

16. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media according to claim 14, wherein, Determining whether the power supply of the display device can support the pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device to the power supply of the display device through the USB port of the display device to provide the predetermined current to the customer premise equipment device during normal operation of the customer premise equipment device includes: Monitoring the output of the under-voltage detector of the customer premise equipment device; and When the under-voltage detector flags a fault condition, determining that the power supply of the display device cannot support the pulsed current load applied by the current load source of the customer premise equipment device to the power supply of the display device through the USB port.

17. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media according to claim 12, wherein, The notification causes the display device to output a message instructing the user to connect the customer premise equipment device to an alternative power supply unit.

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