Pin short circuit damage protection

Abstract

A cable is protected from damage caused by shorting pins at a connector port. The cable includes one or more sensors located within a connector outer body, the sensors configured to monitor a status of a connection interface of the cable. The connection interface is configured to connect to a connector power source and transfer power between a power transfer source and a power transfer sink port via the connector power source. A power control signal controller is configured to predict a disconnection event between the connection interface and the connector port of the cable based on the monitored status of the connection interface, and to trigger a reduction in the voltage of a voltage bus supplied by the power transfer source to the cable based at least in part on the prediction of the disconnection event.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Some system connection technologies are configured to transfer power from a power delivery source (e.g., a power adapter) to a power delivery sink (e.g., a mobile computing device). For example, USB Type-C (USB-C) is a universal serial bus (USB) standard that combines support for data, video, and power delivery into a single, flexible connector system. The USB-C connector supports USB power delivery with capabilities extending up to 100W, allowing the power delivery source to dynamically manage currents from 0.5A to 5.0A. The voltage bus (VBUS) can provide voltages up to 20V, allowing the connected power delivery sink (e.g., a mobile phone) to be quickly charged. Summary of the Invention

[0002] The described technology provides a cable for protecting against damage caused by a short circuit of pins at a connector port. The cable includes one or more sensors located within a connector outer body, the sensors being configured to monitor a state of a connection interface of the cable. The connection interface is configured to attach to a connector power source and transfer power between a power transfer source and a power transfer sink port via the connector power source. A power control signal controller is configured to predict a disconnection event between the connection interface and the connector port of the cable based on the monitored state of the connection interface, and to trigger a reduction in voltage and / or power of a voltage bus supplied to the cable by the power transfer source based at least in part on the prediction of the disconnection event.

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form that will be further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] Other implementations are also described and listed herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 An example cable connecting a power transfer source to a power transfer sink is shown.

[0006] Figure 2 An example connection interface of a connector plug of a cable and a connection interface of a connector jack in a power transfer sink are shown.

[0007] Figure 3 An example pin short damage protection circuit in a cable is shown.

[0008] Figure 4 Example operations for protecting a device from damage caused by a pin short circuit are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] The symmetrical definition of the USB-C connector allows for reversible plug orientation. In a small form factor, the 24-pin double-sided connector has a pin-to-pin pitch of 0.5 mm, which increases the risk of electrical shorts between pins. For example, such a short circuit may be caused by a mechanical torsional force applied at the connection interface between the USB-C connector of the power transfer source and the USB-C connector of the power transfer sink, such as when the USB-C connector plug (male end) is rotated at the connection interface in the USB-C connector receptacle (female end), and the USB-C connector is pulled out of the USB-C receptacle at an angle. In addition, the accumulation of small debris and moisture due to connector aging may also cause and / or contribute to short circuits. It should be understood that other system connection technologies (i.e., other than the USB-C connector) may suffer similar damage risks at the connection interface between the connector of the power transfer source and the power transfer sink due to pin-to-pin shorts.

[0010] Taking the USB-C standard as an example, the connector includes a plurality of pins that are in electrical contact with each other when the connector is attached to the connection interface. For USB-C, example pins include a ground pin (GND), fast transmission pins (e.g., TX1+, TX1-, TX2+, TX2-), fast reception pins (e.g., RX1+, RX1-, RX2+, RX2-), USB 2.0 compatible data communication pins (D+, D-), power delivery pins (VBUS / CONN), sideband channel pins (SBU1, SBU2), and configuration channel pins (CC1, CC2). The CC and SBU pins are directly adjacent to the VBUS pin, so a short circuit between the CC / SBU pin and the VBUS pin may expose a high voltage (e.g., 20V) to the downstream circuitry of the power delivery sink, potentially causing damage to the system. The connector and cable for the power delivery source may also provide sufficient inductance in the resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) circuit of the device and cable to generate a peak voltage (e.g., up to 44V) approximately twice the stable voltage or final voltage during ringing. p-p ). Therefore, during a "short to VBUS event" on the USB-C pins at the connection interface, the upstream facing port (UFP) internal circuitry may be damaged.

[0011] The described technology protects electronic devices from many pin short circuit damage situations by adding sensors to connector cables, which trigger a signal to shut down or lower the power to the device before a short circuit event occurs. In one implementation, the connection interface of the connector cable is equipped with one or more sensors to detect an impending disconnection event that may cause a pin short circuit. For example, the sensor can detect the proximity of a user's finger and predict that the user is about to disconnect the cable from the device. In this case, the detected event can indicate a potential pin short circuit risk, and the cable or device can trigger a power-off (e.g., cutting off power or reducing power) action at the power transfer source to protect the power transfer sink from possible pin short circuit damage. In one implementation, the power-off action can be temporary, such as using a timer to restore full power after a short period of time (e.g., when a user touches the connector connection interface to ensure that the connector is secure, the power can be temporarily reduced and then returned if the connector is not disconnected).

[0012] This article primarily describes pin short-circuit damage protection as it relates to reducing and restoring the voltage on a voltage bus. However, it should be understood that pin short-circuit damage protection can also be described with reference to power reduction involving both voltage and current. For example, limiting the current on a voltage bus can also provide pin short-circuit damage protection.

[0013] Figure 1 An example cable 100 is shown that connects a power transfer source 102 (e.g., a power adapter) to a power transfer sink 104 (e.g., a mobile computer). Cable 100 includes two connection interfaces 106 and 108, one at each end of cable 100. Each connection interface is configured to attach to a connector port and transfer power between the power transfer source and the power transfer sink via the connector port (power transfer source 102 includes connector port 114, and power transfer sink 104 includes connector port 116). Figure 1 In the illustration of FIG, both connection interfaces include male connectors or plugs, but in other implementations, one or both of the connection interfaces may include female connectors or receptacles or electrical connectors having some other type of connector configuration. In one implementation, cable 100 conforms to the USB Type-C (USB-C) standard, which combines data, video, and power delivery into a single flexible connector system.

[0014] The USB-C standard defines a small form factor configuration with a 24-pin double-sided connector with a 0.5 mm inter-pin pitch, which increases the risk of pin shorting, such as between the CC and VBUS pins or between the SBU and VBUS pins, but other pin shorts are also contemplated. Such shorts are more likely to occur when the connection interface of the cable 100 is disconnected from the connection interface of the power transfer sink 104 or the power transfer source 102. When a user grasps the outer connector body of the connection interface 106 or 108 to unplug the cable from the connector port (as shown by dashed arrows 110 and 112), the connection interface 106 or 108 of the cable 100 tends to rotate or misalign in the corresponding connector port. As such, a disconnection event presents an increased risk of pin shorting at the connection interface of the port. In some implementations, a connection event (e.g., inserting a USB-C plug into a USB-C port) may also create the risk of pin shorting. Therefore, the described techniques can also be used to reduce voltage or power in anticipation of a connection event.

[0015] The cable 100 includes pin short circuit damage protection at one or both ends. In one implementation, the connection interface (e.g., connection interface 108) includes one or more sensors and a power control signal controller. The one or more sensors are positioned within the connector outer body of the connection interface 108 of the cable 100. The sensor can be embedded in the connector outer body itself, or surrounded, enclosed or otherwise positioned at least partially within the volume of the connector outer body. When attempting to separate the cable 100 from the power delivery host 104, the user typically grasps the connector outer body of the connection interface 108 and pulls the connection interface 108 out of the connector port of the power delivery host 104 (a disconnection event).

[0016] One or more sensors in the connection interface 108 monitor the state of the connection interface 108 to predict a disconnection event before a pin short circuit occurs. For example, when a user grabs the connector outer body of the connection interface 108, one or more sensors detect the state of the user's finger being close to, in contact with, or present relative to the connection interface 108. This state indicates that the user may separate the cable 100 from the connector port of the power delivery host 104. Therefore, the one or more sensors send one or more signals to the power control signal controller in the connection interface 108, which interprets these signals to predict whether a disconnection event is expected. It should be understood that the power control signal controller can determine that these signals predict a possible disconnection event, while other signals are not predicted (for example, a very short and weak proximity detection signal may simply indicate that a conductor is close to the connection interface 108, rather than indicating that the user has grabbed it).

[0017] Example sensors in the connection interface 108 may include proximity sensors, contact sensors, mechanical sensors, force sensors, and other sensors capable of detecting a state of prediction of an expected disconnection event. For example, the power control signal controller may evaluate a signal from a proximity sensor to determine whether a detected disconnection object (e.g., a human finger) is within a predefined proximity distance from the connector outer body for at least a predefined time period. The contact sensor and the mechanical sensor may respectively detect whether the detected disconnection object contacts the connector outer body or grasps the connector outer body with a predefined force. In another example, a force sensor may be positioned in the connection interface (e.g., within the connector outer body and / or within or near the plug or jack structure of the connection interface) to detect a possible disconnection event that occurs when the user does not grasp the connector outer body (e.g., when the user trips on the cable and pulls it out of the connector port of the computing device). In another implementation, one or more accelerometers or gyroscopes may be used to detect sudden movement, which may predict a possible disconnection event. These different sensors may also be used in various combinations. Restoration of voltage to the voltage bus may depend on a change in state of the connection interface (eg, finger removed, movement reduced), a timer measuring time since a first state change, or the like.

[0018] Based on the state characterized by the sensor signal, the power control signal controller predicts whether a disconnection event is expected between the cable's connection interface and the connector port based on the state of the monitored connection interface. The power control signal controller triggers a reduction in the voltage and / or power of the voltage bus supplied to the cable 100 by the power delivery source 102 based at least in part on the prediction of the disconnection event. In one implementation, the power control signal controller toggles a switch to electrically connect the VBUS of the cable 100 to the configuration channel (CC) via a voltage regulator and a switch. According to the USB-C standard, this action generates a power control signal by pulling the voltage of the CC high enough to signal the power delivery source 102 to reduce the voltage and / or power to the VBUS of the cable 100, even in the absence of a pin short circuit. The use of a high voltage on the CC is an example power control signal, and other power control signals may alternatively be employed. Therefore, by monitoring the state of the cable's connection interface to predict a possible disconnection event, the power to the VBUS can be reduced (e.g., cut off) before a pin short circuit occurs.

[0019] After the voltage on the voltage bus of cable 100 has decreased, the predicted disconnection event may not occur. For example, a user may grab the connection interface 106 to confirm that it is securely accommodated in the connector port 114 of the power transfer source 102. The sensor and power control signal controller may interpret this action as a possible disconnection event, and the voltage on the voltage bus is temporarily reduced. However, if the user releases his or her grip on the connection interface 106, the power transfer system can return to the voltage of the voltage bus. Therefore, when the sensor and power control signal controller continue to monitor the state of the connection interface, they can determine that a disconnection event is no longer predicted, for example because the state of the connection interface 106 has changed to indicate that the user is no longer gripping the connection interface 106. In response to this determination, the power control signal controller can trigger a power control signal to cause the power transfer source 102 to restore the voltage applied to the voltage bus based at least in part on determining that a disconnection event is no longer predicted.

[0020] Figure 2 An example connection interface 200 is shown for a connector plug 202 of a cable 204 and a connection interface 206 for a connector receptacle 208 in a power delivery sink 210. The example connection interface 200 includes pin short damage protection circuitry to protect electronics in the power delivery sink 210. In various implementations, the connection interface 200 of the cable 204 includes one or more sensors to monitor the status of the connection interface 200. Example sensors in the connection interface 200 may include proximity sensors, contact sensors, mechanical sensors, force sensors, and other sensors capable of detecting a state in anticipation of an anticipated disconnection event.

[0021] A power control signal controller in the connection interface 200 receives signals from the sensors and determines whether the signals indicate a state that suggests a disconnection event is about to occur (e.g., a user grasps the connection interface 200 and the force on the connector plug 202 is excessive). If the power control signal controller predicts that a disconnection event is about to occur, the power control signal controller triggers a reduction in the voltage and / or power of the voltage bus supplied by the power transfer source to the cable 204. In one implementation, the power control signal controller sends a power control signal to the power transfer source to cause a reduction (e.g., a shutdown) in the voltage and / or power supplied to the voltage bus of the cable 204. If the state changes to a state that does not suggest a disconnection event is about to occur (e.g., a user releases his or her grip on the connection interface 200 and the excessive force on the connector plug 202 disappears), the power control signal controller can change the power control signal to cause the power transfer source to restore the voltage of the voltage bus of the cable 204.

[0022] Figure 3An example pin short damage protection circuit 300 in a cable is shown. A voltage bus 302 (e.g., VBUS) and a configuration channel (CC) bus 304 extend substantially the length of the cable, terminating at the cable's connection interface. According to the USB-C standard, when the cable is connected to a power delivery sink, voltage bus 302 from the connected power delivery source provides approximately 0 to 5 volts and a limited current. After connection, the power delivery source increases the voltage on voltage bus 302 to provide 20 volts and a charging current of up to 5 amps. During a disconnection event, if another pin is shorted to voltage bus 302, the high voltage on voltage bus 302 could damage the internal circuitry of the power delivery sink. Therefore, in one implementation, pin short damage protection circuit 300 senses a predicted state for a possible disconnection event and reduces the voltage on voltage bus 302 before a short circuit is likely to occur. It should be understood that different power delivery sources, power delivery sinks, and power delivery standards may involve different voltage and current levels in various operating states than those described herein.

[0023] One or more event sensors are included in the pin short protection circuitry 300. Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, event sensor 306 and event sensor 308 can be located on opposite sides of the connection interface of the cable to monitor the status of the connection interface and detect the proximity, contact, force and / or other presence evidence of the user's index finger and thumb, which can predict a disconnection event. Other configurations can be used, having only one sensor or more than two sensors and / or sensors in different positions. For example, in one implementation, the event sensor is in the form of a force sensor in the connection interface, which can detect excessive force on the plug or jack, which may indicate an impending disconnection.

[0024] Signals from the event sensor are transmitted to the power control signal controller 310, which evaluates these signals to determine whether the state of the connection interface predicts an impending disconnection. If the power control signal controller 310 predicts a disconnection event, it causes the switch 312 to conduct to increase the voltage on the configuration channel bus 304. The switch 312 can be in the form of a mechanical switch, an electrical switch, a magnetic switch, a transistor, or other form of signal switching component. The increased voltage is supplied from the voltage bus 302 via the voltage regulator 314 (e.g., providing a 3.3 volt output to the configuration channel bus 304). The increased voltage on the configuration channel bus 304 acts as a power control signal to the connected power transfer source to reduce the voltage and / or power on the cable's voltage bus 302. If the event sensor detects a state that no longer predicts an impending disconnection event, the power control signal controller 310 can cause the switch 312 to open and reduce the voltage on the configuration channel bus 304, which will cause the power transfer source to restore the voltage of the cable's voltage bus 302.

[0025] Other circuit system configurations may be used to generate power control signals that trigger the voltage reduction and restoration of the voltage bus 302. For example, Figure 3 , however, in alternative implementations, another voltage source (eg, Vconn) may be used. The circuitry elements may include standard or specialized electrical, magnetic, and / or mechanical components.

[0026] In an alternative implementation and in response to the sensor signal, the controller may send a BMC (Bi-Phase Mark Coding) code or other signal to the power transfer source over the configuration channel or another channel or bus to trigger a modification of the voltage supplied to the voltage bus. Other power control signaling configurations may also be employed.

[0027] Figure 4 An example operation 400 is shown for protecting a device from damage caused by a pin short circuit. A monitoring operation 402 monitors a state of a connection interface of a cable. The connection interface is configured to connect to a connector port and transfer power between a power transfer source and a power transfer sink via the connector port. For example, the connection interface can be connected to a power transfer sink or a power transfer source. A prediction operation 404 predicts a disconnection event between the connection interface of the cable and the connector port based on the monitored state of the connection interface, even though the predicted disconnection event may never actually occur (e.g., a user removes his or her finger from the connection interface without disconnecting it from the connection port).

[0028] A triggering operation 406 triggers a reduction in voltage and / or power supplied by a power delivery source to a voltage bus of the cable based at least in part on predicting a disconnect event. For example, a power control signal is sent to the power delivery source to reduce the voltage supplied by the source to the voltage bus. In one implementation (e.g., in USB-C), the power control signal is in the form of an increased voltage applied to a configuration channel bus of the cable, but other signals may be used. If a disconnect event does not occur (e.g., monitoring a state that no longer predicts a disconnect event, such as when a user releases the connection interface without pulling it out of the connection port), a restoring operation 408 restores the voltage applied to the voltage bus based at least in part on determining that a disconnect event is no longer predicted.

[0029] The timing of these operations can be determined to most likely result in a voltage and / or power reduction of the bus voltage before a pin short is experienced from a disconnection event. Referring to a USB-C implementation, as an example, the time period between a user's finger contacting the connection interface and the connection interface actually being disconnected from the connector port is approximately greater than 500ms. The timing of the described pin short protection scheme can reduce the voltage on the voltage bus before the risk of a pin short is significant, as shown in the following example timing:

[0030] 1) Finger sensor detects and pulls the configuration channel up to 3.3V = ~1ms

[0031] 2) The power transfer source receives the power control signal and starts to de-energize the voltage bus = ~25ms

[0032] 3) The voltage on the voltage bus at the connection interface drops from 20V to zeroV = ~250ms

[0033] In this example, the voltage on the voltage bus drops to zero volts in approximately 276 ms, which may be fast enough to prevent damage from shorting pins due to a disconnect event that takes approximately 500 ms to initiate after the user touches the connection interface.

[0034] When the user's finger is removed from the connection interface, the voltage can be restored within approximately 200ms after the removal is detected. The power control signal controller causes the switch to open, which pulls the configuration channel bus down from its previous 3.3 volt level (or releases the configuration channel bus from the 3.3 volt level) and triggers the power delivery source to restore the voltage bus to its 20 volt operating level.

[0035] An example method for protecting against pin short circuit damage at a connector port includes: monitoring a status of a connection interface of a cable, the connection interface being configured to connect to the connector port and transfer power between a power transfer source and a power transfer sink via the connector port; predicting a disconnection event between the connection interface of the cable and the connector port based on the monitored status of the connection interface; and triggering a reduction in voltage and / or power of a voltage bus supplied by the power transfer source to the cable based at least in part on the prediction of the disconnection event.

[0036] Another example method according to any of the preceding methods is provided, wherein the connection interface includes a connector outer body, and the monitoring operation includes detecting the presence of at least one disconnected object at the connector outer body as the monitored state of the connection interface.

[0037] Another example method according to any of the preceding methods is provided, wherein the detecting operation includes detecting, via a touch sensor, at least one disconnecting object contacting a connector outer body as the monitored state of the connection interface.

[0038] Another example method according to any of the preceding methods is provided, wherein the detecting operation includes detecting, via a proximity sensor, that at least one disconnected object is within a predefined proximity distance of the connector outer body as the monitored state of the connection interface.

[0039] Another example method according to any of the preceding methods is provided, wherein the detecting operation includes detecting, via a mechanical sensor, at least one disconnected object contacting the connector outer body with a predefined force as the monitored state of the connection interface.

[0040] Another example method according to any of the foregoing methods is provided, further comprising monitoring a state of a connection interface based at least in part on a triggering operation, determining that a disconnection event is no longer predicted based on the monitored state of the connection interface, and restoring voltage applied to the voltage bus based at least in part on determining that a disconnection event is no longer predicted.

[0041] Another example method according to any of the preceding methods is provided, wherein the generating operation includes increasing a voltage on a configuration channel bus of the cable based at least in part on predicting a disconnect event as a power control signal to trigger a power delivery source to reduce a voltage supplied to a voltage bus of the cable.

[0042] An example system for protecting against damage caused by short circuits of pins at a connector port includes: a device for monitoring a status of a connection interface of a cable, the connection interface being configured to connect to the connector port and transfer power between a power transfer source and a power transfer sink via the connector port; a device for predicting a disconnection event between the connection interface and the connector port of the cable based on the monitored status of the connection interface; and a device for triggering a reduction in the voltage of a voltage bus supplied to the cable by the power transfer source based at least in part on the prediction of the disconnection event.

[0043] Another example system according to any of the foregoing systems is provided, wherein the connection interface includes a connector outer body, and the means for monitoring includes means for detecting the presence of at least one disconnected object at the connector outer body as the monitored state of the connection interface.

[0044] Another example system according to any of the preceding systems is provided, wherein the means for detecting includes means for detecting, via a touch sensor, at least one disconnected object contacting a connector outer body as the monitored state of the connection interface.

[0045] Another example system according to any of the preceding systems is provided, wherein the means for detecting includes detecting, via a proximity sensor, at least one disconnected object within a predefined proximity distance of the connector outer body as the monitored state of the connection interface.

[0046] Another example system according to any of the preceding systems is provided, wherein the means for detecting includes detecting, via a mechanical sensor, at least one disconnected object contacting the connector outer body with a predefined force as the monitored state of the connection interface.

[0047] Another example system is provided according to any of the foregoing systems, wherein the means for monitoring the state of the connection interface is at least partially responsive to the means for triggering, and the system further comprises means for determining that a disconnect event is no longer predicted based on the monitored state of the connection interface, and means for restoring the voltage applied to the voltage bus based at least in part on determining that a disconnect event is no longer predicted.

[0048] Another example system is provided according to any of the foregoing systems, wherein the means for generating comprises increasing a voltage on a configuration channel bus of the cable based at least in part on predicting a disconnect event as a power control signal to trigger a power delivery source to reduce a voltage supplied to a voltage bus of the cable.

[0049] An example system for protecting against damage caused by short circuits of pins at a connector port is provided, wherein the system includes: one or more sensors configured to monitor a status of a connection interface of a cable, the connection interface configured to connect to connector power and transfer power between a power transfer source and a power transfer sink port via the connector power; and a power control signal controller configured to predict a disconnection event between the connection interface and the connector port of the cable based on the status of the monitored connection interface, and to trigger a reduction in the voltage of a voltage bus supplied by the power transfer source to the cable based at least in part on the prediction of the disconnection event.

[0050] Another example system according to any of the foregoing systems is provided, wherein the connection interface includes a connector outer body, and one or more sensors are positioned within the connector outer body and are configured to detect the presence of at least one disconnected object at the connector outer body as the state of the connection interface being monitored.

[0051] Another example system according to any of the preceding systems is provided, wherein the one or more sensors include a touch sensor and are configured to detect at least one disconnected object contacting a connector outer body as the monitored state of the connection interface.

[0052] Another example system according to any of the foregoing systems is provided, wherein the one or more sensors include a proximity sensor and is configured to detect at least one disconnected object within a predefined proximity distance of the connector outer body as the monitored state of the connection interface.

[0053] Another example system according to any of the preceding systems is provided, wherein the one or more sensors include mechanical sensors and are configured to detect at least one disconnected object contacting a connector outer body as the monitored state of the connection interface.

[0054] Another example system according to any of the foregoing systems is provided, wherein the power control signal controller is further configured to monitor a state of a connection interface based at least in part on a decrease in voltage supplied to a voltage bus, determine that a disconnect event is no longer predicted based on the monitored state of the connection interface, and restore the voltage applied to the voltage bus based at least in part on the determination that a disconnect event is no longer predicted.

[0055] Another example system according to any of the foregoing systems is provided, wherein the power control signal controller is further configured to increase the voltage on a configuration channel bus of the cable based at least in part on a prediction of a disconnect event as a power control signal to trigger the power transfer source to reduce the voltage supplied to the voltage bus of the cable.

[0056] An example cable is provided for protecting against damage caused by shorting pins at a connector port. The cable includes: a connector outer body in a connection interface at an end of the cable; one or more sensors positioned within the connector outer body and configured to monitor a state of the connection interface of the cable, the connection interface configured to connect to a connector power source and transfer power between a power transfer source and a power transfer sink port via the connector power; and a power control signal controller configured to predict a disconnection event between the connection interface of the cable and the connector port based on the monitored state of the connection interface and trigger a reduction in power supplied by the power transfer source to a voltage bus of the cable based at least in part on the prediction of the disconnection event.

[0057] There is provided another cable according to any preceding cable, wherein one or more sensors are configured to detect the presence of at least one disconnected object at the connector outer body as the monitored state of the connection interface.

[0058] There is provided another cable according to any preceding cable, wherein the one or more sensors include touch sensors and are configured to detect at least one disconnected object contacting a connector outer body as the monitored state of the connection interface.

[0059] There is provided another cable according to any preceding cable, wherein the one or more sensors include a proximity sensor and are configured to detect at least one disconnected object within a predefined proximity distance of the connector outer body as the monitored state of the connection interface.

[0060] Another cable is provided according to any of the foregoing cables, wherein the power control signal controller is further configured to monitor a state of a connection interface based at least in part on a reduction in power supplied to the voltage bus, determine that a disconnect event is no longer predicted based on the monitored state of the connection interface, and restore power applied to the voltage bus based at least in part on determining that a disconnect event is no longer predicted.

[0061] Another cable is provided according to any of the foregoing cables, wherein the power control signal controller is further configured to increase the voltage on the configuration channel bus of the cable based at least in part on a prediction of a disconnect event as a power control signal to trigger the power transfer source to reduce power supplied to the voltage bus of the cable.

[0062] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of any invention or the content that may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of the features of a particular embodiment that is specific to a particular description technology. In this specification, certain features described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the individual features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented separately in multiple embodiments or in any appropriate sub-combination. In addition, although the features may be described above as working in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from the claimed combination may be removed from the combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination, or a variant of the sub-combination.

[0063] Similarly, although operations are depicted in a particular order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be understood as requiring that the operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed to achieve the desired results. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Furthermore, the separation of various system components in the above-described embodiments should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated into a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0064] Thus, particular embodiments of the present subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve the desired results. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the accompanying drawings do not necessarily require the particular order or sequential sequence shown to achieve the desired results. In some implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

[0065] Several implementations of the described technology have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for protecting pins at a connector port from short circuit damage, the method comprising: monitoring a status of a connection interface of the cable, the connection interface being configured to connect to the connector port and transfer power between a power transfer source and a power transfer sink via the connector port; predicting a disconnection event between the connection interface and the connector port of the cable based on the monitored state of the connection interface; as well as Based at least in part on predicting the disconnect event, a reduction in voltage of a voltage bus supplied by the power transfer source to the cable is triggered.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The connection interface includes a connector outer body, and the monitoring operation includes: The presence of at least one disconnected object at the connector outer body is detected as the monitored state of the connection interface.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The detection operation includes: The state of the connection interface monitored is detected by detecting, via a touch sensor, that the at least one disconnection object contacts the connector outer body.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The detection operation includes: The monitored state of the connection interface is detected by a proximity sensor as that the at least one disconnection object is within a predefined proximity distance of the connector outer body.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The detection operation includes: The monitored state of the connection interface is detected by detecting, via a mechanical sensor, that the at least one disconnection object contacts the connector outer body with a predefined force.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: monitoring a status of the connection interface based at least in part on the triggering operation; determining, based on the monitored state of the connection interface, that the disconnection event is no longer predicted; as well as Based at least in part on determining that the disconnect event is no longer predicted, voltage applied to the voltage bus is restored.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: Based at least in part on predicting the disconnect event, increasing the voltage on the configuration channel bus of the cable serves as a power control signal to trigger the power transfer source to reduce the voltage supplied to the voltage bus of the cable.

8. A system for protecting against short circuit damage to pins at a connector port, the system comprising: one or more sensors configured to monitor a status of a connection interface of the cable, the connection interface configured to connect to the connector port and transfer power between a power transfer source and a power transfer sink via the connector port; as well as A power control signal controller is configured to predict a disconnection event between the connection interface and the connector port of the cable based on the monitored state of the connection interface, and to trigger a reduction in the voltage of a voltage bus supplied by the power transfer source to the cable based at least in part on the prediction of the disconnection event.

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that The connection interface includes a connector outer body, and the one or more sensors are positioned within the connector outer body and configured to detect the presence of at least one disconnected object at the connector outer body as the monitored state of the connection interface.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that The one or more sensors include a touch sensor and are configured to detect that the at least one disconnection object contacts the connector outer body as the monitored state of the connection interface.

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The one or more sensors include a proximity sensor and are configured to detect that the at least one disconnected object is within a predefined proximity distance of the connector outer body as the monitored state of the connection interface.

12. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The one or more sensors include a mechanical sensor and are configured to detect contact of the at least one disconnection object with the connector outer body as the monitored state of the connection interface.

13. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The power control signal controller is further configured to monitor a state of the connection interface based at least in part on a decrease in voltage supplied to the voltage bus, determine that the disconnect event is no longer predicted based on the monitored state of the connection interface, and restore the voltage applied to the voltage bus based at least in part on determining that the disconnect event is no longer predicted.

14. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The power control signal controller is further configured to increase the voltage on the configuration channel bus of the cable based at least in part on the prediction of the disconnect event as a power control signal that triggers the power transfer source to reduce the voltage supplied to the voltage bus of the cable.

15. A cable for protecting against damage caused by short circuits of pins at a connector port, the cable comprising: a connector outer body in a connection interface at an end of the cable; one or more sensors positioned within the connector outer body and configured to monitor a status of the connection interface of the cable, the connection interface configured to connect to a connector port and transfer power between a power transfer source and a power transfer sink via the connector port; as well as A power control signal controller is configured to predict a disconnection event between the connection interface and the connector port of the cable based on the monitored state of the connection interface, and to trigger a reduction in power supplied by the power transfer source to the voltage bus of the cable based at least in part on the prediction of the disconnection event.

16. The cable according to claim 15, characterized in that The one or more sensors are configured to detect the presence of at least one disconnected object at the connector outer body as the monitored state of the connection interface.

17. The cable according to claim 16, characterized in that The one or more sensors include a touch sensor and are configured to detect that the at least one disconnection object contacts the connector outer body as the monitored state of the connection interface.

18. The cable according to claim 16, wherein The one or more sensors include a proximity sensor and are configured to detect that the at least one disconnected object is within a predefined proximity distance of the connector outer body as the monitored state of the connection interface.

19. The cable according to claim 15, wherein The power control signal controller is further configured to monitor a state of the connection interface based at least in part on a reduction in power supplied to the voltage bus, determine that the disconnect event is no longer predicted based on the monitored state of the connection interface, and restore power applied to the voltage bus based at least in part on determining that the disconnect event is no longer predicted.

20. The cable according to claim 15, wherein The power control signal controller is further configured to increase the voltage on the configuration channel bus of the cable as a power control signal to trigger the power delivery source to reduce power supplied to the voltage bus of the cable based at least in part on the prediction of the disconnect event.

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