Signal transmission device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, and discloses a signal transmission device. The signal input interface of the signal transmission device supports a POE protocol, the first protocol circuit supports the POE protocol, and the second protocol circuit supports a USB-PD protocol. Wherein the first protocol circuit is electrically connected with the second protocol circuit and is used for converting an electric energy signal input from the signal input interface into an electric energy signal conforming to a USB-PD protocol. By means of the mode, the safety of the charging process of the load equipment can be improved, wiring is easy, and cost is low.

Description

[0001] This invention is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with application number 202110343188X filed on March 30, 2021 and invention name “A Signal Transmission Device”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, and in particular to a signal transmission device. Background Art

[0003] At present, power adapters that support USB-PD (USB Power Delivery) are usually based on AC input, with an output power of up to 60W to 100W, and are used to charge consumer electronic products with fast charging interfaces such as mobile phones and computers. However, the input voltage of such adapters is high, which is prone to safety hazards (especially for application scenarios with high safety requirements). Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of this, the main technical problem solved by the present invention is to provide a signal transmission device, which can improve the safety of the charging process of the load equipment, and has simple wiring and low cost.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, a technical solution adopted by the present invention is: to provide a signal transmission device. The signal transmission device includes a signal input interface, the signal input interface is used to connect a signal source device, and the signal input interface supports the POE protocol. The signal transmission device also includes a first protocol circuit, the first protocol circuit supports the POE protocol, and the first protocol circuit is electrically connected to the signal input interface. The signal transmission device also includes a second protocol circuit, the second protocol circuit supports the USB-PD protocol, the second protocol circuit is electrically connected to the signal input interface and the first protocol circuit, respectively, for converting the electric energy signal input from the signal input interface into an electric energy signal that complies with the USB-PD protocol. The signal transmission device also includes a signal output interface, the signal output interface is electrically connected to the signal input interface and the second protocol circuit, respectively, for outputting an electric energy signal that complies with the USB-PD protocol to the load device.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, a number of input power levels are divided according to the power size of the electric energy signal that can be provided by the signal source device, and the first protocol circuit can identify the target input power level, which is the input power level of the signal source device currently connected to the signal input interface; the signal transmission device also includes a protocol interaction circuit, which is electrically connected between the first protocol circuit and the second protocol circuit to carry information on the target input power level through different states of the protocol interaction circuit, wherein the power of the electric energy signal output by the signal output interface matches the target input power level.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the protocol interaction circuit includes a plurality of first isolation circuits, each of which is electrically connected to a first protocol circuit and a second protocol circuit, respectively, and the first isolation circuit is used to convert the level of a signal output by the first protocol circuit into a corresponding level and transmit it to the second protocol circuit; the combination of the level information of the signals interacted by each first isolation circuit defines the state of the protocol interaction circuit.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first isolation circuit includes a light-emitting diode and a phototransistor, one end of the light-emitting diode is connected to the first protocol circuit, and the other end is grounded, the first end of the phototransistor is respectively connected to the second protocol circuit and the power supply end, and the second end is grounded, and the control end is set corresponding to the light-emitting diode.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the signal input interface and the second protocol circuit are electrically connected via a second isolation circuit, and a combination of level information of signals interacted by each first isolation circuit and level information of signals interacted by the second isolation circuit defines the state of the protocol interaction circuit.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, a number of output power levels are divided according to the power size of the electric energy signal that can be output by the signal output interface, and each input power level corresponds to a number of output power levels; the second protocol circuit is used to control the signal output interface to broadcast a number of output power levels corresponding to the target input power level, and control the signal output interface to output an electric energy signal of corresponding power according to the output power level of the matching load device.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the signal transmission device also includes a first voltage conversion circuit, which is electrically connected between the signal input interface and the signal output interface, and is also electrically connected to the second protocol circuit, for converting the power signal input from the signal input interface into a power signal that complies with the USB-PD protocol.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the signal transmission device further includes a second voltage conversion circuit, and the second voltage conversion circuit is electrically connected between the signal input interface and the first voltage conversion circuit.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the signal transmission device further includes a rectifier circuit, which is electrically connected to the signal input interface, the signal output interface, and the first protocol circuit respectively.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the signal transmission device also includes a signal conversion circuit, which is electrically connected between the signal input interface and the signal output interface and is used to convert the data signal input from the signal input interface into a data signal that complies with the protocol supported by the signal output interface.

[0015] The beneficial effect of the present invention is as follows: Different from the prior art, the present invention provides a signal transmission device. The signal input interface of the signal transmission device supports the POE (Power Over Ethernet) protocol, the first protocol circuit supports the POE protocol, and the second protocol circuit supports the USB-PD protocol. The first protocol circuit is electrically connected to the second protocol circuit, and is used to convert the power signal input from the signal input interface into a power signal that complies with the USB-PD protocol.

[0016] In the above manner, the signal transmission device of the present invention integrates the architecture of the POE protocol and the architecture of the USB-PD protocol, which can avoid the high-voltage AC input in the traditional power adapter supporting the USB-PD protocol, and thus can avoid the corresponding safety hazards, which means that the signal transmission device of the present invention is used to charge the load device, which can improve the safety of the load device charging process, and is particularly suitable for application scenarios with high safety requirements. In addition, the signal transmission device of the present invention integrates the advantages of the POE protocol for long-distance power supply, and has the advantages of simple wiring and low cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings herein are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present invention, and together with the specification are used to explain the principles of the present invention. In addition, these drawings and text descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way, but to illustrate the concept of the present invention for those skilled in the art by reference to specific embodiments.

[0018] Figure 1 It is a circuit structure diagram of an embodiment of a signal transmission device of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is a circuit structure diagram of an embodiment of a second protocol circuit and a signal output interface of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 It is a circuit structure diagram of an embodiment of a protocol interaction circuit of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a working process of a signal transmission device shown;

[0022] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of an embodiment of a first voltage conversion circuit of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 It is a circuit structure diagram of an embodiment of a second voltage conversion circuit of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in combination with the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0025] The USB-PD protocol is a fast charging protocol developed by USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum). Traditional power adapters that support USB-PD are usually based on AC input, and their output power can reach up to 60W to 100W, which is used to charge consumer electronic products with fast charging interfaces such as mobile phones and computers. However, the input voltage of such adapters is high, which is prone to safety hazards (especially for application scenarios with high safety requirements), and is not suitable for long-distance power supply scenarios. The wiring is cumbersome and the cost is high when powering over long distances.

[0026] The POE protocol refers to a technology that transmits data signals to IP-based terminals while providing DC power to such devices under the existing Ethernet Cat.5 cabling infrastructure. The POE protocol can ensure the safety of existing structured cabling while ensuring the normal operation of the existing network, minimizing costs. The POE protocol is the latest standard specification for transmitting data and electrical power using existing standard Ethernet transmission cables, while maintaining compatibility with existing Ethernet systems and users. In addition, the POE protocol can be applied to long-distance power supply, with the advantages of simple wiring and low cost.

[0027] In order to solve the technical problems in the prior art that the safety of the load device charging process is low and the wiring is cumbersome and the cost is high when powering over long distances, an embodiment of the present invention provides a signal transmission device. The signal transmission device includes a signal input interface, which is used to connect the signal source device, and the signal input interface supports the POE protocol. The signal transmission device also includes a first protocol circuit, which supports the POE protocol, and the first protocol circuit is electrically connected to the signal input interface. The signal transmission device also includes a second protocol circuit, which supports the USB-PD protocol, and the second protocol circuit is electrically connected to the signal input interface and the first protocol circuit, respectively, for converting the power signal input from the signal input interface into a power signal that complies with the USB-PD protocol. The signal transmission device also includes a signal output interface, which is electrically connected to the signal input interface and the second protocol circuit, respectively, for outputting a power signal that complies with the USB-PD protocol to the load device. The following is a detailed explanation.

[0028] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 It is a circuit structure diagram of an embodiment of a signal transmission device of the present invention.

[0029] In one embodiment, the signal transmission device is used to connect to the signal source device to transmit the signal input by the signal source device to the signal transmission device. The signal transmission device can also be connected to the load device, and the signal source device can provide an electric energy signal to transmit the electric energy signal provided by the signal source device to the load device, thereby charging the load device. Of course, the signal source device can also provide a data signal, and the signal transmission device transmits the data signal provided by the signal source device to the load device to realize the interaction of data signals.

[0030] The signal transmission device includes a signal input interface 10, which is used to connect a signal source device, and the signal input interface 10 supports the POE protocol. That is, the signal input from the signal input interface 10 complies with the POE protocol and may include the above-mentioned power signal and data signal, etc. The signal source device connected to the signal input interface 10 provides power in the technology applying the POE protocol, so the signal source device is also called PSE (Power Sourcing Equipment). Of course, the signal source device can also provide data signals that need to be interacted.

[0031] Optionally, the signal input interface 10 may be RJ45 (Registered Jack 45), etc., which serves as a medium for the power signal and the data signal to enter the signal transmission device. RJ45 is a type of information socket connector in a wiring system, usually composed of a plug (or connector, crystal head) and a socket (or module), which is within the scope of understanding of those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0032] Furthermore, the power signal input from the signal input interface 10 complies with the POE protocol, and the data signal input from the signal input interface 10 complies with the IEEE 802.3 standard. The IEEE 802.3 standard is a collection of standards of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), which is within the scope of understanding of those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0033] The signal transmission device also includes a first protocol circuit 20, which is electrically connected to the signal input interface 10. The first protocol circuit 20 supports the POE protocol and is used to complete protocol communication with the signal source device, mainly including detection, device classification, power supply control, and power supply management. Optionally, the first protocol circuit 20 can use an integrated chip, etc.

[0034] Specifically, the first protocol circuit 20 can identify whether the signal source device connected to the detection signal input interface 10 complies with the IEEE802.3af, IEEE802.3at, IEEE802.3bt and other standards, and can also classify and indicate according to the power supply capacity of the signal source device (to be elaborated in detail below). In addition, the first protocol circuit 20 can also control and manage the power supply of the signal source device. For example, the first protocol circuit 20 can control the signal source device to start power supply; or when the first protocol circuit 20 identifies that the output power of the signal transmission device is zero, the signal source device can be controlled to stop power supply; or when a short circuit occurs inside the signal transmission device, the first protocol circuit 20 can control the signal source device to stop power supply to protect the circuit structure inside the signal transmission device, etc.

[0035] The signal transmission device also includes a second protocol circuit 30, which is electrically connected to the signal input interface 10 and the first protocol circuit 20 respectively. The second protocol circuit 30 supports the USB-PD protocol, and is used to convert the power signal input from the signal input interface 10 into a power signal that complies with the USB-PD protocol through protocol communication between the first protocol circuit 20 and the second protocol circuit 30, so as to quickly charge the load device based on the USB-PD technology. Optionally, the second protocol circuit 30 can adopt an integrated chip, etc.

[0036] The signal transmission device also includes a signal output interface 40, which is electrically connected to the signal input interface 10 and the second protocol circuit 30, respectively, and is used to output the power signal obtained by the above conversion and conforming to the USB-PD protocol, so as to quickly charge the load device connected to the signal output interface 40. The second protocol circuit 30 can negotiate the charging protocol and manage the power supply with the load device connected to the signal output interface 40, so as to provide the load device with the power signal required for charging. Figure 2 The actual circuit designs of the second protocol circuit 30 and the signal output interface 40 are shown for example only, and the specific circuit designs of the second protocol circuit 30 and the signal output interface 40 are not limited thereby.

[0037] Of course, the signal output interface 40 can also output the data signal input from the signal input interface 10 .

[0038] Optionally, the signal output interface 40 may be an interface of the type USB Type-C, etc. The power signal output by the signal output interface 40 complies with the USB-PD protocol, and the data signal output by the signal output interface 40 complies with the USB standard, such as the USB 3.0 standard, etc.

[0039] It can be seen from the above that the signal transmission device of the present invention integrates the architecture of the POE protocol and the architecture of the USB-PD protocol, which can avoid the high-voltage AC input in the traditional power adapter supporting the USB-PD protocol, and thus can avoid the corresponding safety hazards, which means that the signal transmission device of the present invention is used to charge the load device, which can improve the safety of the load device charging process, and is particularly suitable for application scenarios with high safety requirements. In addition, the signal transmission device of the present invention integrates the advantages of the POE protocol for long-distance power supply, and has the advantages of simple wiring and low cost.

[0040] In addition, compared with the traditional technology using the POE protocol, the signal transmission device of the present invention can realize the interaction of power distribution between multiple load devices because the USB-PD protocol supports the handshake interaction mode, so it can use the architecture of the USB-PD protocol on the basis of the POE protocol to realize charging of multiple load devices at the same time. The embodiment of the present invention is described by taking one signal input interface 10 and one signal output interface 40 as an example, which is only for example. As for the situation of multiple signal input interfaces 10 and multiple signal output interfaces 40, it can be obtained from the circuit structure topology shown in the embodiment of the present invention, and it will not be repeated here.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal transmission device also includes a shell (not shown), and the above-mentioned circuit structures including the signal input interface 10, the first protocol circuit 20, the second protocol circuit 30 and the signal output interface 40 are all arranged in the shell, and the shell plays a role in carrying and protecting the circuit structure of the signal transmission device.

[0042] Please continue reading Figure 1 In one embodiment, the POE protocol is divided into several input power levels according to the power size of the signal source device, and the input power level is used to measure the power supply capacity of the signal source device. For example, the input power level may include Class 3 (15W), Class 4 (25.5W), Class 5-6 (40W) and Class 7-8 (71W).

[0043] When the signal source device is connected to the signal input interface 10, the first protocol circuit 20 can detect the situation of the signal source device on the line, and can classify the power supply capacity of the signal source device, that is, identify the input power level corresponding to the signal source device, and indicate the input power level corresponding to the signal source device. Specifically, the first protocol circuit 20 can identify the target input power level, where the target input power level is the input power level of the signal source device currently connected to the signal input interface 10. It can be understood that the target input power level may be different if the signal source device currently connected to the signal input interface 10 is different.

[0044] Please also read Figure 3 , Figure 3 It is a circuit structure diagram of an embodiment of a protocol interaction circuit of the present invention.

[0045] The signal transmission device also includes a protocol interaction circuit 50, which is electrically connected between the first protocol circuit 20 and the second protocol circuit 30 to carry information of the target input power level through different state interactions of the protocol interaction circuit 50, wherein the power of the electric energy signal output by the signal output interface 40 matches the target input power level.

[0046] That is to say, when the first protocol circuit 20 identifies the input power level of the signal source device currently connected to the signal input interface 10, that is, the first protocol circuit 20 identifies the target input power level, it can carry the information of the target input power level through the different state interactions of the protocol interaction circuit 50 to indicate the target input power level to the second protocol circuit 30, and then the second protocol circuit 30 adjusts the power of the electric energy signal output by the signal output interface 40 to match the target input power level.

[0047] Through the above method, the first protocol circuit 20 and the second protocol circuit 30 perform protocol communication through the protocol interaction circuit 50 to exchange information carrying the target input power level, so that the power signal complying with the POE protocol can be converted into the power signal complying with the USB-PD protocol for output, thereby realizing the integration of the POE protocol architecture and the USB-PD protocol architecture.

[0048] In one embodiment, the protocol interaction circuit 50 includes a plurality of first isolation circuits 51, each of which is electrically connected to the first protocol circuit 20 and the second protocol circuit 30 respectively. The first isolation circuit 51 is used to convert the level of the signal output by the first protocol circuit 20 into a corresponding level and transmit it to the second protocol circuit 30.

[0049] In other words, the low-level signal output by the first protocol circuit 20 can be converted into a corresponding low-level signal or a high-level signal through the first isolation circuit 51, and transmitted to the second protocol circuit 30. The high-level signal output by the first protocol circuit 20 can be converted into a corresponding low-level signal or a high-level signal through the first isolation circuit 51, and transmitted to the second protocol circuit 30.

[0050] The corresponding relationship between the level of the signal output by the first protocol circuit 20 and the level of the signal received by the second protocol circuit 30 is the level information of the signal exchanged by the first isolation circuit 51. For example, the first protocol circuit 20 outputs a low-level signal, which is converted by the first isolation circuit 51 to form a high-level signal and transmitted to the second protocol circuit 30. The corresponding relationship between the low-level signal output by the first protocol circuit 20 and the high-level signal received by the second protocol circuit 30 is the level information of the signal exchanged by the first isolation circuit 51.

[0051] The combination of the level information of the signals interacted by the first isolation circuits 51 defines the state of the protocol interaction circuit 50. That is, the protocol interaction circuit 50 in different states includes different level information of the signals interacted by at least some of the first isolation circuits 51 included therein, so that different target input power levels are described by different states of the protocol interaction circuit 50.

[0052] In one embodiment, the first isolation circuit 51 adopts an isolation circuit, which can avoid mutual interference of electrical signals between the first protocol circuit 20 and the second protocol circuit 30, and can avoid the first protocol circuit 20 and the second protocol circuit 30 from sharing a common ground, thereby avoiding the first voltage conversion circuit and the second voltage conversion circuit described below from being unable to work normally.

[0053] Specifically, the first isolation circuit 51 includes a light emitting diode 52 and a phototransistor 53. One end of the light emitting diode 52 is connected to the first protocol circuit 20, and the other end is grounded. The first end 531 of the phototransistor 53 is respectively connected to the second protocol circuit 30 and the power supply end 54, the second end 532 is grounded, and the control end 533 is set corresponding to the light emitting diode 52. Figure 3 shown.

[0054] When the first protocol circuit 20 outputs a high-level signal, the light-emitting diode 52 is driven to emit light, so that the control end of the phototransistor 53 receives the light of the light-emitting diode 52, so that the first end 531 and the second end 532 of the phototransistor 53 are turned on, and the second protocol circuit 30 receives a low-level signal; and when the first protocol circuit 20 outputs a low-level signal, the light-emitting diode 52 is not made to emit light, and the first end 531 and the second end 532 of the phototransistor 53 are not turned on, and the second protocol circuit 30 receives a high-level signal output by the power supply end.

[0055] It can be understood that the power supply terminal 54 provides a high-level signal to the first isolation circuit 51, and the power supply terminal 54 can be connected to the signal input interface 10 to provide a high-level signal to the first isolation circuit 51 when the signal input interface 10 is connected to the signal source device. Of course, the signal transmission device can be additionally provided with a power supply, and the power supply terminal 54 is connected to the power supply to provide a high-level signal to the first isolation circuit 51.

[0056] Obviously, in other embodiments of the present invention, the first isolation circuit 51 may adopt other forms of isolation circuits, such as a magnetic coupling isolation circuit, etc., which is not limited here.

[0057] The signal input interface 10 and the second protocol circuit 30 are electrically connected via the second isolation circuit 55, and the combination of the level information of the signals exchanged by the first isolation circuits 51 and the level information of the signals exchanged by the second isolation circuits 55 defines the state of the protocol interaction circuit 50. That is, in this embodiment, the second isolation circuits 55 participate in defining the state of the protocol interaction circuit 50. The level information of the signals exchanged by the second isolation circuits 55 is the corresponding relationship between the level of the signal output by the signal input interface 10 and the level of the signal received by the second protocol circuit 30.

[0058] The second isolation circuit 55 can have a similar circuit structure to the first isolation circuit 51, and the only difference is that the ungrounded end of the light emitting diode 52 in the second isolation circuit 55 is connected to the signal input interface 10. When the signal input interface 10 is connected to the signal source device, the signal input interface 10 outputs a high-level signal, and the second protocol circuit 30 receives a low-level signal; and when the signal input interface 10 is not connected to the signal source device, the signal input interface 10 outputs a low-level signal, and the second protocol circuit 30 receives a high-level signal. It can be seen that the level information of the signal exchanged by the second isolation circuit 55 is used to describe whether the signal input interface 10 is connected to the signal source device.

[0059] In one embodiment, the USB-PD protocol is divided into several output power levels according to the power of the electric energy signal that can be output by the signal output interface 40. The output power level represents the power supply capability of the signal output interface 40.

[0060] Optionally, this embodiment can use the voltage and current of the power signal output by the signal output interface 40 to describe the output power level. For example, the output power level may include 5V / 3A (15W), 9V / 2A (18W), 12V / 2A (24W), 15V / 3A (45W), 20V / 3A (60W), etc., in compliance with the USB-PD protocol.

[0061] Each input power level corresponds to a number of output power levels. The second protocol circuit 30 is used to control the signal output interface 40 to broadcast the several output power levels corresponding to the target input power level, that is, the signal output interface 40 broadcasts all the output power levels corresponding to the target input power level to indicate the power supply capacity that the signal output interface 40 can provide. The second protocol circuit 30 interacts with the load device through the signal output interface 40 to determine the output power level of the load device that matches the output power level broadcast by the signal output interface 40. The second protocol circuit 30 controls the signal output interface 40 to output the corresponding power electric energy signal according to the output power level of the matching load device, that is, outputs the electric energy signal corresponding to the voltage and current. For example, 15V / 3A in the output power level broadcast by the signal output interface 40 is required for charging the load device, so the signal output interface 40 outputs a 15V / 3A electric energy signal to charge the load device.

[0062] The corresponding relationship between input power level and output power level is shown in the following table (1):

[0063]

[0064] The following describes a process of implementing power signal conversion based on protocol communication between the first protocol circuit 20 and the second protocol circuit 30 .

[0065] For example, the first protocol circuit 20 has a channel CH1, a channel CH2, and a channel CH3, the signal input interface 10 has a channel CH4, and the second protocol circuit 30 has a channel CH5, a channel CH6, a channel CH7, and a channel CH8. The channel CH1 and the channel CH5, the channel CH2 and the channel CH6, and the channel CH3 and the channel CH7 are electrically connected through the first isolation circuit 51, respectively, and the channel CH4 and the channel CH8 are electrically connected through the second isolation circuit 55.

[0066] As shown in the following table (2):

[0067]

[0068] It can be seen that Table (2) shows the levels of the electrical signals of channels CH1 to CH8 when the first protocol circuit 20 and the second protocol circuit 30 exchange information carrying different input power levels, where "0" represents a low-level signal and "1" represents a high-level signal.

[0069] See also Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the working process of a signal transmission device is shown.

[0070] S101: Determine whether the signal input interface is connected to a signal source device;

[0071] In this embodiment, if the signal input interface 10 has been connected to a signal source device, step S102 is executed; if the signal input interface 10 has not been connected to a signal source device, step S101 is continued to be executed.

[0072] The first protocol circuit 20 can identify whether the signal input interface 10 is connected to a signal source device. When the signal input interface 10 is connected to a signal source device, the channel CH4 of the signal input interface 10 will output a high-level signal, and the channel CH8 of the second protocol circuit 30 will receive a low-level signal; and when the signal input interface 10 is not connected to a signal source device, the channel CH4 of the signal input interface 10 will output a low-level signal, and the channel CH8 of the second protocol circuit 30 will receive a high-level signal.

[0073] S102: The first protocol circuit determines a target input power level;

[0074] In this embodiment, after the signal input interface 10 is connected to the signal source device, the first protocol circuit 20 detects the signal source device on the line to classify the power supply capability of the signal source device, and then determines the input power level of the signal source device currently connected to the signal input interface 10, that is, determines the target input power level.

[0075] S103: The first protocol circuit and the second protocol circuit interact with each other to carry information of the target input power level;

[0076] In this embodiment, after the first protocol circuit 20 determines the target input power level, the first protocol circuit 20 needs to exchange information carrying the target input power level with the second protocol circuit 30 so that the second protocol circuit 30 can control the power of the electric energy signal output by the signal output interface 40 to match the target input power level. This requires the second protocol circuit 30 to be able to determine the various output power levels corresponding to the target input power level.

[0077] Based on the above-mentioned Table (1) and Table (2), when the target input power level is Class 7-8, the levels of the electrical signals of channel CH1, channel CH2 and channel CH3 of the first protocol circuit 20 are 0, 0, 0 respectively, and the levels of the electrical signals of channel CH5, channel CH6 and channel CH7 of the second protocol circuit 30 are 1, 1, 1 respectively. The second protocol circuit 30 learns that the minimum output power of the current signal source device is 71W, and therefore determines that the output power levels corresponding to the target input power level are 20V / 3A (60W), 15V / 3A (45W), 12V / 3A (36W), 9V / 3A (27W), and 5V / 3A (15W), and broadcasts them through the signal output interface 40, indicating that the signal output interface 40 can provide 20V / 3A (60W), 15V / 3A (45W), 12V / 3A (36W), 9V / 3A (27W), and 5V / 3A (15W) power supplies.

[0078] When the target input power level is Class5-6, the levels of the electrical signals of the channels CH1, CH2 and CH3 of the first protocol circuit 20 are 0, 1 and 0 respectively, and the levels of the electrical signals of the channels CH5, CH6 and CH7 of the second protocol circuit 30 are 1, 0 and 1 respectively. The second protocol circuit 30 learns that the minimum output power of the current signal source device is 40W, so it determines that the output power levels corresponding to the target input power level are 20V / 1A (20W), 15V / 2A (30W), 12V / 3A (36W), 9V / 3A (27W) and 5V / 3A (15W), and broadcasts them through the signal output interface 40, indicating that the signal output interface 40 can provide power supply of 20V / 1A (20W), 15V / 2A (30W), 12V / 3A (36W), 9V / 3A (27W) and 5V / 3A (15W).

[0079] When the target input power level is Class 4, the levels of the electrical signals of the channels CH1, CH2 and CH3 of the first protocol circuit 20 are 1, 0, 0 respectively, and the levels of the electrical signals of the channels CH5, CH6 and CH7 of the second protocol circuit 30 are 0, 1, 1 respectively. The second protocol circuit 30 learns that the minimum output power of the current signal source device is 25.5W, and therefore determines that the output power levels corresponding to the target input power level are 20V / 1A (20W), 15V / 1A (15W), 12V / 2A (24W), 9V / 2A (18W), 5V / 3A (15W), and broadcasts them through the signal output interface 40, indicating that the signal output interface 40 can provide power supply of (20W), 15V / 1A (15W), 12V / 2A (24W), 9V / 2A (18W), 5V / 3A (15W).

[0080] When the target input power level is Class 3, the levels of the electrical signals of channels CH1, CH2, and CH3 of the first protocol circuit 20 are 1, 1, and 0, respectively, and the levels of the electrical signals of channels CH5, CH6, and CH7 of the second protocol circuit 30 are 0, 0, and 1, respectively. The second protocol circuit 30 learns that the minimum output power of the current signal source device is 15W, so it determines that the output power level corresponding to the target input power level is 5V / 2A (10W), and broadcasts it through the signal output interface 40, indicating that the signal output interface 40 can provide 5V / 2A (10W) power supply.

[0081] S104: the second protocol circuit controls the signal output interface to broadcast all output power levels corresponding to the target input power level;

[0082] In this embodiment, after the second protocol circuit 30 determines the output power levels corresponding to the target output power level, the second protocol circuit 30 controls the signal output interface 40 to broadcast the output power levels corresponding to the target input power level, and controls the signal output interface 40 to output an electric energy signal of the corresponding power according to the output power level of the matching load device, as described above.

[0083] See also Figure 1 and Figure 5 , Figure 5 It is a circuit structure diagram of an embodiment of a first voltage conversion circuit of the present invention.

[0084] In one embodiment, the signal transmission device also includes a first voltage conversion circuit 60, which is electrically connected between the signal input interface 10 and the signal output interface 40, and is also electrically connected to the second protocol circuit 30, for converting the power signal input from the signal input interface 10 into a power signal that complies with the USB-PD protocol.

[0085] Specifically, after the information of the target input power level is exchanged between the first protocol circuit 20 and the second protocol circuit 30, the second protocol circuit 30 determines the target output power level, the first voltage conversion circuit 60 takes the electric energy signal input from the signal input interface 10 as input, and the second protocol circuit 30 controls the first voltage conversion circuit 60 to output the electric energy signal of the voltage and current corresponding to the target output power level.

[0086] Optionally, the first voltage conversion circuit 60 can be a Buck circuit (i.e., a step-down conversion circuit). The Buck circuit is a DC-DC (direct current to direct current) conversion circuit, which converts the input DC voltage into a high-frequency pulse through an oscillation circuit, and then outputs the required DC voltage through a pulse transformer and a rectifier filter circuit. It is within the scope of understanding of those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. The first voltage conversion circuit 60 can use a chip with a high duty cycle, which is not limited here.

[0087] Please also refer to Figure 6 The signal transmission device further includes a second voltage conversion circuit 70, which is electrically connected between the signal input interface 10 and the first voltage conversion circuit 60. In other words, the first voltage conversion circuit 60 and the second voltage conversion circuit 70 jointly participate in the conversion of the electric energy signal, and the two work together, so that the signal transmission device of this embodiment has higher efficiency and good reliability.

[0088] For example, after the signal source device is connected to the signal input interface 10, the first protocol circuit 20 determines the target input power level, and the second protocol circuit 30 determines the target output power level. Afterwards, the signal input interface 10 inputs 40V-58V (e.g., 40V-58V / 2A) DC power, which is converted into 21V-25V (e.g., 21V / 3.5A) DC power after passing through the second voltage conversion circuit 70, and then passes through the first voltage conversion circuit 60 to output a 5V-20V / 3A power signal, that is, converted into a power signal that complies with the USB-PD protocol, such as 5V / 3A, 9V / 2A, 12V / 2A, 15V / 3A, 20V / 3A, etc. power signals, and also supports the PPS (Programmable Power Supply) protocol, and finally outputs from the signal output interface 40.

[0089] Optionally, the second voltage conversion circuit 70 can be an isolated DC-DC conversion circuit. The second voltage conversion circuit 70 adopts a clamped active forward circuit. The primary winding and the secondary winding of the transformer in the second voltage conversion circuit 70 are isolated, which has the advantages of high efficiency and small transformer size.

[0090] Please continue reading Figure 1 In one embodiment, the signal transmission device further includes a rectifier circuit 80. The rectifier circuit 80 is electrically connected to the signal input interface 10, the signal output interface 40 and the first protocol circuit 20 respectively. The rectifier circuit 80 is used to rectify the electric energy signal input from the signal input interface 10.

[0091] Optionally, the rectifier circuit 80 may adopt a separate circuit or an integrated chip to achieve its rectification function, which is not limited here.

[0092] Please continue reading Figure 1 In one embodiment, the signal transmission device further includes a signal conversion circuit 90. The signal conversion circuit 90 is electrically connected between the signal input interface 10 and the signal output interface 40. Specifically, the signal conversion circuit 90 is connected in parallel with the first voltage conversion circuit 60 and the second voltage conversion circuit 70 between the signal input interface 10 and the signal output interface 40. The signal conversion circuit 90 is used to convert the data signal input from the signal input interface 10 into a data signal that complies with the protocol supported by the signal output interface 40.

[0093] Specifically, the data signal input from the signal input interface 10 is Ethernet data, and the data signal formed after conversion by the signal conversion circuit 90 conforms to the USB standard, such as the USB3.0 standard, and is then output from the signal output interface 40. As for the specific principle of data signal conversion by the signal conversion circuit 90, it belongs to the understanding of those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0094] In summary, the signal transmission device of the present invention integrates the architecture of the POE protocol and the architecture of the USB-PD protocol, which can avoid the high-voltage AC input in the traditional power adapter supporting the USB-PD protocol, and thus can avoid the corresponding safety hazards, which means that the signal transmission device of the present invention is used to charge the load device, which can improve the safety of the load device charging process, and is particularly suitable for application scenarios with high safety requirements. In addition, the signal transmission device of the present invention integrates the advantages of the POE protocol for long-distance power supply, and has the advantages of simple wiring and low cost.

[0095] In addition, in the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected", "connected (electrically connected)", "stacked" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral one; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0096] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A signal transmission device, characterized in that: include: A signal input interface, used to connect a signal source device, and the signal input interface supports the POE protocol; a first protocol circuit, supporting the POE protocol and electrically connected to the signal input interface, the first protocol circuit being used to identify a target input power level, the target input power level being an input power level of a signal source device currently connected to the signal input interface; A second protocol circuit, supporting the USB-PD protocol, wherein the second protocol circuit is electrically connected to the signal input interface and the first protocol circuit respectively; a signal output interface, electrically connected to the signal input interface and the second protocol circuit respectively; a rectifier circuit, electrically connected to the signal input interface and the first protocol circuit respectively; The second protocol circuit is used to control the signal output interface to broadcast a plurality of output power levels corresponding to the target input power level, and to control the signal output interface to output corresponding current and voltage according to the output power level of the matching load device.

2. The signal transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal transmission device further includes a protocol interaction circuit, which is electrically connected between the first protocol circuit and the second protocol circuit to carry information of the target input power level through different states of the protocol interaction circuit.

3. The signal transmission device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The protocol interaction circuit includes a plurality of first isolation circuits, each of which is electrically connected to the first protocol circuit and the second protocol circuit, and the first isolation circuit is used to convert the level of the signal output by the first protocol circuit into a corresponding level and transmit it to the second protocol circuit; A combination of level information of signals exchanged by each of the first isolation circuits defines a state of the protocol interaction circuit.

4. The signal transmission device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first isolation circuit includes a light emitting diode and a phototransistor, one end of the light emitting diode is connected to the first protocol circuit, and the other end is grounded, the first end of the phototransistor is respectively connected to the second protocol circuit and the power supply end, and the second end is grounded, and the control end is set corresponding to the light emitting diode.

5. The signal transmission device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The signal input interface and the second protocol circuit are electrically connected via a second isolation circuit, and a combination of level information of signals interacted by the first isolation circuits and level information of signals interacted by the second isolation circuits defines a state of the protocol interaction circuit.

6. The signal transmission device according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the signal input interface is connected to the signal source device, the signal input interface outputs a high level signal, and the second protocol circuit receives a low level signal through the second isolation circuit.

7. The signal transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The signal transmission device also includes a first voltage conversion circuit, which is electrically connected between the signal input interface and the signal output interface, and is also electrically connected to the second protocol circuit, and is used to output a current and voltage corresponding to the output power level.

8. The signal transmission device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The signal transmission device further includes a second voltage conversion circuit, which is electrically connected between the signal input interface and the first voltage conversion circuit.

9. The signal transmission device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The direct current input by the signal input interface is converted into a voltage through the second voltage conversion circuit and the first voltage conversion circuit outputs a current and a voltage corresponding to the output power level.

10. The signal transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The signal transmission device also includes a signal conversion circuit electrically connected between the signal input interface and the signal output interface, and configured to convert a data signal input from the signal input interface into a data signal conforming to a protocol supported by the signal output interface.

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