USB cable

Abstract

The invention discloses a USB cable which comprises a first connector, a first electric connecting line and a second connector, and the first connector is electrically connected with the second connector through the first electric connecting line. The first connector comprises a first temperature detection unit and a logic judgment unit, and the second connector comprises a second temperature detection unit. The first temperature detection unit is used for generating a first temperature detection signal based on the temperature of the first connector and outputting a first electric signal to the second temperature detection unit so as to generate a second temperature detection signal corresponding to the temperature of the second connector. And the logic judgment unit is electrically connected with the first temperature detection unit and is used for acquiring the first temperature detection signal and the second temperature detection signal and determining whether the first connector and the second connector have an over-temperature fault or not based on the first temperature detection signal and the second temperature detection signal. By means of the mode, whether the connector in the USB cable has the over-temperature fault or not can be detected at low cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of over-temperature protection technology, and in particular to a USB cable. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, to meet the increasing charging power demands of devices, both chargers and devices are gradually increasing the charging power, including both voltage and current. For USB Type-C interfaces, the USB Power Delivery (PD) protocol specifies support for a maximum output power of 240W, corresponding to USB cables capable of carrying 3A or 5A current and a maximum output voltage of 48V. With such high output power, accurate temperature monitoring of the cable is crucial to detect any abnormalities immediately and prevent further damage. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a USB cable that enables the detection of overheating faults in the connectors of the USB cable at a low cost.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a USB cable, including: a first connector, a first electrical connection line, and a second connector. The first connector is electrically connected to the second connector via the first electrical connection line. The first connector includes a first temperature detection unit and a logic judgment unit, and the second connector includes a second temperature detection unit. The first temperature detection unit is electrically connected to the second temperature detection unit via the first electrical connection line. The first temperature detection unit is used to generate a first temperature detection signal based on the temperature of the first connector and output a first electrical signal to the second temperature detection unit to generate a second temperature detection signal corresponding to the temperature of the second connector. The logic judgment unit is electrically connected to the first temperature detection unit and is used to acquire the first temperature detection signal and the second temperature detection signal, and determine whether the first connector and the second connector have experienced an over-temperature fault based on the first temperature detection signal and the second temperature detection signal.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the first temperature detection unit includes a first current source and a first thermistor. The output terminal of the first current source is electrically connected to the ground of the first connector through the first thermistor. The first temperature detection signal is determined based on a first current output by the first current source and the resistance value of the first thermistor. Alternatively, the first temperature detection unit includes a first voltage source, a first resistor, and the first thermistor. The first resistor and the first thermistor are connected in series with the first voltage source and the ground of the first connector. The first temperature detection signal is determined based on a first voltage output by the first voltage source, the resistance value of the first resistor, and the resistance value of the first thermistor.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the first temperature detection unit includes a second current source, the second temperature detection unit includes a second thermistor, the second current source outputs multiple currents, wherein the first electrical signal is the current output by the second current source; the second temperature detection signal is determined based on the resistance value of the second thermistor and the multiple currents output by the second current source; or, the first temperature detection unit includes a second voltage source and a second resistor, the second temperature detection unit includes the second thermistor, the second voltage source outputs multiple currents or the second resistor is an adjustable resistor, wherein the first electrical signal is the voltage output by the second voltage source, the second temperature detection signal is determined based on the resistance value of the second resistor, the resistance value of the second thermistor and the multiple voltages output by the second voltage source, or, the second temperature detection signal is determined based on the multiple resistance values ​​of the second resistor, the resistance value of the second thermistor and the voltage output by the second voltage source.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of currents output by the second current source includes a second current and a third current. The second temperature detection signal is determined based on the product of the difference between the second current and the third current and the resistance value of the second thermistor, wherein the second current is greater than the third current. Alternatively, the plurality of voltages output by the second voltage source includes a second voltage and a third voltage. The second temperature detection signal is determined based on the ratio of the product of the difference between the second voltage and the third voltage and the resistance value of the second thermistor to the sum of the resistance values ​​of the second resistor and the second thermistor, wherein the second voltage is greater than the third voltage. Alternatively, the resistance value of the second resistor includes a second resistance value and a third resistance value. The second temperature detection signal is determined based on the ratio of the product of the voltage output by the second voltage source and the resistance value of the second thermistor to the ratio of the difference between the second resistance value and the third resistance value to the sum of the resistance values ​​of the second thermistor, wherein the second resistance value is greater than the third resistance value.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the USB cable further includes a second electrical connection line; the output terminal of the second current source is electrically connected to a first terminal of the second thermistor via the first electrical connection line, and the second terminal of the second thermistor is electrically connected to the ground of the first connector via the second electrical connection line; or, the second voltage source is electrically connected to the first terminal of the second thermistor via the second resistor and the first electrical connection line, and the second terminal of the second thermistor is electrically connected to the ground of the first connector via the second electrical connection line.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, when the first connector is electrically connected to an input power source and the second connector is electrically connected to a load, the input power source is electrically connected to the ground of the first connector through the load.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, when the first connector is electrically connected to the load and the second connector is electrically connected to the input power supply, the input power supply is electrically connected to the second terminal of the second thermistor through the load.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the logic judgment unit is specifically used to: determine whether the first connector has experienced an over-temperature fault based on a first comparison result between the first temperature detection signal and the first preset threshold voltage; and determine whether the second connector has experienced an over-temperature fault based on a second comparison result between the second temperature detection signal and the second preset threshold voltage.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the logic judgment unit includes a first comparator; the non-inverting input terminal of the first comparator receives the first preset threshold voltage, the inverting input terminal of the first comparator receives the first temperature detection signal, and the output terminal of the first comparator outputs the first comparison result.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the logic judgment unit includes a second comparator; the non-inverting input terminal of the second comparator receives the second preset threshold voltage, the inverting input terminal of the second comparator receives the second temperature detection signal, and the output terminal of the second comparator outputs the second comparison result.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: The USB cable of this application embodiment includes a first connector, a first electrical connection line, and a second connector. The first connector is electrically connected to the second connector via the first electrical connection line. The first connector includes a first temperature detection unit and a logic judgment unit, and the second connector includes a second temperature detection unit. The first temperature detection unit is electrically connected to the second temperature detection unit via the first electrical connection line. The first temperature detection unit is used to generate a first temperature detection signal based on the temperature of the first connector and output a first electrical signal to the second temperature detection unit to generate a second temperature detection signal corresponding to the temperature of the second connector. The logic judgment unit is electrically connected to the first temperature detection unit and is used to acquire the first temperature detection signal and the second temperature detection signal, and determine whether the first connector and the second connector have experienced an over-temperature fault based on the first temperature detection signal and the second temperature detection signal. Thus, the above process realizes the determination of whether the two connectors in the USB cable have experienced an over-temperature fault. Furthermore, only one of the two connectors in the USB cable needs to be set with a logic judgment unit, resulting in lower cost. Attached Figure Description

[0015] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not intended to limit the embodiments, and elements having the same reference numerals in the drawings are designated as similar elements.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the USB cable provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the USB cable provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the circuit structure in the first temperature detection unit provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ; Figure 4 This is a curve showing the resistance of a negative temperature coefficient thermistor as a function of temperature, provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the circuit structure in the first temperature detection unit provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the circuit structure in the USB cable provided in this application embodiment. Figure 1 ; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the circuit structure in the USB cable provided in this application embodiment. Figure 2 ; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the circuit structure in the USB cable provided in this application embodiment. Figure 3; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the circuit structure in the USB cable provided in this application embodiment. Figure 4 ; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the circuit structure in the first temperature detection unit provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 ; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the USB cable provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 . Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and thoroughly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0018] It should be noted that when an element is described as "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or there can be one or more intermediate elements between them.

[0019] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0020] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the composition of a USB cable provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the USB cable 1000 includes a first connector 100, a first electrical connection line TSNS, and a second connector 200. The first connector 100 is electrically connected to the second connector 200 via the first electrical connection line TSNS. The first connector 100 includes a first temperature detection unit 110 and a logic judgment unit 120, and the second connector 200 includes a second temperature detection unit 210.

[0021] The first temperature detection unit 110 is electrically connected to the second temperature detection unit 210 via a first electrical connection line TSNS. The first temperature detection unit 110 generates a first temperature detection signal based on the temperature of the first connector 100. The first temperature detection unit 110 also outputs a first electrical signal to the second temperature detection unit 210 to generate a second temperature detection signal corresponding to the temperature of the second connector 200. A logic judgment unit 120 is electrically connected to the first temperature detection unit 100. The logic judgment unit 120 acquires the first and second temperature detection signals and determines whether an over-temperature fault has occurred in the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 based on the first and second temperature detection signals.

[0022] The above process determines whether an over-temperature fault has occurred in the two connectors (including the first connector 100 and the second connector 200) of the USB cable 1000. Furthermore, since only one of the two connectors of the USB cable 1000 needs to be equipped with a logic judgment unit 120, the cost of this embodiment is lower than that of related technologies, which require the same over-temperature detection mechanism to be set in both connectors to detect whether the corresponding connector has experienced an over-temperature fault.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 in the USB cable are USB Type-C interfaces. The first connector 100 can be male or female, and the second connector 200 can be male or female. Therefore, the electrical connection between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 includes other electrical connection wires besides the first electrical connection wire TSNS. For example, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the USB cable 1000 also includes a power connector LVBUS for power transfer; a channel configuration connector LCC (CC line); and a ground connector LGND. Figure 3 An exemplary circuit structure of the first temperature detection unit 110 is shown. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the first temperature detection unit includes a first current source IS1 and a first thermistor R1.

[0024] The output terminal of the first current source IS1 is electrically connected to the ground GND of the first connector 100 through the first thermistor R1, and the input terminal of the first current source IS1 is electrically connected to the first power supply V1. The first temperature detection signal is determined based on the first current (denoted as I1) output by the first current source IS1 and the resistance value of the first thermistor R1.

[0025] Specifically, the first current source IS1 is a pull-up current source. During operation, the first current I1 flows out from the first current source IS1 and through the first thermistor R1, thereby generating a voltage (which is the first temperature detection signal, denoted as VR1), with the specific formula being VR1=I1*R1.

[0026] In one specific embodiment, the first thermistor R1 is configured as a negative temperature coefficient thermistor, whose resistance decreases exponentially with increasing temperature, such as... Figure 4 As shown, curve L1 is the curve of the resistance of the first thermistor R1 changing with temperature. Wherein, Figure 4 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the temperature of the first thermistor R1 (also the temperature of the first connector 100), in Kelvin (K); the vertical axis represents the resistance of the first thermistor R1, in kΩ. Figure 4 As shown, the resistance of the first thermistor R1 changes negatively with its temperature. As the temperature rises from a low to a high level, the resistance of the first thermistor R1 changes from a larger value at low temperatures to a smaller value at high temperatures. Therefore, according to the formula VR1 = I1 * R1, the first temperature detection signal VR1 will gradually decrease as the temperature of the first thermistor R1 increases. It is evident that the first temperature detection signal VR1 can be used to determine whether the first connector 100 has experienced an over-temperature fault.

[0027] Figure 5 Another circuit structure for the first temperature detection unit 110 is illustrated as an example. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the first temperature detection unit includes a first voltage source VC1, a first resistor RS1, and a first thermistor R1.

[0028] The first resistor and the first thermistor are connected in series with the first voltage source VC1 and the ground of the first connector 100. The first temperature detection signal is determined based on the first voltage output by the first voltage source VC1, the resistance value of the first resistor RS1 and the resistance value of the first thermistor R1.

[0029] Specifically, the first voltage output by the first voltage source VC1 is divided by the first resistor RS1 and the first thermistor R1. The voltage division on the first thermistor R1 is: VR1=VC1*R1 / (R1+RS1).

[0030] In some embodiments, the first temperature detection unit 110 includes a second current source (denoted as IS2), and the second temperature detection unit 210 includes a second thermistor (denoted as R2), wherein the first electrical signal is the current output by the second current source IS2.

[0031] Specifically, the second current source IS2 outputs multiple currents, and the second temperature detection signal is determined based on the resistance value of the second thermistor R2 and the multiple currents output by the second current source IS2. In this way, an electrical signal (i.e., the second temperature detection signal) corresponding to the resistance value of the second thermistor R2 can be obtained. Since the change in the resistance value of the second thermistor R2 can reflect the temperature change of the second connector 200, correspondingly, the change in the second temperature detection signal can reflect the temperature change of the second connector 200. Therefore, based on the second temperature detection signal, it can be determined whether the second connector 200 has experienced an over-temperature fault.

[0032] In some embodiments, the multiple currents output by the second current source IS2 include a second current (denoted as I2) and a third current (denoted as I3), wherein the second current I2 is greater than the third current I3.

[0033] Specifically, the second temperature detection signal (denoted as ΔVR2) is determined by multiplying the difference between the second current I2 and the third current I3 by the resistance of the second thermistor R2. Therefore, ΔVR2 = (I2 - I3) * R2. Since I2 - I3 is a fixed value, the second temperature detection signal ΔVR2 and the resistance of the second thermistor R2 are positively correlated.

[0034] In one specific embodiment, the second thermistor R2 is configured as a negative temperature coefficient thermistor, whose resistance decreases exponentially with increasing temperature. That is, the resistance of the second thermistor R2 changes negatively with the temperature of the second thermistor R1 itself (which is also the temperature of the second connector 200). As the temperature rises from a low temperature to a high temperature, the resistance of the second thermistor R2 will change from a larger value at the low temperature to a smaller value at the high temperature. Therefore, according to the formula ΔVR2=(I2-I3)*R2, the second temperature detection signal ΔVR2 will also gradually decrease as the temperature of the second thermistor R2 increases. Thus, the second temperature detection signal ΔVR2 can be used to determine whether the second connector 200 has experienced an over-temperature fault.

[0035] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the two currents output by the second current source IS2 are used as an example. In other embodiments, the second temperature detection signal ΔVR2 can also be determined based on the difference between three or more currents output by the second current source IS2.

[0036] It is understood that both the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 can be electrically connected to the input power supply or the load. Specifically, when the first connector 100 is electrically connected to the input power supply, the second connector 200 is electrically connected to the load; and when the first connector 100 is electrically connected to the load, the second connector 200 is electrically connected to the input power supply. Therefore, for the above two situations, there are two circuit structures for the second temperature detection unit 210, which will be described separately below.

[0037] Figure 6 An exemplary circuit structure is shown where the first connector 100 is electrically connected to an input power source (not shown), and the second connector 200 is electrically connected to a load 2000. The load 2000 is electrically connected to the input power source via a power connection line LVBUS. The USB cable also includes a second electrical connection line, which is the power connection line LVBUS described above.

[0038] Specifically, the output terminal of the second current source IS2 is electrically connected to the first terminal of the second thermistor R2 through the first electrical connection line TSNS, the second terminal of the second thermistor R2 is electrically connected to the ground GND of the first connector 100 through the second electrical connection line, and the input power supply is electrically connected to the ground GND of the first connector 100 through the load 2000.

[0039] like Figure 6 As shown, we can obtain the first formula: VR2 = VTSNS + IX * R2 - VGND, where VR2 is the voltage between the output terminal of the second current source IS2 and ground GND, VTSNS is the voltage drop across the first electrical connection line TSNS, VGND is the voltage drop across the ground wire between the second thermistor R2 and ground GND, and IX is the current output by the second current source IS2. We can also obtain the second formula: VTSNS = IX * RTSNS, where RTSNS is the DC impedance of the first electrical connection line TSNS. Furthermore, we can obtain the third formula: VGND = IX * RGND + IL * RGND, where RTSNS is the DC impedance of the first electrical connection line TSNS, RGND is the DC impedance of the ground wire between the second thermistor R2 and ground GND, and IL is the current flowing through the load 2000Ω. Since, in practical applications, the resistance of the second thermistor R2 is usually much larger than the DC impedance of the first electrical connection line TSNS, then RTSNS + R2 ≈ R2. Therefore, combining the first, second, and third formulas above, and RTSNS+R2≈R2, we can obtain the fourth formula: VR2=IX*RTSNS+IX*R2-IX*RGND-IL*RGND=IX*(RTSNS+R2)-IX*RGND-IL*RGND≈IX*R2-IX*RGND-IL*RGND.

[0040] Let's take the second current source IS2 outputting the second current I2 and the third current I3 as an example. Substitute the second current I2 and the third current I3 into the fourth formula above (i.e., equalize IX to I2 and I3 respectively), and calculate the difference between them. In the USB cable, the value of RGND is much smaller than the value of the second thermistor R2, so R2-RGND≈R2. The specific calculation process is as follows: ΔVR2=I2*R2-I2*RGND-IL*RGND-(I3*R2-I3*RGND-IL*RGND)=(I2-I3)*(R2-RGND)≈(I2-I3)*R2. It can be seen that the second temperature detection signal ΔVR2 can be expressed as the product of the difference between the second current I2 and the third current I3 and the resistance value of the second thermistor R2.

[0041] Figure 7 An exemplary circuit structure is shown where the first connector 100 is electrically connected to the load 2000 and the second connector 200 is electrically connected to the input power supply (not shown). The load 2000 is electrically connected to the input power supply via the power connection line LVBUS. The USB cable also includes a second electrical connection line, which is the power connection line LVBUS described above.

[0042] Specifically, the output terminal of the second current source IS2 is electrically connected to the first terminal of the second thermistor R2 through the first electrical connection line TSNS, the second terminal of the second thermistor R2 is electrically connected to the ground GND of the first connector 100 through the second electrical connection line, and the input power supply is electrically connected to the second terminal of the second thermistor R2 through the load 2000.

[0043] like Figure 7As shown, the fifth formula can be obtained: VR2 = VTSNS + IX * R2 + VGND, where VR2 is the voltage between the output terminal of the second current source IS2 and ground GND, VTSNS is the voltage drop across the first electrical connection line TSNS, VGND is the voltage drop across the ground wire between the second thermistor R2 and ground GND, and IX is the current output by the second current source IS2. Simultaneously, the sixth formula can be obtained: VTSNS = IX * RTSNS, where RTSNS is the DC impedance of the first electrical connection line TSNS. Furthermore, the seventh formula can be obtained: VGND = IX * RGND + IL * RGND, where RTSNS is the DC impedance of the first electrical connection line TSNS, RGND is the DC impedance of the ground wire between the second thermistor R2 and ground GND, and IL is the current flowing through the load 2000. Also, considering that in practical applications, the resistance of the second thermistor R2 is usually much larger than the DC impedance of the first electrical connection line TSNS, RTSNS + R2 ≈ R2. Therefore, combining the fifth, sixth, and seventh formulas above, and RTSNS+R2≈R2, we can obtain the eighth formula: VR2=IX*RTSNS+IX*R2+IX*RGND+IL*RGND=IX*(RTSNS+R2)+IX*RGND+IL*RGND≈IX*R2+IX*RGND+IL*RGND.

[0044] Let's take the second current source IS2 outputting the second current I2 and the third current I3 as an example. Substitute the second current I2 and the third current I3 into the eighth formula above (i.e., equalize IX to I2 and I3 respectively), and calculate the difference between them. In the USB cable, the value of RGND is much smaller than the value of the second thermistor R2, so R2 + RGND ≈ R2. The specific calculation process is as follows: ΔVR2 = I2*R2 + I2*RGND + IL*RGND - (I3*R2 + I3*RGND + IL*RGND) = (I2 - I3)*(R2 + RGND) ≈ (I2 - I3)*R2. It can be seen that the second temperature detection signal ΔVR2 can be expressed as the product of the difference between the second current I2 and the third current I3 and the resistance value of the second thermistor R2.

[0045] In summary, regarding Figure 6 and Figure 7In the circuit structure shown, the second temperature detection signal ΔVR2 can be expressed as the product of the difference between the second current I2 and the third current I3 and the resistance of the second thermistor R2. Therefore, when the resistance of the second thermistor R2 changes negatively with the temperature of the second thermistor R1 (which is also the temperature of the second connector 200), that is, as the temperature rises from a low temperature to a high temperature, the resistance of the second thermistor R2 will change from a larger value at the low temperature to a smaller value at the high temperature, and the second temperature detection signal ΔVR2 will gradually decrease as the temperature of the second thermistor R2 increases. Therefore, the second temperature detection signal ΔVR2 can be used to determine whether the second connector 200 has experienced an over-temperature fault.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first temperature detection unit 110 includes a second voltage source VC2 and a second resistor RS2, the second temperature detection unit 210 includes a second thermistor R2, the second voltage source VC2 outputs multiple currents, wherein the first electrical signal is the voltage output by the second voltage source VC2, and the second temperature detection signal is determined based on the resistance value of the second resistor RS2, the resistance value of the second thermistor R2, and the multiple voltages output by the second voltage source VC2.

[0047] In some embodiments, the multiple voltages output by the second voltage source VC2 include a second voltage VC2_1 and a third voltage VC2_2. A second temperature detection signal is determined based on the ratio of the product of the difference between the second voltage VC2_1 and the third voltage VC2_2 and the resistance of the second thermistor R2, to the sum of the resistances of the second resistor RS2 and the second thermistor R2. Here, the second voltage VC2_1 is greater than the third voltage VC2_2. Therefore, ΔVR2 = (VC2_1 - VC2_2) * R2 / (R2 + RS2).

[0048] In some embodiments, the first temperature detection unit 110 includes a second voltage source VC2 and a second resistor RS2, and the second temperature detection unit 210 includes a second thermistor R2. The second resistor RS2 is an adjustable resistor. The first electrical signal is the voltage output by the second voltage source VC2, and the second temperature detection signal is determined based on multiple resistance values ​​of the second resistor RA2, the resistance value of the second thermistor R2, and the voltage output by the second voltage source VC2.

[0049] In some embodiments, the resistance value of the second resistor RS2 includes a second resistance value RS2_1 and a third resistance value RS2_2. The second temperature detection signal is determined by the ratio of the product of the voltage output from the second voltage source VC2 and the resistance value of the second thermistor R2, to the ratio of the difference between the second resistance value RS2_1 and the third resistance value RS2_2 to the sum of the resistance values ​​of the second thermistor R2, wherein the second resistance value RS2_1 is greater than the third resistance value RS2_2. Therefore, ΔVR2 = VC2 * R2 / (RS2_1 - RS2_2 + R2).

[0050] Figure 8 An exemplary circuit structure is shown where the first connector 100 is electrically connected to an input power source (not shown), and the second connector 200 is electrically connected to a load 2000. The load 2000 is electrically connected to the input power source via a power connection line LVBUS. The USB cable also includes a second electrical connection line, which is the power connection line LVBUS described above.

[0051] Specifically, the second voltage source VC2 is electrically connected to the first end of the second thermistor R2 through the second resistor RS2 and the first electrical connection line. The second end of the second thermistor R2 is electrically connected to the ground GND of the first connector 110 through the second electrical connection line. The input power supply is electrically connected to the ground GND of the first connector 100 through the load 2000.

[0052] Figure 9 An exemplary circuit structure is shown where the first connector 100 is electrically connected to the load 2000 and the second connector 200 is electrically connected to the input power supply (not shown). The load 2000 is electrically connected to the input power supply via the power connection line LVBUS. The USB cable also includes a second electrical connection line, which is the power connection line LVBUS described above.

[0053] Specifically, the second voltage source VC2 is electrically connected to the first end of the second thermistor R2 through the second resistor RS2 and the first electrical connection line. The second end of the second thermistor R2 is electrically connected to the ground GND of the first connector 110 through the second electrical connection line. The input power supply is electrically connected to the second end of the second thermistor R2 through the load 2000.

[0054] Understandable, for Figure 8 and Figure 9 For the specific implementation process, please refer to the documentation for... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The explanations are readily understood by those skilled in the art and will not be repeated here.

[0055] In some embodiments, the logic judgment unit 120 is specifically used to: determine whether the first connector 100 has experienced an over-temperature fault based on a first comparison result between the first temperature detection signal VR1 and the first preset threshold voltage; and determine whether the second connector 200 has experienced an over-temperature fault based on a second comparison result between the second temperature detection signal ΔVR2 and the second preset threshold voltage.

[0056] The first preset threshold voltage and the second preset threshold voltage are both pre-set threshold voltage values, and both can be set based on the actual application scenario. This application embodiment does not impose specific limitations on them. However, it is understood that the first preset threshold voltage should be determined based on the temperature when the first connector 100 overheats, and the second preset threshold voltage should be determined based on the temperature when the second connector 200 overheats.

[0057] As described above, the change in the first temperature detection signal VR1 corresponds to the temperature change of the first connector 100, and the change in the second temperature detection signal ΔVR2 corresponds to the temperature change of the second connector 200. Therefore, based on the first comparison result between the first temperature detection signal VR1 and the first preset threshold voltage, and the second comparison result between the second temperature detection signal ΔVR2 and the second preset threshold voltage, it is possible to accurately determine whether the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 have experienced an over-temperature fault. Furthermore, this achieves temperature detection and protection logic at only one end of the double-ended cable (i.e., only one connector), reducing the cost of implementing temperature detection while achieving comprehensive and reliable monitoring of the USB cable temperature.

[0058] In some embodiments, a preset de-jitter delay time can also be set, that is, only if the first comparison result and the second comparison result remain unchanged within the preset delay time, are the first comparison result and the second comparison result considered to be stable and valid.

[0059] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 As shown, the logic judgment unit 110 includes a first comparator U1.

[0060] In this circuit, the non-inverting input of the first comparator U1 receives a first preset threshold voltage VOTL, the inverting input receives a first temperature detection signal VR1, and the output of the first comparator U1 outputs a first comparison result OTL. When the first connector U1 experiences an over-temperature fault, the first comparison result OTL is a low-level signal; when the first connector U1 does not experience an over-temperature fault, the first comparison result OTL is a high-level signal.

[0061] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 10 The logic judgment unit 110 includes a second comparator U2.

[0062] The second comparator U2 has a second preset threshold voltage VOTR input at its non-inverting input, a second temperature detection signal ΔVR2 input at its inverting input, and a second comparison result OTR output at its output. When the second connector U2 experiences an over-temperature fault, the second comparison result OTR is a low-level signal; when the second connector U2 does not experience an over-temperature fault, the second comparison result OTR is a high-level signal.

[0063] In some embodiments, such as Figure 11 As shown, the first connector 100 also includes a protection execution unit 130. The protection execution unit 130 is used to receive a first comparison result OTL and a second comparison result OTR, and to perform an over-temperature protection action when it is determined that at least one of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 has an over-temperature fault, based on the first comparison result OTL and the second comparison result OTR.

[0064] In some embodiments, the over-temperature protection action may include at least one of the following measures: sending a fault or abnormal signal to the power supply end (i.e., the end where the input power is located), triggering the power supply end to stop outputting power or reduce output power; sending a fault or abnormal signal to the power receiving end (i.e., the end where the load is located), triggering the power receiving end to stop receiving power or send a request event to the power supply end to reduce output power; blocking the communication of the charging protocol in the USB cable, causing the power supply end to eventually exit the high-power charging mode and reduce output power; blocking the power supply loop in the cable, such as disconnecting the power transmission path, causing the power supply behavior to terminate. Of course, other measures that can reduce the actual power of the system may also be used.

[0065] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

[0066] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Within the framework of this application, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, and the steps can be implemented in any order. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A USB cable, characterized in that, include: A first connector, a first electrical connection line, and a second connector, wherein the first connector is electrically connected to the second connector via the first electrical connection line; The first connector includes a first temperature detection unit and a logic judgment unit, and the second connector includes a second temperature detection unit; The first temperature detection unit is electrically connected to the second temperature detection unit through the first electrical connection line. The first temperature detection unit is used to generate a first temperature detection signal based on the temperature of the first connector and output a first electrical signal to the second temperature detection unit to generate a second temperature detection signal corresponding to the temperature of the second connector. The logic judgment unit is electrically connected to the first temperature detection unit. The logic judgment unit is used to acquire the first temperature detection signal and the second temperature detection signal, and determine whether the first connector and the second connector have experienced an over-temperature fault based on the first temperature detection signal and the second temperature detection signal.

2. The USB cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first temperature detection unit includes a first current source and a first thermistor. The output terminal of the first current source is electrically connected to the ground of the first connector through the first thermistor. The first temperature detection signal is determined based on the first current output by the first current source and the resistance value of the first thermistor. Alternatively, the first temperature detection unit includes a first voltage source, a first resistor, and a first thermistor, wherein the first resistor and the first thermistor are connected in series with the ground of the first voltage source and the first connector, and the first temperature detection signal is determined based on the first voltage output by the first voltage source, the resistance value of the first resistor, and the resistance value of the first thermistor.

3. The USB cable according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first temperature detection unit includes a second current source, the second temperature detection unit includes a second thermistor, the second current source outputs multiple currents, wherein the first electrical signal is the current output by the second current source, and the second temperature detection signal is determined based on the resistance value of the second thermistor and the multiple currents output by the second current source; Alternatively, the first temperature detection unit includes a second voltage source and a second resistor, the second temperature detection unit includes a second thermistor, the second voltage source outputs multiple currents or the second resistor is an adjustable resistor, wherein the first electrical signal is the voltage output by the second voltage source, and the second temperature detection signal is determined based on the resistance value of the second resistor, the resistance value of the second thermistor and the multiple voltages output by the second voltage source, or the second temperature detection signal is determined based on the multiple resistance values ​​of the second resistor, the resistance value of the second thermistor and the voltage output by the second voltage source.

4. The USB cable according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second current source outputs multiple currents, including a second current and a third current. The second temperature detection signal is determined based on the product of the difference between the second current and the third current and the resistance of the second thermistor, wherein the second current is greater than the third current. Alternatively, the voltages output by the second voltage source include a second voltage and a third voltage. The second temperature detection signal is determined by the ratio of the product of the difference between the second voltage and the third voltage and the resistance of the second thermistor to the sum of the resistance of the second resistor and the resistance of the second thermistor, wherein the second voltage is greater than the third voltage. Alternatively, the resistance value of the second resistor includes a second resistance value and a third resistance value. The second temperature detection signal is determined by the ratio of the product of the voltage output by the second voltage source and the resistance value of the second thermistor to the difference between the second resistance value and the third resistance value and the sum of the resistance values ​​of the second thermistor, wherein the second resistance value is greater than the third resistance value.

5. The USB cable according to claim 3, characterized in that, The USB cable also includes a second electrical connection wire; The output terminal of the second current source is electrically connected to the first terminal of the second thermistor through the first electrical connection line, and the second terminal of the second thermistor is electrically connected to the ground of the first connector through the second electrical connection line; Alternatively, the second voltage source is electrically connected to the first end of the second thermistor via the second resistor and the first electrical connection line, and the second end of the second thermistor is electrically connected to the ground of the first connector via the second electrical connection line.

6. The USB cable according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the first connector is electrically connected to the input power supply and the second connector is electrically connected to the load, the input power supply is electrically connected to the ground of the first connector through the load.

7. The USB cable according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the first connector is electrically connected to the load and the second connector is electrically connected to the input power supply, the input power supply is electrically connected to the second terminal of the second thermistor through the load.

8. The USB cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The logic judgment unit is specifically used for: Based on the first comparison result between the first temperature detection signal and the first preset threshold voltage, it is determined whether the first connector has experienced an over-temperature fault; Based on the second comparison result between the second temperature detection signal and the second preset threshold voltage, it is determined whether the second connector has experienced an over-temperature fault.

9. The USB cable according to claim 8, characterized in that, The logic judgment unit includes a first comparator; The first preset threshold voltage is input to the non-inverting input terminal of the first comparator, the first temperature detection signal is input to the inverting input terminal of the first comparator, and the first comparison result is output to the output terminal of the first comparator.

10. The USB cable according to claim 8, characterized in that, The logic judgment unit includes a second comparator; The second preset threshold voltage is input to the non-inverting input terminal of the second comparator, the second temperature detection signal is input to the inverting input terminal of the second comparator, and the second comparison result is output to the output terminal of the second comparator.

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