TYPE-C interface

Abstract

The invention relates to a TYPE-C interface. The TYPE-C interface comprises a TYPE-C interface module and at least one protection circuit module, the TYPE-C interface module is provided with a key signal pin; the protection circuit module comprises a voltage detection unit, a control unit and a switch unit; the input end of the voltage detection unit is electrically connected with the key signal pin, and the output end of the voltage detection unit is electrically connected with the input end of the control unit; the input end of the switch unit is electrically connected with the key signal pin, and the output end of the switch unit is used for being connected with external equipment; the output end of the control unit is electrically connected with the control end of the switch unit; the voltage detection unit monitors the voltage of the key signal pin; and the control unit controls the on-off of the switch unit according to a monitoring result of the voltage detection unit, so as to control the on-off of the switch unit when overvoltage occurs in the key signal pin, and control the on-off of the switch unit after the overvoltage is eliminated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of TYPE-C interface technology, and in particular to a TYPE-C interface. Background Technology

[0002] The USB Type-C interface, with its versatility, reversible pluggability, and high-speed transmission capabilities, is widely used in consumer electronics, industrial control, automotive equipment, medical instruments, and many other fields, undertaking core functions such as data transmission, power supply, and video output. However, in practical use, the Type-C interface faces several problems. On the one hand, due to its large number of pins and compact structure, mis-plugging, electrostatic discharge, and power short circuits occur frequently, making the interface signal pins susceptible to abnormal voltages. On the other hand, with the continuous upgrade of the USB protocol, the interface voltage adaptation range has been further expanded, which undoubtedly increases the risk of signal pins being subjected to overvoltage surges. If abnormal voltages continue to conduct, they can not only damage the interface itself but also burn out downstream main control chips or peripheral devices, leading to equipment failure or even safety hazards.

[0003] Existing Type-C interface protection schemes primarily focus on overvoltage protection for power pins, neglecting the protection of signal pins—typically relying only on transient voltage suppressor diodes for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, without overvoltage protection. This makes it difficult to guarantee the reliability of the Type-C interface in complex operating environments, as it is susceptible to damage from prolonged abnormal voltage exposure, which can harm both the interface and the device. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a safer and more reliable Type-C interface to improve its security and stability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this application is to provide a TYPE-C interface that provides overvoltage protection for critical signal pins, thereby improving the reliability and security of the interface.

[0005] The TYPE-C interface described in this application embodiment includes a TYPE-C interface module and at least one protection circuit module; the TYPE-C interface module is provided with key signal pins; the protection circuit module includes a voltage detection unit, a control unit, and a switching unit; The input terminal of the voltage detection unit is electrically connected to the key signal pin, and the output terminal is electrically connected to the input terminal of the control unit. The input terminal of the switching unit is electrically connected to the key signal pin, and the output terminal is used to connect to external devices; The output terminal of the control unit is electrically connected to the control terminal of the switching unit; The voltage detection unit monitors the voltage of the critical signal pin; the control unit controls the switching unit to turn on and off according to the monitoring result of the voltage detection unit, so as to control the switching unit to turn off when an overvoltage occurs on the critical signal pin, and to control the switching unit to turn on after the overvoltage is eliminated.

[0006] This application embodiment innovatively incorporates a protection circuit module within the TYPE-C interface, including a voltage detection unit, a control unit, and a switching unit, and establishes specific electrical connections with the key signal pins of the interface module, significantly improving the reliability and safety of the interface. The voltage detection unit accurately monitors the voltage status of the key signal pins in real time and promptly feeds the data back to the control unit. The control unit quickly determines whether an overvoltage condition has occurred based on preset logic. Once an overvoltage is detected on a key signal pin, the control unit immediately controls the switching unit to shut down, quickly cutting off the conduction path of the abnormal voltage. This effectively prevents damage to the interface itself, the downstream main control chip, and peripheral devices caused by abnormal voltage, preventing equipment failures and safety hazards caused by overvoltage, and greatly enhancing the interface's anti-interference capability and self-protection capability in complex working environments. When the overvoltage condition is eliminated, the control unit promptly controls the switching unit to turn on, restoring the normal connection between the key signal pins and external devices, ensuring normal signal transmission and the continuous and stable operation of the interface. This dynamic overvoltage protection mechanism enables the TYPE-C interface to adapt to scenarios with extremely high reliability requirements, such as industrial, automotive, and medical applications. While meeting the stringent usage requirements of these scenarios, it extends the service life of the interface and related equipment, reduces maintenance costs, and improves the overall product quality and market competitiveness.

[0007] To better understand and implement this application, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the TYPE-C interface according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the voltage detection unit and control unit of the TYPE-C interface according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0009] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein, when the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0010] It should be understood that the embodiments described below do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0011] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this application are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, “a plurality” means two or more. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items, for example, A and / or B, which can represent: A alone, A and B together, and B alone; the character “ / ” generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an “or” relationship.

[0012] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this application to describe various information, this information should not be limited to these terms, and these terms are only used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used in this application can be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination."

[0013] Existing Type-C interface protection schemes neglect overvoltage protection for signal pins, resulting in low reliability of the interface in complex operating environments. The interface and devices are susceptible to damage from prolonged abnormal voltage fluctuations, failing to meet the requirements of high-reliability scenarios. This application addresses this issue by incorporating at least one protection circuit module on the Type-C interface. The voltage detection unit within this module monitors the voltage of critical signal pins in real time. The control unit controls the switching unit based on the voltage detection results. When overvoltage occurs on a critical signal pin, the switching unit is shut off, cutting off the abnormal voltage conduction path. After the overvoltage is eliminated, the switching unit is turned on again, restoring signal transmission. This achieves overvoltage protection for critical signal pins, improving the reliability and safety of the interface.

[0014] Please refer to Figure 1The TYPE-C interface described in this application embodiment includes a TYPE-C interface module 10 and at least one protection circuit module 20; the TYPE-C interface module 10 is provided with key signal pins; the protection circuit module 20 includes a voltage detection unit 201, a control unit 202 and a switching unit 203; The input terminal of the voltage detection unit 201 is electrically connected to the key signal pin, and the output terminal is electrically connected to the input terminal of the control unit 202. The input terminal of the switching unit 203 is electrically connected to the key signal pin, and the output terminal is used to connect to external devices; The output terminal of the control unit 202 is electrically connected to the control terminal of the switching unit; The voltage detection unit 201 monitors the voltage of the critical signal pin; the control unit 202 controls the switching unit 203 to turn on and off according to the monitoring result of the voltage detection unit 201, so as to control the switching unit 203 to turn off when overvoltage occurs on the critical signal pin, and to control the switching unit 203 to turn on after the overvoltage is eliminated.

[0015] The TYPE-C interface module is an interface entity that conforms to the USB Type-C standard, with corresponding pin layout and electrical characteristics, and can realize multiple functions such as data transmission, charging, and video output.

[0016] Critical signal pins are those in the TYPE-C interface that play a crucial role in signal transmission. The stability and accuracy of their signal transmission are essential for the normal operation of the interface and the safety of connected devices. For example, the configuration channel pin (CC) is used to negotiate the interface's operating mode and parameters, while the differential signal pins (D+ / D-) are used for high-speed data transmission. These pins have high requirements for voltage stability and are susceptible to overvoltage. In one embodiment, the critical signal pins include at least one of the CC, D+, and D- pins, with each critical signal pin corresponding to a protection circuit module. The CC pin (Configuration Channel) is primarily used to negotiate the TYPE-C interface's operating mode and parameters, such as determining whether the interface operates as a source or sink, and negotiating the power transmission power level. The D+ and D- pins are differential data pins used for high-speed data transmission. They transmit data using differential signals, effectively resisting external interference, improving data transmission reliability and speed, and supporting the USB high-speed data transmission standard.

[0017] The protection circuit module is a circuit module used to protect the critical signal pins of the TYPE-C interface from overvoltage damage. It consists of a voltage detection unit, a control unit, and a switching unit. The units work together to achieve the overvoltage protection function.

[0018] The voltage detection unit is a circuit unit that can monitor the voltage of key signal pins in real time. It typically uses components such as high-speed comparators to compare the detected voltage with a preset threshold to determine whether an overvoltage situation has occurred.

[0019] The control unit is a circuit unit that controls the switching of the switching unit based on the monitoring results of the voltage detection unit. It is generally implemented by logic circuits or microcontrollers and can quickly respond to overvoltage signals and issue control commands.

[0020] A switching unit is a circuit unit used to disconnect or connect critical signal pins to external devices. Common examples include MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors), which offer advantages such as fast switching speed and convenient control. In one embodiment, the switching unit is a semiconductor switching device; the semiconductor switching device is any one of MOSFET, IGBT, MEMS microswitches, or bidirectional thyristors. A MOSFET is a voltage-controlled semiconductor device that controls the conduction and cutoff between the source and drain through the gate voltage. It features fast switching speed, high input impedance, and good thermal stability, and is widely used in high-frequency, high-speed switching circuits. An IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) is a composite of a MOSFET and a bipolar transistor, combining the advantages of low drive power and fast switching speed of MOSFETs with the low on-state voltage drop and high withstand voltage of bipolar transistors. It is suitable for medium- to high-power switching circuits, such as power electronics and frequency converters. MEMS microswitches are miniature switching devices manufactured based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology. It utilizes the movement of micromechanical structures under electrical, thermal, or magnetic excitations to achieve switching on and off. It boasts advantages such as small size, high integration, and fast response speed, making it suitable for applications with high space and response speed requirements. A bidirectional thyristor is a thyristor device with bidirectional conductivity, capable of conducting and cutting off under AC voltage in both forward and reverse directions. It is commonly used for AC circuit control, such as AC dimming and AC motor speed regulation, and features simple control and high reliability.

[0021] External devices are various electronic devices that connect to the TYPE-C interface, such as mobile phones, tablets, and chargers. These devices connect and communicate with other devices through the TYPE-C interface, receiving signals and data transmitted through the TYPE-C interface.

[0022] This application embodiment innovatively incorporates a protection circuit module within the TYPE-C interface, including a voltage detection unit, a control unit, and a switching unit, and establishes specific electrical connections with the key signal pins of the interface module, significantly improving the reliability and safety of the interface. The voltage detection unit accurately monitors the voltage status of the key signal pins in real time and promptly feeds the data back to the control unit. The control unit quickly determines whether an overvoltage condition has occurred based on preset logic. Once an overvoltage is detected on a key signal pin, the control unit immediately controls the switching unit to shut down, quickly cutting off the conduction path of the abnormal voltage. This effectively prevents damage to the interface itself, the downstream main control chip, and peripheral devices caused by abnormal voltage, preventing equipment failures and safety hazards caused by overvoltage, and greatly enhancing the interface's anti-interference capability and self-protection capability in complex working environments. When the overvoltage condition is eliminated, the control unit promptly controls the switching unit to turn on, restoring the normal connection between the key signal pins and external devices, ensuring normal signal transmission and the continuous and stable operation of the interface. This dynamic overvoltage protection mechanism enables the TYPE-C interface to adapt to scenarios with extremely high reliability requirements, such as industrial, automotive, and medical applications. While meeting the stringent usage requirements of these scenarios, it extends the service life of the interface and related equipment, reduces maintenance costs, and improves the overall product quality and market competitiveness.

[0023] In one embodiment, the voltage detection unit includes a high-speed comparator; the positive input terminal of the high-speed comparator is electrically connected to the key signal pin, the inverting input terminal is connected to a preset threshold voltage, and the output terminal is electrically connected to the input terminal of the control unit.

[0024] A high-speed comparator is a circuit element that can quickly compare two input voltages and output a corresponding level signal. It features a fast response speed, determining the relationship between the input voltage and the reference voltage in a very short time, thus outputting a high-level or low-level signal. It is widely used in various circuits requiring rapid voltage detection and judgment.

[0025] The positive input terminal is the input port of the high-speed comparator used to receive the voltage of the signal to be compared. In this embodiment, it is electrically connected to the key signal pin of the TYPE-C interface module to receive the voltage of the key signal pin.

[0026] The inverting input is the input port of the high-speed comparator used to connect to a preset reference voltage (i.e., a preset threshold voltage), which is the standard for determining whether a critical signal pin is over-voltage.

[0027] The preset threshold voltage is a voltage value pre-set according to the operating requirements and safety standards of the TYPE-C interface and related devices. This value is an important basis for judging whether the voltage of critical signal pins is abnormal. When the voltage of a critical signal pin exceeds this value, it is considered that an overvoltage situation has occurred, and protection operations are required. In this embodiment, the preset threshold voltage ranges from 3.6V to 5.5V.

[0028] In this embodiment, a high-speed comparator is used as the core component of the voltage detection unit, which greatly improves the response speed of voltage detection. Because the high-speed comparator can compare the voltage of a critical signal pin with a preset threshold voltage in a very short time and output a corresponding level signal, the control unit can promptly acquire overvoltage information and react. When an overvoltage occurs on a critical signal pin, the control unit can quickly control the switching unit to turn off, rapidly cutting off the conduction path of the abnormal voltage, effectively preventing damage to the critical signal pin, the subsequent main control chip, and peripheral devices caused by the overvoltage. Simultaneously, this rapid response mechanism ensures that the TYPE-C interface can respond promptly to overvoltage situations in complex and changing electrical environments, improving the reliability and safety of the interface. Moreover, once the overvoltage situation is eliminated, it can resume normal operation according to predetermined logic without manual intervention, ensuring the continuity of signal transmission and the stable functioning of the interface. Overall, this embodiment, through the application of a high-speed comparator, enhances the adaptability of the TYPE-C interface in high-reliability scenarios such as industrial, automotive, and medical applications, reduces equipment failure risks and maintenance costs, and improves the overall performance and market competitiveness of the product. In other embodiments, the voltage detection unit includes an ADC sampling module and an FPGA logic module; the input terminal of the ADC sampling module is electrically connected to the key signal pin, and the output terminal is electrically connected to the input terminal of the FPGA logic module; the output terminal of the FPGA logic module is electrically connected to the input terminal of the control unit; the ADC sampling module acquires the voltage signal of the key signal pin and transmits it to the FPGA logic module, and the FPGA logic module processes the voltage signal and outputs it to the control unit.

[0029] The ADC sampling module, or analog-to-digital converter sampling module, is responsible for converting continuously changing analog voltage signals into discrete digital signals. In this embodiment, it is responsible for acquiring the analog voltage signals from key signal pins of the TYPE-C interface and converting them into digital quantities for subsequent digital processing.

[0030] An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) logic module is a programmable logic device with high flexibility and parallel processing capabilities. It can be programmed according to user needs to implement various complex logic functions. In this embodiment, the FPGA logic module receives the digital voltage signal from the ADC sampling module, processes and analyzes it, and determines whether an overvoltage condition has occurred.

[0031] This embodiment uses an ADC sampling module combined with an FPGA logic module as the voltage detection unit, achieving more accurate and flexible detection of the voltage of key signal pins of the TYPE-C interface. The ADC sampling module can accurately convert analog voltage signals into digital signals, providing a reliable data foundation for subsequent digital processing. The FPGA logic module, with its powerful parallel processing capabilities and programmability, can perform complex and precise processing and analysis of the acquired digital voltage signals, quickly and accurately determining whether an overvoltage condition has occurred. When an overvoltage occurs, the control unit can promptly respond to the output signal of the FPGA logic module, controlling the switching unit to turn off, effectively cutting off the conduction path of the abnormal voltage and preventing damage to key signal pins, the subsequent main control chip, and peripheral devices, significantly improving the reliability and security of the interface. Simultaneously, this design also has excellent scalability and adaptability; parameters such as the overvoltage threshold can be adjusted by modifying the FPGA logic module's program to adapt to different application scenarios and USB protocol requirements. After the overvoltage condition is eliminated, the system can automatically resume normal operation, ensuring the continuity of signal transmission and the stable performance of the interface function.

[0032] In other embodiments, the voltage detection unit includes a voltage-to-frequency conversion circuit; the input terminal of the voltage-to-frequency conversion circuit is electrically connected to the key signal pin, and the output terminal is electrically connected to the input terminal of the control unit; the voltage-to-frequency conversion circuit converts the voltage signal of the key signal pin into a frequency signal and outputs it to the control unit.

[0033] The voltage-to-frequency conversion circuit is a circuit that converts an input analog voltage signal into a pulse signal of a corresponding frequency according to a certain ratio. Its core principle is based on mechanisms such as charge balance or integration, converting voltage changes into frequency changes to achieve analog-to-digital conversion. In this embodiment, it is responsible for converting the analog voltage signal of the key signal pins of the TYPE-C interface into a frequency signal for subsequent processing.

[0034] This embodiment employs a voltage-to-frequency conversion circuit as the voltage detection unit, bringing significant advantages to the overvoltage protection of the TYPE-C interface. It converts the analog voltage signal of key signal pins into a frequency signal. The frequency signal possesses excellent anti-interference capabilities, ensuring the control unit receives a stable and accurate signal even in complex electromagnetic environments, greatly improving the reliability of overvoltage detection and effectively reducing the risk of false alarms. Simultaneously, the frequency signal exhibits minimal attenuation during long-distance transmission, adapting to application scenarios where the interface and control unit are far apart, ensuring accurate transmission of critical voltage information. This circuit exhibits good compatibility with control units designed based on digital circuits. The control unit can easily perform digital processing such as counting and comparison on the frequency signal without the need for an additional analog-to-digital converter, simplifying design and reducing costs. Furthermore, by adjusting the conversion ratio, the detection voltage range and accuracy can be flexibly changed to adapt to different scenarios and protocol requirements. It can also be combined with different frequency threshold settings to achieve various protection functions, enhancing system flexibility and scalability, and comprehensively ensuring the stable and reliable operation of the TYPE-C interface under various operating conditions.

[0035] In other embodiments, the voltage detection unit includes an integrated PMIC monitoring chip; the detection input terminal of the integrated PMIC monitoring chip is electrically connected to the key signal pin, and the signal output terminal is electrically connected to the input terminal of the control unit; the integrated PMIC monitoring chip monitors the voltage of the key signal pin and outputs a corresponding monitoring signal to the control unit.

[0036] Among them, the integrated PMIC (Power Management Integrated Circuit) monitoring chip is a highly integrated chip that integrates multiple power management functions and voltage monitoring functions into one chip. It can accurately monitor and analyze the input voltage signal and output the corresponding monitoring signal according to the preset parameters. It features small size, high functional integration, and high monitoring accuracy.

[0037] This embodiment employs an integrated PMIC monitoring chip as the voltage detection unit, significantly improving overvoltage protection for the TYPE-C interface in several aspects. The integrated PMIC monitoring chip highly integrates multiple functions, is compact in size, and can complete voltage monitoring tasks within a limited space, saving circuit board space and facilitating miniaturized device design. Internally, it integrates a high-precision voltage monitoring circuit, capable of accurately acquiring and analyzing voltage signals from key signal pins. After comparing with preset parameters, it outputs an accurate monitoring signal, greatly improving the accuracy of overvoltage detection and reducing the probability of false positives and false negatives. Simultaneously, the chip has a fast response speed, rapidly transmitting the monitoring results to the control unit in the form of a monitoring signal. This allows the control unit to react promptly to the signal, quickly cutting off the circuit in the event of an overvoltage, effectively protecting key signal pins, the downstream main control chip, and peripheral devices from damage caused by abnormal voltage.

[0038] In one embodiment, a voltage divider circuit is connected in series between the key signal pin and the input terminal of the voltage detection unit.

[0039] A voltage divider circuit is a circuit composed of two or more resistors connected in series. According to the voltage division principle of series circuits, the input voltage is distributed to each resistor according to the ratio of their resistance values. By properly selecting the resistance values, higher input voltages can be reduced to a range suitable for the voltage detection unit, while also providing some protection for the voltage detection unit, preventing excessively high voltages from being applied directly to it and damaging its internal components.

[0040] In this embodiment, a voltage divider circuit is connected in series between the critical signal pin and the input terminal of the voltage detection unit, bringing several significant advantages to the voltage detection and protection of the TYPE-C interface. Firstly, since the critical signal pin may withstand high voltages, and the voltage detection unit typically has a safe operating voltage range, the voltage divider circuit can effectively reduce the high voltage to a level that the voltage detection unit can withstand, preventing component damage caused by excessively high voltage applied directly to the voltage detection unit, thus greatly improving the reliability and lifespan of the voltage detection unit. Secondly, by rationally designing the resistor values ​​of the voltage divider circuit, the voltage division ratio can be precisely controlled, enabling the voltage detection unit to accurately detect the actual voltage of the critical signal pin, improving the accuracy of voltage detection. This helps the control unit more accurately determine whether overvoltage or other abnormal conditions have occurred and take timely and effective protective measures, thereby better protecting the TYPE-C interface and connected devices, enhancing the stability and safety of the entire system.

[0041] In one embodiment, when the high-speed comparator detects that the voltage of the key signal pin exceeds the preset threshold voltage and the duration is greater than or equal to the preset duration, the control unit controls the switching unit to turn off.

[0042] The preset duration is a time parameter set to avoid misjudgment due to brief voltage fluctuations or interference. Only when the voltage of a critical signal pin exceeds a preset threshold voltage for a duration equal to or exceeding this preset duration is it considered a genuine abnormal situation, requiring appropriate protective measures to be taken. In one embodiment, the preset duration is 30 ns.

[0043] This embodiment provides reliable and accurate overvoltage protection for the TYPE-C interface through the coordinated operation of a high-speed comparator, a control unit, and a switching unit. The high-speed comparator's high-speed response characteristics enable it to quickly detect abnormal changes in the voltage of critical signal pins, immediately feeding back information that the voltage exceeds a preset threshold to the control unit. The control unit, combined with a preset time interval, makes a comprehensive judgment, effectively avoiding misjudgments and malfunctions caused by brief voltage fluctuations or external interference, thus improving the accuracy and reliability of overvoltage protection. Only when the abnormal voltage persists for a certain period and truly poses a threat to the circuit will the control unit control the switching unit to shut down. This precise judgment and timely protection measures can maximize the protection of critical signal pins and connected devices from damage caused by abnormal voltages.

[0044] In one embodiment, after the voltage detection unit detects that the overvoltage of the key signal pin has been eliminated, the control unit controls the switching unit to turn on after a preset time.

[0045] The preset time is a pre-set interval to ensure that the overvoltage situation is completely eliminated, and to avoid prematurely turning on the switching unit when the voltage has just returned to normal but there are still unstable factors, thus preventing the risk of overvoltage from recurring. The setting of this time interval needs to take into account the characteristics of the circuit and the actual requirements.

[0046] This embodiment provides a more comprehensive and reliable overvoltage protection mechanism for the TYPE-C interface through the coordinated operation of the control unit, voltage detection unit, and switching unit. In the event of an overvoltage, the circuit can be quickly cut off, effectively protecting critical signal pins and connected devices from damage caused by abnormal voltage. After the overvoltage is eliminated, the control unit does not immediately turn on the switching unit, but waits for a preset time. This design fully considers potential voltage fluctuations and instabilities in the circuit, avoiding the risk of re-initiating overvoltage due to premature turn-on, and greatly improving the stability and safety of the circuit.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 2In one embodiment, the control unit includes an AND gate logic circuit 2021. The first input terminal of the AND gate logic circuit 2021 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the voltage detection unit 201, the second input terminal is electrically connected to the output terminal of the delay circuit, and the output terminal is electrically connected to the control terminal of the switching unit 203. The AND gate logic circuit 2021 controls the switching unit to turn on after the voltage detection unit detects that the overvoltage of the key signal pin has been eliminated, according to the preset time configured by the delay circuit.

[0048] The AND gate is a basic digital logic circuit with two or more inputs and one output. The output is high only when all inputs are high (logic "1"); it is low as long as at least one input is low (logic "0"). In this embodiment, it is used to perform logical judgments on the output signals of the voltage detection unit and the delay circuit.

[0049] A delay circuit is a circuit module that enables an input signal to be output to subsequent circuits only after a certain time delay. In this embodiment, it is configured with a preset time to control the time interval during which the switching unit delays conduction after overvoltage elimination.

[0050] In this embodiment, the control unit employs an AND gate logic circuit, working in conjunction with the voltage detection unit, delay circuit, and switching unit, resulting in a significant and comprehensive technical improvement for the TYPE-C interface circuit. In overvoltage protection scenarios, the voltage detection unit monitors the voltage of critical signal pins in real time. Upon overvoltage, it quickly shuts off the switching unit to prevent equipment damage. When the overvoltage is eliminated, the voltage detection unit outputs a high-level signal, but the switching unit does not immediately turn on. This is because the delay circuit processes the signal with a preset delay time. Only when the preset time arrives and the delay circuit also outputs a high-level signal, will the AND gate logic circuit, upon receiving both high-level signals simultaneously, issue a turn-on command to the switching unit. This design fully considers potential voltage fluctuations and instabilities in the circuit. Through the comprehensive judgment of the AND gate logic circuit, it effectively avoids malfunctions of the switching unit caused by brief misjudgments or interference signals from the voltage detection unit, and also prevents the risk of premature turn-on leading to further overvoltage, greatly enhancing the reliability of the circuit protection. Meanwhile, the AND gate logic circuit has a simple structure and clear logic, making it easy to implement and debug without increasing circuit complexity or cost. Furthermore, the preset time of the delay circuit can be flexibly configured to meet the diverse needs of different application scenarios for waiting time after overvoltage elimination. While ensuring the safe and stable operation of the circuit, it demonstrates good versatility and adaptability, providing an efficient, reliable, and flexible overvoltage protection solution for TYPE-C interface circuits.

[0051] In one embodiment, the protection circuit module further includes a status feedback unit, the input terminal of which is electrically connected to the output terminal of the control unit, and the output terminal is used to connect to the status receiving terminal of an external device to transmit the on / off status signal of the switching unit to the external device.

[0052] The status feedback unit is an important component of the protection circuit module. Its function is to acquire the on / off status information of the switching unit and transmit this information to the status receiving end of the external device in the form of an electrical signal, so that the external device can understand the working status of the interface circuit in a timely manner.

[0053] This embodiment achieves effective transmission of the on / off status information of the switching unit to external devices by adding a status feedback unit to the protection circuit module and connecting it appropriately with the control unit and external devices. This design allows external devices to monitor the operating status of the switching unit in the TYPE-C interface circuit in real time, thereby making corresponding adjustments and decisions based on the switching status. For example, when the external device detects that the switching unit is in the off state, it may mean that an abnormality such as overvoltage has occurred in the interface circuit. At this time, the external device can stop sending data to the interface or stop charging, avoiding equipment damage or data loss due to abnormal conditions. At the same time, this status feedback mechanism also enhances the interactivity and controllability of the entire system, improving the stability and reliability of the system.

[0054] In one embodiment, the TYPE-C interface further includes an I2C extender electrically connected between the output of the status feedback unit and an external device, used to count the number of overvoltages on the key signal pin and transmit the data to the external device.

[0055] I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) is a serial communication bus standard, and the I2C extender is a circuit chip designed based on this standard. It can expand the load capacity of the I2C bus, increase the number of devices that can be connected, and in this embodiment, it is mainly used to further process the signals output by the status feedback unit and realize the statistical function of overvoltage count of key signal pins.

[0056] This embodiment introduces an I2C extender into the TYPE-C interface and connects it between the status feedback unit and the external device, enabling the statistical analysis and transmission of overvoltage counts for critical signal pins. This design provides the external device with more detailed information about the interface's operating status, allowing it to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the interface's usage and health. For example, the external device can use the overvoltage count statistics to determine if the interface frequently experiences overvoltage issues. Excessive overvoltage counts may indicate design flaws in the interface, harsh operating environments, or compatibility problems with connected devices, allowing for timely intervention such as interface replacement, improved operating environments, or adjustments to device connections. This prevents interface damage or data loss due to overvoltage issues, improving the overall system reliability and stability.

[0057] In one embodiment, the TYPE-C interface further includes a secondary protection element and a clamping element, wherein the secondary protection element is connected in series between the critical signal pin and the input terminal of the switching unit, and the clamping element is connected in parallel between the critical signal pin and ground.

[0058] In circuit protection systems, compared to primary protection components such as common overvoltage protection devices, secondary protection components provide more refined and advanced protection. They further protect the circuit when primary protection may fail or fail to completely eliminate abnormal effects, preventing damage to critical circuit components from overvoltage, overcurrent, and other abnormal conditions. In one embodiment, the secondary protection component is a resettable fuse. A resettable fuse, also known as a self-resetting fuse, is an overcurrent protection component. It is made of high-molecular organic polymers vulcanized under high pressure and high temperature conditions, possessing a unique positive temperature coefficient characteristic. Under normal operating current, its resistance is low, having minimal impact on the circuit; when an overcurrent occurs in the circuit, its resistance increases rapidly with temperature, thereby limiting current flow and providing protection. Once the overcurrent condition is eliminated, it automatically returns to a low-resistance state and can be reused.

[0059] A clamping element is a component that limits the potential of a point in a circuit to a preset range. When a voltage fluctuation occurs in the circuit, exceeding the upper or lower limit set by the clamping element, the clamping element will quickly activate, pulling the voltage back to the set range, thereby protecting other components in the circuit from excessively high or low voltage. In one embodiment, the clamping element is either a TVS diode or a gas discharge tube. A TVS diode, or transient voltage suppressor diode, is a highly efficient circuit protection device. It has an extremely fast response time (down to picoseconds) and high surge absorption capability. When a transient overvoltage pulse occurs in the circuit, the TVS diode can change from a high-resistance state to a low-resistance state in a very short time, dissipating the overvoltage energy and protecting subsequent circuit components from overvoltage damage. A gas discharge tube is an overvoltage protection component that conducts the circuit by ionizing gas. Under normal operating voltage, the gas discharge tube is in a high-resistance state, having little impact on the circuit; when the voltage exceeds its breakdown voltage, the gas inside the tube is ionized, forming a conductive channel that introduces the overvoltage energy to the ground, thus providing protection. Once the overpressure disappears, the gas discharge tube can return to a high-resistance state.

[0060] This embodiment provides dual and comprehensive overvoltage protection for the interface circuit by incorporating secondary protection and clamping components in the TYPE-C interface and rationally configuring their connection method. The clamping component can quickly respond to voltage fluctuations on critical signal pins, limiting the voltage to a safe range in the early stages of an overvoltage, thus providing initial protection. The secondary protection component, as a subsequent protection level, further functions when the clamping component cannot fully handle severe overvoltage situations, ensuring the safety of the switching unit and external devices. This dual protection mechanism greatly improves the reliability and stability of the TYPE-C interface circuit and effectively reduces the risk of interface damage, data loss, or device failure due to overvoltage issues.

[0061] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and this application also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A TYPE-C interface, characterized in that, It includes a TYPE-C interface module and at least one protection circuit module; the TYPE-C interface module is equipped with key signal pins; the protection circuit module includes a voltage detection unit, a control unit, and a switching unit; The input terminal of the voltage detection unit is electrically connected to the key signal pin, and the output terminal is electrically connected to the input terminal of the control unit. The input terminal of the switching unit is electrically connected to the key signal pin, and the output terminal is used to connect to external devices; The output terminal of the control unit is electrically connected to the control terminal of the switching unit; The voltage detection unit monitors the voltage of the critical signal pin; the control unit controls the switching unit to turn on and off according to the monitoring result of the voltage detection unit, so as to control the switching unit to turn off when an overvoltage occurs on the critical signal pin, and to control the switching unit to turn on after the overvoltage is eliminated.

2. The TYPE-C interface according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage detection unit includes a high-speed comparator; the positive input terminal of the high-speed comparator is electrically connected to the key signal pin, the inverting input terminal is connected to a preset threshold voltage, and the output terminal is electrically connected to the input terminal of the control unit.

3. The TYPE-C interface according to claim 2, characterized in that, A voltage divider circuit is connected in series between the key signal pin and the input terminal of the voltage detection unit.

4. The TYPE-C interface according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the high-speed comparator detects that the voltage of the key signal pin exceeds the preset threshold voltage and the duration is greater than or equal to the preset duration, the control unit controls the switching unit to turn off.

5. The TYPE-C interface according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the voltage detection unit detects that the overvoltage of the key signal pin has been eliminated, the control unit controls the switching unit to turn on again after a preset time.

6. The TYPE-C interface according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, The control unit includes an AND gate logic circuit. The first input terminal of the AND gate logic circuit is electrically connected to the output terminal of the voltage detection unit, the second input terminal is electrically connected to the output terminal of the delay circuit, and the output terminal is electrically connected to the control terminal of the switching unit. The AND gate logic circuit controls the switching unit to turn on after the voltage detection unit detects that the overvoltage of the key signal pin has been eliminated, according to the preset time configured by the delay circuit.

7. The TYPE-C interface according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The protection circuit module also includes a status feedback unit. The input terminal of the status feedback unit is electrically connected to the output terminal of the control unit, and the output terminal is used to connect to the status receiving terminal of an external device to transmit the on / off status signal of the switching unit to the external device.

8. The TYPE-C interface according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes an I2C extender, which is electrically connected between the output of the status feedback unit and the external device, and is used to count the number of overvoltages of the key signal pins and transmit the data to the external device.

9. The TYPE-C interface according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, It also includes a secondary protection element and a clamping element. The secondary protection element is connected in series between the critical signal pin and the input terminal of the switching unit, and the clamping element is connected in parallel between the critical signal pin and ground.

10. The TYPE-C interface according to claim 9, characterized in that, The secondary protection element is a resettable fuse, and the clamping element is either a TVS diode or a gas discharge tube.

Images