A low-power consumption docking station and a control method thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to a low-power docking station and its control method. It includes a USB-C interface, a power interface, a sleep power supply module, a system power supply module, a protocol control module, a docking station module, a switch module, a switching module, a microcontroller, and a scanning module. The power interface connects to the voltage input terminal of the sleep power supply module and is connected to the voltage input terminal of the system power supply module via the switch module. The system power supply module connects to the power supply terminals of the docking station module and the protocol control module. The switching module connects to the communication terminals of the USB-C interface, the protocol control module, the microcontroller, and the scanning module. The microcontroller detects the device connection status of the USB-C interface and controls the operating status of the switching module, the switch module, and the scanning module based on the detection results. This allows switching the communication link connection of the USB-C interface, connecting or disconnecting the power input of the system power supply module, and controlling the scanning module to operate when no device is connected. This invention features lower standby power consumption, better compatibility, and convenient operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of docking station technology, and in particular to a low-power docking station and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] A docking station, also known as a port replicator, is an external device designed specifically for terminal devices such as laptops. By replicating or even expanding the ports of a laptop, it allows for convenient one-stop connection between the laptop and multiple accessories or external devices (such as power adapters, network cables, mice, external keyboards, printers, and external monitors).

[0003] In related technologies, docking stations with USB-C interfaces typically use a protocol control module to control the power supply of other chips and the interface. In sleep mode, the power supply to other chips is cut off to achieve low power consumption. During sleep mode, the protocol control module detects the device connection status of the USB-C interface to ensure the docking station can wake up normally. However, in this solution, the protocol control module still consumes a significant amount of power even when the docking station is in sleep mode, making it difficult to meet the requirement for lower standby power consumption. Furthermore, because the power-on sequence of other chips and the interface differs from that of the protocol control module, it can lead to incompatibility issues with some external devices. Some docking stations use a manual wake-up mode to achieve lower power consumption, but this method is inconvenient and provides a poor user experience.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to design an expansion dock that can achieve lower standby power consumption, has good compatibility, and is easy to operate. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a low-power expansion dock and its control method to achieve lower standby power consumption, good compatibility, and convenient operation.

[0006] This invention discloses a low-power expansion dock, including a USB-C interface, a power interface, a sleep power supply module, a system power supply module, a protocol control module, an expansion dock module, a switch module, a switching module, a microcontroller, and a scanning module;

[0007] The power interface is connected to the voltage input terminal of the sleep power supply module, and is also connected to the voltage input terminal of the system power supply module through the switch module; The voltage output terminal of the sleep power supply module is connected to the power supply terminal of the microcontroller, the power supply terminal of the switching module, and the scanning module; The voltage output terminal of the system power supply module is connected to the power supply terminals of the protocol control module and the expansion dock module; The input terminal of the switching module is connected to the communication terminal of the USB-C interface, its first output terminal is connected to the communication terminal of the protocol control module, and its second output terminal is connected to the microcontroller and the scanning module. The protocol control module is also connected to the expansion dock module; The scanning module is connected to the microcontroller; The microcontroller is used to detect the device access status of the USB-C interface, and control the working status of the switching module, the switch module and the scanning module according to the detection result, so as to switch the communication link connection object of the USB-C interface, and connect or disconnect the power supply input of the system power supply module, and control the scanning module to work when no device is connected, so as to detect the CC connection signal of the USB-C interface.

[0008] Optionally, the switching module includes an analog switch chip and a first filter capacitor; the input terminal of the analog switch chip is connected to the communication terminal of the USB-C interface, its first output terminal is connected to the communication terminal of the protocol control module, its second output terminal and control terminal are connected to the microcontroller, its power supply terminal is connected to the voltage output terminal of the sleep power supply module and one end of the first filter capacitor; the other end of the first filter capacitor is grounded.

[0009] Optionally, the scanning module includes a pull-up circuit and a pull-down circuit; the driving terminals of the pull-up circuit and the pull-down circuit are both connected to the microcontroller; the pull-up circuit and the pull-down circuit are used to respond to the control signal of the microcontroller and perform pull-up or pull-down operations on the second output terminal of the switching module respectively, so as to realize the scanning detection of the USB-C interface CC connection signal.

[0010] Optionally, the second output terminal of the switching module includes a CC1 signal detection pin and a CC2 signal detection pin; the pull-up circuit includes a first PMOS transistor, a second PMOS transistor, a first pull-up resistor, and a second pull-up resistor; the source of the first PMOS transistor and the source of the second PMOS transistor are both connected to the voltage output terminal of the sleep power supply module; the first pull-up resistor is connected in series between the drain of the first PMOS transistor and the CC1 signal detection pin; the second pull-up resistor is connected in series between the drain of the second PMOS transistor and the CC2 signal detection pin; the gate of the first PMOS transistor and the gate of the second PMOS transistor are both connected to the control terminal of the microcontroller.

[0011] Optionally, the pull-down circuit includes a first NMOS transistor, a second NMOS transistor, a first pull-down resistor, and a second pull-down resistor; the gates of the first NMOS transistor and the second NMOS transistor are both connected to the control terminal of the microcontroller; the sources of the first NMOS transistor and the second NMOS transistor are both grounded; the first pull-down resistor is connected in series between the drain of the first NMOS transistor and the CC1 signal detection pin; the second pull-down resistor is connected in series between the drain of the second NMOS transistor and the CC2 signal detection pin.

[0012] Optionally, the scanning module further includes a filtering circuit; the filtering circuit includes a second filtering capacitor and a third filtering capacitor; the second filtering capacitor is connected between the CC1 signal detection pin and ground; the third filtering capacitor is connected between the CC2 signal detection pin and ground.

[0013] Optionally, the sleep power supply module includes a first linear regulator and a second linear regulator; the voltage input terminal of the first linear regulator is connected to the power interface, and its voltage output terminal is connected to the power supply terminal of the switching module and the voltage input terminal of the second linear regulator; the voltage output terminal of the second linear regulator is connected to the power supply terminal of the microcontroller and the scanning module.

[0014] Optionally, the switching module includes a third PMOS transistor, a third NMOS transistor, a fourth NMOS transistor, a first voltage divider resistor, and a second voltage divider resistor; the source of the third PMOS transistor is connected to the power interface, its drain is connected to the voltage input terminal of the system power supply module, and its gate is connected to the drain of the third NMOS transistor; the source of the third NMOS transistor is grounded, and its gate is connected to the drain of the fourth NMOS transistor; the gate of the fourth NMOS transistor is connected to the microcontroller, and its source is grounded; the first voltage divider resistor and the second voltage divider resistor are connected in series between the voltage output terminal and ground of the sleep power supply module, and the series node is connected to the gate of the third NMOS transistor.

[0015] The present invention also discloses a control method for a low-power expansion dock, applied to a low-power expansion dock as described in any of the above claims, the control method for the low-power expansion dock comprising the following steps: Detect the device connection status of the USB-C interface; When a device is detected connected to the USB-C interface, the microcontroller controls the switching module to connect the communication end of the USB-C interface to the communication end of the protocol control module, and controls the switch module to be turned on to connect the power input of the system power supply module. When no device is detected connected to the USB-C interface, the microcontroller controls the switching module to connect the communication terminal of the USB-C interface to the microcontroller, controls the switching module to disconnect the power supply input of the system power supply module, and controls the scanning module to detect the CC connection signal of the USB-C interface.

[0016] Optionally, controlling the scanning module to detect the CC connection signal of the USB-C interface specifically includes the following steps: The scanning module is controlled to perform a pull-up or pull-down operation on the second output terminal of the switching module, and the voltage value of the communication terminal of the USB-C interface is sampled and detected multiple times, and the maximum value among the multiple detection results is selected as the target voltage value. The device access status of the USB-C interface is determined based on the magnitude of the target voltage value.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the low-power expansion dock provided in this invention are as follows: By separating the sleep power supply from the system power supply, and combining the microcontroller's control of the switching module, switch module, and scanning module, when no device is connected to the USB-C interface, only the sleep power supply module supplies power to the microcontroller, switching module, and scanning module, automatically disconnecting the power input of the system power supply module, thereby disconnecting the power supply to the protocol control module and the expansion dock module, and entering a sleep state; at the same time, the scanning module detects the CC connection signal of the USB-C interface to identify the device connection status in the sleep state. After connection, the communication link of the USB-C interface is automatically switched and the system power supply module is connected, ensuring the normal wake-up operation of the protocol control module and the expansion dock module, and realizing automatic wake-up. Compared with the existing method of retaining the protocol control module for device connection status detection in the sleep state, this application can achieve lower sleep power consumption, does not affect the functional compatibility of the expansion dock, and does not require manual operation by the user to wake up, making it convenient to use. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of a low-power expansion dock according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of the USB-C interface according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram of the switching module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of the microcontroller according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a partial circuit diagram of the switching module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram of the scanning module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a partial circuit diagram of the power interface connection switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a circuit diagram of the first linear regulator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a circuit diagram of the second linear regulator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the control method of a low-power expansion dock according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the scanning module detecting the CC connection signal of the USB-C interface according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the control logic flow of the microcontroller in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] The labels for the attached figures are as follows: 10. USB-C interface; 20. Power interface; 30. Sleep power supply module; 40. System power supply module; 50. Protocol control module; 60. Dock module; 70. Switch module; 80. Switching module; 90. Microcontroller; 110. Scanning module; 111. Pull-up circuit; 112. Pull-down circuit; 113. Filtering circuit; U1, Analog switch chip; U2, First linear regulator; U3, Second linear regulator; C1, First filter capacitor; C2, Second filter capacitor; C3, Third filter capacitor; Q1, First PMOS transistor; Q2, Second PMOS transistor; Q3, First NMOS transistor; Q4, Second NMOS transistor; Q5, Third PMOS transistor; Q6, Third NMOS transistor; Q7, Fourth NMOS transistor; R1, First pull-up resistor; R2, Second pull-up resistor; R3, First pull-down resistor; R4, Second pull-down resistor; R5, First voltage divider resistor; R6, Second voltage divider resistor. Detailed Implementation

[0020] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Existing docking stations with USB-C interfaces typically use a protocol control module to control the power supply of other chips and interfaces. In sleep mode, the power supply to these chips and interfaces is cut off to achieve low power consumption. During sleep mode, the protocol control module detects the device connection status of the USB-C interface to ensure the docking station can wake up normally. However, in this solution, while the docking station is in sleep mode, the protocol control module itself still controls the power supply of other chips and interfaces, resulting in significant power consumption. This makes it difficult to meet the required lower power consumption, leading to unnecessary energy waste when not in use and is detrimental to the environment. Furthermore, because the power-on sequence of other chips and interfaces differs from that of the protocol control module, incompatibility issues with some external devices can occur. Some docking stations use a manual wake-up mode to achieve lower power consumption, but this method is inconvenient and provides a poor user experience.

[0022] Therefore, this embodiment of the invention provides a low-power expansion dock that can achieve lower standby power consumption, has good compatibility, and is easy to operate.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the low-power expansion dock of this embodiment of the invention includes a USB-C interface 10, a power interface 20, a sleep power supply module 30, a system power supply module 40, a protocol control module 50, an expansion dock module 60, a switch module 70, a switching module 80, a microcontroller 90, and a scanning module 110.

[0024] The power interface 20 is connected to the voltage input terminal of the sleep power supply module 30, and is connected to the voltage input terminal of the system power supply module 40 through the switch module 70.

[0025] The voltage output terminal of the sleep power supply module 30 is connected to the power supply terminal of the microcontroller 90, the power supply terminal of the switching module 80, and the scanning module 110.

[0026] The voltage output terminal of the system power supply module 40 is connected to the power supply terminals of the protocol control module 50 and the expansion dock module 60.

[0027] The input terminal of the switching module 80 is connected to the communication terminal of the USB-C interface 10, its first output terminal is connected to the communication terminal of the protocol control module 50, and its second output terminal is connected to the microcontroller 90 and the scanning module 110.

[0028] The protocol control module 50 is also connected to the expansion dock module 60.

[0029] The scanning module 110 is connected to the microcontroller 90.

[0030] The microcontroller 90 is used to detect the device access status of the USB-C interface 10, and control the working status of the switching module 80, the switch module 70 and the scanning module 110 according to the detection results, so as to switch the communication link connection object of the USB-C interface 10, and connect or disconnect the power supply input of the system power supply module 40. In the absence of device access, the microcontroller 90 controls the scanning module 110 to work to detect the CC connection signal of the USB-C interface 10.

[0031] The low-power docking station of this invention features a design that separates sleep power supply from system power supply. Combined with the control of the switching module 80, switch module 70, and scanning module 110 by the microcontroller 90, when no device is connected to the USB-C interface 10, only the sleep power supply module 30 supplies power to the microcontroller 90, switching module 80, and scanning module 110, automatically disconnecting the power input to the system power supply module 40. This disconnects the power supply to the protocol control module 50 and the docking station module 60, entering a sleep state. Simultaneously, the scanning module 110 detects the CC connection signal of the USB-C interface 10 to identify device access during sleep mode. Upon connection, the communication link of the USB-C interface 10 is automatically switched and the system power supply module 40 is connected, ensuring the normal wake-up operation of the protocol control module 50 and the docking station module 60. This automatic wake-up, compared to the existing method of retaining the protocol control module 50 for device access detection in sleep mode, achieves lower sleep power consumption, energy saving and emission reduction, without affecting the functional compatibility of the docking station. It also eliminates the need for manual wake-up by the user, improving ease of use and user experience. Furthermore, it has wide applicability, does not depend on the original functional scheme of the docking station, does not reduce its performance, and does not affect the compatibility of the host and devices.

[0032] In this application, the low-power docking station, after entering sleep mode, is powered only by the sleep power supply module 30 for the microcontroller 90, switching module 80, and scanning module 110. It only needs to handle the device access status detection of the USB-C interface 10, without needing to control other chips or modules within the docking station. Its power consumption is lower than that of the existing reserved protocol control module 50, with measured power consumption less than 0.16W (including approximately 0.1W from the power adapter). The USB-C interface 10 can be used to connect the docking station to host devices (such as computers, tablets, and mobile phones) or peripheral devices (such as USB flash drives, external hard drives, monitors, and chargers), for transmitting data, video, control signals, and charging.

[0033] Power interface 20 is the power input for the docking station. It can be connected to an external power adapter via a USB-C female connector or a DC interface to power the docking station and charge the host device.

[0034] The system power supply module 40 does not supply power when the docking station is in sleep mode, but supplies power when the docking station is awakened. It generally has a large power output to meet the power supply requirements of each functional module.

[0035] The protocol control module 50 can employ a protocol control chip and its peripheral circuits, such as a PD control chip and its peripheral circuits. In the wake-up state, it is responsible for interconnection, protocol communication, and signal control between the docking station module 60 and the host device and peripheral devices. The docking station module 60 includes multiple functional expansion modules and corresponding functional interfaces.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 8 As shown, in an optional embodiment of this application, the switching module 80 includes an analog switch chip U1 and a first filter capacitor C1; the input terminal of the analog switch chip U1 is connected to the communication terminal of the USB-C interface 10, its first output terminal is connected to the communication terminal of the protocol control module 50, its second output terminal and control terminal are connected to the microcontroller 90, its power supply terminal is connected to the voltage output terminal of the sleep power supply module 30 and one end of the first filter capacitor C1; the other end of the first filter capacitor C1 is grounded.

[0037] Specifically, an analog switch chip U1 is used to switch the communication link of the USB-C interface 10. It can receive control signals from the microcontroller 90 and quickly switch the communication path between the USB-C interface 10 and the protocol control module 50. The analog switch chip U1 features low conduction loss and low static power consumption, ensuring stable signal transmission. A first filter capacitor C1 is connected in parallel between the power supply terminal and ground terminal of the analog switch chip U1 to filter out ripple and spike noise in the power supply voltage, suppress electromagnetic interference, and improve the operating stability of the analog switch chip U1. Figure 3 UFP_CC1 and UFP_CC2 are connected to the communication terminals of the protocol control module 50.

[0038] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, in an optional embodiment of this application, the scanning module 110 includes a pull-up circuit 111 and a pull-down circuit 112; the driving terminals of both the pull-up circuit 111 and the pull-down circuit 112 are connected to the microcontroller 90; the pull-up circuit 111 and the pull-down circuit 112 are used to respond to the control signal of the microcontroller 90 and perform pull-up or pull-down operations on the second output terminal of the switching module 80 respectively, so as to realize the scanning detection of the USB-C interface CC connection signal.

[0039] Specifically, the device access detection of the USB-C interface 10 relies on the voltage changes of its communication terminals, namely the CC1 and CC2 pins. When no device is connected to the USB-C interface 10, the communication terminal of the USB-C interface 10 switches between the microcontroller 90 and the scanning module 110. The pull-up circuit 111 responds to the control signal of the microcontroller 90 and performs a pull-up operation on the second output terminal of the switching module 80, that is, pulls up the communication terminal of the USB-C interface 10. The pull-down circuit 112 responds to the control signal of the microcontroller 90 and performs a pull-down operation on the second output terminal of the switching module 80, that is, pulls down the communication terminal of the USB-C interface 10, simulating the CC logic detection in the USB-C protocol, thereby accurately capturing the voltage signal changes of the communication terminal of the USB-C interface 10, realizing the effective identification of the device access status and device type of the USB-C interface 10, avoiding detection blind spots, waking up the dock, and further improving the reliability of the dock's operation.

[0040] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, in an optional embodiment of this application, the second output terminal of the switching module 80 includes a CC1 signal detection pin NO1 and a CC2 signal detection pin NO2; the pull-up circuit 111 includes a first PMOS transistor Q1, a second PMOS transistor Q2, a first pull-up resistor R1, and a second pull-up resistor R2; the source of the first PMOS transistor Q1 and the source of the second PMOS transistor Q2 are both connected to the voltage output terminal of the sleep power supply module 30; the first pull-up resistor R1 is connected in series between the drain of the first PMOS transistor Q1 and the CC1 signal detection pin; the second pull-up resistor R2 is connected in series between the drain of the second PMOS transistor Q2 and the CC2 signal detection pin; the gate of the first PMOS transistor Q1 and the gate of the second PMOS transistor Q2 are both connected to the control terminal of the microcontroller 90.

[0041] Specifically, the pull-up circuit 111 configures independent PMOS transistors and pull-up resistors for the CC1 signal detection pin NO1 and the CC2 signal detection pin NO2, respectively, to achieve independent control and detection of dual-channel signals. Regardless of whether the device connected to the USB-C interface 10 is inserted forward or backward, the detection port of the microcontroller 90 can accurately capture the CC connection signal changes of the corresponding channel, improving detection reliability. The gates of the first PMOS transistor Q1 and the second PMOS transistor Q2 are connected to the microcontroller 90. The conduction and turn-off of the first PMOS transistor Q1 and the second PMOS transistor Q2 can be controlled by the level signal. The first PMOS transistor Q1 and the second PMOS transistor Q2 can be turned on in sleep mode to provide pull-up voltage to the communication terminal of the USB-C interface 10. Therefore, when a UFP or DRP device (when switched to UFP state) as specified by the USB-C protocol is connected to the USB-C interface 10, the microcontroller 90 can capture and detect the CC logic level after the device is connected, thereby determining that the device has been connected to the USB-C interface 10. In a specific embodiment, the control terminal of the microcontroller 90 outputs a PWM signal to the gates of the first PMOS transistor Q1 and the second PMOS transistor Q2 to drive the first PMOS transistor Q1 and the second PMOS transistor Q2 to work.

[0042] In other embodiments, multiple resistors connected in parallel or in series can be used instead of the first pull-up resistor R1 or the second pull-up resistor R2.

[0043] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, in an optional embodiment of this application, the pull-down circuit 112 includes a first NMOS transistor Q3, a second NMOS transistor Q4, a first pull-down resistor R3, and a second pull-down resistor R4; the gates of the first NMOS transistor Q3 and the second NMOS transistor Q4 are both connected to the control terminal of the microcontroller 90; the sources of the first NMOS transistor Q3 and the second NMOS transistor Q4 are both grounded; the first pull-down resistor R3 is connected in series between the drain of the first NMOS transistor Q3 and the CC1 signal detection pin; the second pull-down resistor R4 is connected in series between the drain of the second NMOS transistor Q4 and the CC2 signal detection pin.

[0044] Specifically, the pull-down circuit 112 configures independent NMOS transistors and pull-down resistors for the CC1 signal detection pin and CC2 signal detection pin respectively, realizing independent control and detection of dual-channel signals. Regardless of whether the device connected to the USB-C interface 10 is inserted forward or backward, the microcontroller 90 can accurately capture the CC connection signal changes of the corresponding channel, improving detection reliability. The gates of the first NMOS transistor Q3 and the second NMOS transistor Q4 are connected to the microcontroller 90. The conduction and turn-off of the first NMOS transistor Q3 and the second NMOS transistor Q4 can be controlled by the level signal. In sleep mode, the first NMOS transistor Q3 and the second NMOS transistor Q4 can be turned on to pull down the communication terminal of the USB-C interface 10. Therefore, when a device of the DFP or DRP type (when switched to DFP state) specified by the USB-C protocol is connected to the USB-C interface 10, the microcontroller 90 can capture and detect the CC logic level after the device is connected, thereby determining that the device has been connected to the USB-C interface 10. In a specific embodiment, the control terminal of the microcontroller 90 outputs a PWM signal to the gates of the first NMOS transistor Q3 and the second NMOS transistor Q4 to drive the first NMOS transistor Q3 and the second NMOS transistor Q4 to work. The first NMOS transistor Q3, the second NMOS transistor Q4, the first PMOS transistor Q1 and the second PMOS transistor Q2 are controlled by the same control terminal of the microcontroller 90 outputting a PWM signal, which can ensure that the turn-on / turn-off timing of the pull-up circuit 111 and the pull-down circuit 112 are completely synchronized, avoid impedance conflicts caused by the delay difference of multiple control signals, ensure the accuracy of CC logic level signal detection, and improve the recognition speed and accuracy of the access status of different types of devices.

[0045] In other embodiments, multiple resistors connected in parallel or series may be used instead of the first pull-down resistor R3 or the second pull-down resistor R4.

[0046] Through the pull-up circuit 111 and pull-down circuit 112 mentioned above, the two work together to scan and detect the CC connection signal of the USB-C interface 10, which can detect and identify the access of more types of devices and improve the docking station's compatibility with multiple types of devices.

[0047] like Figures 3 to 6As shown in the optional embodiment of this application, the scanning module 110 further includes a filtering circuit 113; the filtering circuit 113 includes a second filtering capacitor C2 and a third filtering capacitor C3; the second filtering capacitor C2 is connected between the CC1 signal detection pin and ground; the third filtering capacitor C3 is connected between the CC2 signal detection pin and ground. In this way, the second filtering capacitor C2 and the third filtering capacitor C3 can effectively filter out high-frequency interference signals in the circuit and glitches generated during signal transmission, avoiding noise-induced false jumps in the CC pin voltage signal, ensuring that the microcontroller 90 more accurately identifies the device access status, and improving the detection accuracy of the CC connection signal.

[0048] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figures 6 to 9 As shown, in an optional embodiment of this application, the sleep power supply module 30 includes a first linear regulator U2 and a second linear regulator U3; the voltage input terminal of the first linear regulator U2 is connected to the power interface 20, and its voltage output terminal is connected to the power supply terminal of the switching module 80 and the voltage input terminal of the second linear regulator U3; the voltage output terminal of the second linear regulator U3 is connected to the power supply terminal of the microcontroller 90 and the scanning module 110.

[0049] Specifically, the first linear regulator U2 initially regulates the voltage input to the power interface 20, providing an adaptation voltage for the switching module 80 and ensuring its normal operation. Simultaneously, it serves as the input source for the second linear regulator U3, providing a more accurate and lower-ripple operating voltage to the microcontroller 90 and the scanning module 110 after secondary regulation. This tiered voltage regulation design effectively filters out fluctuations and noise in the input voltage, preventing problems such as misjudgments by the microcontroller 90 and detection failures in the scanning module 110 due to unstable power supply, thus ensuring stable operation of the switching module 80, microcontroller 90, and scanning module 110 in sleep mode. Both the first linear regulator U2 and the second linear regulator U3 feature low quiescent current, low power consumption, and high integration.

[0050] The aforementioned sleep power supply module 30 is a low-power, low-consumption power supply that works normally in both sleep and wake-up states of the docking station.

[0051] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7As shown, in an optional embodiment of this application, the switching module 70 includes a third PMOS transistor Q5, a third NMOS transistor Q6, a fourth NMOS transistor Q7, a first voltage divider resistor R5, and a second voltage divider resistor R6; the source of the third PMOS transistor Q5 is connected to the power interface 20, its drain is connected to the voltage input terminal of the system power supply module 40, and its gate is connected to the drain of the third NMOS transistor Q6; the source of the third NMOS transistor Q6 is grounded, and its gate is connected to the drain of the fourth NMOS transistor Q7; the gate of the fourth NMOS transistor Q7 is connected to the microcontroller 90, and its source is grounded; the first voltage divider resistor R5 and the second voltage divider resistor R6 are connected in series between the voltage output terminal and the ground terminal of the sleep power supply module 30, and the series node is connected to the gate of the third NMOS transistor Q6.

[0052] Specifically, when no device is connected to the USB-C interface 10, the microcontroller 90 outputs a high-level signal, turning on the fourth NMOS transistor Q7, pulling the gate of the third NMOS transistor Q6 low, turning off the third NMOS transistor Q6, and turning off the second PMOS transistor Q2. This disconnects the power supply path between the power interface 20 and the system power supply module 40, thereby cutting off the power supply to the protocol control module 50 and the docking station module 60, and entering a low-power state. When a device is detected connected to the USB-C interface 10, the microcontroller 90 outputs a low-level signal, turning off the fourth NMOS transistor Q7, pulling the gate of the third NMOS transistor Q6 up through the first voltage divider resistor R5 and the second voltage divider resistor R6, turning on the second PMOS transistor Q2. This connects the power supply path between the power interface 20 and the system power supply module 40, providing power to the protocol control module 50 and the docking station module 60, waking them up. Therefore, by using multi-level switching logic to switch the power input of the system power supply module 40 on and off, the current path from the power interface 20 to the system power supply module 40 can be completely cut off when the dock is in sleep mode, with no static leakage current loss, further reducing sleep power consumption.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, this embodiment of the invention also provides a control method for a low-power docking station, applied to the low-power docking station described above. The control method for the low-power docking station includes the following steps: S110, Detect the device connection status of USB-C interface 10; S120. When a device is detected connected to the USB-C interface 10, the microcontroller 90 controls the switching module 80 to connect the communication end of the USB-C interface 10 to the communication end of the protocol control module 50, and controls the switch module 70 to connect the power input of the system power supply module 40. S130. When it is detected that no device is connected to the USB-C interface 10, the microcontroller 90 controls the switching module 80 to connect the communication terminal of the USB-C interface 10 to the microcontroller 90, controls the disconnect switch module 70 to cut off the power input of the system power supply module 40, and controls the scanning module 110 to detect the CC connection signal of the USB-C interface 10.

[0054] The low-power docking station control method of this invention detects the device access status of the USB-C interface 10 in real time. When a device is detected, the communication link of the USB-C interface 10 is automatically switched to the communication end of the protocol control module 50 and the power input of the system power supply module 40 is turned on to achieve automatic wake-up and ensure the normal operation of the docking station. When no device is connected, the communication link of the USB-C interface 10 is switched to the microcontroller 90 and the power input of the system power supply module 40 is automatically cut off, entering a sleep state. At the same time, the scanning module 110 is controlled to detect the CC connection signal of the USB-C interface 10. This method not only significantly reduces the sleep power consumption of the docking station but also ensures a fast response when a device is connected. It balances low power consumption performance and functional compatibility, and does not require manual operation by the user, thus improving ease of use.

[0055] like Figure 1 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, in an optional embodiment of this application, the control scanning module 110 detects the CC connection signal of the USB-C interface 10, specifically including the following steps: S210, the control scanning module 110 performs pull-up or pull-down operation on the second output terminal of the switching module 80, and performs multiple sampling and detection of the voltage value of the communication terminal of the USB-C interface, selecting the maximum value among the multiple detection results as the target voltage value; S220. Determine the device access status of USB-C interface 10 based on the target voltage value.

[0056] The scanning module 110 performs pull-up or pull-down operations on the second output terminal of the switching module 80. That is, when the communication terminal of the USB-C interface 10 is switched to the microcontroller 90, the communication terminal, i.e., the CC pin, of the USB-C interface 10 is pulled up or down to simulate the CC logic detection specified by the protocol. Different types of devices cause different voltage changes at the communication terminal of the USB-C interface 10. Therefore, by pulling up or down the communication terminal of the USB-C interface 10, combined with multiple voltage value sampling and detection, the voltage changes at the communication terminal of the USB-C interface 10 when different types of devices are connected can be accurately captured, thereby enabling the identification of multiple types of device connections.

[0057] In a specific embodiment, the voltage value of the communication end of the USB-C interface is sampled and detected three times. The maximum value among the three detection results is selected as the target voltage value. If the target voltage value is within a preset range, it is determined that a device is connected. The microcontroller 90 controls the power supply input of the system power supply module 40 to wake up the low-power docking station. The preset range can be set to 0.58V-2.2V to meet the CC logic level generated when different types of devices are connected and the allowable error. When the target voltage value is greater than or equal to 0.58V and less than or equal to 2.2V, it is determined that a device is connected to the USB-C interface 10.

[0058] In an optional embodiment of this application, when no device is detected connected to the USB-C interface 10, the method further includes: after a preset delay, controlling the switching module 80 via the microcontroller 90 to connect the communication terminal of the USB-C interface 10 to the microcontroller 90, controlling the disconnect switch module 70 to cut off the power input to the system power supply module 40, and controlling the scanning module 110 to detect the CC connection signal of the USB-C interface 10. In this way, when the user changes the device connected to the USB-C interface 10, the low-power docking station will not enter a sleep state due to a brief period of device disconnection, reducing user waiting time and improving user experience.

[0059] In a specific embodiment, the preset duration can be 15000ms or other durations, which designers can set as needed.

[0060] In an optional embodiment of this application, after determining the device access status of the USB-C interface 10 based on the magnitude of the target voltage value, the method further includes: When a device is detected connected to USB-C port 10, check whether the device is ready to be connected. If the connection is ready, the microcontroller 90 controls the switching module 80 to connect the communication end of the USB-C interface 10 to the communication end of the protocol control module 50, and controls the turn-on switch module 70 to turn on the power input of the system power supply module 40.

[0061] This avoids accidental triggering and ensures that data transmission and power negotiation with the protocol control module 50 only occur after a stable connection is established between the device and the USB-C interface 10.

[0062] In a specific implementation scenario, the microcontroller 90 determines whether the device is ready to be connected by detecting the VBUS_DET level signal of the USB-C interface 10.

[0063] In one specific embodiment, the specific control logic of the microcontroller 90 is as follows: Figure 12As shown, the process includes the following steps: S301, microcontroller 90 is powered on; S302, the level signal of VBUS_DET of USB-C interface 10 is determined; S303, microcontroller 90 delays for 15000ms; S304, SLP_EN outputs 1 and delays for 100ms; S305, CC_PWM outputs 1 and remains so for 100ms; S306, the voltage values ​​of the CC1 and CC2 pins of USB-C interface 10 are obtained through three sampling detections, and the maximum value is taken as V. A. Determine the magnitude of VA; S307, CC_PWM output is 0, WAKE_UP output is 1, SLP_EN output is 0; S308, within 2 seconds, detect and determine the level signal UFP_DET of VBUS_DET of USB-C interface 10; S309, CC_PWM output is 0 for 100ms; S401, sample and detect the voltage values ​​of CC1 pin and CC2 pin of USB-C interface 10 three times, take the maximum value as VB, and determine the magnitude of VB. The execution flow of the above steps is as follows: When the level signal result of step S302 is 0, step S402 is executed; when the result is 1, step S303 is executed. When the judgment result of step S306 is that VA is within the preset range, step S307 is executed; otherwise, step S309 is executed. When the judgment result of step S401 is that VB is within the preset range, step S307 is executed; otherwise, step S305 is executed. When the level signal result of step S308 is 0, step S402 is executed; when the result is 1, step S305 is executed.

[0064] It should be understood that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Those skilled in the art can modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features; and all such modifications and substitutions should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A low-power expansion dock, characterized in that, It includes a USB-C interface, a power interface, a sleep power supply module, a system power supply module, a protocol control module, a docking station module, a switch module, a switching module, a microcontroller, and a scanning module; The power interface is connected to the voltage input terminal of the sleep power supply module, and is also connected to the voltage input terminal of the system power supply module through the switch module; The voltage output terminal of the sleep power supply module is connected to the power supply terminal of the microcontroller, the power supply terminal of the switching module, and the scanning module; The voltage output terminal of the system power supply module is connected to the power supply terminals of the protocol control module and the expansion dock module; The input terminal of the switching module is connected to the communication terminal of the USB-C interface, its first output terminal is connected to the communication terminal of the protocol control module, and its second output terminal is connected to the microcontroller and the scanning module. The protocol control module is also connected to the expansion dock module; The scanning module is connected to the microcontroller; The microcontroller is used to detect the device access status of the USB-C interface, and control the working status of the switching module, the switch module and the scanning module according to the detection result, so as to switch the communication link connection object of the USB-C interface, and connect or disconnect the power supply input of the system power supply module, and control the scanning module to work when no device is connected, so as to detect the CC connection signal of the USB-C interface.

2. The low-power expansion dock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching module includes an analog switch chip and a first filter capacitor; the input terminal of the analog switch chip is connected to the communication terminal of the USB-C interface, its first output terminal is connected to the communication terminal of the protocol control module, its second output terminal and control terminal are connected to the microcontroller, its power supply terminal is connected to the voltage output terminal of the sleep power supply module and one end of the first filter capacitor; the other end of the first filter capacitor is grounded.

3. The low-power expansion dock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scanning module includes a pull-up circuit and a pull-down circuit; the driving terminals of the pull-up circuit and the pull-down circuit are both connected to the microcontroller; the pull-up circuit and the pull-down circuit are used to respond to the control signal of the microcontroller and perform pull-up or pull-down operations on the second output terminal of the switching module respectively, so as to realize the scanning detection of the USB-C interface CC connection signal.

4. The low-power expansion dock according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second output terminal of the switching module includes a CC1 signal detection pin and a CC2 signal detection pin; the pull-up circuit includes a first PMOS transistor, a second PMOS transistor, a first pull-up resistor, and a second pull-up resistor; the source of the first PMOS transistor and the source of the second PMOS transistor are both connected to the voltage output terminal of the sleep power supply module; the first pull-up resistor is connected in series between the drain of the first PMOS transistor and the CC1 signal detection pin; the second pull-up resistor is connected in series between the drain of the second PMOS transistor and the CC2 signal detection pin; the gate of the first PMOS transistor and the gate of the second PMOS transistor are both connected to the control terminal of the microcontroller.

5. The low-power expansion dock according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pull-down circuit includes a first NMOS transistor, a second NMOS transistor, a first pull-down resistor, and a second pull-down resistor; the gates of the first NMOS transistor and the second NMOS transistor are both connected to the control terminal of the microcontroller; the sources of the first NMOS transistor and the second NMOS transistor are both grounded; the first pull-down resistor is connected in series between the drain of the first NMOS transistor and the CC1 signal detection pin; the second pull-down resistor is connected in series between the drain of the second NMOS transistor and the CC2 signal detection pin.

6. The low-power expansion dock according to claim 5, characterized in that, The scanning module further includes a filtering circuit; the filtering circuit includes a second filtering capacitor and a third filtering capacitor; the second filtering capacitor is connected between the CC1 signal detection pin and ground; the third filtering capacitor is connected between the CC2 signal detection pin and ground.

7. The low-power expansion dock according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The sleep power supply module includes a first linear regulator and a second linear regulator; the voltage input terminal of the first linear regulator is connected to the power interface, and its voltage output terminal is connected to the power supply terminal of the switching module and the voltage input terminal of the second linear regulator; the voltage output terminal of the second linear regulator is connected to the power supply terminal of the microcontroller and the scanning module.

8. The low-power expansion dock according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The switching module includes a third PMOS transistor, a third NMOS transistor, a fourth NMOS transistor, a first voltage divider resistor, and a second voltage divider resistor. The source of the third PMOS transistor is connected to the power interface, its drain is connected to the voltage input terminal of the system power supply module, and its gate is connected to the drain of the third NMOS transistor. The source of the third NMOS transistor is grounded, and its gate is connected to the drain of the fourth NMOS transistor. The gate of the fourth NMOS transistor is connected to the microcontroller, and its source is grounded. The first voltage divider resistor and the second voltage divider resistor are connected in series between the voltage output terminal and ground of the sleep power supply module, and the series node is connected to the gate of the third NMOS transistor.

9. A control method for a low-power expansion dock, characterized in that, The control method for the low-power expansion dock as described in any one of claims 1-8 includes the following steps: Detect the device connection status of the USB-C interface; When a device is detected connected to the USB-C interface, the microcontroller controls the switching module to connect the communication end of the USB-C interface to the communication end of the protocol control module, and controls the switch module to be turned on to connect the power input of the system power supply module. When no device is detected connected to the USB-C interface, the microcontroller controls the switching module to connect the communication terminal of the USB-C interface to the microcontroller, controls the switching module to disconnect the power supply input of the system power supply module, and controls the scanning module to detect the CC connection signal of the USB-C interface.

10. The control method for the low-power expansion dock according to claim 9, characterized in that, The process of controlling the scanning module to detect the CC connection signal of the USB-C interface specifically includes the following steps: The scanning module is controlled to perform a pull-up or pull-down operation on the second output terminal of the switching module, and the voltage value of the communication terminal of the USB-C interface is sampled and detected multiple times, and the maximum value among the multiple detection results is selected as the target voltage value. The device access status of the USB-C interface is determined based on the magnitude of the target voltage value.

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