Docking station wake-up circuit and docking station

Abstract

This application relates to the field of charger technology, and provides a wake-up circuit for an expansion dock and the expansion dock itself. The wake-up circuit sets a first power supply circuit to independently power the main control circuit, ensuring that the expansion dock is always powered in standby mode. The power supply for other functional chips is managed by a second power supply circuit controlled by the main control circuit. At the same time, the signal detection terminal of the main control circuit monitors the connection status of the expansion dock interface in real time. Once an external device connection is detected, the second power supply circuit is turned on through the wake-up output terminal to power the expansion dock and restore normal operation. This reduces the standby power consumption of the expansion dock and enables automatic wake-up.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wake-up circuit technology for docking stations, and more particularly to a wake-up circuit for a docking station and the docking station itself. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, global regulations on standby power consumption of electronic devices have become increasingly stringent. The latest energy efficiency standard EU2023 / 826 explicitly stipulates that the total power consumed by a docking station from the AC mains in standby mode must not exceed 0.5W. However, docking stations typically require an external power adapter in practical applications. Most commercially available adapters consume approximately 0.3W of power in idle standby mode, meaning that the standby power consumption of the docking station itself must be strictly controlled below 0.2W to meet the overall compliance requirement of less than 0.5W.

[0003] However, in current technology, most docking stations on the market consume more than 0.2W of power in standby mode. Taking a conventional USB-C docking station as an example, many internal functional chips (such as USB hub, video converter, network card, etc.) continue to operate in part during standby, resulting in high power consumption. This is even more pronounced with Thunderbolt docking stations. These products are limited by the protocol specifications of Intel's Thunderbolt technology. To achieve high-speed signal transmission and hot-plug response, many chips must retain basic power supply and clock speeds during standby, preventing them from truly entering deep sleep or a completely power-off state. Therefore, the standby power consumption of Thunderbolt docking stations is typically significantly higher than 0.2W, making it almost impossible for traditional Thunderbolt docking stations to meet the requirements of the new EU standards. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to address the technical problems of high standby power consumption and inability to automatically wake up existing docking stations, and propose a wake-up circuit and docking station for the latter.

[0005] In a first aspect, a wake-up circuit for a docking station is provided. The wake-up circuit includes a main control circuit, a first power supply circuit, and a second power supply circuit. The first power supply circuit is connected to the power supply terminal of the main control circuit to power the main control circuit in a standby state. The second power supply circuit has its control terminal connected to the wake-up output terminal of the main control circuit, and its output terminal connected to the power supply terminal of the docking station. The signal detection terminal of the main control circuit is connected to the interface of the docking station. The main control circuit is configured to output a wake-up signal through the wake-up output terminal based on a signal detected by the interface of the docking station, thereby controlling the second power supply circuit to supply power to the power supply terminal of the docking station to wake it up.

[0006] In some implementations, the docking station's interface includes a first type interface with detection pins; the main control circuit has a first detection terminal connected to the detection pins of the first type interface, and determines the detection signal of the first type interface based on the voltage signal of the detection pins.

[0007] In some embodiments, the docking station includes a second type interface, the docking station's wake-up circuit further includes a detection circuit, the main control circuit includes a second detection terminal and a third detection terminal, the second detection terminal is connected to the second type interface through the detection circuit and configured to acquire a voltage signal provided by the detection circuit, and the third detection terminal is connected to the second type interface through the detection circuit and configured to acquire a current signal flowing through the detection circuit.

[0008] In some implementations, the detection circuit includes a pull-up resistor, and the first power supply circuit is connected to the second detection terminal and the second type interface through the pull-up resistor.

[0009] In some embodiments, the detection circuit further includes a first switch chip and a first resistor, wherein the input pin of the first switch chip is connected to the power supply terminal of the docking station, and the output pin of the first switch chip is connected to the second detection terminal and the second type interface.

[0010] In some embodiments, the detection circuit further includes a second resistor, the current setting pin of the first switch chip is grounded through the second resistor, and the current setting pin of the first switch chip is connected to the third detection terminal.

[0011] In some implementations, the main control circuit is configured as follows: In the standby state of the docking station, the voltage of the second type of interface is detected through the second detection terminal; If the voltage of the second type of interface is detected to drop from the first voltage to the second voltage, it is determined that an external device has been connected to the docking station, and a wake-up signal is output through the wake-up output terminal.

[0012] In some embodiments, the main control circuit is further configured to: After the first switch chip is turned on, the current flowing through the current setting pin of the first switch chip is detected by the third detection terminal; If the current flowing through the current setting pin of the first switch chip is lower than the first current threshold, it is determined that the external device has been unplugged or is fully charged, and the second power supply circuit and the first switch chip are turned off so that the wake-up circuit of the docking station enters the standby state.

[0013] In some embodiments, the main control circuit is further configured to: After the second power supply circuit and the first switch chip are turned off, the voltage of the second type interface is detected through the second detection terminal; If the voltage of the second type of interface is detected to be higher than the second voltage threshold, it is determined that the external device has been unplugged, and a voltage drop event of the second type of interface is detected. If the voltage of the second type of interface is detected to be lower than the second voltage threshold, it is determined that the external device is still in a fully charged and unplugged state, and the voltage of the second type of interface is checked to see if it rises back to above the second voltage threshold. If the voltage of the second type of interface is detected to rise above the second voltage threshold, it is determined that the external device has been unplugged, and a voltage drop event of the second type of interface is detected.

[0014] Secondly, a docking station is provided, the wake-up circuit of which includes the wake-up circuit of the docking station described in the above embodiments.

[0015] The wake-up circuit of the docking station provided in this application provides power to the main control circuit by setting the first power supply circuit to provide independent power, so that the main control circuit is always powered in the standby state of the docking station, while the power supply of other functional chips is managed by the second power supply circuit controlled by the main control circuit. At the same time, the signal detection terminal of the main control circuit monitors the connection status of the docking station interface in real time. Once an external device is detected, the second power supply circuit is turned on through the wake-up output terminal to power the docking station and restore normal operation.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the implementation method of this application are as follows: since only the main control circuit is powered by the first power supply circuit when in standby mode, and the other functional chips (such as the main chip, video chip, USB chip, etc.) are completely powered off, the overall standby power consumption of the docking station can be reduced to below 0.5W, thereby meeting the requirements of the latest energy efficiency standards such as EU 2023 / 826, and in particular overcoming the technical problem that the Thunderbolt docking station cannot achieve low-power standby due to protocol limitations. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] in: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the wake-up circuit of the docking station in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the expansion dock in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram of the wake-up circuit of the docking station in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of the detection circuit in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the working process of the main control circuit in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: Wake-up circuit 100, main control circuit 10, first power supply circuit 20, second power supply circuit 30, and detection circuit 40 of the expansion dock. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] It should be noted that the terms "setup" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to direct setup or connection, or indirect setup or connection through centered components or centered structures.

[0022] Furthermore, in embodiments of this invention, terms such as "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" are used to indicate orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or in a conventional placement or usage state. These terms are merely for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the structures, features, devices, or elements referred to must have a specific orientation or positional relationship, nor that they must be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0023] The various specific technical features and embodiments described in the detailed embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. For example, different implementation methods can be formed by combining different specific technical features / embodiments. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the various possible combinations of the various specific technical features / embodiments in this invention will not be described separately.

[0024] Please see Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure for a docking station provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The docking station's wake-up circuit 100 includes a main control circuit 10, a first power supply circuit 20, and a second power supply circuit 30. The first power supply circuit 20 is connected to the power supply terminal of the main control circuit 10 to power the main control circuit 10 in the docking station's standby state. The second power supply circuit 30 has its control terminal connected to the wake-up output terminal of the main control circuit 10, and its output terminal connected to the power supply terminal of the docking station. The signal detection terminal of the main control circuit 10 is connected to the docking station's interface. The main control circuit 10 is configured to output a wake-up signal through its wake-up output terminal based on the docking station's interface detection signal, thereby controlling the second power supply circuit 30 to supply power to the docking station's power supply terminal to wake up the docking station.

[0025] Specifically, the main control circuit 10 can be a microprocessor or other integrated circuit unit with signal detection and logic control capabilities. The signal detection terminals of the main control circuit 10 refer to the pins or ports on the main control circuit 10 used to connect to various interfaces of the expansion dock. These detection terminals are electrically connected to the interfaces of the expansion dock and can receive level changes or signal changes from the interfaces. The main control circuit 10 is configured to output a wake-up signal through the wake-up output terminal based on these interface detection signals, thereby controlling the second power supply circuit 30 to supply power to the power supply terminal of the expansion dock, ultimately waking up the entire expansion dock.

[0026] The first power supply circuit 20 refers to a power supply line or power module directly connected to the power supply terminal of the main control circuit 10. Its function is to continuously supply power to the main control circuit 10 only when the entire dock is in standby mode, so that the main control circuit 10 always maintains a minimum powered operating state. The second power supply circuit 30 refers to a power supply switch line or switching power supply module whose control terminal is connected to the wake-up output terminal of the main control circuit 10 and whose output terminal is connected to the power supply terminal of the dock. This circuit is controlled by the wake-up signal of the main control circuit 10 and is used to supply power to all functional chips of the dock when needed.

[0027] When no external device is connected, the signal detection terminal maintains a default level, and the main control circuit 10 does not output a wake-up signal. Once an external device is plugged into any interface of the docking station, the level or signal state of that interface changes, and the signal detection terminal of the main control circuit 10 immediately detects this change. The main control circuit 10 determines that a device has been connected based on preset logic and then outputs a wake-up signal through its wake-up output terminal. This wake-up signal is transmitted to the control terminal of the second power supply circuit 30, triggering the second power supply circuit 30 to conduct. After the second power supply circuit 30 conducts, its output terminal provides normal operating voltage to the power supply terminal of the docking station, enabling all functional chips inside the docking station to be powered on, thus restoring the docking station from a low-power standby state to a normal operating state. Throughout the entire process, the main control circuit 10 is always independently powered by the first power supply circuit 20, without depending on the state of the second power supply circuit 30, thereby ensuring the continuity of standby monitoring and the timeliness of wake-up response.

[0028] The beneficial effect of the implementation method of this application is that by setting an independent first power supply circuit 20 to provide constant power to the main control circuit 10, and using the main control circuit 10 to directly detect the interface signal to control the on / off state of the second power supply circuit 30, the expansion dock achieves that only the main control circuit 10 consumes extremely low power when in standby mode, and all other functional chips are completely powered off, thereby significantly reducing the overall standby power consumption and meeting the requirements of the latest energy efficiency standards such as EU 2023 / 826, which are below 0.5W.

[0029] This application also provides a docking station, the wake-up circuit 100 of which includes the wake-up circuit 100 of the docking station described above.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the expansion dock in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the front panel of the docking station (i.e., the user operation side) centrally houses several commonly used ports, which are divided into an automatically wake-up interface area. This area includes: a first port for connecting to and charging a computer (e.g., USB-C #1, which also serves as a signal input port); a second port supporting USB data transfer and fast charging (e.g., USB-C #2); a third port also supporting USB data transfer and fast charging (e.g., USB-A #1); and a fourth port solely for fast charging (e.g., USB-C #3). In addition, the front panel also features a power button and status indicator lights for manual user control and status feedback.

[0032] Other functional interfaces of the docking station (such as power interface, video interface, network port, and additional USB-A and USB-C ports) are located on the rear panel or other locations. These interfaces correspond to internal dedicated functional chips, including: video chip, network port chip, main chip (such as Thunderbolt controller or hub controller), and USB chip. The power supply for all the above functional chips is managed uniformly by the docking station's power supply circuitry.

[0033] Through the above layout and connection, when an external device is connected to any of the automatically wake-up interfaces, the microprocessor can immediately detect the corresponding level or current change, thereby turning on the docking station's power supply circuit, powering all functional chips, and waking up the docking station. When no device is connected to any of the automatically wake-up interfaces, the microprocessor turns off the docking station's power supply circuit, and only its own power supply circuit is maintained by the control system to maintain a minimum power consumption standby mode, thus achieving the complete functions of extremely low standby power consumption and automatic wake-up.

[0034] In some implementations, the docking station's interface includes a first type interface with detection pins; the main control circuit 10 has a first detection terminal connected to the detection pins of the first type interface, and determines the detection signal of the first type interface based on the voltage signal of the detection pins.

[0035] Specifically, the first type of interface is an interface with dedicated detection pins, including: "USB-C #1" (for connecting to and charging a computer), "USB-C #2" (for data transfer and fast charging), and "USB-C #3" (for fast charging). All three USB-C interfaces have a CC pin as a detection pin. The main control circuit 10 (central control microprocessor) has corresponding first detection terminals, namely pins labeled "CC_DET1", "CC_DET2", and "CC_DET3". "CC_DET1" is directly electrically connected to the CC pin of "USB-C #1" via a first detection line; "CC_DET2" is directly electrically connected to the CC pin of "USB-C #2"; and "CC_DET3" is directly electrically connected to the CC pin of "USB-C #3", used to acquire the voltage signals of each detection pin.

[0036] The main control circuit 10 can read the voltage signal on each Type 1 interface detection pin in real time. When no external device is connected, the voltage signal is at a default level (e.g., high or low level, depending on the interface design).

[0037] Once an external device is inserted, the level of the detection pin will change accordingly (e.g., from high to low or from low to high). The main control circuit 10 can accurately determine whether a device is connected to the corresponding first-type interface based on the detected voltage signal, and then decide whether to output a wake-up signal. This structure eliminates the need for an additional voltage or current detection circuit 40, achieving simple, fast, and low-power access detection.

[0038] In some implementations, the docking station includes a second type interface, the docking station's wake-up circuit 100 further includes a detection circuit 40, and the main control circuit 10 includes a second detection terminal and a third detection terminal. The second detection terminal is connected to the second type interface through the detection circuit 40 and is configured to acquire a voltage signal provided by the detection circuit 40, and the third detection terminal is connected to the second type interface through the detection circuit 40 and is configured to acquire a current signal flowing through the detection circuit 40.

[0039] Specifically, the second type of interface is the interface without a dedicated detection pin, including: labeled "USB-A #1" and "USB-A #2" (both used for data transfer and fast charging). For these second type interfaces, the docking station's wake-up circuit 100 also includes a dedicated "Vbus detection circuit 40". The main control circuit 10 has a second detection terminal, such as labeled "Vbus_DET1" and "Vbus_DET2", and a third detection terminal (not shown separately in the figure, but implemented through the current detection pin inside the "Vbus detection circuit 40"). Specifically, taking "USB-A #1" as an example: the second detection terminal "Vbus_DET1" is connected to the Vbus line of this interface through the voltage sampling line (including voltage divider resistors) in the detection circuit 40 to obtain the voltage signal; the third detection terminal obtains the current signal through the current sampling line in the detection circuit 40 (connected to the current detection pin of the current limiting switch connected in series in the Vbus loop). Similarly, "USB-A #2" corresponds to "Vbus_DET2" and the corresponding current detection terminal.

[0040] The second detection terminal is connected to the Vbus line of the second type interface through a voltage sampling line (e.g., a voltage divider resistor network) in the detection circuit 40 to acquire the voltage signal on the power supply line of the interface. When the external device is not connected, the Vbus line is maintained at a high level through a pull-up resistor; when the device is connected, the Vbus voltage is pulled low, and the second detection terminal can detect this voltage change. At the same time, the third detection terminal acquires the current signal flowing through the detection circuit 40 through a current sampling line (e.g., a current detection pin connected to a current limiting switch connected in series in the Vbus loop). This current signal reflects the operating current of the external device, and the main control circuit 10 uses this to determine whether the device is working normally, has been unplugged, or is fully charged. By setting the second and third detection terminals to acquire voltage and current signals respectively, the main control circuit 10 can realize complete access detection, working status monitoring, and unplug / fully charged judgment for the second type interface without detection pins, thereby achieving automatic wake-up and automatic standby functions together with the first type interface.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the main control circuit 10 can be a central control microprocessor, and the first power supply circuit 20 can be a control system power supply circuit, which continuously provides power to the central control microprocessor in the docking station standby state.

[0042] The second power supply circuit 30 can be a docking station power supply circuit. The control terminal of this circuit is connected to the wake-up output terminal of the central control microprocessor, and the output terminal is connected to the power supply terminals of all functional chips such as video chip, network port chip, USB chip and main chip, so as to provide working voltage for the entire docking station when it is woken up.

[0043] The output of the control system power supply circuit is connected to the power supply terminal of the central control microprocessor, providing constant power to the central control microprocessor only when the dock is in standby mode. The wake-up output terminal of the central control microprocessor is connected to the control terminal of the dock power supply circuit. The input terminal of the dock power supply circuit is connected to an external power source (such as a power adapter), and its output terminal is connected to the power supply terminals of all functional chips, including the video chip, network port chip, USB chip, and main chip, to power the entire dock when it is woken up.

[0044] The buttons and indicator lights are connected to the corresponding pins of the central control microprocessor for manual wake-up / shutdown and status indication. The motherboard power supply (labeled "Motherboard Power Supply" in the diagram) provides the reference power for the entire expansion dock and works in conjunction with the expansion dock power supply circuit.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of the detection circuit 40 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] In some implementations, the detection circuit 40 includes a pull-up resistor, and the first power supply circuit 20 is connected to the second detection terminal and the second type interface through the pull-up resistor.

[0047] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the pull-up resistor can be a resistor labeled 100K (i.e., a 100 kiloohm resistor). The specific connection is as follows: the output terminal of the first power supply circuit 20 (i.e., the control system power supply circuit) is directly connected to the Vbus line of the second type of interface (e.g., a USB-A interface) through this pull-up resistor. Thus, the first power supply circuit 20 forms an electrical connection with the second detection terminal and the second type of interface through the pull-up resistor.

[0048] In the docking station's standby state, the second power supply circuit 30 is off, and the Vbus line of the second type interface does not have a normal high current output. However, the weak current provided by the pull-up resistor (weak pull-up) can keep the Vbus line at a high level (e.g., 5V). When an external device is plugged in, the internal load of the device will pull down the Vbus voltage. The main control circuit 10 detects the voltage drop through the second detection terminal, thus accurately determining that the device is connected. This circuit structure does not require adding a dedicated detection pin for the second type interface; it achieves connection detection using only simple resistive components, reducing hardware costs. At the same time, the current consumed by the pull-up resistor in standby mode is minimal, which helps to meet the requirements of low standby power consumption.

[0049] In some embodiments, the detection circuit 40 further includes a first switch chip and a first resistor, the input pin of the first switch chip being connected to the power supply terminal of the expansion dock, and the output pin of the first switch chip being connected to a second detection terminal and a second type interface.

[0050] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first switch chip can be a current-limiting switch labeled CPS3160, and the first resistor can be a resistor (labeled as a 10K resistor) connected between its enable terminal (EN) and the wake-up output terminal of the main control circuit 10 (central control microprocessor). The input pin (Vin) of the first switch chip is directly connected to the power supply terminal of the docking station (i.e., the external power supply, such as the output of a power adapter) to receive the supply voltage. The output pin (Vout) of the first switch chip is connected to the Vbus line of the second type of interface (e.g., a USB-A interface).

[0051] When the docking station is in standby mode, the wake-up output of the main control circuit 10 is low, keeping the enable pin of the first switch chip low through the first resistor, thus turning the first switch chip off. At this time, the Vbus line is only weakly pulled up to a high level through the pull-up resistor (100K) for detecting device connection. When the main control circuit 10 detects that the Vbus voltage is pulled low by an external device through the second detection pin, it determines that a device is connected and immediately changes its wake-up output to a high level. This high level is applied to the enable pin of the first switch chip through the first resistor (10K), turning on the first switch chip. After turning on, the power supply voltage of the input pin (Vin) is sent to the output pin (Vout) through an internal switch, thereby providing a stable 5V high-current power supply to the Vbus line, ensuring the normal operation of the external device.

[0052] In some embodiments, the detection circuit 40 further includes a second resistor, the current setting pin of the first switch chip is grounded through the second resistor, and the current setting pin of the first switch chip is connected to a third detection terminal.

[0053] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the second resistor can be a sampling resistor labeled 499R (i.e., 499 ohms). The current setting pin (Iset pin) of the first switching chip (e.g., a CPS3160 current limiting switch) is grounded through this second resistor. Simultaneously, this current setting pin is also directly connected to the third detection terminal (labeled "current detection" path in the diagram) of the main control circuit 10 (central control microprocessor). In other words, one end of the second resistor is grounded, and the other end is connected to both the current setting pin of the first switching chip and the third detection terminal of the main control circuit 10.

[0054] The first switch chip is internally designed such that the voltage on its current setting pin is proportional to the output current flowing through the switch. When the first switch chip is turned on, supplying power to the Vbus line of a second type of interface (such as a USB-A interface), the higher the output current, the higher the voltage on the current setting pin. This voltage signal is stably transmitted to the third detection terminal of the main control circuit 10 through a second resistor (499R). The main control circuit 10 reads this voltage value through analog-to-digital conversion and calculates the real-time output current value based on the known proportional relationship (determined by the chip's internal parameters and the second resistor value). Since the second resistor is grounded, a reference loop is provided for current detection, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the sampled voltage.

[0055] When the main control circuit 10 detects that the current value is lower than a preset threshold (e.g., the voltage value corresponding to 0.1A), it determines that the external device has been unplugged or is fully charged. It then shuts down the first switching chip and the second power supply circuit 30 by waking up the output terminal, putting the docking station into a low-power standby state. This structure uses simple resistive elements to achieve accurate sampling of the output current, eliminating the need for an additional current sensor. It is low-cost and highly reliable, while providing the necessary current data for subsequent differentiation between unplugging and full charging.

[0056] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the working process of the main control circuit 10 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] In this embodiment, the complete detection and control process of the main control circuit 10 for the second type of interface is as follows: Initial check: Is the USB-C port connected? After the process begins, it first checks if there is a USB-C port connected on the docking station. If yes ("Yes" branch), the docking station is in normal working condition, and USB-A ports are no longer detected ("Do not detect USB-A"). If no ("No" branch), proceed to the next step.

[0058] Detecting USB-A current When all USB-C ports are disconnected, the main control circuit detects the current flowing through the current setting pin of the first switch chip (current limiting switch) (i.e., the output current of the USB-A port) through the third detection terminal.

[0059] Current judgment The detected current value is compared with a preset first current threshold (0.1A in the example in the figure): If the current is not less than 0.1A ("No" branch), it means that an external device is working normally. At this time, the main control circuit determines that "the device has been connected" and executes "turn on the power switch and wake up the dock". The dock enters the normal working state.

[0060] If the current is less than 0.1A ("Yes" branch), it is determined that the external device has been unplugged or is fully charged. The main control circuit executes "power off switch, docking station standby". The docking station enters a low-power standby state and continues to monitor the USB-A voltage.

[0061] Detect USB-A voltage after standby When the docking station is in standby mode, the main control circuit continuously monitors the Vbus voltage of the second type of interface through the second detection terminal.

[0062] Voltage judgment The detected Vbus voltage is compared with a preset second voltage threshold (4V in the example in the figure): If the Vbus voltage is not less than 4V ("No" branch), that is, the voltage is higher than or equal to 4V, the main control circuit determines that "the device has been unplugged and the docking station is in standby mode", and then returns to the beginning of the process to re-determine the USB-C connection status.

[0063] If the Vbus voltage is less than 4V ("Yes" branch), then it is determined that "the device is not unplugged, the device is fully charged, and the docking station is in standby mode," while continuing to monitor the Vbus voltage (looping and waiting for the voltage to rise). Only when the Vbus voltage rises above 4V is it considered that the device has been unplugged, and then the initial judgment is returned.

[0064] Special branches When the docking station is working normally and USB-C is active, the flowchart also indicates "USB-C is active, USB-A is not detected". This means that the main control circuit does not detect the USB-A interface at this time to avoid interference.

[0065] In some implementations, the main control circuit 10 is configured as follows: In the docking station standby state, the voltage of the second type of interface is detected through the second detection terminal; If the voltage of the second type interface drops from the first voltage to the second voltage, it is determined that an external device has been connected to the docking station, and a wake-up signal is output through the wake-up output terminal.

[0066] Specifically, in standby mode, when the main control circuit 10 detects a device connection through voltage detection, it turns on the power supply switch to wake up the docking station.

[0067] First, when the docking station is in standby mode, the main control circuit 10 continuously monitors the Vbus voltage of the second type interface (e.g., USB-A interface) through its second detection terminal (e.g., Vbus_DET pin). At this time, since the second power supply circuit 30 and the current limiting switch are both off, the Vbus line is only weakly pulled up to the first voltage (e.g., 5V) through the pull-up resistor, and the voltage detected by the main control circuit 10 is this high level.

[0068] When an external device (such as a USB flash drive, a small fan, etc.) is plugged into the second type interface, the internal load of the device draws power from the Vbus line. Due to the large resistance of the pull-up resistor (e.g., 100kΩ), it is unable to maintain a high level, and the Vbus voltage quickly drops from the first voltage (5V) to the second voltage (close to 0V). The main control circuit 10 detects this voltage drop in real time through the second detection terminal.

[0069] Upon detecting a drop in Vbus voltage from a first voltage to a second voltage, the main control circuit 10 determines that an external device has been connected to the docking station. Therefore, the main control circuit 10 outputs a wake-up signal (e.g., changing from low to high level) through its wake-up output terminal.

[0070] In some implementations, the main control circuit 10 is further configured to: After the first switch chip is turned on, the current flowing through the first switch chip is detected by the third detection terminal to set the current of the pin. If the current flowing through the current setting pin of the first switch chip is lower than the first current threshold, it is determined that the external device has been unplugged or fully charged, and the second power supply circuit 30 and the first switch chip are turned off so that the docking station's wake-up circuit 100 enters the standby state.

[0071] Specifically, during docking station operation, if the USB-C port is not connected, the system enters the "USB-A current detection" step. The main control circuit 10 compares the detected current value with a preset first current threshold (0.1A in the example in the diagram). When the result is "yes" (i.e., the current is less than 0.1A), the main control circuit 10 determines that the external device has been unplugged or is fully charged. This is because the device current is usually much higher than 0.1A under normal operating conditions; once the current drops below this threshold, it indicates that the device is no longer consuming power.

[0072] Subsequently, the main control circuit 10 performs a shutdown operation: by stopping the output of the wake-up signal at the wake-up output terminal (e.g., by pulling the level low), it shuts down the second power supply circuit 30 (dock power supply circuit) and the first switch chip (current limiting switch). After the second power supply circuit 30 is shut down, all functional chips inside the dock (video chip, network port chip, etc.) are powered off; after the first switch chip is shut down, the Vbus line of the second type interface no longer outputs a large 5V current, only retaining the weak pull-up of the pull-up resistor. The dock's wake-up circuit 100 thus enters a low-power standby state. After the current is less than 0.1A, the process enters "power supply switch off, dock standby".

[0073] In some implementations, the main control circuit 10 is further configured to: After the second power supply circuit 30 and the first switch chip are turned off, the voltage of the second type interface is detected through the second detection terminal; If the voltage of the second type interface is detected to be higher than the second voltage threshold, it is determined that the external device has been unplugged, and a voltage drop event of the second type interface is detected. If the voltage of the second type interface is detected to be lower than the second voltage threshold, it is determined that the external device is still in a fully charged and unplugged state, and the voltage of the second type interface is checked to see if it rises back to above the second voltage threshold. If the voltage of the second type interface rises above the second voltage threshold, it is determined that the external device has been unplugged, and a voltage drop event of the second type interface is detected.

[0074] Specifically, after the second power supply circuit 30 and the first switch chip are turned off, the docking station enters standby mode, but the main control circuit 10 continues to detect the Vbus voltage of the second type interface (such as the USB-A interface) through the second detection terminal (such as the Vbus_DET pin). Figure 4 After "power switch off, docking station in standby" the process enters the "detect USB-A voltage" judgment step, which is divided into two cases: First scenario: If the main control circuit 10 detects that the Vbus voltage is higher than the second voltage threshold ( Figure 4 If the voltage is 4V (as shown in the example), it is determined that the external device has been unplugged. This is because after the device is unplugged, only a weak pull-up voltage provided by the pull-up resistor remains on the Vbus line, and this voltage will return to a higher level (close to 5V). At this time, the main control circuit 10 starts to detect the voltage drop event of this interface, that is, it waits for the voltage to be pulled down from the high level when the device is connected again, returning to the initial standby monitoring state.

[0075] The second scenario: If the main control circuit 10 detects that the Vbus voltage is lower than the second voltage threshold ( Figure 4 If the voltage is 4V (as in the example), it is determined that the external device is still fully charged and not unplugged. This is because although the device stops consuming large current due to being fully charged, it is still connected to the interface, and its internal circuitry may pull the Vbus line down to a lower voltage (e.g., below 4V). At this time, the main control circuit 10 will not monitor the voltage drop event (because the voltage is already at a low level, and a drop cannot be used to determine a new connection), but will continuously monitor whether the Vbus voltage rises back above the second voltage threshold. Only when the user unplugs the device will the Vbus voltage rise back to a high level (above 4V) due to the pull-up resistor. After the main control circuit 10 detects this voltage rise event, it determines that the external device has been unplugged and resumes monitoring the voltage drop event, waiting for the next device connection.

[0076] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the above-described division of functional units and modules is used as an example. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional units and modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional units or modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0077] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wake-up circuit of a docking station, the wake-up circuit comprising: The wake-up circuit of the expansion dock includes: Main control circuit; The first power supply circuit is connected to the power supply terminal of the main control circuit so that the main control circuit is powered in the standby state of the docking station; The second power supply circuit has its control terminal connected to the wake-up output terminal of the main control circuit, and its output terminal connected to the power supply terminal of the docking station. The signal detection terminal of the main control circuit is connected to the interface of the expansion dock. The main control circuit is configured to output a wake-up signal through the wake-up output terminal based on the interface detection signal of the expansion dock, so as to control the second power supply circuit to supply power to the power terminal of the expansion dock, thereby waking up the expansion dock.

2. The wake-up circuit of the docking station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The docking station has an interface including a first type of interface with a detection pin; the main control circuit has a first detection terminal connected to the detection pin of the first type of interface, and determines the detection signal of the first type of interface based on the voltage signal of the detection pin.

3. The wake-up circuit of the expansion dock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The docking station includes a second type of interface, and the wake-up circuit of the docking station further includes a detection circuit. The main control circuit includes a second detection terminal and a third detection terminal. The second detection terminal is connected to the second type of interface through the detection circuit and is configured to acquire the voltage signal provided by the detection circuit. The third detection terminal is connected to the second type of interface through the detection circuit and is configured to acquire the current signal flowing through the detection circuit.

4. The wake-up circuit of the expansion dock according to claim 3, characterized in that, The detection circuit includes a pull-up resistor, and the first power supply circuit is connected to the second detection terminal and the second type interface through the pull-up resistor.

5. The wake-up circuit of the expansion dock according to claim 3, characterized in that, The detection circuit further includes a first switch chip and a first resistor. The input pin of the first switch chip is connected to the power supply terminal of the expansion dock, and the output pin of the first switch chip is connected to the second detection terminal and the second type interface.

6. The wake-up circuit of the docking station according to claim 5, characterized in that, The detection circuit further includes a second resistor, the current setting pin of the first switch chip is grounded through the second resistor, and the current setting pin of the first switch chip is connected to the third detection terminal.

7. The wake-up circuit of the docking station according to claim 6, characterized in that, The main control circuit is configured as follows: In the standby state of the docking station, the voltage of the second type of interface is detected through the second detection terminal; If the voltage of the second type of interface is detected to drop from the first voltage to the second voltage, it is determined that an external device has been connected to the docking station, and a wake-up signal is output through the wake-up output terminal.

8. The wake-up circuit of the docking station according to claim 6, characterized in that, The main control circuit is also configured to: After the first switch chip is turned on, the current flowing through the current setting pin of the first switch chip is detected by the third detection terminal; If the current flowing through the current setting pin of the first switch chip is lower than the first current threshold, it is determined that the external device has been unplugged or is fully charged, and the second power supply circuit and the first switch chip are turned off so that the wake-up circuit of the docking station enters the standby state.

9. The wake-up circuit of the docking station according to claim 8, characterized in that, The main control circuit is also configured to: After the second power supply circuit and the first switch chip are turned off, the voltage of the second type interface is detected through the second detection terminal; If the voltage of the second type of interface is detected to be higher than the second voltage threshold, it is determined that the external device has been unplugged, and a voltage drop event of the second type of interface is detected. If the voltage of the second type of interface is detected to be lower than the second voltage threshold, it is determined that the external device is still in a fully charged and unplugged state, and the voltage of the second type of interface is checked to see if it rises back to above the second voltage threshold. If the voltage of the second type of interface is detected to rise above the second voltage threshold, it is determined that the external device has been unplugged, and a voltage drop event of the second type of interface is detected.

10. A docking station, characterized in that, The expansion dock includes the wake-up circuit of the expansion dock according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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