Protection circuit for Type-C port, Type-C port device and electronic equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of electronic circuits, and discloses a protection circuit for a Type-C port, a Type-C port device and electronic equipment, and the protection circuit comprises a switch module, a detection module, a control module and an energy storage module. Wherein the switch module is suitable for being connected between a VBUS pin of the Type-C port and a power supply end of equipment; the energy storage module is respectively connected with a VBUS pin of the Type-C port and the control module; the detection module is connected with the control module and is configured to detect an identification signal of the Type-C port so as to output a detection signal to the control module; and the control module is configured to control the energy storage module to charge when determining that the peripheral connected with the Type-C port is pulled out based on the detection signal, and control the switch module to disconnect a power supply path between the power supply end of the equipment and the Type-C port, so that the potential of the peripheral is kept the same as that of the Type-C port in the pulling-out process. Therefore, through the collaborative design of the energy storage module and the switch module, the generation of the electric arc is fundamentally inhibited.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electronic circuits, and in particular to a protection circuit for a Type-C port, a Type-C port device, and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the advancement of technology, USB Type-C's charging capabilities have become increasingly powerful, with fast charging power reaching up to 240W and VBUS voltage levels reaching up to 48V 5A. However, with the increase in VBUS voltage, Type-C plugs are highly susceptible to arcing when unplugged. Arcing is fatal to Type-C interfaces, generating extremely high temperatures that can burn the plastic components and even melt the metal contacts. Current technologies for handling arcing have limitations, necessitating a solution that can quickly respond and precisely block arcing. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in related technologies. To this end, this utility model provides a protection circuit for a Type-C port, a Type-C port device, and an electronic device. The main technical solutions adopted in this application include:

[0004] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a protection circuit for a Type-C port. The protection circuit includes a switch module, a detection module, a control module, and an energy storage module. The switch module is adapted to be connected between the VBUS pin of the Type-C port and the power supply terminal of the device. The energy storage module is connected to both the VBUS pin of the Type-C port and the control module. The detection module is connected to the control module and is configured to detect the identification signal of the Type-C port and output a detection signal to the control module. The control module is configured to control the energy storage module to charge when the peripheral connected to the Type-C port is unplugged based on the detection signal, and to control the switch module to disconnect the power supply path between the power supply terminal of the device and the Type-C port, so that the potential of the peripheral and the Type-C port remains the same during the unplugging process.

[0005] In one embodiment, the energy storage module includes: a first capacitor, one end of which is connected to the VBUS pin of a Type-C port; a first switch, one end of which is connected to the other end of the first capacitor, the second end of which is grounded, and the control terminal of the first switch being adapted to connect to the first output terminal of a control module.

[0006] In one embodiment, the detection module includes a first identification unit and a second identification unit; the detection end of the first identification unit is connected to the CC1 pin of the Type-C port, the detection end of the second identification unit is connected to the CC2 pin of the Type-C port, the output end of the first identification unit is connected to the first input end of the control module, and the output end of the second identification unit is connected to the second input end of the control module.

[0007] In one embodiment, the circuit topology of the first identification unit is the same as that of the second identification unit.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first identification unit includes: a first comparator, the positive input terminal of the first comparator being connected to the CC1 pin of the Type-C port, the negative input terminal of the first comparator being adapted to connect to a first reference voltage, and the output terminal of the first comparator being connected to the first input terminal of the control module.

[0009] In one embodiment, the second identification unit includes: a second comparator, the positive input of which is connected to the CC2 pin of the Type-C port, the negative input of which is adapted to be connected to a second reference voltage, and the output of which is connected to the second input of the control module.

[0010] In one embodiment, the protection circuit further includes a voltage conversion module adapted to connect to the VBUS pin of the Type-C port. The voltage conversion module is configured to convert the supply voltage provided by the VBUS pin to provide a reference power supply to the control module, the first identification unit, and the second identification unit.

[0011] In one embodiment, the metal springs corresponding to the VBUS and GND pins of the Type-C port are longer than the metal springs corresponding to the identification pins of the Type-C port.

[0012] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a Type-C port device, including a Type-C port and a protection circuit for the Type-C port as described above.

[0013] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic device, including a Type-C port and a protection circuit for the Type-C port as described above.

[0014] In this embodiment of the invention, through the collaborative design of the energy storage module and the switching module, the control module immediately triggers the energy storage module to charge when a signal indicating that a peripheral device has been unplugged from the Type-C port is detected. Simultaneously, the switching module cuts off the main power supply path, causing the downstream circuitry to stop drawing current. Ultimately, the energy storage module ensures that the peripheral device and the Type-C port maintain an equipotential state during physical separation, eliminating the large current and potential difference generated during plugging and unplugging. This fundamentally suppresses the generation of electric arcs and significantly reduces arc energy, thereby significantly improving the interface safety and durability of the Type-C port in high-power scenarios.

[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of a protection circuit for a Type-C port according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of a protection circuit for a Type-C port according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0019] With the advancement of technology, the charging capabilities of USB Type-C have become increasingly powerful. Since the release of the USB PD 3.1 standard, its fast charging power can reach 240W, and its highest VBUS voltage level can reach 48V 5A. However, with the increase in VBUS voltage, Type-C plugs are highly prone to arcing when unplugged. Arcing is fatal to Type-C interfaces, generating extremely high temperatures that can burn the plastic components of the interface or even melt the metal contacts. The arcing problem during plugging and unplugging of Type-C PD 48V applications has limited their widespread adoption, necessitating the development of effective solutions to suppress arcing or reduce its energy.

[0020] Related technologies primarily use accelerometers to detect physical plugging and unplugging actions at the port, and reduce the VBUS output voltage in advance to weaken the arc energy upon sensing the unplugging signal. However, this type of solution based on mechanical motion detection has significant drawbacks: on the one hand, the accelerometer system has high design complexity, significantly increasing hardware costs; on the other hand, sensor response delays or misjudgments may lead to protection failures, making it difficult to guarantee actual reliability. Therefore, how to quickly cut off the power supply and accurately eliminate the arc the moment the device is unplugged has become a crucial technical challenge that urgently needs to be overcome.

[0021] Based on this, please refer to Figure 1 This specification provides a protection circuit 100 for a Type-C port, which includes a switching module 110, an energy storage module 120, a detection module 130, and a control module 140.

[0022] Specifically, please refer to Figure 2 The switch module 110 is adapted to be connected between the VBUS pin of the Type-C port and the power supply terminal of the device. The energy storage module 120 is connected to the VBUS pin of the Type-C port and the control module respectively. The detection module 130 is connected to the control module 140.

[0023] The switch module 110 can refer to an execution unit responsible for dynamically controlling the on / off state of the VBUS power path. It's important to note that, according to the Type-C protocol specification, Type-C ports can be categorized into two roles based on the power supply direction: Source (power supply end) and Sink (power receiving end). This example uses the Sink end, where the Type-C port only receives power from an external Source. For instance, in this case, the switch module 110 can act as a path switching unit between the device's power supply and the Type-C port, dynamically managing the power supply path between the VBUS pins of the other end connected via cable (the source end) and the VBUS pins of the Type-C port. The device's power supply can be another external power adapter.

[0024] The energy storage module 120 can be a circuit unit for quickly storing and maintaining the VBUS potential the moment the Type-C port is unplugged. It can maintain the voltage on both sides of the Type-C port (between the VBUS at the sink end and the VBUS at the other end connected by the cable) by pre-stored electrical energy before the physical connection is broken, so as to eliminate the potential difference and suppress the generation of electric arc.

[0025] Specifically, please continue to refer to Figure 2The energy storage module 120 may include a first capacitor 121 and a first switch 123. One end of the first capacitor 121 is connected to the VBUS pin of the Type-C port, while the other end is connected to the first terminal of the first switch 123. The second terminal of the first switch 123 is grounded, and the control terminal of the first switch 123 is connected to the first output terminal of the control module 140. When the control module 140 determines that a peripheral connected to the Type-C port is being unplugged, it sends a control signal to the control terminal of the first switch 123 through its first output terminal to close the switch. This causes the first capacitor 121 to quickly charge to the current VBUS voltage, thus establishing an equipotential holding state. This, in conjunction with the switch module 110, eliminates the potential difference at the moment of unplugging, thereby suppressing arc energy.

[0026] The detection module 130 can refer to a circuit unit used for real-time monitoring of the Type-C port connection status. It is configured to detect the identification signal of the Type-C port and output a detection signal to the control module 140. The control module 140 can refer to the logic processing core unit of the protection circuit 100, which is responsible for coordinating the detection signal, controlling the switch action, and the charging and discharging sequence of the energy storage module 120. Specifically, the control module 140 is configured to control the energy storage module 120 to charge and control the switch module 110 to disconnect the power supply path between the device power supply terminal and the Type-C port when the peripheral connected to the Type-C port is unplugged based on the detection signal, so that the potential of the peripheral and the Type-C port remains the same during the unplugging process.

[0027] Understandably, the detection module 130 will detect the voltage changes of the identification signal of the Type-C port in real time to monitor the connection status of the Type-C port and output the detection signal to the control module 140. When the control module 140 determines based on the detection signal that the peripheral device connected to the Type-C port is being unplugged, it will immediately trigger the following protection action:

[0028] 1) Control the first capacitor 121 in the energy storage module 120 to charge it quickly so that its voltage is synchronized with the current VBUS potential;

[0029] 2) At the same time, the control switch module 110 disconnects the power supply path between the device power supply terminal and the Type-C port, terminating the current flow.

[0030] It's important to understand that because the metal contacts for the VBUS and GND pins of the Type-C port are longer than those for the identification pins, when the Type-C port is unplugged, the identification pins disconnect first, while the contacts for the VBUS and GND pins disconnect later due to mechanical design. This physical characteristic creates a time difference window of approximately tens of microseconds between the two disconnections, providing crucial response time for the arc suppression circuit.

[0031] In other words, because the metal contacts corresponding to the VBUS and GND pins of the Type-C port are longer than those corresponding to the identification pin of the Type-C port, the physical connection between VBUS and GND will be maintained briefly after the switch module 110 completes the disconnection operation. At this time, the energy storage module 120 can provide equipotential support to the VBUS pins on both sides of the Type-C port through the charged first capacitor 121 until the contacts are completely separated. This ensures that there is no potential difference or current flow across VBUS in the final stage of physical disconnection, thereby eliminating arc energy.

[0032] In the above implementation, through the collaborative design of the energy storage module and the switching module, the control module immediately triggers the energy storage module to charge when a signal indicating that a peripheral device has been unplugged from the Type-C port is detected. Simultaneously, the switching module cuts off the main power supply path, causing the back-end circuit to stop drawing current. Ultimately, the energy storage module ensures that the peripheral device and the Type-C port maintain an equipotential state during physical separation, eliminating the large current and potential difference generated during plugging and unplugging, fundamentally suppressing arc generation and significantly reducing arc energy, thereby significantly improving the interface safety and durability of the Type-C port in high-power scenarios.

[0033] In some embodiments, the detection module 130 includes a first identification unit 310 and a second identification unit 320.

[0034] The first identification unit 310 and the second identification unit 320 can be independent functional modules for detecting the signal status of the CC (Configuration Channel) pin. They respectively monitor the signal status of the CC1 pin of the Type-C port and the signal status of the CC2 pin of the Type-C port. Both can determine the connection status of the CC pin of the Type-C port, such as insertion, removal or abnormality, by acquiring the voltage, current or logic level signal of the CC pin in real time.

[0035] Specifically, the detection terminal of the first identification unit 310 is connected to the CC1 pin of the Type-C port, the detection terminal of the second identification unit 320 is connected to the CC2 pin of the Type-C port, the output terminal of the first identification unit 310 is connected to the first input terminal of the control module 140, and the output terminal of the second identification unit 320 is connected to the second input terminal of the control module 140.

[0036] For example, the first identification unit 310 is dedicated to detecting the connection status of the CC1 pin, and the second identification unit 320 is dedicated to detecting the connection status of the CC2 pin. Since the output of the first identification unit 310 is connected to the first input of the control module 140, and the output of the second identification unit 320 is connected to the second input of the control module 140, the control module 140 can determine the connection status of the peripheral device based on both input signals. That is, the control module 140 will only determine that the peripheral device connected to the Type-C port is unplugged when it receives a signal from both the first and second inputs indicating that the CC1 pin is abnormal. If the identification signal from either identification unit is within the normal range, the control module 140 will maintain the switch module 110 on and the energy storage module 120 off.

[0037] Optionally, the circuit topology of the first identification unit 310 is the same as that of the second identification unit 320.

[0038] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 The first identification unit 310 includes a first comparator 311.

[0039] Specifically, the positive input of the first comparator 311 is connected to the CC1 pin of the Type-C port, the negative input of the first comparator 311 is adapted to receive a first reference voltage, and the output of the first comparator 311 is connected to the first input of the control module 140. The first reference voltage refers to the reference voltage generated by the voltage divider resistor network, which can be used as a threshold to determine whether the CC1 pin is disconnected. For example, the first reference voltage received at the negative input of the first comparator 311 can be set to 0.2V. When the Type-C port is in a normal connection state, the first comparator 311 will compare the CC1 signal from the CC1 pin (input from the positive input) with the first reference voltage and output a high-level signal to the first input of the control module 140. This indicates that the connection state of the CC1 pin is not abnormal. Conversely, when the first comparator 311 compares the CC1 signal with the first reference voltage and outputs a low-level signal to the first input of the control module 140, the control module 140 can determine that the connection state of the CC1 pin of the Type-C port is abnormal.

[0040] Similarly, the second identification unit 320 includes a second comparator 321.

[0041] Specifically, the positive input of the second comparator 321 is connected to the CC2 pin of the Type-C port, the negative input of the second comparator 321 is adapted to connect to a second reference voltage, and the output of the second comparator 321 is connected to the second input of the control module 140. The second reference voltage can also refer to a reference voltage generated by a voltage divider resistor network, used to determine whether the CC2 pin is disconnected. For example, the second reference voltage connected to the negative input of the second comparator 321 can be set to 0.2V. When the second comparator 321 compares the CC2 signal with the second reference voltage and outputs a low-level signal to the second input of the control module 140, the control module 140 can determine that the connection status of the CC2 pin of the Type-C port is abnormal. Furthermore, when both the first identification unit 310 and the second identification unit 320 output low-level signals, and both signals last for tens of microseconds, the control module 140 can determine that the peripheral connected to the Type-C port is currently disconnected.

[0042] In the above embodiments, the collaborative detection mechanism of the first identification unit 310 and the second identification unit 320, combined with the dual-channel signal logic and judgment of the control module 140, achieves fast and accurate detection of Type-C port unplugging events. This effectively avoids false triggering caused by single-pin signal jitter or instantaneous interference. At the same time, this hardware circuit-based detection scheme does not rely on mechanical sensors or complex algorithms, and has a low cost. While ensuring the security of the Type-C interface, it solves the defects of high cost and slow response in related technologies.

[0043] In some implementation methods, please continue to refer to Figure 2 The protection circuit 110 also includes a voltage conversion module 150.

[0044] The voltage conversion module 150 can refer to a power management unit. Specifically, the voltage conversion module 150 is adapted to connect to the VBUS pin of the Type-C port. The voltage conversion module 150 is configured to convert the power supply voltage provided by the VBUS pin to provide a reference power supply to the control module 140, the first identification unit 310 and the second identification unit 320.

[0045] For example, the voltage conversion module 150 may include a low dropout linear regulator (LDO), whose first terminal is connected to the VBUS pin of the Type-C port, the second terminal is grounded, and the third terminal is used to convert the power supply voltage provided by the VBUS pin and output a reference power supply (VCC) to the control module 140, the first identification unit 310 and the second identification unit 320, so that the control module 140 can work normally. The first identification unit 310 and the second identification unit 320 can generate a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage through a voltage divider resistor network, and connect them to the negative input terminals of the first comparator 311 and the second comparator 321, respectively, as threshold references for determining the CC signal.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the voltage conversion module 150 converts the high VBUS voltage of the Type-C port into a stable, low-noise reference power supply, ensuring that the control module and comparator can operate under a safe voltage. Furthermore, it generates a precise reference voltage based on a voltage divider resistor network, providing a stable judgment threshold for the comparator and avoiding false detection of the CC signal due to power fluctuations. This provides a fundamental guarantee for the rapid detection, dynamic control, and equipotential maintenance of the arc suppression system, significantly improving the safety and reliability of the high-power Type-C interface. Simultaneously, this method of directly utilizing VBUS power supply without the need for an external power supply module effectively reduces circuit complexity and cost, while also offering high responsiveness.

[0047] This embodiment also provides a Type-C port device, including a Type-C port and a protection circuit for the Type-C port as described above. For specific limitations regarding a Type-C port device, please refer to the limitations regarding a protection circuit for a Type-C port described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0048] This embodiment also provides an electronic device, including a Type-C port and a protection circuit for the Type-C port as described above. For specific limitations of the electronic device, please refer to the above description of the protection circuit for the Type-C port; further details will not be repeated here.

[0049] Electronic devices should understand that various parts of this invention can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented using software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0050] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0051] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0052] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this utility model are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated in this embodiment. Therefore, features defined with terms such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this utility model can explicitly or implicitly indicate that the embodiment includes at least one of those features. In the description of this utility model, the word "multiple" means at least two or more, such as two, three, four, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified in the embodiments.

[0053] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited in the embodiments, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" appearing in the embodiments should be interpreted broadly. For example, a connection can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can also be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, etc. Of course, it can also be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal connection of two components, or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific implementation.

[0054] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0055] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A protection circuit for a Type-C port, characterized in that, The protection circuit comprises a switching module, a detection module, a control module and an energy storage module, wherein The switching module is adapted to be connected between the VBUS pin of the Type-C port and a device power supply end; The energy storage module is connected with the VBUS pin of the Type-C port and the control module respectively; The detection module is connected with the control module, and is configured to detect an identification signal of the Type-C port to output a detection signal to the control module; The control module is configured to control the energy storage module to charge when determining that the peripheral device connected with the Type-C port is unplugged based on the detection signal, and control the switching module to disconnect the power supply path between the device power supply end and the Type-C port, so that the potential of the peripheral device remains the same as that of the Type-C port during the unplugging process.

2. The protection circuit for Type-C port according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy storage module comprises: A first capacitor, one end of which is connected with the VBUS pin of the Type-C port; A first switch, a first end of which is connected with the other end of the first capacitor, a second end of which is grounded, and a control end of which is adapted to be connected with a first output end of the control module.

3. The protection circuit for Type-C port according to claim 1, wherein, The detection module comprises a first identification unit and a second identification unit; The detection end of the first identification unit is connected with the CC1 pin of the Type-C port, the detection end of the second identification unit is connected with the CC2 pin of the Type-C port, the output end of the first identification unit is connected with a first input end of the control module, and the output end of the second identification unit is connected with a second input end of the control module.

4. The protection circuit for Type-C port according to claim 3, characterized in that, The circuit topology of the first identification unit is the same as that of the second identification unit.

5. The protection circuit for Type-C port according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first identification unit comprises: A first comparator, a positive input end of which is connected with the CC1 pin of the Type-C port, a negative input end of which is adapted to be connected with a first reference voltage, and an output end of which is connected with the first input end of the control module.

6. The protection circuit for Type-C port according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second identification unit comprises: A second comparator, a positive input end of which is connected with the CC2 pin of the Type-C port, a negative input end of which is adapted to be connected with a second reference voltage, and an output end of which is connected with the second input end of the control module.

7. The protection circuit for Type-C port according to claim 3, characterized in that, Further comprising a voltage conversion module adapted to be connected with the VBUS pin of the Type-C port, and configured to convert the power supply voltage provided by the VBUS pin to provide a reference power supply for the control module, the first identification unit and the second identification unit.

8. The protection circuit for Type-C port according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The metal spring corresponding to the VBUS pin and the GND pin of the Type-C port is longer than the metal spring corresponding to the identification pin of the Type-C port.

9. A Type-C port device, comprising: Comprise: A Type-C port; The protection circuit for the Type-C port according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. An electronic device, comprising: Comprise: A Type-C port; The protection circuit for Type-C port according to any one of claims 1-8.

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