Prevention of disconnect arcs in cable-supplied power connections

Abstract

Power delivery may be controlled to help prevent arcing when a data cable supplying power from a power source device to a power sink device is removed. The presence of a user proximate to the connection between the cable plug and the cable receptacle may be detected. The level of the power signal being communicated from the power source to the power sink may be reduced in response to the detection.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001]

[0001] Portable computing devices ("PCDs") are becoming necessities for people at personal and professional levels. These devices may include cellular phones (e.g., smartphones), tablet computers, palmtop computers, personal digital assistants or "PDAs," portable gaming consoles, laptops, and other portable electronic devices. PCDs are typically powered by rechargeable batteries, although power may also be supplied from an external source through a cable.

[0002]

[0002] Universal Serial Bus ("USB") is a data interface capable of supplying power along with the data signal. A USB cable is a data cable that can also deliver power, for example, to a PCD. It has become common to charge a battery or otherwise power a PCD by connecting a USB cable between a USB port on the PCD and a USB port that supplies power. USB ports acting as power receptacles in this manner have become ubiquitous and are found in a variety of environments, including hotel rooms, automobiles, airplane seats, and other places where people use PCDs. The system or device that supplies the power may be referred to as a power "source" device, and the device being powered (e.g., a PCD) may be referred to as a power "sink" device. While USB has long had the ability to supply a limited amount of power along with the data signal, more recent versions of USB known as Type-C ("USB-C") and USB Power Delivery ("USB-PD"), which include an extension known as Extended Power Range ("EPR"), are capable of supplying substantially greater amounts of power. Higher power delivery may enable faster battery charging, among other benefits.

[0003]

[0003] High voltages on USB connectors can pose risks to the user as well as the connector itself, as arcing between contacts can occur if high voltage remains during disconnection of the connector. Such arcing can damage the connector contacts. The present disclosure is directed to reducing such risks. Summary of the Invention

[0004]

[0004] Systems, methods, and other examples are disclosed for controlling power provided through a data cable assembly. The systems, methods, and other examples disclosed herein may provide advantages such as suppressing arcing when a data cable assembly providing power from a power source device to a power sink device is removed.

[0005]

[0005] An exemplary method for controlling power supplied through a data cable assembly may include detecting the presence of a user proximate a connection between a cable plug and a cable receptacle. The exemplary method may further include generating a detection signal in response to detecting the presence of the user. The exemplary method may still further include reducing a level of a power signal being conveyed between the cable plug and the cable receptacle in response to the detection signal.

[0006]

[0006] An exemplary system for controlling power supplied through a data cable assembly may include a cable portion including one or more data signal paths and a power conductor. The exemplary system may also include a cable plug attached to an end of the cable portion. The exemplary system may further include a sensor in the cable plug configured to detect the presence of a user proximate to the cable plug. The exemplary system may still further include a power delivery controller in the cable plug configured to transmit a power level reduction signal via the cable plug in response to detecting the presence of a user proximate to the cable plug.

[0007] Another exemplary system for controlling power provided through a data cable assembly may include a power sink cable receptacle, a sensor configured to detect the presence of a user proximate to the power sink cable receptacle, and a sink power controller. The sink power controller may be configured to transmit a power level reduction signal via the power sink cable receptacle in response to detecting the presence of a user proximate to the power sink cable receptacle.

[0008]

[0008] Yet another exemplary system for controlling power provided through a data cable assembly may include a power source cable receptacle, a sensor configured to detect the presence of a user proximate to the power source cable receptacle, a power supply, and a source power controller. The source power controller may be configured to reduce a level of a power signal provided by the power supply to the power source cable receptacle in response to detecting the presence of a user proximate to the power source cable receptacle.

[0009]

[0009] In the drawings, like reference numbers refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise indicated. With respect to a reference number accompanied by an alphabetical letter designation, such as "102A" or "102B," this alphabetical letter designation may distinguish between two similar parts or elements present in the same figure. When a reference number is intended to encompass all parts having the same reference number in all figures, the alphabetical letter designation for the reference number may be omitted. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cable plug in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 2]

[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a cable configured to transmit data and power, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 3]

[0012] FIG. 3 is a conceptual perspective view of a device having a receptacle, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4]

[0013] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system including a power source device and a power sink device interconnected by a data cable according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 5]

[0014] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling power provided over a data cable from a power source device to a power sink device according to an example embodiment. [Figure 6]

[0015] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a system having snubber circuitry in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7]

[0016] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of another system having a snubber circuit in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8]

[0017] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a portable computing device configurable as a power source device or a power sink device, according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011]

[0018] The term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving an example, instance, or illustration." The term "illustrative" may be used herein synonymously with "exemplary." Any aspect described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects.

[0012]

[0019] The term "data cable" may be used herein to refer to a cable configured to carry or communicate one or more data signals. A USB cable is an example of a data cable that is configured not only to communicate data signals but also to deliver power.

[0013]

[0020] Higher power delivery can be achieved by a combination of higher voltage and higher current. The USB-C specification, for example, contemplates power levels reaching 100 watts ("W") at 20 volts direct current ("VDC") and 5 amps ("A"). EPR extensions to USB-C, for example, can allow the voltage to reach 50V at 5A. Such higher voltages on the USB-C connector during removal of the USB-C connector can result in an increased risk of arcing, which can damage the connector contacts.

[0014]

[0021] The USB-C specification promotes features to reduce various risks posed by higher voltages. For example, according to the USB-C specification, a power source device and a power sink device may communicate information regarding power delivery to each other. This communication is facilitated by a power delivery control circuit (i.e., an integrated circuit chip) embedded in the USB-C cable plug at one or both ends of the cable. The power delivery control circuit, also called an "E-Marker" circuit or E-Marker controller, effectively tags or marks the USB-C cable with its power transmission capabilities. A USB-C cable with a power delivery control circuit may be referred to as an electronically marked cable ("EMC") or an electronically marked cable assembly ("EMCA").

[0015]

[0022] A USB-C port may assume any of several roles, including a downstream-facing port ("DFP") configured to send data in the downstream direction, or an upstream-facing port ("UFP") configured to send data in the upstream direction. A DFP may also source power. An example of a DFP application is a docking station. A UFP may also sink power. Examples of UFPs include monitors and solid-state data storage drives. A dual-role port ("DRP") may be configured as a DFP or a UFP and may dynamically switch roles.

[0016]

[0023] When a USB-C cable is plugged into a USB-C port of a device, the device may look for an E-Marker circuit in the cable to determine whether the cable is compatible with the USB-C power delivery specification, and if so, the maximum current rating of the cable. Also, when the two ends of a USB-C cable are plugged into the respective USB-C ports of two devices, the two devices may communicate with each other to determine the respective roles of their USB-C ports, i.e., to establish which device will function as a power source device and which device will function as a power sink device. The power source device and the power sink device may then further communicate with each other to determine or negotiate the rules or conditions under which power should be transferred, taking into account the power delivery capabilities of the power source device, the requested voltage and current of the power sink device, and the maximum current of the cable. Once the power source device and the power sink device have completed this negotiation phase, the power source device may begin to supply power at the negotiated voltage and current levels. Generally, when the battery of the power sink device completes charging, the power sink device may communicate an indication of this event to the power source device, which may then reduce its power level.

[0017]

[0024] The above-described communication between the power source device and the power sink device may be insufficient to protect against arcing due to sudden removal of the USB-C connector, whether unintentional or intentional. Sudden unintentional removal may occur, for example, by the cable being inadvertently tugged hard from the device. Sudden unintentional removal may also occur by the device being dropped from a height, for example, falling off a table on which it was charging.

[0018]

[0025] 1, in an example or exemplary embodiment, plug 100 includes a body portion 102 and a contact housing portion 104 extending forwardly from body portion 102. Also, although not part of plug 100, a cable portion 106 may extend rearwardly from body portion 102. As described below, plug 100 is configured to transmit not only data signals but also power. Plug 100 may be compliant with, for example, USB-C or other data communication cable power delivery specifications.

[0019]

[0026] Plug 100 may include a sensor surface 108 on a side of body portion 102. Although not shown for purposes of clarity, plug 100 may include a similar sensor surface on an opposing side of body portion 102 such that when a user (not shown) grips or attempts to grip body portion 102, at least one of the user's fingers contacts or is otherwise proximate to at least one of sensor surfaces 108.

[0020]

[0027] The sensor surface 108 may be a portion of a proximity sensor, the remainder of which may be enclosed within the body portion 102 (and thus not shown in FIG. 1 ). As used in this disclosure, the term “proximity sensor” includes within its meaning a sensor configured to sense or detect the proximity of a part of a user's body (i.e., within a non-zero distance of the sensor surface 108), as well as a touch sensor configured to sense or detect contact between a part of a user's body and the sensor surface 108 (i.e., zero distance). The proximity sensor may be, for example, a capacitive type capable of sensing a change in capacitance caused by a user's hand coming into close proximity to or touching the sensor surface 108. Alternatively, the proximity sensor may be of a pressure-sensitive type configurable to detect a user's touch. In yet other alternative embodiments, the proximity sensor may be of an infrared, photoelectric, or other type. For example, the sensor surface 108 may include an infrared emitter and detector pair (not shown). Still other types of sensors that can be configured to detect the presence of a user's body part in proximity to plug 100 may be readily envisioned by one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings and examples in this disclosure. A proximity sensor may be capable of sensing the presence of a user's hand (or a similarly detectable object) within one or two centimeters of sensor surface 108, for example. The proximity sensor may generate a detection signal when a user's hand comes within such distance of or touches sensor surface 108.

[0021]

[0028] Body portion 102 may include a skin or "overmold" that encases or otherwise encapsulates electrical conductors and electronic components (not shown in FIG. 1), including a portion of the proximity sensor. In the illustrated embodiment, sensor surface 108 is exposed, i.e., on or extending to an outer surface of the overmold, although in other embodiments (not shown), such sensor surface may be recessed below the surface of the overmold, depending on the type of sensor.

[0022]

[0029] As illustrated in block diagram form in FIG. 2, a data cable or cable assembly 200 may include a cable portion 202, a first plug portion 204A at a first end of the cable assembly 200, and a second plug portion 204B at a second end of the cable assembly 200. The term "cable portion" is used herein to refer to a flexible, elongated portion of a data cable assembly configured to carry data and power substantially between the ends of the data cable assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, a first end of the cable portion 202 may be coupled to the first plug portion 204A, and a second end of the cable portion 202 may be coupled to the second plug portion 204B. Thus, the cable portion 202 extends substantially between the first plug portion 204A and the second plug portion 204B. (Mechanical details are not shown in the block diagram, but as will be understood by one skilled in the art, it may be noted that some insubstantial amount of cable portion 202 may be retained within first plug portion 204A and second plug portion 204B or within their strain reliefs (not shown).) In other embodiments (not shown), such a cable assembly may include only one plug portion coupled to only one end of the cable portion. In such other embodiments, the other end of such a "captive" cable may be connected directly (i.e., without an easily user-removable connector) to an electronic device such as a power source device or a power sink device. Either or both of plug portions 204A and 204B may have a structure or configuration similar to that of plug 100 (FIG. 1) described above. For example, either or both of plug portions 204A and 204B may have a USB-C structure or configuration.

[0023]

[0030] First plug portion 204A may include a plurality of electrical contacts 206A. Electrical contacts 206A may include a plurality of data bus contacts 208A. Electrical contacts 206A may also include one or more voltage bus ("Vbus") contacts 210A and one or more ground bus contacts 212A. Electrical contacts 206A may further include one or more control channel ("CC") contacts 214A. Although shown generally in FIG. 2, electrical contacts 206A may be arranged and otherwise configured to comply with, for example, the USB-C specification, as will be well understood by those skilled in the art.

[0024]

[0031] The first plug portion 204A may also include a power delivery controller 216A and a proximity sensor 218A. The proximity sensor 218A may be of the type described above with respect to FIG. 1 configured to sense a user's proximity to the first plug portion 204A. An output of the proximity sensor 218A may be coupled to an input of the power delivery controller 216A to provide the detection signal described above with respect to FIG. 1. A bidirectional data port of the power delivery controller 216A may be coupled to the control channel contacts 214A. The control channel may be operable as described in the USB-C Specification (e.g., with respect to message protocols, etc.).

[0025]

[0032] The second plug portion 204B may be similar to the first plug portion 204A. The second plug portion 204B may include a plurality of electrical contacts 206B, including a data bus contact 208B, a voltage bus contact 210B, a ground bus contact 212B, and a control channel contact 214B. The second plug portion 204B may include a power delivery controller 216B and a proximity sensor 218B similar to the power delivery controller 216A and proximity sensor 218A described above.

[0026]

[0033] The cable portion 202 may comprise a plurality of wires 220 enclosed within a flexible cable jacket (not shown). The wires 220 may include a plurality of data bus wires 222. A first end of each data bus wire 222 may be coupled to a respective one of the data bus contacts 208A, and a second end of each data bus wire 222 may be coupled to a respective one of the data bus contacts 208B. In other embodiments (not shown), such cable portions may include optical fibers for carrying some or all of the data bus signals. The wires 220 may also include one or more voltage bus wires 224. A first end of each voltage bus wire 224 may be coupled to a respective one of the voltage bus contacts 210A, and a second end of each voltage bus wire 224 may be coupled to a respective one of the voltage bus contacts 210B. The wires 220 may further include one or more ground bus wires 226. A first end of each ground bus wire 224 may be coupled to a respective one of the ground bus contacts 212A, and a second end of each voltage bus wire 224 may be coupled to a respective one of the ground bus contacts 212B. Wires 220 may still further include one or more control channel wires 228. A first end of each control channel wire 228 may be coupled to a respective one of the control channel contacts 214A, and a second end of each control channel wire 228 may be coupled to a respective one of the control channel contacts 214B.

[0027]

[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the device 300 may include a receptacle 302 in a portion of the device housing 304. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle 302 is configured to be electrically and mechanically matable with the plug 100 (FIG. 1) described above, or with the first plug portion 204A or the second plug portion 204B of the cable assembly 200 (FIG. 2) described above. That is, a user may connect the plug 100 to the receptacle 302 (or "plug" the plug 100 into the receptacle 302) and then remove or "unplug" the plug 100 from the receptacle. A user may plug either the first plug portion 204A or the second plug portion 204B into the receptacle 302 and then unplug it from the receptacle 302. Such electrical and mechanical mating aspects may conform to, for example, the USB-C specification. Thus, the receptacle 302 may include electrical contacts (not shown) configured to contact electrical contacts of the plug 100 (FIG. 1) or of the first plug portion 204A or the second plug portion 204B of the cable assembly 200 (FIG. 2).

[0028]

[0035] The device 300 may be of any type, such as, for example, a portable computing device or PCD. The device 300 may include data processing electronics, such as a processor, memory, etc. (not shown). The device 300 may be of a type configured to provide power to other devices. A device 300 configured to provide power may be referred to as a power source device. In contrast, a device 300 configured to receive power may be referred to as a power sink device. In some embodiments, the device 300 may be dynamically configurable as either a power source device or a power sink device. One example of a power source device is a charger, which may have a power source that converts alternating current ("AC") electric utility power (also known as wall power, mains power, etc.) into low-voltage DC power.

[0029]

[0036] The device 300 may include a sensor surface 306 on a face of the device housing 304. The sensor surface 306 may be similar to the sensor surface 108 of the plug 100 (FIG. 1) described above and may be part of a proximity sensor (not shown) in the device housing 304. Thus, the proximity sensor and its sensor surface 306 will not be described in similar detail in this disclosure. The sensor surface 306 may be adjacent to the receptacle 302. The sensor surface 306 may be in the form of a bezel on a face of the device housing 304 that surrounds the receptacle 302, for example. Alternatively, depending on the sensor type, the sensor surface 306 may be within the device housing 304. The sensor surface 306 may be configured to detect when a user's hand contacts or is otherwise in proximity to the sensor surface 306. That is, the proximity sensor may generate a detection signal when a user's hand comes within such distance of or touches the sensor surface 306.

[0030]

[0037] It should be noted that while the above-described plug 100 (FIG. 1) is connected to cable receptacle 302, a proximity sensor in plug 100, a proximity sensor in device 300, or both proximity sensors may sense the presence of a user's hand proximate the connection between plug 100 and cable receptacle 302.

[0031]

[0038] Referring briefly back to FIG. 2, the power delivery controller 216A may be configured to provide the detection signal, or a signal, message, or other indication based on the detection signal, described above, to the control channel contact 214A and via the control channel wire 228 to the control channel contact 214B. Similarly, the power delivery controller 216B may be configured to provide the detection signal, or a signal, message, or other indication based on the detection signal, described above, to the control channel contact 214B and via the control channel wire 228 to the control channel contact 214A. Thus, regardless of whether the presence of a user's hand is detected at the plug portion 204A or 204B, the detection signal or an indication based on the detection signal may be provided to any device 300 (FIG. 3) connected to either end of the cable assembly 200. For example, an indication of the presence of a user's hand detected at the connection between the power source device and the cable assembly 200 may be communicated through the cable assembly 200 to a power sink device. Similarly, an indication of the presence of a user's hand detected on the connection between the power sink device and the cable assembly 200 may be communicated through the cable assembly 200 to the power source device.

[0032]

[0039] At least one of the power delivery controllers 216A and 216B may be configured to operate in a conventional manner in addition to the manner described above with respect to providing a detection signal. For example, one of the power delivery controllers 216A and 216B may be configured to provide information identifying the power delivery capabilities of the cable assembly 200 when queried by a device to which the cable assembly 200 is connected, such as in accordance with the USB-C specification.

[0033]

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 4, in the system 400, one end of a cable assembly 402 may be connected to a power source device 404 and the other end of the cable assembly 402 may be connected to a power sink device 406. The cable assembly 402 may have a structure similar to that of the cable assembly 200 (FIG. 2) described above. For example, the cable assembly 402 may include a cable portion 408 attached at one end to a first plug 410A and at the other end to a second plug 410B. The first plug 410A may include a proximity sensor 412A and a power delivery controller 414A. The second plug 410B may include a proximity sensor 412B and a power delivery controller 414B.

[0034]

[0041] The power source device 404 may include a port 416. A first plug 410A may be connected to a receptacle (not shown) of the port 416 that is similar to the receptacle 302 of the device 300 described above. Similarly, the power sink device 406 may include a port 418. A second plug 410B may be connected to a receptacle (not shown) of the port 418 that is similar to the receptacle 302 of the device 300 described above. The cable assembly 402 may carry data signals via data bus wires 420, power signals via voltage bus wires 422, and control channel signals via control channel wires 424 (all conceptually shown in dashed lines in FIG. 4). A ground wire in the cable assembly 402 is not shown for purposes of clarity.

[0035]

[0042] The power source device 404 may include a power supply 426. The power supply 426 may have an output coupled to a voltage bus contact (not shown) of a receptacle of the port 416. Power thus delivered to the port 416 is then transmitted through the first plug 410A, the voltage bus wires 422 of the cable assembly 408, and the second plug 410B to the port 418 of the power sink device 406.

[0036]

[0043] The power sink device 406 may similarly include a power supply 428. A voltage bus contact (not shown) of a receptacle of the port 418 may be coupled to an input of the power supply 428. The power supply 428 may be configured to power electronic components (not shown) of the power sink device 406 using power received from the power source device 404.

[0037]

[0044] The port 416 of the power source device 404 may include a power controller 430 and a sensor 432. The sensor 432 may have a sensor surface (not shown separately) that is similar to the sensor surface 306 of the device 300 (FIG. 3) described above. The power controller 430 and the sensor 432 may be configured similar to the power delivery controller 216A and the sensor 218A (FIG. 2) in the respects described above. That is, the power controller 430 may provide a detection signal in response to detection of a user in proximity to the sensor 432. The power controller 430 may provide the detection signal to the cable assembly 402. The power controller 430 may also provide the detection signal to the power source 426. The power source 430 may be configured to reduce the level of power (e.g., reduce the voltage) being communicated from the power source device 404 to the power sink device 406 in response to the detection signal. In some embodiments, the power source 430 may be configured to reduce the level of power from a first level to a second (non-zero) level. In other embodiments, the power supply 430 may be configured to reduce the level of power to zero.

[0038]

[0045] The port 418 of the power sink device 406 may include a power controller 434 and a sensor 436 similar to the power controller 430 and sensor 432, respectively, described above. The power controller 434 may provide a detection signal to the cable assembly 402 in response to detecting a user in proximity to the sensor 436.

[0039]

[0046] It should be noted that the detection signal received by power controller 430 may be generated by sensor 432, sensor 412A, sensor 412B, or sensor 436. Power supply 430 may be configured to reduce the level of power being communicated from power source device 404 to power sink device 406 in response to a detection signal received from any of sensor 432, sensor 412A, sensor 412B, or sensor 436.

[0040]

[0047] The power controllers 430 and 434 may be configured to operate in a conventional manner in addition to the manner described above with respect to providing a detection signal. For example, the power controllers 430 and 434 may be configured to query one of the power delivery controllers 414A and 414B to determine the power delivery capabilities of the cable assembly 200 and negotiate a power level in accordance with the USB-C specification.

[0041]

[0048] In FIG. 5, an exemplary method 500 for controlling power provided through a cable configured to provide both data and power is illustrated. The method 500 may be executed or controlled in, for example, the system 400 (FIG. 4) described above or other systems. Prior to the initiation of the method 500, the power source device 404 (FIG. 4) may have delivered power to the power sink device 406 via the cable 402. Such power delivery may occur according to a conventional power delivery scheme, for example, as provided by the USB-C specification. For example, upon interconnecting the power source device 404 and the power sink device 406 using the cable 402, the power source device 404 and the power sink device 406 may query one or both of the power delivery controllers 414A and 414B to determine the power delivery capabilities of the cable 402, negotiate the level of power to be delivered, and otherwise initiate power delivery. When the cable 402 is used to interconnect the power source device 404 and the power sink device 406, power delivery may begin at a nominal level, such as, for example, 5 V and 5 A. Then, when the power source device 404 and the power sink device 406 negotiate a higher power level, such as, for example, 20 V, or 50 V, and, for example, 5 A, the power source device 404 may begin delivering power to the power sink device 406 at the higher level. The method 500 may be performed when the power source device 404 is delivering power to the power sink device 406 at the higher level.

[0042]

[0049] As indicated by block 502, method 500 may include detecting the presence of a user proximate to a connection between a cable plug and a cable receptacle. For example, either sensor 412A or sensor 432 (FIG. 4) may detect the presence of a user proximate to a connection between plug 410A and port 416 receptacle. Similarly, either sensor 412B or sensor 436 may detect the presence of a user proximate to a connection between plug 410B and port 418 receptacle. The presence of a user proximate to one of these connections may indicate an impending abrupt removal. Although not illustrated in FIG. 5 for purposes of clarity, the presence of a user proximate to a connection between a cable plug and a cable receptacle may continue to be monitored until such presence may be detected (block 502) or until power delivery is otherwise terminated (e.g., when charging is complete or when the sink does not require any more power from the source to power its system).

[0043]

[0050] As indicated by block 504, method 500 may also include generating a detection signal in response to detecting the presence of a user. As indicated by block 506, method 500 may further include reducing a level of a power signal being communicated between the cable plug and the cable receptacle in response to the detection signal. Thus, the level of the power signal being communicated from the power source device to the power sink device may be reduced. The level may be reduced, for example, from a higher level referenced above to a nominal level referenced above. Alternatively, the level may be reduced to zero. Reducing the level of the power signal may include reducing the voltage, reducing the current, or reducing both the voltage and the current.

[0044]

[0051] In one example, the sensor 432 may generate the detection signal referenced above in response to detecting the presence of a user proximate the connection between the plug 410A and the port 416 receptacle. In response to the detection signal, the power controller 430 may then adjust the power source 426 to cause the power source 426 to reduce the level of the power signal being transmitted between the port 416 receptacle and the plug 410A. The reduced power level may suppress arcing in the connection between the plug 410A and the port 416 receptacle if a user unplugs the plug 410A.

[0045]

[0052] In another example, the sensor 412A may generate the detection signal referenced above in response to detecting the presence of a user proximate the connection between the plug 410A and the port 416 receptacle. The power delivery controller 414A may communicate the detection signal, or a signal, message, or other indication based on the detection signal, to the power controller 430 via a control channel. Based on the detection signal, the power controller 430 may then adjust the power source 426 to cause the power source 426 to reduce the level of the power signal being communicated between the port 416 receptacle and the plug 410A. The reduced power level may suppress arcing in the connection between the plug 410A and the port 416 receptacle if a user unplugs the plug 410A.

[0046]

[0053] In yet another example, the sensor 412B may generate the detection signal referenced above in response to detecting the presence of a user proximate the connection between the plug 410B and the port 418 receptacle. The power delivery controller 414B may communicate or transmit the detection signal, or a signal, message, or other indication based on the detection signal, over the cable 402 via the control channel to the power controller 430. Based on the detection signal, the power controller 430 may then adjust the power source 426 to cause the power source 426 to reduce the level of the power signal being transmitted between the plug 410B and the port 418 receptacle. The reduced power level may suppress arcing in the connection between the plug 410B and the port 418 receptacle if a user unplugs the plug 410B.

[0047]

[0054] In yet another example, the sensor 436 may generate the above-referenced detection signal in response to detecting the presence of a user proximate the connection between the plug 410B and the port 418 receptacle. The power controller 434 may communicate or transmit the detection signal, or a signal, message, or other indication based on the detection signal, over the cable 402 via the control channel to the power controller 430. Based on the detection signal, the power controller 430 may then adjust the power source 426 to cause the power source 426 to reduce the level of the power signal being communicated between the plug 410B and the port 418 receptacle. The reduced power level may suppress arcing in the connection between the plug 410B and the port 418 receptacle if a user unplugs the plug 410B.

[0048]

[0055] In the above examples, aspects of the various plugs, receptacles, power delivery schemes, source devices and sink devices, etc. may conform to aspects of well-known data cable specifications such as USB-C, although it should be understood that USB-C is intended as an example only. In other examples, such aspects of the plugs, receptacles, power delivery schemes, source devices and sink devices, etc. according to the present disclosure may conform to data cable specifications other than USB, or may not conform to any such specifications. In light of the examples and other descriptions herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to apply the subject matter of the present invention to any type of connector system in which power is delivered over a cable along with a data signal.

[0049]

[0056] As illustrated in Figures 6-7, another technique for suppressing arcing is to provide a system 600 (Figure 6), a system 700 (Figure 7), or a similar system that includes a snubber circuit. A snubber circuit is a type of filter configured to absorb energy (i.e., a voltage transient) caused by circuit inductance, for example, when a power source is abruptly removed from a power sink.

[0050]

[0057] System 600 (FIG. 6) may include one or more of a power source port 602, a power sink port 618, and a cable 634. An end of cable 634 may be connected to a receptacle (not shown separately for purposes of clarity) of each port 602 and 618. Power source port 602 may be an example of a portion of power source device 404 (FIG. 4) described above. Power sink port 618 may be an example of a portion of power sink device 406 (FIG. 4) described above. Cable 634 may be an example of a portion of cable 402 (FIG. 4). Thus, aspects of power source port 602, power sink port 618, or cable 634 not described below may be similar to aspects described above with respect to power source device 404, power sink device 406, and cable 402, respectively. For example, one or more of the power source port 602, the power sink port 618, or the cable 634 may be configured to detect the presence of a user proximate to a connection between a cable plug and a cable receptacle, and in response to such detection, reduce the level of the power signal being communicated between the plug and the receptacle.

[0051]

[0058] A power source port 602 may conceptually comprise (i.e., may be electrically modeled as comprising) a source voltage 604, a source resistance 606, and a source inductance 608 coupled in series with one another between a source voltage bus contact 610 and a source ground contact 612. A source snubber circuit comprising a resistor 614 in series with a capacitor 616 may be coupled between the source voltage bus contact 610 and the source ground contact 612. Similarly, a power sink port 618 may conceptually comprise a load resistance 620 in series with a load inductance 608 coupled between a sink voltage bus contact 624 and a sink ground contact 626. A load capacitance 628 may be coupled in parallel with the load resistance 620. In addition to or as an alternative to a source snubber circuit, a sink snubber circuit comprising a resistor 630 in series with a capacitor 632 may be coupled between the sink voltage bus contact 624 and the sink ground contact 626.

[0052]

[0059] In addition to or as an alternative to source and / or sink snubber circuits, snubber circuits may be included in the cable 634. The cable 634 may include a first cable voltage bus contact 636 and a first cable ground contact 638 at a first end of the cable 634. The cable 634 may include a second cable voltage bus contact 640 and a second cable ground contact 642 at a second end of the cable 634. The connection between the voltage bus contacts 636 and 640 provides a voltage bus, and the connection between the ground contacts 638 and 642 provides a ground bus. The cable 634 may conceptually include a cable resistance 644 in series with a cable inductance 646 between the first cable voltage contact 636 and the second cable voltage contact 640. The cable 634 may further conceptually include a capacitance 648 between the voltage bus and the ground bus. The cable 634 may include a first cable snubber circuit comprising a resistor 650 in series with a capacitor 652 coupled between the first cable voltage bus contact 636 and the first cable ground contact 638. As an alternative or in addition to the first cable snubber circuit, the cable 634 may include a second cable snubber circuit comprising a resistor 654 in series with a capacitor 656 coupled between the second cable voltage bus contact 640 and the second cable ground contact 642.

[0053]

[0060] System 700 (FIG. 7) may include one or more of a power source port 702, a power sink port 718, and a cable 734. Except as described below with respect to the configuration of snubber circuits, power source port 702, power sink port 718, and cable 734 may be similar to power source port 602, power sink port 618, and cable 634 (FIG. 6) described above.

[0054]

[0061] A power source port 702 may conceptually comprise (i.e., may be electrically modeled as comprising) a source voltage 704, a source resistance 706, and a source inductance 708 coupled in series with one another between a source voltage bus contact 710 and a source ground contact 712. A source snubber circuit comprising a diode 714 may be coupled between the source voltage bus contact 710 and the source ground contact 712. Similarly, a power sink port 718 may conceptually comprise a load resistance 720 in series with a load inductance 708 coupled between a sink voltage bus contact 724 and a sink ground contact 726. A load capacitance 728 may be coupled in parallel with the load resistance 720. In addition to or as an alternative to a source snubber circuit, a sink snubber circuit comprising a diode 730 may be coupled between the sink voltage bus contact 724 and the sink ground contact 726.

[0055]

[0062] In addition to or as an alternative to source and / or sink snubber circuits, snubber circuits may be included in the cable 734. The cable 734 may include a first cable voltage bus contact 736 and a first cable ground contact 738 at a first end of the cable 734. The cable 734 may include a second cable voltage bus contact 740 and a second cable ground contact 742 at a second end of the cable 734. The connection between the voltage bus contacts 736 and 740 provides a voltage bus, and the connection between the ground contacts 738 and 742 provides a ground bus. The cable 734 may conceptually include a cable resistance 744 in series with a cable inductance 746 between the first cable voltage contact 736 and the second cable voltage contact 740. The cable 734 may further conceptually include a capacitance 748 between the voltage bus and the ground bus. The cable 734 may include a first cable snubber circuit comprising a diode 750 coupled between the first cable voltage bus contact 736 and the first cable ground contact 738. As an alternative or in addition to the first cable snubber circuit, the cable 734 may include a second cable snubber circuit comprising a diode 754 coupled between the second cable voltage bus contact 740 and the second cable ground contact 742.

[0056]

[0063] Still other types of snubber circuits that may be included in a cable, source device, or sink device will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the examples described above with respect to Figures 6-7. For example, the snubber circuit may comprise an active snubber circuit or a combination of active and passive snubber circuits.

[0057]

[0064] 8, the PCD 800 may be an example of a power sink device or a power source device. The PCD 800 may be an example of the device 300 (FIG. 3), the power source device 404 (FIG. 4), or the power sink device 406 (FIG. 4) described above.

[0058]

[0065] The PCD 800 may include a system on a chip ("SoC") 802. The SoC 802 may include a CPU 804, a GPU 806, a DSP 807, an analog signal processor 808, or other processor. The CPU 804 may include multiple cores, e.g., a first core 804A, a second core 804B, etc. up to an Nth core 804N. In some embodiments, a power controller, such as described above with respect to FIG. 4, may comprise a functional portion of the CPU 804 or other processor of the PCD 800.

[0059]

[0066] A display controller 810 and a touchscreen controller 812 may be coupled to the CPU 804. A touchscreen display 814, external to the SoC 802, may be coupled to the display controller 810 and the touchscreen controller 812. The PCD 800 may further include a video decoder 816 coupled to the CPU 804. A video amplifier 818 may be coupled to the video decoder 816 and the touchscreen display 814. A video port 820 may be coupled to the video amplifier 818. A subscriber identity module ("SIM") card 826 may also be coupled to the CPU 804. A universal serial bus ("USB") controller 822 may also be coupled to the CPU 804, and a USB port 824 may be coupled to the USB controller 822. The USB port 824 may be an example of any of the ports 416, 418 (FIG. 4), etc. discussed above.

[0060]

[0067] One or more memories may be coupled to the CPU 804. The one or more memories may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Examples of volatile memory include static random access memory ("SRAM") 828 and dynamic RAM ("DRAM") 830 and 831. Such memories may be external to the SoC 802, such as DRAM 830, or internal to the SoC 802, such as DRAM 831. A DRAM controller 832 coupled to the CPU 804 may control the writing of data to and reading of data from the DRAMs 830 and 831. In other embodiments, such a DRAM controller may be included within a processor, such as the CPU 804.

[0061]

[0068] A stereo audio CODEC 834 may be coupled to the analog signal processor 808. Additionally, an audio amplifier 836 may be coupled to the stereo audio CODEC 834. First and second stereo speakers 838 and 840 may be coupled to the audio amplifier 836, respectively. Additionally, a microphone amplifier 842 may be coupled to the stereo audio CODEC 834, and a microphone 844 may be coupled to the microphone amplifier 842. A frequency modulation ("FM") radio tuner 846 may be coupled to the stereo audio CODEC 834. An FM antenna 848 may be coupled to the FM radio tuner 846. Additionally, a stereo headphone 850 may be coupled to the stereo audio CODEC 834. Other devices that may be coupled to the CPU 804 include one or more digital (e.g., CCD or CMOS) cameras 852.

[0062]

[0069] A modem or RF transceiver 854 may be coupled to the analog signal processor 808. An RF switch 856 may be coupled to the RF transceiver 854 and to an RF antenna 858. Additionally, a keypad 860, a mono headset with microphone 862, and a vibrator device 864 may be coupled to the analog signal processor 808.

[0063]

[0070] The SoC 802 may have one or more internal or on-chip thermal sensors 870A and may be coupled to one or more external or off-chip thermal sensors 870B. An analog-to-digital converter ("ADC") controller 872 may convert the voltage drops generated by the temperature sensors 870A and 870B into digital signals.

[0064]

[0071] A power supply 874 may be coupled to a power management integrated circuit ("PMIC") 876. The power supply 874 may be an example of any of the power supplies 426, 428 (FIG. 4) discussed above. Although not shown in FIG. 8 for purposes of clarity, a control input of the power supply 874 may be coupled to a power controller (not shown separately) of the USB port 824. In other embodiments, the USB controller 822 may include such a power controller.

[0065]

[0072] The firmware or software may be stored in any of the memories described above, such as DRAM 830 or 831, SRAM 828, etc., or may be stored in local memory directly accessible by the processor hardware on which the software or firmware is executed. Execution of such firmware or software may control aspects of any of the methods described above (e.g., method 500 of FIG. 5) or may constitute aspects of any of the systems described above. Any such memory having firmware or software stored in computer-readable form for execution by the processor hardware may be an example of a "computer-readable medium" as that term is understood in patent lexicons.

[0066]

[0073] Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. Thus, while selected aspects have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be understood that various substitutions and modifications can be made therein.

[0067]

[0074] Examples are described in the following numbered clauses.

[0075] 1. A method for controlling power delivered through a data cable assembly having a cable portion and a cable plug, comprising:

[0076] Detecting the presence of a user proximate to a connection between a cable plug and a cable receptacle;

[0077] generating a detection signal in response to detecting the presence;

[0078] reducing a level of a power signal being transmitted between the cable plug and the cable receptacle in response to the detection signal; A method for providing the above.

[0079] 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the cable plug and cable receptacle are configured for Universal Serial Bus (USB) power delivery.

[0080] 3. The method of claim 1, wherein reducing the level of the power signal comprises reducing the level of the power signal from a first level to a second non-zero level.

[0081] 4. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the presence of a user comprises detecting, at the power source device, the presence of a user proximate to the connection.

[0082] 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting a detection signal on the cable portion and the cable plug.

[0083] 6.

[0084] Detecting a presence of a user comprises detecting, at the power sink device, a presence of a user proximate to the connection;

[0085] Transmitting the detection signal comprises transmitting the detection signal over the cable portion to a power source device. The method described in clause 5.

[0086] 7. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting a presence of a user comprises detecting a user's touch.

[0087] 8. The method of clause 7, wherein detecting a user's touch comprises detecting a user's touch on a portion of a cable plug.

[0088] 9. The method of claim 7, wherein detecting a user's touch comprises detecting a user's touch on a portion of a cable receptacle.

[0089] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the presence of a user comprises detecting non-zero proximity of the user.

[0090] 11. The method of clause 10, wherein detecting non-zero proximity of the user comprises detecting non-zero proximity of the user to a portion of a cable plug.

[0091] 12. The method of claim 10, wherein detecting non-zero proximity of a user comprises detecting non-zero proximity of a user to a portion of a cable receptacle.

[0092] 13. The method of clause 1, further comprising filtering the power signal using a snubber circuit in at least one of the cable plug, the power source device that provides the power signal, and the power sink device that receives the power signal.

[0093] 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the snubber circuit comprises a capacitor and a resistor in series with each other.

[0094] 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the snubber circuit comprises a diode.

[0095] 16. A system for power control in a data cable assembly, comprising:

[0096] a cable section including one or more data signal paths and at least one power conductor;

[0097] a cable plug attached to an end of the cable portion;

[0098] a sensor in the cable plug configured to detect the presence of a user proximate to the cable plug;

[0099] a power delivery controller in the cable plug configured to transmit a power level reduction signal through the cable plug in response to detecting the presence of a user proximate to the cable plug; A system comprising:

[0100] 17. The system of clause 16, wherein the cable plug is configured for Universal Serial Bus (USB) power delivery.

[0101] 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the sensor is a touch sensor.

[0102] 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the sensor is a non-zero proximity sensor.

[0103] 20. The system of claim 16, further comprising a snubber circuit coupled to the power conductor of the cable portion.

[0104] 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the snubber circuit comprises a capacitor and a resistor in series with each other.

[0105] 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the snubber circuit comprises a diode.

[0106] twenty three.

[0107] a power source cable receptacle matable with the cable plug;

[0108] Power supply,

[0109] a source power controller configured to receive a reduce power level signal and, in response to the reduce power level signal, reduce a level of a power signal provided by the power source to the power source cable receptacle; 17. The system of claim 16, further comprising:

[0110] 24. The system of clause 23, wherein the source power controller is configured to reduce a level of the power signal from a first level to a second non-zero level.

[0111] 25. A system for cable-supplied power control in a power sink device, comprising:

[0112] a power sink cable receptacle;

[0113] a sensor configured to detect the presence of a user proximate to the power sink cable receptacle;

[0114] a sink power controller configured to transmit a power level reduce signal via the power sink cable receptacle in response to detecting the presence of a user proximate to the power sink cable receptacle; A system comprising:

[0115] 26. The system of clause 25, wherein the power sink cable receptacle is configured for universal serial bus (USB) power delivery.

[0116] 27. The system of claim 25, wherein the sensor is a touch sensor.

[0117] 28. The system of claim 25, wherein the sensor is a non-zero proximity sensor.

[0118] 29. The system of clause 25, further comprising a snubber circuit coupled to the power conductor of the power sink cable receptacle.

[0119] 30. The system of claim 29, wherein the snubber circuit comprises a capacitor and a resistor in series with each other.

[0120] 31. The system of claim 29, wherein the snubber circuit comprises a diode.

[0121] 32.

[0122] a power source cable receptacle matable with the cable;

[0123] Power supply,

[0124] a source power controller configured to receive a reduce power level signal via the cable and the power source cable receptacle, and in response to the reduce power level signal, reduce a level of a power signal provided by the power source to the power source cable receptacle; 26. The system of claim 25, further comprising:

[0125] 33. The system of clause 32, wherein the source power controller is configured to reduce a level of the power signal from a first level to a second non-zero level.

[0126] 34. A system for controlling cable-supplied power in a power source device, comprising:

[0127] a power source cable receptacle;

[0128] a sensor configured to detect the presence of a user proximate to the power source cable receptacle;

[0129] Power supply,

[0130] a source power controller configured to reduce a level of a power signal provided by the power source to the power source cable receptacle in response to detecting a presence of a user proximate to the power source cable receptacle; A system comprising:

[0131] 35. The system of claim 34, wherein the power source cable receptacle is configured for universal serial bus (USB) power delivery.

[0132] 36. The system of claim 34, wherein the sensor is a touch sensor.

[0133] 37. The system of claim 34, wherein the sensor is a non-zero proximity sensor.

[0134] 38. The system of clause 34, further comprising a snubber circuit coupled to the power conductor of the power sink cable receptacle.

[0135] 39. The system of claim 38, wherein the snubber circuit comprises a capacitor and a resistor in series with each other.

[0136] 40. The system of claim 38, wherein the snubber circuit comprises a diode.

[0137] 41. The system of clause 34, wherein the source power controller is configured to reduce a level of the power signal from a first level to a second non-zero level. The invention as described in the claims of the original application is set forth below. [C1] A method for controlling power supplied through a data cable assembly having a cable portion and a cable plug, comprising: detecting the presence of a user proximate to a connection between the cable plug and a cable receptacle; generating a detection signal in response to detecting said presence; reducing a level of a power signal being transmitted between the cable plug and the cable receptacle in response to the detection signal; A method for providing the above. [C2] The method of C1, wherein the cable plug and the cable receptacle are configured for Universal Serial Bus (USB) power delivery. [C3] The method of C1, wherein reducing the level of the power signal comprises reducing the level of the power signal from a first level to a second non-zero level. [C4] The method of C1, wherein detecting the presence of the user comprises detecting the presence of the user proximate to the connection at a power source device. [C5] The method of C1, further comprising transmitting the detection signal over the cable portion and the cable plug. [C6] detecting the presence of the user comprises detecting the presence of the user proximate to the connection at a power sink device; transmitting the detection signal comprises transmitting the detection signal over the cable portion to a power source device. The method according to C5. [C7] The method of C1, wherein detecting the presence of the user comprises detecting a touch of the user. [C8] The method of C7, wherein detecting the touch of the user comprises detecting the touch of the user on a portion of the cable plug. [C9] The method of C7, wherein detecting the touch of the user comprises detecting the touch of the user on a portion of the cable receptacle. [C10] The method of C1, wherein detecting the presence of the user comprises detecting a non-zero proximity of the user. [C11] The method of C10, wherein detecting the non-zero proximity of the user comprises detecting the non-zero proximity of the user to a portion of the cable plug. [C12] The method of C10, wherein detecting the non-zero proximity of the user comprises detecting the non-zero proximity of the user to a portion of the cable receptacle. [C13] The method of C1, further comprising filtering the power signal using a snubber circuit in at least one of the cable plug, a power source device providing the power signal, and a power sink device receiving the power signal. [C14] The method of C13, wherein the snubber circuit comprises a capacitor and a resistor in series with each other. [C15] The method of C13, wherein the snubber circuit comprises a diode. [C16] A system for power control in a data cable assembly, comprising: a cable section including one or more data signal paths and at least one power conductor; a cable plug attached to an end of the cable portion; a sensor in the cable plug configured to detect the presence of a user proximate to the cable plug; a power delivery controller in the cable plug configured to transmit a power level reduction signal through the cable plug in response to detecting the presence of a user proximate to the cable plug; A system comprising: [C17] The system of C16, wherein the cable plug is configured for Universal Serial Bus (USB) power delivery. [C18] The system of C16, wherein the sensor is a touch sensor. [C19] The system of C16, wherein the sensor is a non-zero proximity sensor. [C20] The system of C16, further comprising a snubber circuit coupled to a power conductor of the cable portion. [C21] The system of C20, wherein the snubber circuit comprises a capacitor and a resistor in series with each other. [C22] The system of C20, wherein the snubber circuit comprises a diode. [C23] a power source cable receptacle matable with the cable plug; Power supply, a source power controller configured to receive the reduce power level signal and, in response to the reduce power level signal, reduce a level of a power signal provided by the power source to the power source cable receptacle; The system of C16, further comprising: [C24] The system of C23, wherein the source power controller is configured to reduce the level of the power signal from a first level to a second non-zero level. [C25] A system for controlling cable-supplied power in a power sink device, comprising: a power sink cable receptacle; a sensor configured to detect the presence of a user proximate to the power sink cable receptacle; a sink power controller configured to transmit a power level reduce signal via the power sink cable receptacle in response to detecting the presence of a user proximate to the power sink cable receptacle; A system comprising: [C26] The system of C25, wherein the power sink cable receptacle is configured for Universal Serial Bus (USB) power delivery. [C27] The system of C25, wherein the sensor is a touch sensor. [C28] The system of C25, wherein the sensor is a non-zero proximity sensor. [C29] The system of C25, further comprising a snubber circuit coupled to a power conductor of the power sink cable receptacle. [C30] The system of C29, wherein the snubber circuit comprises a capacitor and a resistor in series with each other. [C31] The system of C29, wherein the snubber circuit comprises a diode. [C32] a power source cable receptacle mateable with the cable; Power supply, a source power controller configured to receive the reduce power level signal via the cable and the power source cable receptacle, and in response to the reduce power level signal, reduce a level of a power signal provided by the power source to the power source cable receptacle; The system of C25, further comprising: [C33] The system of C32, wherein the source power controller is configured to reduce the level of the power signal from a first level to a second non-zero level. [C34] A system for controlling power supplied by a cable in a power source device, comprising: a power source cable receptacle; a sensor configured to detect the presence of a user proximate to the power source cable receptacle; Power supply, a source power controller configured to reduce a level of a power signal provided by the power source to the power source cable receptacle in response to detecting the presence of a user proximate to the power source cable receptacle; A system comprising: [C35] The system of C34, wherein the power source cable receptacle is configured for Universal Serial Bus (USB) power delivery. [C36] The system of C34, wherein the sensor is a touch sensor. [C37] The system of C34, wherein the sensor is a non-zero proximity sensor. [C38] The system of C34, further comprising a snubber circuit coupled to a power conductor of the power sink cable receptacle. [C39] The system of C38, wherein the snubber circuit comprises a capacitor and a resistor in series with each other. [C40] The system of C38, wherein the snubber circuit comprises a diode. [C41] The system of C34, wherein the source power controller is configured to reduce the level of the power signal from a first level to a second non-zero level.

Claims

1. 1. A method for controlling power in a data cable assembly, comprising: a sensor that detects the presence of a user proximate a connection between a cable plug and a cable receptacle, the cable plug and the sensor being part of the data cable assembly, the data cable assembly further comprising a cable portion coupled to the cable plug, the sensor being housed within the cable plug, the sensor that detects the presence of the user being a non-zero proximity sensor of the user; generating, by the sensor, a detection signal in response to detecting the presence; reducing a level of an electrical power signal being transmitted between the cable plug and the cable receptacle in response to the detection signal, where reducing the level of the electrical power signal comprises reducing the level of the electrical power signal from a first level to a second non-zero level; A method for providing the above.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the cable plug and the cable receptacle are configured for a Universal Serial Bus (USB) PD.

3. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the presence of the user comprises detecting, at a power source device, the presence of the user proximate to the connection by a sensor provided at the power source device.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising transmitting the detection signal over the cable portion and the cable plug.

5. detecting the presence of the user comprises detecting, at a power sink device, the presence of the user proximate to the connection by a sensor disposed at the power sink device; transmitting the detection signal comprises transmitting the detection signal over the cable portion to a power source device. The method according to claim 4.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein detecting the non-zero proximity of the user comprises detecting the non-zero proximity of the user to a portion of the cable plug.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein detecting the non-zero proximity of the user comprises detecting the non-zero proximity of the user to a portion of the cable receptacle.

8. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising filtering the power signal using a snubber circuit in at least one of the cable plug, a power source device providing the power signal, and a power sink device receiving the power signal.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the snubber circuit comprises a capacitor and a resistor in series with each other.

10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the snubber circuit comprises a diode.

11. 1. A system for power control in a data cable assembly, comprising: a cable including one or more data signal paths and at least one power conductor; a cable plug attached to an end of the cable, the cable and the cable plug forming the data cable assembly; a sensor housed in the cable plug configured to detect the presence of a user proximate to the cable plug, the sensor detecting the presence of the user being a non-zero proximity sensor of the user; and a power delivery controller housed in the cable plug configured to transmit a power level reduce signal through the cable plug in response to detecting the presence of a user proximate to the cable plug, the power level reduce signal being a signal that reduces a level of the power from a first level to a second non-zero level; A system comprising:

12. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the cable plug is configured for a Universal Serial Bus (USB) PD.

13. The system of claim 11 , further comprising a snubber circuit coupled to a power conductor of the cable portion.

14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the snubber circuit comprises a capacitor and a resistor in series with each other.

15. The system of claim 13 , wherein the snubber circuit comprises a diode.

16. a power source cable receptacle matable with the cable plug; Power supply, a source power controller configured to receive the reduce power level signal and, in response to the reduce power level signal, reduce a level of a power signal provided by the power source to the power source cable receptacle; The system of claim 11 further comprising:

17. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the source power controller is configured to reduce the level of the power signal from a first level to a second non-zero level.

18. 1. A system for controlling cable-supplied power in a power sink device, comprising: a power sink cable receptacle having a data port and a control channel port; a sensor housed within the power sink cable receptacle configured to detect a presence of a user proximate to the power sink cable receptacle, the sensor detecting the presence of the user being a non-zero proximity sensor of the user; and a sink power controller coupled to the control channel port and contained within the power sink device, configured to transmit a power level reduce signal via the control channel port of the power sink cable receptacle in response to the sensor detecting the presence of a user proximate to the power sink cable receptacle, the power level reduce signal being a signal that reduces a level of the power from a first level to a second non-zero level; A system comprising:

19. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the power sink cable receptacle is configured for a Universal Serial Bus (USB) PD.

20. 20. The system of claim 18, further comprising a snubber circuit coupled to a power conductor of the power sink cable receptacle.

21. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the snubber circuit comprises a capacitor and a resistor in series with each other.

22. The system of claim 20 , wherein the snubber circuit comprises a diode.

23. a power source cable receptacle matable with the cable; Power supply, a source power controller configured to receive the reduce power level signal via the cable and the power source cable receptacle, and in response to the reduce power level signal, reduce a level of a power signal provided by the power source to the power source cable receptacle; 20. The system of claim 18, further comprising:

24. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the source power controller is configured to reduce the level of the power signal from a first level to a second non-zero level.

25. 1. A system for controlling cable-supplied power in a power source device, comprising: a power source cable receptacle having a data port and a control channel port; a sensor housed within the power source cable receptacle configured to detect the presence of a user proximate to the cable receptacle, the sensor detecting the presence of the user being a non-zero proximity sensor of the user; and Power supply, a source power controller coupled to the control channel port and contained within the power source device, configured to reduce a level of a power signal provided by the power source to the power source cable receptacle in response to the sensor detecting the presence of a user proximate to the power source cable receptacle, the source power controller configured to reduce the level of the power signal from a first level to a second non-zero level; A system comprising:

26. 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the power source cable receptacle is configured for a Universal Serial Bus (USB) PD.

27. 26. The system of claim 25, further comprising a snubber circuit coupled to a power conductor of the power sink cable receptacle.

28. 28. The system of claim 27, wherein the snubber circuit comprises a capacitor and a resistor in series with each other.

29. 30. The system of claim 27, wherein the snubber circuit comprises a diode.

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