Electronic device and operation method of electronic device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an electronic device comprising a power control circuit. The power control circuit may be electrically connected to a connector, and may include a first signal path and a second signal path. The first signal path may include a first port electrically connected to a first pin and a first internal signal path portion connected to the first port and configured to transmit, to a battery, power supplied from an external electronic device, and the second signal path may include a second port electrically connected to a second pin and a second internal signal path portion configured to selectively connect the second port to ground. The second internal signal path portion may be configured such that, on the basis of the presence of moisture within the connector while the external electronic device is connected to the connector, the second port is electrically disconnected from the ground, and power is not supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin or a voltage value of the power is lowered.

Description

Electronic devices and methods of operating electronic devices

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device.

[0002] Various electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablet PCs, feature interfaces (e.g., connectors) that allow external electronic devices to be connected to the device via wires. These interfaces are standardized by various standards. Among these standards, the most widely used is the Universal Serial Bus (USB). USB is an industry standard that allows data exchange and power transfer between various types of electronic devices.

[0003] When an interface such as a connector is used for wired connection between devices, in order to prevent corrosion of the connector, it is necessary to check whether foreign substances (e.g. moisture) enter the inside of the connector and consider measures to prevent / reduce corrosion of the connector due to the inflow of foreign substances.

[0004] The above information may be provided as background information (related art) for the purpose of understanding this document. No claim or determination is made as to whether the above-described content constitutes prior art related to this document.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment, an electronic device may be provided that includes a battery, a connector, and / or a power control circuit. The connector may include a first pin and a second pin that are spaced apart from each other and configured to connect with an external electronic device. The first pin may be configured to receive power for charging the battery from the external electronic device. The power control circuit may be electrically connected to the connector and include a first signal path and a second signal path. The first signal path may include a first port electrically connected to the first pin and a first internal signal path portion connected to the first port and configured to transmit the power supplied from the external electronic device to the battery. The second signal path may include a second port electrically connected to the second pin and a second internal signal path portion configured to selectively connect the second port to ground. The second internal signal pass portion may be configured such that, based on the presence of moisture within the connector while the external electronic device is connected to the connector, the second port is electrically disconnected from the ground, and the power is not supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin or the voltage value of the power is lowered.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment, an electronic device may be provided, including a battery, a connector, a power management module including a power management circuit, a memory including one or more storage media for storing instructions, and / or at least one processor including a processing circuit. The connector may include a first pin, a second pin, and a third pin configured to be connected to an external electronic device. The power management module may be electrically connected to the connector and may include a first circuit, a second circuit, and / or a third circuit. The first circuit may be connected to a first port electrically connected to the first pin and configured to transfer power supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin to the battery. The second circuit may be connected to a second port electrically connected to the second pin and configured to selectively connect the second port to the ground. The third circuit may be connected to a third port electrically connected to the third pin and configured to transmit a signal to the external electronic device through the third port. The at least one processor may individually and / or collectively execute instructions to cause the electronic device to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include identifying that moisture is present within the connector. The at least one operation may include identifying that the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device via the connector. The at least one operation may include outputting a request signal through the third port to not supply the power from the external electronic device via the first pin or to lower a voltage value of the power based on identifying that moisture is present within the connector and that the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device via the connector.The at least one operation may include an operation of determining whether a first voltage value supplied through the first pin is greater than or equal to a first reference voltage after a specified time has elapsed since the request signal is output through the third port. The at least one operation may include an operation of causing the second port to be electrically disconnected from the ground based on a determination that the first voltage value is greater than or equal to the first reference voltage.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device may be provided. The method may include an operation of identifying that moisture is present within the connector. The method may include an operation of identifying that the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device via the connector. The method may include an operation of outputting a request signal through the third port to prevent power from being supplied from the external electronic device via the first pin or to lower a voltage value of the power based on the identification that moisture is present within the connector and that the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device via the connector. The method may include an operation of determining whether a first voltage value supplied through the first pin is greater than or equal to a first reference voltage after a specified time has elapsed since the request signal is output through the third port. The method may include an operation of causing the second port to be electrically disconnected from the ground based on the determination that the first voltage value is greater than or equal to the first reference voltage.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment, a storage medium storing at least one non-transitory computer-readable instruction may be provided. The at least one instruction, when executed individually and / or collectively by at least one processor comprising a processing circuit of an electronic device, may cause the electronic device to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include identifying that moisture is present within the connector. The at least one operation may include identifying that the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device via the connector. The at least one operation may include outputting a request signal through the third port to not supply power from the external electronic device via the first pin or to lower a voltage value of the power based on identifying that moisture is present within the connector and that the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device via the connector. The at least one operation may include an operation of determining whether a first voltage value supplied through the first pin is greater than or equal to a first reference voltage after a specified time has elapsed since the request signal is output through the third port. The at least one operation may include an operation of causing the second port to be electrically disconnected from the ground based on a determination that the first voltage value is greater than or equal to the first reference voltage.

[0009] The above and other aspects, features and advantages according to specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a connector of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3A is a diagram including a perspective view illustrating a connector of an electronic device and a connector of an external electronic device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3b is a drawing illustrating an exemplary pin structure of a connector of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a system including an electronic device and an external electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a power control circuit of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 6A and 6B are circuit diagrams illustrating an exemplary second control circuit included in a power control circuit of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram illustrating an exemplary first control circuit included in a power control circuit of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a power control circuit of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen in which an electronic device provides a guidance message for disconnecting an external electronic device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the various exemplary embodiments described herein. Throughout the drawings and the present disclosure, the same or similar reference numerals may be used to refer to the same or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0032] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0033] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0034] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0035] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0036] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0037] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0038] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0039] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0040] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0041] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0042] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0043] The haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0044] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0045] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0046] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0047] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0048] The communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The communication module (192) may support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The communication module (192) may support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the communication module (192) may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0049] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0050] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0051] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface).

[0052] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, as used in this disclosure, including the claims, the term "processor" may include various processing circuits including at least one processor, wherein one or more of the at least one processors may be configured to perform the various functions described in this disclosure in an individually and / or collectively distributed manner. As used herein, when "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" are described as being configured to perform numerous functions, these terms encompass, for example, but are not limited to, situations where one processor performs some of the recited functions and other processor(s) perform other parts of the recited functions, and also situations where a single processor can perform all of the recited functions. Additionally, at least one processor may comprise a combination of processors that perform various functions, for example, in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0054] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a connector of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may be implemented as a portable electronic device such as a smart phone or a tablet PC, but is not limited thereto, and may include a connector (210) (e.g., the interface (177) of FIG. 1, the connection terminal (178) of FIG. 1) to which an external electronic device can be connected.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) can be connected to an external electronic device via a connector (210) and can transmit and receive information and / or data (e.g., multimedia data such as audio data, and / or other control commands) with the connected external electronic device.

[0057] According to one embodiment, when the external electronic device connected to the electronic device (200) via the connector (210) is a charging device (e.g., a charger), the electronic device (200) can receive power (or voltage) from the external electronic device and charge a battery (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1) using at least a portion of the supplied power.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) includes an opening formed in one side (e.g., a surface) of a housing and a hole connected to the opening, and a connector (210) may be disposed within the hole. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, an opening and a hole may be formed in a lower side of the housing of the electronic device (200) and a connector (210) may be disposed within the opening and the hole, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the connector (210) may also be disposed on another side (e.g., a surface) of the housing of the electronic device (200).

[0059] FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating a connector of an electronic device and a connector of an external electronic device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary pin structure of a connector of an electronic device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3A, a connector (320) of an external electronic device may be inserted into a connector (210) of an electronic device (200). According to one embodiment, there is no limitation on the type of the external electronic device, and may include, for example, a battery pack that supplies power to the electronic device (200), a device that communicates with the electronic device (200), or an external memory connected to the electronic device (200).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the connector (320) of the external electronic device can be received through a hole provided in the electronic device (200) and physically contacted with the connector (210) of the electronic device (200) (e.g., connected to the connector (210) or including the connector (210), and electrically connected to the electronic device (200) based on the physical contact.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the connector (210) and hole structure of the electronic device (200) may be reversible. For example, the connector (210) may be symmetrical with respect to a first direction perpendicular to the direction in which the external electronic device is inserted (e.g., from the bottom to the top of the electronic device (200)) and a second direction opposite to the first direction. That is, for example, the connector (210) may have two-fold rotational symmetry since it may be connected in two directions (e.g., normal direction or reverse direction).

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, one side or face (e.g., face A) of the connector (320) of the external electronic device may be inserted into the connector (210) of the electronic device (200) in a direction parallel to the front surface of the electronic device (200) (e.g., the face on which the display of the electronic device (200) is positioned). That is, for example, after the connector (320) is inserted into the connector (210), the face A of the connector (320) may be positioned parallel to the face on which the display of the electronic device (200) is positioned. Alternatively, the other side (e.g., face B) of the connector (320) of the external device may be inserted in a direction parallel to the front surface or face of the electronic device (200). That is, for example, after the connector (320) is inserted into the connector (210), the face B of the connector (320) may be positioned parallel to the face on which the display of the electronic device (200) is positioned.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the connector (210) may include a plurality of pins (or terminals). According to one embodiment, when the connector (320) of the external electronic device is inserted in a different direction (e.g., upside down), each pin of the connector (320) of the external electronic device that is electrically connected to each pin included in the connector (210) of the electronic device (200) may be different.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the connector (210) and / or the connector (320) may be a connector according to the USB standard. The connector (210) may be, for example, a TYPE C connector corresponding to the USB TYPE C standard, but is not limited thereto. For example, various standard-compliant wired interfaces or non-standard-compliant wired interfaces such as HDMI (high definition multimedia interface), RS232 (recommended standard 232), power line communication, or POTS (plain old telephone service) may be applied to the connector (210) and / or the connector (320) of the present disclosure. For example, a connector capable of transmitting data (e.g., data transmitted on a configuration channel 1 (CC1) pin and / or a configuration channel 2 (CC2) pin included in the USB Type-C specification) that can be used to automatically detect which devices are connected between a source device that supplies power and a sink device that receives power, or between a downstream facing port (DFP) that provides data and an upstream facing port (UFP) that receives data, may be applied to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 3b, a USB Type C standard connector may have 12 pins each in the A line (or row) and the B line (or row), and may be symmetrical to each other.

[0067] According to one embodiment, each pin included in the connector (210) may be spaced apart from each other. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may transmit and / or receive a data signal through the A6 (D+) / B6 (D+) pin and / or the A7 (D-) / B7 (D-) pin of the connector (210). For example, the electronic device (200) (or an external electronic device) may transmit data to the external electronic device through the A6 (D+) / B6 (D+) pin. Since the role and / or function of each pin in various operation modes is defined by the USB Type C standard, a description of the role of each pin will be omitted. In the present disclosure, the D+ pin may be referred to as a DP pin, and the D- pin may be referred to as a DN pin.

[0068] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is connected to an external electronic device, it can exchange electrical signals (e.g., digital ID or resistance ID) with the external electronic device via the A5 (CC1) pin and / or the B5 (CC2) pin. For example, the electronic device (200) can detect the type of the external electronic device connected via the connector (210) based on a voltage value or resistance value corresponding to the electrical signal.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) can establish and / or manage a communication connection between the electronic device (200) and an external electronic device through the CC1 or CC2 pin. For example, the CC pin can be used to automatically detect which devices are connected between a source device and a sink device or a DFP and a UFP. In the present disclosure, the CC1 pin or the CC2 pin can be collectively referred to as the CC pin.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) can detect moisture within the connector (210) based on the CC pin of the connector (210). For example, the electronic device (200) can detect moisture by checking the resistance value corresponding to the CC pin as a resistance value corresponding to moisture.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) can receive power or a power signal (e.g., power or voltage) from an external electronic device via the A4 (Vbus) / A9 (Vbus) / B4 (Vbus) / B9 (Vbus) pins. For example, the electronic device (200) can receive power or voltage from the external electronic device via the Vbus pin.

[0072] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a system including an electronic device and an external electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 4, an electronic device (101) (e.g., electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) may include a processor (120) (e.g., including a processing circuit), a memory (130), an interface (177) (e.g., including a circuit), a power management module (188) (e.g., including a power management circuit), and / or a battery (189).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the interface (177) may include at least one connector (e.g., connector (210) of FIGS. 2 to 3b), and the electronic device (101) may be connected to an external electronic device (410) (e.g., a charging device) via the connector. The external electronic device (410) may include a connector (e.g., connector (320) of FIG. 3a) corresponding to a connector of the electronic device (101) that may be connected to the interface (177).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) of the electronic device (101) may include various processing circuits and may detect the connection of an external electronic device (410) and / or determine the type of the connected external electronic device (410) through the CC1 pin (e.g., the A5 (CC1) pin of FIG. 3B) and / or the CC2 pin (e.g., the B5 (CC2) pin of FIG. 3B) included in the interface (177). For example, the processor (120) may measure a voltage value and / or a resistance value corresponding to the external electronic device (410) through the CC1 pin and / or the CC2 pin, and, based on the measured voltage value and / or resistance value, detect the connection of the external electronic device (410) and / or determine the type of the external electronic device (410) (e.g., a data providing device or a source device). The description of the processor (120) provided above may be equally applied here.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) may include various power management circuits and, under the control of the electronic device (101) (or the processor (120) of the electronic device (101), may transfer power (or voltage) supplied from an external electronic device (410) to the battery (189). At least a portion of the transferred power may be used to charge the battery (189).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (410) may include a power supply module (411) (e.g., including power supply circuitry), a processor (412) (e.g., including processing circuitry), memory (413), and / or an interface (414) (e.g., including interface circuitry).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the interface (414) includes at least one connector (e.g., connector (210) of FIGS. 2 to 3b), and the external electronic device (410) can be connected to the electronic device (101) via the connector.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the processor (412) of the external electronic device (410) may include various processing circuits, and may detect the connection of the electronic device (101) and / or determine the type of the connected electronic device (101) through the CC1 pin and / or the CC2 pin provided in the interface (414). For example, the processor (412) may measure a voltage value and / or a resistance value corresponding to the electronic device (101) through the CC1 pin and / or the CC2 pin, and, based on the measured voltage value and / or resistance value, detect the connection of the electronic device (101) and / or determine the type of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a sink device). The description of the processor (120) provided above may be equally applied here.

[0080] In one embodiment, the external electronic device (410) may include a charging device that supports a charging function (e.g., a PD charger). The external electronic device (410) may or may not support a protection function (e.g., but not limited to, a hiccup function).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the power supply module (411) may include a power supply circuit. The power supply module (411) (or the power supply circuit) may supply power, for example, received from an external outlet or an internal battery, to the electronic device (100) via a Vbus pin of the interface (177) (e.g., the A5 / A9 / B4 / B9 (Vbus) pins of FIG. 3B).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the power supply module (411) (or power supply circuit) may include a pulse width modulation (PWM) module, an AC to DC converter, and a synchronous rectifier. The PWM module may control the voltage of power received from an outlet (or an internal battery) through pulse width modulation. The AC to DC converter may convert the AC voltage received from the outlet into a DC voltage. The synchronous rectifier may convert a low voltage DC signal into a high voltage DC signal to improve charging efficiency.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the power supply module (411) (or power supply circuit) can change the charging power (e.g., charging voltage and / or charging current) under the control of the processor (412).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the processor (412) can at least partially control each component included in the external electronic device (410).

[0085] According to one embodiment, when an external electronic device (410) is connected to the electronic device (101), the processor (412) of the external electronic device (410) can detect the connection with the electronic device (101) through the CC1 pin and / or the CC2 pin. According to one embodiment, in response to the connection with the electronic device (101), the processor (412) of the external electronic device (410) can apply a set voltage (e.g., about 5 V) to the electronic device (101) through the Vbus pin. The electronic device (101) can receive the voltage from the external electronic device (410) through the Vbus pin included in the interface (177). The processor (120) of the electronic device (101) can control the power management module (188) to charge the battery (189) based on the provided voltage.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) of the electronic device (101) can detect moisture based on at least one pin (e.g., the CC1 pin, the CC2 pin, and / or the SBU pin of FIG. 3B) included in the interface (177). The SBU is a secondary bus pin and may include the SBU1 pin and the SBU2 pin as illustrated in FIG. 3B. Hereinafter, the CC pin is described as an example of a pin used to detect moisture, but is not limited thereto. For example, other types of pins (e.g., the SBU pin) may also be used to detect moisture. For example, in addition to the pins of USB Type C, a separate moisture detection pin may be used to detect moisture.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may adjust the open / closed state of at least one switch so that the CC pin changes to an open state. The open state of the CC pin may refer to, for example, a high impedance state of the CC pin (e.g., a state in which a very high resistance value is applied), and may be a state in which no electrical signal is transmitted or received to the CC pin. As the CC pin changes to a high impedance state, the processor (412) of the external electronic device (410) may not supply power to the electronic device (101).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the processor (412) of the external electronic device (410) can transmit an electrical signal to the CC pin of the electronic device (101), confirm a connection with the electronic device (101) based on the electrical signal, and supply power to the electronic device (101). If the CC pin of the electronic device (101) is in an open state, the external electronic device (410) cannot confirm whether the electronic device (101) is connected and may not supply power to the electronic device (101).

[0089] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a power control circuit of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the operation(s) performed by the power control circuit (500) may be understood to be performed by control of an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or an electronic device (200) of FIG. 2)) or a processor of the electronic device (e.g., a processor (120) of FIG. 1).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the power control circuit (500) may be included in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2). For example, the power control circuit (500) may be included in a power management module of the electronic device (e.g., the power management module (188) of FIG. 1).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the power control circuit (500) may include a plurality of ports (e.g., a first port (511) and a second port (512)) and / or a plurality of control circuits (e.g., a first control circuit (521) and a second control circuit (522)). In the present disclosure, the first control circuit (521) may be referred to as a first circuit, and the second control circuit (522) may be referred to as a second circuit.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the power control circuit (500) may be electrically connected to an interface (177). The interface (177) may include, for example, at least one connector (e.g., connector (210) of FIGS. 2 to 3b).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the interface (177) may include a plurality of pins configured to be connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (410) of FIG. 4). For example, the interface (177) may include a first pin (501) and a second pin (502). The first pin (501) and the second pin (502) may be spaced apart from each other within the interface (177).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the first pin (501) may be used to supply power (or voltage) to charge a battery of the electronic device (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1) from an external electronic device. The first pin (501) may be, for example, the Vbus pin of FIG. 3B (e.g., the A4 pin, the A9 pin, the B4 pin, or the B9 pin of FIG. 3B).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the second pin (502) may be used to establish and / or manage a communication connection between the electronic device and an external electronic device. The second pin (502) may be, for example, the CC pin of FIG. 3B (e.g., the A5 pin (CC1 pin) or the B5 pin (CC2 pin) of FIG. 3B).

[0097] In one embodiment, each port may be electrically connected to a corresponding pin and a corresponding control circuit. For example, a first port (511) may be electrically connected to a first pin (501) and a first control circuit (521). For example, a second port (512) may be electrically connected to a second pin (502) and a second control circuit (522).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the power control circuit (500) (e.g., the power management module (188) of FIG. 4) can supply power supplied from an external electronic device through the first pin (501) to the battery (189).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the first control circuit (521) may include a first circuit portion electrically connected to the first port (511) and detecting a voltage state of the first port (511) supplied from an external electronic device through the first pin (501).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the second control circuit (522) may include a second circuit portion electrically connected to the second port (512) and configured to selectively connect the second port (512) to ground (GND) from an external electronic device.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the power control circuit (500) may include a signal path including a first signal path (SP1) and / or a second signal path (SP2). The signal transmitted to the first signal path (SP1) may include, for example, a power signal. In the present disclosure, the first signal path (SP1) and the second signal path (SP2) may also be referred to as the first path and the second path, respectively.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the first signal path (SP1) may be a signal path including a first port (511) electrically connected to a first pin (501). According to one embodiment, the second signal path (SP2) may be a signal path including a second port (512) electrically connected to a second pin (502).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the first signal path (SP1) may include a first port (511) electrically connected to the first pin (501) and a first internal signal path portion electrically connected to the first port (511) and configured to transmit power supplied from an external electronic device through the first pin (501) to the battery (189).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the first signal path (SP1) may include a first port (511) electrically connected to the first pin (501) and a first control circuit (521) electrically connected to the first port (511).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the second signal path (SP2) may include a second port (512) electrically connected to the second pin (502) and a second internal signal path portion electrically connected to the second port (512) and configured to selectively connect the second port (512) to ground (GND). The second internal signal path portion may correspond, for example, to the second circuit portion of the second control circuit (522) described above.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the power control circuit (500) may be configured to cause the second port (512) to be electrically disconnected from ground (GND) and power may not be supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin (501), or the voltage value of the power supplied through the first pin (501) may be lowered based on the presence of moisture within the interface (177). For example, the second circuit portion (or the second internal signal path portion) of the second control circuit (522) may be configured to cause the second port (512) to be electrically disconnected from ground (GND) and power may not be supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin (501), or the voltage value of the power supplied through the first pin (501) may be lowered based on the presence of moisture within the interface (177) while the external electronic device is connected to the interface (177). The voltage value of the power may be set to be lower than, for example, a reference voltage value.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the second circuit portion (or second internal signal path portion) of the second control circuit (522) may include a switch disposed between the second port (512) and the ground (GND). The power control circuit (500) may be configured to electrically disconnect the second port (512) and the ground (GND) based on the switch being opened. For example, the power control circuit (500) may set the switch to an open state to electrically disconnect the second port (512) and the ground (GND). The power control circuit (500) may be configured to electrically connect the second port (512) and the ground (GND) based on the switch being closed. For example, the power control circuit (500) may set the switch to a close state to electrically connect the second port (512) and the ground (GND). An example of a second control circuit (522) including a switch is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 6a and 6b.

[0108] FIGS. 6A and 6B are circuit diagrams illustrating a second control circuit included in a power control circuit of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] In the embodiments of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the second control circuit may be an example of the second control circuit (522) included in the power control circuit (500) of FIG. 5. In the embodiments of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the second pin (502) may be, for example, the CC pin of FIG. 3B.

[0110] In the embodiments of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the operations performed by the power control circuit (500) may be understood to be performed under the control of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2)) or a processor of the electronic device (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1).

[0111] Referring to FIG. 6A, a second control circuit (522) may be electrically connected to a second port (512) and may include a switch (610) and / or a resistor (620).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the switch (610) is positioned between the second port (512) and the ground (GND) and can be configured to selectively connect the second port (512) (or the second pin (502)) and the ground (GND). For example, the switch (610) can electrically connect or electrically disconnect the second port (512) and the ground (GND) depending on the open or closed state of the switch (610).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the switch (610) may be, but is not limited to, a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), a thyristor, a relay switch, an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), or a micro-electro-mechanical systems switch (MEMS).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the power control circuit (500) can electrically disconnect the second port (512) and the ground (GND) by setting the open / closed state of the switch (610) to the open state. The power control circuit can electrically connect the second port (512) and the ground (GND) by setting the open / closed state of the switch (610) to the close state.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the power control circuit (500) can change the connection state between the second port (512) and the ground (GND) by setting the open / close state of the switch (610) to change from a first state to a second state. For example, the power control circuit (500) can change the connection state between the second port (512) and the ground (GND) from an electrically disconnected state to an electrically connected state by setting the open / close state of the switch (610) to change from an open state to a close state. For example, the power control circuit (500) can change the connection state between the second port (512) and the ground (GND) from an electrically connected state to an electrically disconnected state by setting the open / close state of the switch (610) to change from a close state to an open state.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the power control circuit (500) may set the switch (610) to a close state so that the second port (512) is electrically connected to ground (GND) through the resistor (620) based on identifying that an external electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (410) of FIG. 4) is connected to the electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) through a connector (e.g., an interface (177) or a connector (210) of FIGS. 2 to 3b).

[0117] In one embodiment, a resistor (620) may be placed between the switch (610) and ground (GND). The second port (512) (or second pin (502)) may be electrically connected to ground (GND) through the resistor (620).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the resistor (620) may be a pull-down resistor (Rd) of the second pin (502) (or, the second port (512)). The resistor (620) may be set to, for example, 5.1 (kΩ).

[0119] In one embodiment, the resistor (620) may be used by an external electronic device connected to the electronic device via a connector to detect a connection of the electronic device.

[0120] In one embodiment, the resistor (620) may be used to negotiate charging between an electronic device connected via the connector and an external electronic device. For example, the resistor (620) may be used to enable the electronic device to act as a sink device (e.g., a power consumer).

[0121] Referring to FIG. 6B, the second control circuit (522) may further include at least one current source (e.g., a first current source (631) and / or a second current source (632)), at least one switch connected to the at least one current source (e.g., a first switch (641) and / or a second switch (642)), and / or a comparator (650). The description of the switch (610) and the resistor (620) of FIG. 6B may refer to the description of FIG. 6A, and any duplicate description thereof will not be repeated herein.

[0122] In one embodiment, the first current value supplied by the first current source (631) may be different from the second current value supplied by the second current source (632). For example, the first current value (e.g., 1 μA) supplied by the first current source (631) may be less than the second current value (e.g., 80 μA) supplied by the second current source (632). In the present disclosure, the first current source (631) and the second current source (632) may be collectively referred to as current sources, and the first switch (641) and the second switch (642) may be collectively referred to as switches.

[0123] In one embodiment, the switches (641, 642) can selectively connect a corresponding current source (631, 632) to the second port (512) (or, the second pin (502)). For example, the first switch (641) can electrically connect or disconnect a first current source (631) connected to the first switch (641) to the second pin (502). For example, the second switch (642) can electrically connect or disconnect a second current source (632) connected to the second switch (642) to the second pin (502).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the switches (641, 642) may be, for example, but are not limited to, BJTs, FETs, thyristors, relay switches, IGBTs, or MEMS switches.

[0125] In one embodiment, the switch (610), the first switch (641), and the second switch (642) may be synchronized (or associated) with each other. For example, during normal operation (e.g., normal operation of operation 1410 of FIG. 14), if any one of the switch (610), the first switch (641), and the second switch (642) is operated in a closed state, the remaining switches may all be operated in an open state. In one example, during normal operation, if the switch (610) is operated in a closed state, the first switch (641) and the second switch (642) may be operated in an open state. In this case, the CC pin may be electrically connected to ground through the resistor (620). In one example, during normal operation, if the first switch (641) is operated in a closed state, the switch (610) and the second switch (642) may be operated in an open state. In this case, the first current source (631) is connected to the CC pin, and the first current value of the first current source (631) can be supplied to the CC pin. According to an example, in normal operation, when the second switch (642) is operated in a closed state, the switch (610) and the first switch (641) can be operated in an open state. In this case, the second current source (632) is connected to the CC pin, and the second current value of the second current source (632) can be supplied to the CC pin. Through this, only one component (e.g., the resistor (610), the first current source (631), or the second current source (632)) can be connected to the second pin (502) at a time.

[0126] Table 1 illustrates the opening and closing operations of a switch in a normal state. Although the opening and closing operations of the switch in Table 1 are one example of the opening and closing states of the switch in a normal state, the switch may be opened and closed in different ways.

[0127] Interval switch (610) First switch (641) Second switch (642) First interval Closed state Open state Open state Second interval Open state Closed state Open state Third interval Closed state Open state Open state

[0128] According to one embodiment, in a normal state, the CC pin (or the second control circuit (522)) can periodically repeat a pull-up state and a pull-down state. Through this, in a normal state, a pull-up resistor (Rp) and a pull-down resistor (Rd) can be periodically connected to the CC pin. For example, as illustrated in Table 1, in a first time period, the switch (610) may be in a closed state, and the second switch (641) and the second switch (642) may be in an open state to thereby be in a pull-down state, and in a second time period, which is a time period following the first time period, the first switch (641) may be in a closed state, and the switch (610) and the second switch (642) may be in an open state to thereby be in a pull-up state. In the third time period, which is the time period following the second time period, similarly to the first time period, the switch (610) may be in a closed state, and the second switch (641) and the second switch (642) may be in an open state, thereby entering a pull-down state. In this way, in the case of a normal state, the pull-up state and the pull-down state may be periodically repeated according to the control of the switch of the power control circuit (500). According to one embodiment, when an external electronic device is connected via the interface (177), the second control circuit (522) may control the third time period operation to continue.

[0129] In one embodiment, the second switch (642) may be optionally omitted. In this case, the operation of each time period in Table 1 described above may be explained only by the operation of the switch (610) and the second switch (641).

[0130] Table 2 illustrates the switch's opening and closing behavior under abnormal conditions (e.g., foreign matter or moisture detection). Although the switch's opening and closing behavior in Table 2 is an example of the switch's opening and closing behavior under abnormal conditions, the switch may be opened and closed in other ways.

[0131] Time interval switch (610) 1st switch (641) 2nd switch (642) 4th time interval Open state Close state Open state 5th time interval Open state Open state Close state 6th time interval Open state Open state Open state

[0132] According to one embodiment, the power control circuit (500) can determine whether the CC pin is in an abnormal state in the closed state of the first switch (641). For example, as illustrated in the fourth time period of Table 2, the power control circuit (500) can operate the first switch (641) in a closed state and the switch (610) and the second switch (642) in an open state, and can determine whether the CC pin is in an abnormal state based on the voltage value of the CC pin in the closed state of the first switch (641).

[0133] According to one embodiment, based on the determination that the CC pin is in an abnormal state in the closed state of the first switch (641), the power control circuit (500) can change the second switch (642) from an open state to a closed state, and determine whether moisture exists in the open state of the second switch (642). For example, if the CC pin is determined to be in an abnormal state in the closed state of the first switch (641) (e.g., the switching state of the fourth time period), the power control circuit (500) can operate the second switch (642) in a closed state and the switch (610) and the first switch (641) in an open state, as exemplified in the fifth time period of Table 2, and determine whether moisture exists in the CC pin in the abnormal state based on the voltage value of the CC pin. In this way, for example, if an abnormal state is detected in the switching state of the fourth time period, an additional operation for moisture detection can be performed in the switching state of the fifth time period. Based on the determination that moisture exists in the closed state of the second switch (642), the power control circuit (500) may set all of the switch (610), the first switch (641), and the second switch (642) to open states. For example, when it is determined that moisture exists in the closed state of the second switch (642) (e.g., the switching state of the fifth time period), the power control circuit (500) may set all of the switch (610), the first switch (641), and the second switch (642) to open states, as exemplified in the sixth time period of Table 2. In this way, for example, when moisture is detected in the switching state of the fifth time period, the switching state of the sixth time period may be switched.

[0134] According to one embodiment, based on the determination that the CC pin is in an abnormal state in the closed state of the first switch (641), the power control circuit (500) may set all of the switch (610), the first switch (641), and the second switch (642) to open states. For example, if the CC pin is determined to be in an abnormal state in the closed state of the first switch (641) (e.g., the switching state of the fourth time period), the power control circuit (500) may set all of the switch (610), the first switch (641), and the second switch (642) to open states, as exemplified in the sixth time period of Table 2. In this way, for example, if an abnormal state is detected in the switching state of the fourth time period, the switching state of the sixth time period may be directly switched to without operating in the switching state of the fifth time period. According to one embodiment, after the switch (610), the first switch (641) and the second switch (642) are all open, the power control circuit (500) can be set to repeat the switching state of the fifth time period and the switching state of the sixth time period.

[0135] In one embodiment, the second switch (642) may be optionally omitted. In this case, the operation of each time period in Table 2 described above may be explained solely by the operations of the switch (610) and the first switch (641). For example, the switching operation of the fifth time period between the fourth and sixth time periods in Table 2 may be omitted.

[0136] Table 3 illustrates the switch's opening and closing behavior under abnormal conditions (e.g., foreign matter or moisture detection). Although the switch's opening and closing behavior in Table 3 is an example of the switch's opening and closing behavior under abnormal conditions, the switch may be opened and closed in different ways.

[0137] Time interval switch (610) 1st switch (641) 2nd switch (642) 7th time interval Open state Close state Open state 8th time interval Open state Open state Open state 9th time interval Open state Open state Close state 10th time interval Open state Open state

[0138] According to one embodiment, the power control circuit (500) can determine whether the CC pin is in an abnormal state in the closed state of the first switch (641). For example, as illustrated in the seventh time period of Table 3, the power control circuit (500) can operate the first switch (641) in a closed state and the switch (610) and the second switch (642) in an open state, and can determine whether the CC pin is in an abnormal state based on the voltage value of the CC pin in the closed state of the first switch (641).

[0139] According to one embodiment, based on the determination that the CC pin is in an abnormal state in the closed state of the first switch (641), the power control circuit (500) can change the second switch (642) from an open state to a closed state and determine whether moisture is present. For example, in the closed state of the first switch (641) (e.g., the switching state in the seventh time period), the power control circuit (500) can operate the second switch (642) in a closed state and the switch (610) and the first switch (641) in an open state, as exemplified in the ninth time period of Table 3, and determine whether moisture is present in the abnormal CC pin based on the voltage value of the CC pin. Based on the determination that moisture is present in the closed state of the second switch (642), the power control circuit (500) can set all of the switches (610), the first switch (641), and the second switch (642) to an open state. For example, if it is determined that moisture is present in the closed state of the second switch (642) (e.g., the switching state of the 9th time period), the power control circuit (500) may set all of the switch (610), the first switch (641), and the second switch (642) to the open state, as exemplified in the 10th time period of Table 3.

[0140] According to one embodiment, based on the determination that the CC pin is in an abnormal state in the closed state of the first switch (641), the power control circuit (500) may set all of the switch (610), the first switch (641), and the second switch (642) to an open state. For example, when the CC pin is determined to be in an abnormal state in the closed state of the first switch (641) (e.g., the switching state in the seventh time period), the power control circuit (500) may set all of the switch (610), the first switch (641), and the second switch (642) to an open state, as exemplified in the eighth time period of Table 3. In a state where the switch (610), the first switch (641), and the second switch (642) are all open, the power control circuit (500) may change the second switch (642) from an open state to a close state, and determine whether moisture is present. For example, in a state where all of the switch (610), the first switch (641), and the second switch (642) are open (e.g., a switching state in the 8th time period), the power control circuit (500) can operate the second switch (642) in a closed state and the switch (610) and the first switch (641) in an open state, as exemplified in the 9th time period of Table 3, and can determine whether moisture exists in the CC pin in an abnormal state based on the voltage value of the CC pin. Based on the determination that moisture exists in the closed state of the second switch (642), the power control circuit (500) can set all of the switch (610), the first switch (641), and the second switch (642) to an open state. For example, if it is determined that moisture is present in the closed state of the second switch (642) (e.g., the switching state of the 9th time period), the power control circuit (500) may set all of the switch (610), the first switch (641), and the second switch (642) to the open state, as exemplified in the 10th time period of Table 3.

[0141] In one embodiment, the second switch (642) may be optionally omitted. In this case, the operation of each time period in Table 3 described above may be explained solely by the operations of the switch (610) and the first switch (641). For example, the switching operation of the 9th time period between the 8th and 10th time periods in Table 3 may be omitted.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the first current source (631), the second current source (632), and / or the comparator (650) may be used to determine whether moisture exists in the second pin (502) (or the second port (512)). For example, the power control circuit (500) may be configured to connect the first current source (631) to the second pin (502) through switch control (e.g., controlling the first switch (641) to be in a closed state, and controlling the switch (610) and the second switch (642) to be in an open state), and to determine whether the second pin (502) is in an abnormal state using the comparator (650) based on a first voltage value (or a first resistance value of the second pin (502) corresponding to the first voltage value) obtained while the first current source (631) is connected to the second pin (502). The power control circuit (500) can use a comparator (650) to determine that the circuit is in an abnormal state, for example, if the first voltage value (or, first resistance value) is within a specified first range, and can determine that the circuit is not in an abnormal state, if the first voltage value (or, first resistance value) is not within the specified first range. For example, based on determining that the second pin (502) is in an abnormal state, the power control circuit (500) may be configured to connect the second current source (632) to the second pin (502) through switch control (e.g., controlling the second switch (642) to a closed state and the switch (610) and the first switch (641) to an open state), and determine whether moisture exists in the second pin (502) using the comparator (650) based on the second voltage value (or the second resistance value of the second pin (502) corresponding to the second voltage value) which is the voltage value of the second pin (502) obtained in a state in which the second current source (632) is connected to the second pin (502).The power control circuit (500) can use a comparator (650) to determine that moisture is present, for example, when a second voltage value (or a second resistance value) is within a designated second range, and can determine that moisture is not present, when a first voltage value (or a first resistance value) is not within the designated second range. In one embodiment, the designated first range for determining an abnormal state and the designated second range for determining the presence of moisture may be different ranges.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the comparator (650) can be used to monitor the voltage of the second pin (502) (or, the second port (512)). For example, the comparator (650) can compare the voltage of the second pin (502) with a reference voltage (Vref) to obtain an output value (e.g., a High value (e.g., 1) or a Low value (e.g., 0)). The reference voltage of the comparator (650) can be set differently or the same, for example, depending on the configuration connected to the second pin (502) (e.g., the resistor (620), the first current source (631) or the second current source (632) to the second pin (502).

[0144] In one embodiment, the power control circuit (500) may be configured to monitor the voltage of the second pin (502) via the comparator (650) to identify whether an external electronic device is connected to the electronic device. The power control circuit (500) may be configured to monitor the voltage of the second pin (502) via the comparator (650) to identify a power profile that the external electronic device can provide. The power control circuit (500) may monitor the voltage of the second pin (502) via the comparator (650) to determine whether a resistance value corresponding to the second pin (502) is within a specified range. If the resistance value corresponding to the second pin (502) is within the specified range, the power control circuit (500) may identify or determine that moisture is present in the connector. If the resistance value corresponding to the second pin (502) is not within the specified range, the power control circuit (500) may identify or determine that moisture is not present in the connector.

[0145] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram illustrating a first control circuit included in a power control circuit of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0146] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the first control circuit may be an example of the first control circuit (521) included in the power control circuit (500) of FIG. 5. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the first pin (501) may be, for example, the Vbus pin of FIG. 3b.

[0147] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the operation(s) performed by the power control circuit (500) may be understood to be performed by the control of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2)) or a processor of the electronic device (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1).

[0148] Referring to FIG. 7, the first control circuit (521) may include a comparator (710).

[0149] According to one embodiment, the comparator (710) can be used to monitor the voltage of the first pin (501) (or, the first port (511)). For example, the comparator (710) can compare the voltage (Vbus) of the first pin (501) with a reference voltage (Vref) to obtain an output value (e.g., a High or Low value).

[0150] According to one embodiment, the power control circuit (500) can monitor the voltage of the first pin (501) through the comparator (710) to determine whether power (or voltage) for charging a battery (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1) is supplied from an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (410) of FIG. 4) through the first pin (501). For example, the power control circuit (500) can determine that the voltage for charging the battery is not supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin (501) when the voltage value (Vbus value) of the first pin (501) is identified as being lower than a reference voltage value (Vref value) (e.g., a Low value (e.g., 0) output). The power control circuit (500) can determine that voltage for charging the battery is normally supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin (501) when the voltage value (e.g., Vbus value) of the first pin (501) is identified as being greater than (or higher than) the reference voltage value (Vref value) (e.g., High value (e.g., 1) output).

[0151] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary power control circuit of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0152] In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the first pin (501) may be, for example, the Vbus pin of FIG. 3b, the second pin (502) may be, for example, the CC pin of FIG. 3b, and the third pin (503) may be, for example, the DP / DN pin of FIG. 3b, but it can be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0153] In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the operation(s) performed by the power control circuit (500) may be understood to be performed by control of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) or a processor of the electronic device (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1).

[0154] Referring to FIG. 8, the power control circuit (500) may include a first port (511) electrically connected to a first pin (501), a second port (512) electrically connected to a second pin (502), a third port (513) electrically connected to a third pin (503), a first control circuit (521) electrically connected to the first port, a second control circuit (522) electrically connected to the second port (512), and / or a third control circuit (523) electrically connected to the third port (513). Descriptions of the first port (512), the second port (512), the first control circuit (521), and / or the second control circuit (522) may refer to the descriptions of FIGS. 5, 6a, 6b, and 7 (hereinafter, referred to as FIGS. 5 to 7). Duplicate descriptions thereof will not be repeated herein.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the power control circuit (500) may be included in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2). For example, the power control circuit (500) may be included in a power management module of the electronic device (e.g., the power management module (188) of FIG. 1).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the power control circuit (500) may be electrically connected to an interface (177) (e.g., connector (210) of FIGS. 2 to 3B). For example, the power control circuit (500) may be electrically connected to a first pin (501), a second pin (502), and a third pin (503) of the interface (177) via a first port (511), a second port (512), and a third port (513), respectively. The first pin (510), the second pin (502), and the third pin (503) of the interface (177) may be spaced apart from each other within the interface (177).

[0157] According to one embodiment, the power control circuit (500) (e.g., the power management module (188) of FIG. 4) can supply power supplied from an external electronic device through the first pin (501) to the battery (189).

[0158] According to one embodiment, the first control circuit (521) may include a first circuit portion electrically connected to the first port (511) and detecting a voltage state of the first port (511) supplied from an external electronic device through the first pin (501).

[0159] According to one embodiment, the second control circuit (522) may include a second circuit portion configured to selectively connect the second port (512) and ground (GND) from an external electronic device.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the third control circuit (523) may include a third circuit portion configured to output a request signal through the third port (513) (or the third pin (503)) to prevent power (or voltage) from being supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin (501) or to lower the value of the supplied power (or voltage) based on the identification of the presence of moisture within the interface (177). For example, the third control circuit (523) may include a third circuit portion configured to output a request signal through the third port (513) (or the third pin (503)) to prevent power (or voltage) from being supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin (501) or to lower the value of the supplied power (or voltage) based on the identification of the presence of moisture within the connector while the external electronic device is connected to the connector. For example, the third control circuit (523) may include a third circuit portion configured to output a request signal through the third port (513) (or the third pin (503)) to prevent power (or voltage) from being supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin (501) or to lower the value of the supplied power (or voltage) based on the identification that moisture exists within the connector and that an external electronic device is connected to the electronic device through the connector. For example, the third control circuit (523) may include a third circuit portion configured to determine whether a voltage value supplied through the first pin (501) is equal to or greater than a reference voltage, and to output a request signal through the third port (513) to prevent power from being supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin (501) or to lower the voltage value of the power based on the identification that moisture exists within the connector and that an external electronic device is connected to the electronic device through the connector. The request signal output through the third port (513) can be transmitted to an external electronic device.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the second control circuit (522) may include a second circuit portion configured to disconnect the second port (512) (or the second pin (502)) from ground (GND) based on the voltage value supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin (501) remaining substantially the same after a specified time has elapsed since the request signal of the third control circuit (523) is output through the third port (513) (or the third pin (503)). For example, the second control circuit (522) may include a second circuit portion configured to change the open / closed state of a switch (e.g., switch (610) of FIGS. 6A and 6B) from a first state (e.g., close state) to a second state (e.g., open state) so that the second port (512) (or second pin (502)) is disconnected from ground (GND) based on the voltage value supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin (501) being higher than the reference voltage after a specified time has elapsed since the request signal of the third control circuit (523) is output through the third port (513) (or the third pin (503)).

[0162] According to one embodiment, the power control circuit (500) may include a first signal path (SP1), a second signal path (SP2), and / or a third signal path (SP3). For a description of the first signal path (SP1) and the second signal path (SP2), reference may be made to the description of FIG. 5 . Therefore, any duplicate description will not be repeated herein.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the third signal path (SP3) may include a third port (513) electrically connected to the third pin (503) and a third internal signal path portion configured to output a request signal through the third port (513) (or the third pin (503)) to prevent power (or voltage) from being supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin (501) or to lower the value of the supplied power (or voltage) based on an identification of moisture present within the interface (177) while the external electronic device is connected to the connector. For example, the third signal path (SP3) may include a third internal signal path portion configured to output a request signal through the third port (513) (or the third pin (503)) to prevent power (or voltage) from being supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin (501) or to lower the value of the supplied power (or voltage) based on an identification of moisture present within the connector while the external electronic device is connected to the connector. For example, the third signal path (SP3) may include a third internal signal path portion configured to output a request signal through the third port (513) (or the third pin (503)) to prevent power (or voltage) from being supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin (501) or to lower the value of the supplied power (or voltage) based on the identification that moisture exists within the connector and that an external electronic device is connected to the electronic device through the connector. For example, the third signal path (SP3) may include a third internal signal path portion configured to determine whether the voltage value supplied through the first pin (501) is equal to or greater than a reference voltage, and to output a request signal through the third port (513) to prevent power from being supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin (501) or to lower the voltage value of the power based on the identification that moisture exists within the connector and that an external electronic device is connected to the electronic device through the connector.A request signal output through the third port (513) can be transmitted to an external electronic device. The third internal signal path portion can correspond to, for example, the third circuit portion of the third control circuit (523).

[0164] According to one embodiment, the second signal path (SP2) may include a second internal signal path portion in which the second port (512) (or the second pin (502)) is set to be disconnected from the ground (GND) based on the voltage value supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin (501) remaining substantially the same after a specified time has elapsed since the request signal of the third control circuit (523) is output through the third port (513) (or the third pin (503)). For example, the second signal path (SP2) may include a second internal signal path portion configured to change the open / closed state of a switch (e.g., switch (610) of FIGS. 6A and 6B) from a first state (e.g., close state) to a second state (e.g., open state) so as to disconnect the second port (512) (or second pin (502)) from ground (GND) based on the identification that a voltage value supplied from an external electronic device through the first pin (501) is higher than a reference voltage after a specified time has elapsed since a request signal of the third control circuit (523) is output through the third port (513) (or third pin (503)). The second internal signal path portion may correspond to, for example, a second circuit portion of the second control circuit (522).

[0165] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0166] In the embodiments below, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. In the embodiments below, some operations may be omitted, or additional operations may be performed.

[0167] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) may be performed by a processor of the electronic device (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) or a power control circuit of the electronic device (e.g., power control circuit (500) of FIGS. 5 to 8).

[0168] Referring to FIG. 9, at operation 910, the electronic device may identify that moisture is present within a connector (e.g., interface (177) of FIG. 1 or connector (210) of FIGS. 2-3b). For example, the electronic device may identify that moisture is present within the connector while an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (410) of FIG. 4) is connected to the electronic device via the connector. For example, the electronic device may identify that moisture is present within the connector before the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the electronic device can identify the presence of moisture in the connector by determining whether a resistance value (or a voltage of the second pin) corresponding to a second pin (e.g., a second pin (502) of FIGS. 5, 6a, 6b, 7, and 8 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 5-8 )) is within a specified range. For example, the electronic device can determine whether the resistance value corresponding to the second pin is within the specified range using a comparator (e.g., a comparator (650) of FIG. 6b ) while the second pin is connected to a current source (e.g., a first current source (631) and / or a second current source (632) of FIG. 6b ) via a second port (e.g., a second port (512) of FIGS. 5-8 ). Based on the resistance value corresponding to the second pin being within the specified range, the electronic device can identify the presence of moisture in the connector. Based on the resistance value corresponding to the second pin not being within a specified range, the electronic device can identify that no moisture is present within the connector.

[0170] In operation 920, the electronic device may be configured to cause a second port electrically connected to the second pin to be electrically disconnected from ground and / or to prevent power from being supplied from an external electronic device through the first pin (e.g., the first pin (501) of FIGS. 5 to 8) or to reduce the voltage value of the power supplied through the first pin based on the identification that moisture is present within the connector. For example, the electronic device may be configured to cause a second port electrically connected to the second pin to be electrically disconnected from ground and / or to prevent power from being supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin or to reduce the voltage value of the power supplied through the first pin based on the identification that moisture is present within the connector while the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device. For example, the electronic device may be configured to electrically disconnect a second port electrically connected to a second pin from ground and / or to prevent power from being supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin or to reduce the voltage value of power supplied through the first pin based on the identification that moisture exists within the connector and that an external electronic device is connected to the electronic device through the connector. According to operation 920, corrosion of the connector due to moisture may be prevented / reduced by preventing power from being supplied through the first pin or by providing power having a low voltage value through the first pin.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may be configured to electrically isolate the second port from the ground by changing the open / closed state of a switch (e.g., switch (610) of FIG. 6A or 6B) disposed between the second port and the ground from a first state (e.g., close state) to a second state (e.g., open state). In this case, other switches connected to the second port (e.g., first switch (641) and second switch (642) of FIG. 6B) may also be set to an open state.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the voltage value of the power may be set to be lower than, for example, a reference voltage (e.g., the reference voltage (Vref) of the comparator (710) of FIG. 7).

[0173] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may be configured to perform an operation of checking (or determining) the presence of moisture in the connector (e.g., operation 910) and / or an operation of performing an electrical disconnection between the second port and ground (e.g., operation 920) before negotiation for determining charging power between the external electronic device and the electronic device is performed or completed. For example, operations 910 and / or 920 may be performed before negotiation for determining charging power between the external electronic device and the electronic device is performed or completed.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may be configured to perform an operation of checking for the presence of moisture in a connector (e.g., operation 910) and / or an operation of performing an electrical disconnection between the second port and ground (e.g., operation 920) while negotiation for determining a charging power between the external electronic device and the electronic device is completed and the battery is charged by at least a portion of the power supplied by the external electronic device. For example, operations 910 and / or 920 may be performed while negotiation for determining a charging power between the external electronic device and the electronic device is completed and the battery is charged by at least a portion of the power supplied by the external electronic device.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may be configured to perform an operation (e.g., operation 910) of checking for the presence of moisture in a connector before the external electronic device and the electronic device are connected, and to perform an operation (e.g., operation 920) of electrically disconnecting between the second port and ground after the external electronic device and the electronic device are connected (e.g., after negotiation for determining charging power between the external electronic device and the electronic device is performed or completed). For example, operation 910 may be performed before the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device, and operation 920 may be performed after the external electronic device and the electronic device are connected.

[0176] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0177] In the embodiments below, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. In the embodiments below, some operations may be omitted, or additional operations may be performed.

[0178] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) may be performed by a processor of the electronic device (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) or a power control circuit of the electronic device (e.g., power control circuit (500) of FIGS. 5 to 8).

[0179] Referring to FIG. 10, at operation 1010, the electronic device may identify (or determine) that moisture is present within a connector (e.g., interface (177) of FIG. 1 or connector (210) of FIGS. 2-3b). For example, the electronic device may identify that moisture is present within the connector while an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (410) of FIG. 4) is connected to the electronic device via the connector. For example, the electronic device may identify that moisture is present within the connector before the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the electronic device can identify the presence of moisture in the connector by determining whether a resistance value (or a voltage of the second pin) corresponding to a second pin (e.g., the second pin (502) of FIGS. 5 to 8) is within a specified range. For example, the electronic device can determine whether the resistance value corresponding to the second pin is within the specified range using a comparator (e.g., the comparator (650) of FIG. 6B) while the second pin is connected to a current source (e.g., the first current source (631) or the second current source (632) of FIG. 6B) via a second port (e.g., the second port (512) of FIGS. 5 to 8). Based on the resistance value corresponding to the second pin being within the specified range, the electronic device can identify (or determine) that moisture is present in the connector. Based on the resistance value corresponding to the second pin not being within the specified range, the electronic device can identify (or determine) that moisture is not present in the connector.

[0181] In operation 1020, the electronic device may output a request signal (hereinafter referred to as a power-related request signal or request signal) to not supply power (or disconnect) from the external electronic device through the first pin (e.g., the first pin (501) of FIGS. 5 to 8) or to lower the voltage value of the power supplied through the first pin, through a third port (e.g., the third port (513) of FIG. 8) electrically connected to a third pin (e.g., the third pin (503) of FIG. 8), based on the identification that moisture is present in the connector. For example, the electronic device may output the power-related request signal through the third port electrically connected to the third pin based on the identification that moisture is present in the connector while the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device. For example, the electronic device may output the power-related request signal through the third port electrically connected to the third pin based on the determination that a resistance value is within a specified range while the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device. For example, the electronic device may output a power-related request signal through the third port based on identifying (or determining) that moisture exists within the connector and that an external electronic device is connected to the electronic device through the connector. For example, when identifying that moisture exists within the connector and that an external electronic device is connected to the electronic device through the connector, the electronic device may determine whether a voltage value supplied through the first pin is greater than or equal to a reference voltage, and output a power-related request signal through the third port based on determining that the voltage value supplied through the first pin is greater than or equal to the reference voltage. The request signal output through the third port may be transmitted to the external electronic device.If the external electronic device supports a protection function, such as a hiccup function, in response to the request signal, the external electronic device can utilize the protection function to not supply power through the first pin (or disconnect the connection) or to provide power with a lower voltage value supplied through the first pin. Depending on the operation of the external electronic device based on the request signal, power may not be supplied through the first pin or power with a lower voltage value may be supplied through the first pin, thereby preventing / reducing corrosion of the connector due to moisture.

[0182] In operation 1030, the electronic device may change the open / closed state of a switch (e.g., switch (610) of FIG. 6A or 6B) disposed between the second port and the ground from a first state (e.g., close state) to a second state (e.g., open state) based on the voltage value of the power supplied to the first pin remaining substantially the same after a specified time has elapsed since the request signal is output through the third port so that the second port is electrically disconnected from the ground.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may determine that the voltage value of the power supplied to the first pin remains substantially the same when a difference between a first voltage value, which is a voltage value supplied to the first pin before the request signal is output through the third port, and a second voltage value, which is a voltage value of power supplied to the first pin after a specified time has elapsed after the request signal is output through the third port, is within a specified range.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may determine that the voltage value of the power supplied to the first pin is not substantially maintained the same when a difference between a first voltage value, which is a voltage value supplied to the first pin before the request signal is output through the third port, and a second voltage value, which is a voltage value of power supplied to the first pin after a specified time has elapsed after the request signal is output through the third port, is not within a specified range.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may determine that the voltage value of the power supplied to the first pin remains substantially the same when both the first voltage value, which is a voltage value supplied to the first pin before the request signal is output through the third port, and the second voltage value, which is a voltage value of power supplied to the first pin after a specified time has elapsed after the request signal is output through the third port, are higher than a reference voltage value (e.g., a reference voltage (Vref) value of the comparator (710) of FIG. 7).

[0186] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may determine that the voltage value of the power supplied to the first pin is not substantially maintained the same when the first voltage value, which is a voltage value supplied to the first pin before the request signal is output through the third port, is higher than a reference voltage value (e.g., a reference voltage (Vref) value of the comparator (710) of FIG. 7), and the second voltage value, which is a voltage value of the power supplied to the first pin after a specified time has elapsed since the request signal is output through the third port, is lower than the reference voltage value.

[0187] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0188] In the embodiments below, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. In the embodiments below, some operations may be omitted, or additional operations may be performed.

[0189] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) may be performed by a processor of the electronic device (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) or a power control circuit of the electronic device (e.g., power control circuit (500) of FIGS. 5 to 8).

[0190] Referring to FIG. 11, at operation 1110, the electronic device may identify that moisture is present in a connector (e.g., the interface (177) of FIG. 1 or the connector (210) of FIGS. 2, 3a, and 3b (which may also be referred to as FIGS. 2 to 3b)). For example, the electronic device may identify that moisture is present in the connector while an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (410) of FIG. 4) is connected to the electronic device. A description of operation 1110 may refer to the description of operation 910 of FIG. 9 or operation 1010 of FIG. 10. Any duplicate descriptions thereof may not be repeated herein.

[0191] In operation 1120, the electronic device can determine (or identify) whether the external electronic device supports a protection function based on the identification (or determination) that moisture is present in the connector. For example, the electronic device can determine whether the external electronic device supports a protection function based on the identification that moisture is present in the connector while the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device. For example, the electronic device can determine whether the external electronic device supports a protection function based on the identification that moisture is present in the connector and the identification that the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device. The protection function may be, for example, a hiccup function, but is not limited thereto, and various types of overcurrent protection functions or overvoltage protection functions may be used as the protection function.

[0192] According to one embodiment, in the process of establishing a communication connection with an external electronic device through a second pin (e.g., the second pin (502) of FIGS. 5 to 8), the electronic device may determine whether the external electronic device supports a protection function based on performance information of the external electronic device received from the external electronic device.

[0193] In operation 1130, based on a determination that the external electronic device supports the protection function, the electronic device may output a request signal to request that power not be supplied (or disconnected) through the first pin (e.g., the first pin (501) of FIGS. 5 to 8) or to lower the voltage value of the power supplied through the first pin, through a third port (e.g., the third port (513) of FIGS. 5 to 8) electrically connected to the third pin (e.g., the third pin (503) of FIGS. 5 to 8). The description of operation 1130 may refer to the description of operation 1020 of FIG. 10. Any duplicate description thereof may not be repeated herein.

[0194] In operation 1131, the electronic device may change the open / closed state of a switch (e.g., switch (610) of FIG. 6A or 6B) disposed between the second port and the ground from a first state (e.g., close state) to a second state (e.g., open state) based on the voltage value of the power supplied to the first pin remaining substantially the same after a specified time has elapsed since the request signal is output through the third port, so that the second port is electrically disconnected from the ground. For a description of operation 1131, reference may be made to the description of operation 1030 of FIG. 10. Any duplicate descriptions thereof may not be repeated herein.

[0195] In operation 1140, based on the determination (or identification) that the external electronic device does not support the protection function, the electronic device may not output a request signal through the third port electrically connected to the third pin to prevent power from being supplied through the first pin (or to disconnect the power) or to lower the voltage value of the power supplied through the first pin. For example, if the external electronic device does not support the protection function, the electronic device may not output a request signal through the third port electrically connected to the third pin. This is because, if the external electronic device does not support the protection function, transmitting the request signal to the external electronic device is an unnecessary operation because the external electronic device cannot perform the protection function in response to the request signal even if the request signal is transmitted to the external electronic device. By selectively transmitting the request signal only when necessary based on the determination of whether the external electronic device supports the protection function according to operation 1120, the electronic device can increase the efficiency of power and resource utilization.

[0196] In operation 1141, the electronic device can change the open / closed state of a switch disposed between the second port and the ground from a first state (e.g., a close state) to a second state (e.g., an open state) such that the second port is electrically isolated from the ground.

[0197] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0198] In the embodiments below, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. In the embodiments below, some operations may be omitted, or additional operations may be performed.

[0199] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) may be performed by a processor of the electronic device (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) or a power control circuit of the electronic device (e.g., power control circuit (500) of FIGS. 5 to 8).

[0200] According to one embodiment, operations 1210 and / or 1220 of FIG. 12 may be performed, for example, after operation 920 of FIG. 9, or after operation 1030 of FIG. 10, or after operations 1131 or 1140 of FIG. 11.

[0201] Referring to FIG. 12, at operation 1210, the electronic device may determine that substantially no moisture is present within the connector. For example, the electronic device may determine that substantially no moisture is present within the connector while an external electronic device is connected to the connector. For example, the electronic device may determine that substantially no moisture is present within the connector while an external electronic device is not connected to the connector.

[0202] According to one embodiment, the electronic device can identify that moisture is substantially absent from the connector (e.g., identify that moisture has been removed) by determining that a resistance value corresponding to a second pin (e.g., the second pin (502) of FIGS. 5 to 8) is within a specified range. For example, the electronic device can use a comparator (e.g., the comparator (650) of FIG. 6B) to determine that the resistance value corresponding to the second pin is within the specified range while the second pin is connected to a current source (e.g., the first current source (631) and / or the second current source (632) of FIG. 6B) via a second port (e.g., the second port (512) of FIG. 5 or 8). Based on the resistance value corresponding to the second pin being within the specified range, the electronic device can identify that moisture is present in the connector. Based on the resistance value corresponding to the second pin not being within the specified range, the electronic device can identify that moisture is not present in the connector.

[0203] In operation 1220, the electronic device may be configured to electrically connect the second port to ground and supply power through the first pin via the external electronic device based on the identification that moisture is substantially absent within the connector. For example, the electronic device may be configured to electrically connect the second port to ground and supply power through the first pin via the external electronic device based on the identification that moisture is substantially absent within the connector while the external electronic device is connected to the connector. For example, the electronic device may be configured to electrically connect the second port to ground and supply power through the first pin via the external electronic device based on the identification that moisture is substantially absent within the connector and that the external electronic device is connected to the connector.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the electronic device can be configured to electrically connect the second port to the ground by changing the open / closed state of a switch (e.g., switch (610) of FIG. 6A or 6B) disposed between the second port and the ground from a second state (e.g., open state) to a first state (e.g., close state). Based on identifying that the second port is electrically connected to the ground through a pull-down resistor (e.g., resistor (620) of FIGS. 6A and 6B), the external electronic device can recognize the electronic device as a sink device and provide power to charge a battery (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1) of the electronic device through the first pin.

[0205] Through operations 1210 and 1220 of the above-described FIG. 12, the electronic device can return to a normal state in which no moisture exists, and the external electronic device can supply power to the electronic device.

[0206] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0207] In the embodiments below, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. In the embodiments below, some operations may be omitted, or additional operations may be performed.

[0208] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) may be performed by a processor of the electronic device (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) or a power control circuit of the electronic device (e.g., power control circuit (500) of FIGS. 5 to 8).

[0209] According to one embodiment, operations 1310 and / or 1320 of FIG. 13 may be performed, for example, after operation 920 of FIG. 9, or after operation 1030 of FIG. 10, or after operations 1131 or 1140 of FIG. 11.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 13, in operation 1310, the electronic device can identify that an external electronic device is connected to the electronic device through the connector based on a voltage value of a second pin (e.g., a second pin (502) of FIGS. 5 to 8) obtained in a state where a second port (e.g., a second port (512) of FIGS. 5 to 8) is electrically disconnected from the ground. According to one embodiment, the electronic device can determine whether a voltage of the second pin is higher (e.g., greater) than a reference voltage, and if the voltage of the second pin is higher (e.g., greater) than the reference voltage, the electronic device can identify that the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device through the connector, and if the voltage of the second pin is lower (e.g., lower) than the reference voltage, the electronic device can identify that the external electronic device is not connected to the electronic device through the connector. Through operation 1310, the electronic device can determine whether an external electronic device is still connected to the electronic device through the connector, despite the presence of moisture in the connector, by measuring the voltage at the second pin (e.g., the CC pin in FIG. 3b) while the second pin is electrically disconnected from ground.

[0211] In operation 1320, the electronic device may provide a guidance message for disconnecting the external electronic device through a display based on identifying that the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device through the connector.

[0212] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may display a guidance message for disconnecting an external electronic device through a display (e.g., a display module (160) of FIG. 1). According to one embodiment, the electronic device may output a guidance message for disconnecting an external electronic device through a speaker.

[0213] In one embodiment, the guidance message may include a message such as "Please remove the charger from the electronic device."

[0214] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may display information (e.g., an icon) indicating the detection of moisture within the connector on a display together with, or separately from, the guidance message.

[0215] The guidance message provided via Action 1320 allows the user to confirm the presence of moisture and remove external electronic devices (e.g., charging devices) from the electronic device. This can prevent / reduce moisture-related corrosion of the electronic device.

[0216] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0217] In the embodiments below, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. In the embodiments below, some operations may be omitted, or additional operations may be performed.

[0218] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) may be performed by a processor of the electronic device (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) or a power control circuit of the electronic device (e.g., power control circuit (500) of FIGS. 5 to 8).

[0219] Referring to FIG. 14, at operation 1410, the electronic device can operate in a normal state.

[0220] According to one embodiment, in a normal state, the electronic device controls switches (e.g., switch 610, first switch 641, and / or second switch 642 of FIG. 6B) included in a second control circuit (e.g., second control circuit (522) of FIGS. 5-8) electrically connected to a CC pin (e.g., second pin (502) of FIGS. 5-8) via a second port (e.g., second port (512) of FIGS. 5-8) to selectively connect any one of a pull-down resistor (Rd) (e.g., resistor (620) of FIGS. 6A and 6B), a first current source (e.g., first current source (631) of FIG. 6B), and a second current source (e.g., second current source (632) of FIG. 6B)) to the CC pin during a given time period. This allows, in normal operation, only one of the pull-down resistor, the first current source, and the second current source can be connected to the CC pin at each time interval.

[0221] For example, in the first time period of the normal state (e.g., the first time period, the third time period of Table 1, or the seventh time period of Table 3), the electronic device can electrically connect the second pin to the ground through the pull-down resistor (Rd) by controlling the switch (610) to a close state and controlling the first switch (641) and the second switch (642) to an open state.

[0222] For example, in a second time period following a first time period in a normal state (e.g., the second time period in Table 1 or the fourth time period in Table 2), the electronic device can electrically connect the first current source (631) to the CC pin by controlling the first switch (641) to a close state and controlling the switch (610) and the second switch (642) to an open state. The electronic device can determine whether the CC pin is in an abnormal state using the first current source (631).

[0223] For example, in a third time period following a second time period in a normal state (e.g., the fifth time period in Table 2 or the ninth time period in Table 3), the electronic device can electrically connect the second current source (632) to the CC pin by controlling the second switch (642) to a close state and controlling the switch (610) and the first switch (641) to an open state. In one embodiment, the second switch (642) can be controlled to a close state based on determining that the CC pin is in an abnormal state. The electronic device can determine whether moisture exists in the CC pin in the abnormal state using the second current source (632).

[0224] According to one embodiment, the electronic device can sequentially and repeatedly perform the operations of the first time period, the second time period, and the third time period described above.

[0225] According to one embodiment, the electronic device can operate normally when no external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (410) of FIG. 4) is connected to the electronic device via a connector (e.g., interface (177) of FIG. 1 or connector (210) of FIGS. 2-3b).

[0226] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may operate in a normal state until moisture is detected within the connector while an external electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (410) of FIG. 4) is connected to the electronic device via a connector (e.g., an interface (177) of FIG. 1 or a connector (210) of FIG. 2).

[0227] In operation 1420, the electronic device may identify or determine that moisture is present within the connector. In one embodiment, the electronic device may identify that moisture is present within at least one pin of the connector. The description of operation 1420 may refer to the description of operation 1010 of FIG. 10 or operation 1110 of FIG. 11 . Any duplicate descriptions thereof may not be repeated herein.

[0228] At operation 1430, the electronic device may set the CC pin to be electrically connected to ground based on the identification of the presence of moisture within the connector. For example, the electronic device may control the switch (610) to be closed, thereby setting the CC pin to be electrically connected to ground through the pull-down resistor (620). By electrically connecting the CC pin to ground upon identification of the presence of moisture, the electronic device may cause (or operate) the voltage of the CC pin to be low (e.g., close to 0 V) ​​and recognize that an external electronic device is connected to the electronic device through the connector.

[0229] In operation 1440, the electronic device can identify that an external electronic device is connected to the electronic device via the connector. In one embodiment, the electronic device can identify that the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device via the connector by checking the voltage of the CC pin while the CC pin is electrically connected to ground via a pull-down resistor.

[0230] In operation 1450, the electronic device can determine whether a voltage (first Vbus voltage) supplied to the electronic device from an external electronic device through a Vbus pin (e.g., a first pin (501) of FIGS. 5 to 8) is higher than (e.g., greater than) a reference voltage (Vref voltage). According to one embodiment, the electronic device can determine whether the first Vbus voltage is higher than the Vref voltage by using an output value of a comparator (e.g., a comparator (710) of FIG. 7) included in a first control circuit (e.g., a first control circuit (521) of FIGS. 5 to 8) connected to the Vbus pin through a first port (e.g., a first port (512) of FIGS. 5 to 8). For example, when the output value of the comparator is a first value (e.g., 1), the electronic device can determine that the first Vbus voltage is higher than the Vref voltage. When the first Vbus voltage is higher than the Vref voltage, operation 1460 can be performed. For example, if the output value of the comparator is a second value (e.g., 0), the electronic device may determine that the first Vbus voltage is lower than the Vref voltage. If the first Vbus voltage is lower than the Vref voltage, operation 1430 may be performed again.

[0231] In operation 1460, based on Vbus > Vref in operation 1450, the electronic device can transmit a request signal to the external electronic device through the DP / DN pin (e.g., the third pin (503) of FIGS. 5 to 8) to prevent the Vbus voltage from being supplied through the Vbus pin from being lowered. According to one embodiment, the request signal can be generated based on a process of electrically connecting the DP / DN pin to ground (GND) (DP GND process). For example, the request signal can correspond to a voltage value of the DP / DN pin generated through a process of electrically connecting the DP / DN pin to ground (GND).

[0232] In operation 1470, the electronic device may wait for a specified period of time (e.g., 5 seconds). In one embodiment, the electronic device may wait for the specified period of time after transmitting the request signal. In one embodiment, the specified period of time for which the electronic device waits may be longer than the minimum time it takes for an external electronic device to perform a protection function (e.g., a hiccup function) in response to the request signal.

[0233] In operation 1480, the electronic device can determine whether a voltage (the second Vbus voltage) supplied to the electronic device from an external electronic device through the Vbus pin after a specified time is higher than (e.g., greater than) a reference voltage (the Vref voltage). According to one embodiment, the electronic device can determine whether the second Vbus voltage is higher than the Vref voltage using an output value of a comparator included in a first control circuit connected to the first pin through the first port. For example, if the output value of the comparator is a first value (e.g., 1), the electronic device can determine that the second Vbus voltage is higher than the Vref voltage. If the second Vbus voltage is higher than the Vref voltage, operation 1490 can be performed. For example, if the output value of the comparator is a second value (e.g., 0), the electronic device can determine that the second Vbus voltage is lower than the Vref voltage. If the second Vbus voltage is lower than (e.g., less than) or equal to the Vref voltage, operation 1491 can be performed.

[0234] In operation 1490, if Vbus of operation 1480 > Vref, the electronic device may set the CC pin to be electrically disconnected from ground. A description of operation 1490 may refer to the description of operation 1030 of FIG. 10. Any duplicate descriptions may not be repeated here.

[0235] In operation 1491, the electronic device may maintain an electrical connection between the CC pin and ground.

[0236] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0237] In the embodiments below, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. In the embodiments below, some operations may be omitted, or additional operations may be performed.

[0238] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) may be performed by a processor of the electronic device (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) or a power control circuit of the electronic device (e.g., power control circuit (500) of FIGS. 5 to 8).

[0239] The method of FIG. 15 may be performed, for example, after operation 1490 of FIG. 14.

[0240] Referring to FIG. 15, in operation 1510, the electronic device may obtain a voltage of a CC pin (e.g., the second pin (502) of FIGS. 5 to 8). According to one embodiment, the electronic device may measure the voltage of the CC pin while the CC pin is electrically disconnected from the ground (GND). By measuring the voltage of the CC pin while the CC pin is electrically disconnected from the ground, the electronic device may determine whether an external electronic device is still connected to the electronic device through the connector despite the presence of moisture in the connector.

[0241] At operation 1520, the electronic device may determine whether the voltage of the CC pin is higher than (e.g., greater than) a reference voltage. In one embodiment, the electronic device may determine whether the voltage of the CC pin, which is acquired (or measured) while the CC pin is electrically disconnected from ground, is higher than the reference voltage. If the voltage of the CC pin is higher than the reference voltage, operation 1530 may be performed. If the voltage of the CC pin is lower than (e.g., less than) the reference voltage, operation 1510 may be performed.

[0242] In operation 1530, if the voltage of the CC pin is higher than the reference voltage in operation 1520, the electronic device may provide a guidance message for disconnecting the external electronic device. The description of operation 1530 may refer to the description of operation 1320 of FIG. 13. Therefore, any duplicate description may not be repeated here.

[0243] At operation 1540, the electronic device may determine whether moisture is (substantially) absent within the connector. The description of operation 1540 may refer to the description of operation 1210 of FIG. 12 . Therefore, any duplicate description thereof may not be repeated herein. If moisture is absent within the connector, operation 1550 may be performed. If moisture is present within the connector, operation 1510 may be performed again.

[0244] In operation 1550, the electronic device can operate in a normal state. For a description of operation 1550, refer to the description of operation 1410 of FIG. 14. Any duplicate descriptions may not be repeated herein.

[0245] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0246] In the embodiments below, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. In the embodiments below, some operations may be omitted, or additional operations may be performed.

[0247] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) may be performed by a processor of the electronic device (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) or a power control circuit of the electronic device (e.g., power control circuit (500) of FIGS. 5 to 8).

[0248] The method of FIG. 16 may be performed, for example, after operation 1491 of FIG. 14.

[0249] Referring to FIG. 16, in operation 1610, the electronic device may provide a guidance message for disconnecting an external electronic device. The description of operation 1610 may refer to the description of operation 1210 of FIG. 12. Therefore, any duplicate description may not be repeated herein.

[0250] At operation 1620, the electronic device may determine whether moisture is present within the connector. The description of operation 1620 may refer to the description of operation 1210 of FIG. 12 . Therefore, any duplicate description may not be repeated herein. If moisture is present within the connector, operation 1630 may be performed. If moisture is present within the connector, operation 1610 may be performed again.

[0251] In operation 1630, the electronic device can operate normally. For a description of operation 1630, refer to the description of operation 1410 of FIG. 14. Any duplicate descriptions may not be repeated herein.

[0252] FIG. 17 illustrates a screen in which an electronic device provides a guidance message for disconnecting an external electronic device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0253] Referring to FIG. 17, according to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may display a screen (1700) including a guidance message (1710) for disconnecting an external electronic device (e.g., a charger) through a display (e.g., display module (160)).

[0254] In one embodiment, the guidance message (1710) may be included on the screen (1700) along with information (1721) (e.g., an icon) indicating the detection of moisture within the connector. For example, the information (1721) indicating the detection of moisture within the connector may be displayed on a status bar (1720) within the screen (1700). The user may confirm the displayed information and remove the external electronic device from the electronic device. This may prevent / reduce corrosion due to moisture.

[0255] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0256] In the embodiments below, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. In the embodiments below, some operations may be omitted, or additional operations may be performed.

[0257] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) may be performed by a processor of the electronic device (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) or a power control circuit of the electronic device (e.g., power control circuit (500) of FIGS. 5 to 8).

[0258] Referring to FIG. 18, at operation 1810, the electronic device can identify the presence of moisture within the connector. The description of operation 1810 may refer to, for example, the description of operation 1420 of FIG. 14. Any duplicate descriptions thereof may not be repeated herein.

[0259] In operation 1820, the electronic device may identify that an external electronic device is connected to the electronic device via a connector. Depending on the embodiment, operation 1820 may be performed after operation 1810, before operation 1810, or in parallel with operation 1810. For a description of operation 1820, reference may be made to the description of operation 1440 of FIG. 14 . Any duplicate descriptions thereof may not be repeated herein.

[0260] In operation 1830, based on the identification that moisture exists within the connector and that an external electronic device is connected to the electronic device via the connector, the electronic device may output a request signal through the third port to either not supply power to (or disconnect from) the external electronic device via the first pin, or to lower the voltage value of the power. The description of operation 1830 may refer to, for example, the description of operations 1450 to 1460 of FIG. 14. The description thereof may not be repeated herein.

[0261] In operation 1840, the electronic device may determine whether the first voltage value supplied through the first pin is greater than or equal to the first reference voltage after a specified time has elapsed since the request signal is output through the third port. A description of operation 1840 may refer to the description of operations 1470 to 1480 of FIG. 14. Duplicate descriptions thereof may not be repeated herein.

[0262] In operation 1850, the second port may be electrically disconnected from ground based on a determination that the first voltage value is greater than or equal to the first reference voltage. For a description of operation 1850, reference may be made to, for example, the description of operation 1490 of FIG. 14 . Any duplicate descriptions thereof may not be repeated herein.

[0263] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may obtain a voltage value of the second pin while the second port is electrically disconnected from the ground, and provide a guidance message for disconnecting the external electronic device based on the voltage value of the second pin.

[0264] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may determine whether the voltage value of the second pin is equal to or greater than a second reference voltage, and if it is determined that the voltage value of the second pin is equal to or greater than the second reference voltage, provide a guidance message for disconnecting the external electronic device, and if it is determined that the voltage value of the second pin is less than the second reference voltage, do not provide a guidance message for disconnecting the external electronic device.

[0265] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device determines that moisture exists within the connector and that the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device through the connector, the electronic device determines whether a second voltage value supplied through the first pin is equal to or greater than a first reference voltage, and based on determining that the second voltage value is equal to or greater than the first reference voltage, outputs a request signal through the third port to prevent the power from being supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin, or to lower the voltage value of the power.

[0266] In one embodiment, the electronic device can identify or determine that moisture is present within the connector based on a resistance value corresponding to the second pin being within a specified range, and in response to identifying that moisture is present within the connector, control the switch to close so that the second port is electrically connected to the ground.

[0267] In one embodiment, the second circuit includes a switch disposed between the second port and the ground, and the electronic device can control the switch to open so that the second port is electrically disconnected from the ground.

[0268] According to one embodiment, the second circuit further includes a current source and a comparator connected in parallel with the switch for the second port, and the electronic device can use the comparator to determine whether the resistance value is within the specified range while the second pin is electrically connected to the current source through the second port.

[0269] In one embodiment, the electronic device is configured such that the second port is electrically connected to the ground, and power is supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin, based on the moisture being substantially removed from the connector while the external electronic device is connected to the connector.

[0270] According to one embodiment, the electronic device can increase at least a portion of the voltage value of the power supplied through the first port after the second port is electrically connected to the ground.

[0271] According to an exemplary embodiment, an electronic device may be provided. The electronic device may include a battery. The electronic device may include a connector having a first pin and a second pin that are spaced apart from each other and configured to connect to an external electronic device. The first pin may be configured to receive power for charging the battery from the external electronic device. The electronic device may include a power control circuit electrically connected to the connector and including a first signal path and a second signal path. The first signal path may include a first port electrically connected to the first pin and a first internal signal path portion connected to the first port and configured to transmit the power supplied from the external electronic device to the battery. The second signal path may include a second port electrically connected to the second pin and a second internal signal path portion configured to selectively connect the second port to ground. The second internal signal pass portion may be configured such that, based on the presence of moisture within the connector while the external electronic device is connected to the connector, the second port is electrically disconnected from the ground, and the power is not supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin or the voltage value of the power is lowered.

[0272] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second internal signal path portion may include a switch disposed between the second port and the ground. The power control circuit may be configured to: perform the electrical disconnection between the second port and the ground based on the switch being opened.

[0273] According to an exemplary embodiment, the power control circuit may be configured to: determine the presence of the moisture within the connector based on a resistance value corresponding to the second pin falling within a specified range.

[0274] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second internal signal path portion may further include a current source and a comparator connected in parallel with the switch for the second port. The power control circuit may be configured to: determine whether the resistance value is within the specified range using the comparator while the second pin is electrically connected to the current source via the second port.

[0275] According to an exemplary embodiment, the connector may further include a third pin spaced apart from each of the first pin and the second pin, and the power control circuit may further include a third port electrically connected to the third pin. The power control circuit may be configured to: output a request signal for lowering a voltage value of the power through the third port based on the resistance value being within the specified range while the external electronic device is connected to the connector; and change a state of the switch from a first state to a second state so that the second port is electrically disconnected from the ground based on the voltage value supplied through the first pin remaining substantially the same after a specified time has elapsed since the request signal is output through the third port.

[0276] According to an exemplary embodiment, the power control circuit may be configured to: refrain from outputting the request signal to the external electronic device via the third port before the second port is electrically disconnected from the ground based on a determination that the external electronic device does not support a hiccup function.

[0277] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second internal signal pass portion may be configured such that the second port is electrically connected to the ground, and the power is supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin, based on the moisture being substantially removed from the connector while the external electronic device is connected to the connector.

[0278] According to an exemplary embodiment, the voltage value of the power supplied through the first port may be set to increase at least partially after the second port is electrically connected to the ground.

[0279] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second internal signal path portion may include a switch disposed between the second port and the ground. The power control circuit may be configured to change the state of the switch from a second state to a first state so that the second port is electrically connected to the ground based on a resistance value corresponding to the second pin not being within a specified range.

[0280] According to an exemplary embodiment, the power control circuit may be configured to: perform a confirmation of the presence of the moisture in the connector and an electrical disconnection between the second port and the ground prior to negotiation for determining a charging power between the external electronic device and the electronic device.

[0281] According to an exemplary embodiment, the power control circuit may be configured to: perform the confirmation of the presence of moisture in the connector and the electrical disconnection between the second port and the ground while negotiation for determining a charging power between the external electronic device and the electronic device is completed and at least a portion of the power charges the battery.

[0282] According to an exemplary embodiment, an electronic device may be provided. The electronic device may include a battery, a connector including a first pin, a second pin, and a third pin configured to be connected to an external electronic device. The electronic device may include a power management module electrically connected to the connector, the power management module including a first circuit, a second circuit, and a third circuit. The first circuit is connected to a first port electrically connected to the first pin and configured to transfer power supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin to the battery, the second circuit is connected to a second port electrically connected to the second pin and configured to selectively connect the second port to the ground, and the third circuit is connected to a third port electrically connected to the third pin and configured to transmit a signal to the external electronic device through the third port (513). The electronic device may include a memory including one or more storage media for storing instructions, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The at least one processor may individually and / or collectively execute instructions to cause the electronic device to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include identifying that moisture is present within the connector. The at least one operation may include identifying that the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device via the connector. The at least one operation may include outputting a request signal through the third port to prevent power from being supplied from the external electronic device via the first pin or to lower a voltage value of the power based on identifying that moisture is present within the connector and that the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device via the connector.The at least one operation may include an operation of determining whether a first voltage value supplied through the first pin is greater than or equal to a first reference voltage after a specified time has elapsed since the request signal is output through the third port. The at least one operation may include an operation of electrically disconnecting the second port from the ground based on determining that the first voltage value is greater than or equal to the first reference voltage.

[0283] According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one operation may include an operation of obtaining a voltage value of the second pin while the second port is electrically disconnected from the ground, and an operation of providing a guidance message for disconnecting the external electronic device based on the voltage value of the second pin.

[0284] According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one operation may include an operation of determining whether a voltage value of the second pin is greater than or equal to a second reference voltage, an operation of providing a guidance message for disconnecting the external electronic device based on determining that the voltage value of the second pin is greater than or equal to the second reference voltage, and an operation of providing a guidance message for disconnecting the external electronic device based on determining that the voltage value of the second pin is less than the second reference voltage.

[0285] According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one operation may include: determining whether a second voltage value supplied through the first pin is greater than or equal to a first reference voltage based on identification that moisture exists within the connector and that the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device through the connector; and outputting a request signal through the third port to prevent power from being supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin or to lower the voltage value of the power based on identification that the second voltage value is greater than or equal to the first reference voltage.

[0286] In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one operation may include identifying the presence of moisture within the connector based on a resistance value corresponding to the second pin being within a specified range, and, in response to identifying the presence of moisture within the connector, controlling the switch to close so that the second port is electrically connected to the ground before the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device via the connector.

[0287] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second circuit may include a switch disposed between the second port and the ground, and the at least one operation may include an operation for controlling the switch to open so that the second port is electrically disconnected from the ground.

[0288] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second circuit further comprises a current source and a comparator connected in parallel with the switch for the second port, and the at least one operation may include an operation of determining whether the resistance value is within the specified range using the comparator while the second pin is electrically connected to the current source via the second port.

[0289] In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one operation may include electrically connecting the second port to the ground and allowing power to be supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin based on the moisture being substantially absent from the connector while the external electronic device is connected to the connector.

[0290] According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one operation may include causing a voltage value of the power supplied through the first port to increase at least partially after the second port is electrically connected to the ground.

[0291] The various exemplary embodiments and terminology used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the various embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0292] The term "module" used in the embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, or any combination thereof, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0293] The present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0294] According to one embodiment, the method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0295] According to one embodiment, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and arranged in other components. According to one embodiment, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to one embodiment, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0296] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that these exemplary embodiments are illustrative and not limiting. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure, the appended claims, and their equivalents. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that any embodiment described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, battery; A connector comprising a first pin and a second pin spaced apart from each other and configured to connect to an external electronic device, the first pin being configured to receive power from the external electronic device for charging the battery; and A power control circuit electrically connected to the connector and including a first signal path and a second signal path, The first signal path includes a first port electrically connected to the first pin and a first internal signal path portion connected to the first port and configured to transmit power supplied from the external electronic device to the battery, The second signal path includes a second port electrically connected to the second pin and a second internal signal path portion configured to selectively connect the second port and ground, An electronic device wherein the second internal signal pass portion is configured such that, based on the presence of moisture within the connector while the external electronic device is connected to the connector, the second port is electrically disconnected from the ground and power is not supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin or the voltage value of the power is lowered.

2. In the first paragraph, the second internal signal pass portion includes a switch disposed between the second port and the ground, The above power control circuit: An electronic device configured to electrically disconnect the second port and the ground based on the opening of the switch.

3. In the second paragraph, the power control circuit: An electronic device configured to determine the presence of said moisture within said connector based on a resistance value corresponding to said second pin being within a specified range.

4. In paragraph 3, The second internal signal pass section further includes a current source and a comparator connected in parallel with the switch for the second port, The above power control circuit: An electronic device configured to determine whether the resistance value is within the specified range using the comparator while the second pin is electrically connected to the current source through the second port.

5. In paragraph 3, The connector further includes a third pin spaced apart from each of the first pin and the second pin, and the power control circuit further includes a third port electrically connected to the third pin, The above power control circuit: Outputting a request signal for lowering the voltage value of the power through the third port based on the resistance value being within the specified range while the external electronic device is connected to the connector; An electronic device configured to change the state of the switch from the first state to the second state so that the second port is electrically disconnected from the ground based on the voltage value supplied through the first pin remaining substantially the same after a specified time has elapsed since the request signal is output through the third port.

6. In paragraph 5, the power control circuit: An electronic device configured to refrain from outputting the request signal to the external electronic device through the third port before the second port is electrically disconnected from the ground based on a determination that the external electronic device does not support the hiccup function.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, the second internal signal pass portion: An electronic device, wherein the second port is electrically connected to the ground and the power is supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin based on the fact that the moisture is substantially absent from the connector while the external electronic device is connected to the connector.

8. An electronic device in accordance with claim 7, wherein the voltage value of the power supplied through the first port is set to increase at least partially after the second port is electrically connected to the ground.

9. In the 7th paragraph, the second internal signal pass portion includes a switch disposed between the second port and the ground, The above power control circuit: An electronic device configured to change the state of the switch from the second state to the first state so that the second port is electrically connected to the ground based on the resistance value corresponding to the second pin not being within a specified range.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, the power control circuit: An electronic device configured to perform a confirmation of the presence of said moisture in said connector and an electrical disconnection between said second port and said ground prior to negotiation for determining a charging power between said external electronic device and said electronic device.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, the power control circuit: An electronic device configured to confirm the presence of said moisture in said connector and electrically disconnect said second port and said ground while negotiation for determining charging power between said external electronic device and said electronic device is completed and at least a portion of said power charges said battery.

12. In electronic devices, battery; A connector comprising a first pin, a second pin and a third pin configured to be connected to an external electronic device; A power management module comprising a power management circuit electrically connected to the connector, the power management module comprising a first circuit, a second circuit, and a third circuit, the first circuit being connected to a first port electrically connected to the first pin and configured to transmit power supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin to the battery, the second circuit being connected to a second port electrically connected to the second pin and configured to selectively connect the second port and the ground, the third circuit being connected to a third port electrically connected to the third pin and configured to transmit a signal to the external electronic device through the third port; a memory comprising one or more storage media for storing instructions; and comprising at least one processor comprising a processing circuit; The at least one processor individually and / or collectively executes instructions, causing the electronic device to: Identify the presence of moisture within the above connector, Identifying that the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device via the connector, Based on the presence of moisture in the connector and the identification that the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device through the connector, the power is not supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin, or a request signal for lowering the voltage value of the power is output through the third port, After the above request signal is output through the third port, it is determined whether the first voltage value supplied through the first pin is greater than or equal to the first reference voltage after a specified time has elapsed, An electronic device that causes the second port to be electrically disconnected from the ground based on a determination that the first voltage value is greater than or equal to the first reference voltage.

13. In paragraph 12, The at least one processor, individually and / or collectively, causes the electronic device to: Obtaining the voltage value of the second pin while the second port is electrically disconnected from the ground, An electronic device that causes a guidance message for disconnecting the external electronic device to be provided based on the voltage value of the second pin.

14. In paragraph 13, The at least one processor, individually and / or collectively, causes the electronic device to: Determine whether the voltage value of the second pin is greater than or equal to the second reference voltage, Provide a guidance message for disconnecting the external electronic device based on determining that the voltage value of the second pin is greater than or equal to the second reference voltage; An electronic device that causes the external electronic device not to provide a guidance message for disconnection based on determining that the voltage value of the second pin is less than the second reference voltage.

15. In any one of paragraphs 12 to 14, The at least one processor, individually and / or collectively, causes the electronic device to: Based on the presence of moisture in the connector and the identification that the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device through the connector, it is determined whether the second voltage value supplied through the first pin is greater than or equal to the first reference voltage; An electronic device that causes the power to not be supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin, or to output a request signal for lowering the voltage value of the power through the third port, based on a determination that the second voltage value is higher than the first reference voltage.

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