Adaptive USB Power Supply Circuit with Dynamic Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional USB power supply systems have a fixed output voltage, which is inadequate for varying power requirements of different devices, and lack mechanisms to safely manage voltage fluctuations and abnormal conditions.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a power supply circuit, sensing circuit, control circuit, and register that dynamically adjusts output voltage and provides protection functions, including sensing and responding to temperature and voltage abnormalities to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed output voltage is supplied to USB devices, then the power supply circuit is simple, but it cannot meet the varying power requirements of different USB devices
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit transitions from a fixed voltage output to a variable voltage output that can be dynamically adjusted according to the power requirements of different USB devices. The control circuit receives voltage requests from USB devices and adjusts the output voltage accordingly, enabling the system to adapt to varying power demands while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The output voltage parameter of the power supply circuit is made changeable rather than fixed. The system allows the voltage parameter to be adjusted based on the specific requirements of connected USB devices, transforming the power supply from a static to a dynamic system that can accommodate different power needs of various devices.
2Power
If high voltage is used to provide sufficient power to USB devices, then the power delivery capability is improved, but safety risks increase due to lack of protection functions
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing circuit continuously monitors the output voltage and current of the power supply circuit, providing feedback to the control circuit. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect abnormal conditions such as overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, or short circuit states and automatically adjust or terminate power delivery to maintain safety while preserving high voltage capability for normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is configured to detect abnormal states before they can cause damage, and the system automatically takes protective actions such as reducing voltage or cutting off power supply. This preemptive protection mechanism cushions against potential safety hazards while allowing the system to operate at high voltages when conditions are normal.
3Ease of operation
If no failure state holding mechanism is provided, then the system response to failures is immediate, but it is impossible to perform appropriate operations based on failure states
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary between the sensing circuit and the power supply circuit. It receives sensing results, determines the appropriate failure state, holds this state information, and then executes corresponding operations such as notifying the host device or adjusting power delivery. This intermediary function enables appropriate responses to failures while maintaining a manageable control structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a power supply circuit which generates an output voltage to be supplied to a USB device connected to a USB connector, a sensing circuit which senses an output voltage or an output state of the power supply circuit, a control circuit which controls the power supply circuit, and a register which stores an output set voltage value associated with the power supply circuit or various types of information. The control circuit outputs a notification signal based on a result of sensing by the sensing circuit to the outside.