Charger Self-Test Mode for Connector Foreign Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charger connectors in electronic devices are prone to damage or foreign object interference, leading to leakage currents during charging, which can cause overheating and burning, and existing protection circuits are inadequate in detecting and preventing these issues, especially when the power adapter is connected.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a self-test mode in the charger that applies a specific voltage to the power pin of the connector to detect abnormal currents or voltages, using a transistor and resistor configuration to determine if foreign objects are present, and notifying the user or reducing power supply if overheating is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the charger connector operates during charging, then the electronic device can be charged by receiving supply voltage from the power adapter, but leakage current may occur due to foreign objects or damage, causing overheating and burning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-test mode that performs detection before normal charging operation. The charger applies a specific test voltage to the connector and measures the current to detect foreign objects or damage beforehand, preventing leakage current issues during actual charging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a detection circuit that continuously monitors the connector status and provides feedback to the charger controller. When abnormal current or voltage is detected, the system adjusts or stops power supply to prevent overheating and damage
2Reliability
If protection circuits are added to detect leakage current, then safety can be improved, but the circuit complexity increases and detection capability remains insufficient when power adapter is connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the charger circuit perform multiple functions: it acts as both a power conversion device and a detection device. The same charger circuitry is used to both charge the battery and detect connector abnormalities, eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The charger performs self-diagnosis by using its own output voltage and current measurement capabilities to detect connector status. The system monitors itself during operation without requiring external detection equipment, reducing overall system complexity
3Measurement precision
If a self-test mode is implemented to detect connector abnormalities, then detection capability is improved, but additional circuit operations and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-test mode that can be executed periodically or at specific moments (such as when power adapter is connected or disconnected). This periodic detection approach balances detection accuracy with time loss by not requiring continuous monitoring
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively detects and prevents overheating in charger connectors by determining the presence of foreign objects and reducing power supply to avoid damage, ensuring user safety and connector integrity.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a voltage or a current of the connector to generate a detecting result when the specific voltage is provided to the power pin of the connector
Implementation Method 2
The transistor has a gate electrode, a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the gate electrode is controlled by a control signal provided by the charger, the first electrode is coupled to a ground pin of the connector, and the second electrode is coupled to a ground of the electronic device. The resistor is coupled between the ground pin of the connector and the ground of the electronic device.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device including a connector and a charger is provided. The connector is arranged for coupling to a power supply external to the electronic device, wherein the power supply is arranged to provide a supply voltage to the electronic device to charge a battery of the electronic device. The charger is coupled to the connector and selectively operated in a normal mode or a self-test mode, wherein when the charger operates in the normal mode, the charger is arranged for receiving the supply voltage via a power pin of the connector to charge the battery of the electronic device; and when the charger operates in the self-test mode, the charger provides a specific voltage to the power pin of the connector.