Charging Path Control Circuit for Multi-Protocol Fast Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging systems using the USB 3.1 type C interface do not provide high-speed charging when using Adaptive Fast Charging (AFC) or Quick Charging (QC) schemes, limiting the flexibility in charging electronic devices with different power supply devices and connectors.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a control circuit that detects the charging scheme of both the power supply device and itself, and sets a charging path using conductive pins arranged according to different protocols, allowing for high-speed charging regardless of the charging scheme, by forming a conductive path between the first connector (USB 3.1 type C) and a second connector (USB 2.0 or higher) based on the detected protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a USB 3.1 type C interface is used for charging, then connector versatility and bidirectional connection capability are improved, but high-speed charging compatibility is lost when using AFC or QC charging schemes
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into multiple independent charging paths: a first charging path for PD charging scheme using USB 3.1 type C interface pins, and a second charging path for AFC/QC charging schemes using different pins. The control circuit selectively activates the appropriate path based on the detected charging scheme, allowing the USB type C connector to maintain versatility while achieving high-speed charging compatibility with different protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system dynamically switches between different charging schemes based on real-time detection. The control circuit detects which charging scheme (PD, AFC, or QC) the power supply device supports and dynamically configures the charging path accordingly, enabling the system to adapt its behavior to match the capabilities of both the electronic device and the power supply device
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging schemes are supported, then charging flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple connectors and protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The USB 3.1 type C connector is designed to perform multiple functions: it can support PD charging scheme natively, and through the control circuit's ability to reconfigure pin assignments, it can also support AFC and QC charging schemes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated connectors for each charging scheme, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining charging flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary that mediates between the USB 3.1 type C interface and different charging schemes. It detects the charging scheme capability of the power supply device and translates/adapts the connection accordingly, allowing a single connector type to interface with multiple different charging protocols without requiring complex hardware for each protocol
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device and method are provided. The electronic device includes a first connector including first conductive pins arranged according to a first protocol, a second connector including second conductive pins arranged according to a second protocol and different in number, and a control circuit operatively coupled to the first and second connector. The control circuit detects coupling to an external device through the first connector by at least one of the first conductive pins, receives profile information including at least one of: a power supply device operatively coupled to the second connector and identification information for an external device, and sets a charging path within the electronic device between the first connector and the second connector using at least one of the first conductive pins and the at least one of the second conductive pins coupled to the power supply device.