Connector Circuits for Dynamic Power Sourcing and Sinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication devices face limitations in efficiently managing power supply and communication protocols, particularly in determining whether to operate as a powered device or a power supplying device, which affects their ability to source or sink power concurrently while maintaining effective communication.
Innovation Solution
A connection system with circuits in a networking-enabled device that determine the operational mode based on voltage and mechanical characteristics of connectors, allowing power pins to be coupled to appropriate power rails, enabling simultaneous power sourcing and sinking while adhering to Ethernet protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional communication devices use fixed power supply modes, then device operation is simple, but power management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with movable components that can dynamically change position based on detected mechanical characteristics. The connector body can shift between different positions to establish different electrical connections, allowing the device to dynamically switch between powered device and power supplying device modes based on real-time operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines its operational mode by detecting mechanical characteristics of the connector itself, without requiring external control signals or complex negotiation protocols. The connector's own physical state (position, contact presence) directly indicates the desired power mode, enabling self-configuring power management
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices can concurrently source and sink power, then power flexibility is improved, but protocol complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric mechanical characteristics where the presence or absence of specific mechanical features (such as contacts or positioning elements) indicates different operational modes. This asymmetric design allows the device to understand whether it should source or sink power based on the physical configuration of the connected partner device
Solution Approach 2:
The same connector physically supports multiple functions - it can establish connections for both powered device operation and power supplying device operation. The connector design allows it to serve universal power delivery purposes while the mechanical characteristics differentiate between specific operational modes
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of a method and system for a connection system operable to sink and source supply power are provided. In this regard, one or more circuits within a connector that resides in a networking enabled device may be operable to determine whether the networking enabled device is to operate as a powered device or as a power supplying device. Based on a result of the determination, the one or more circuits may be operable to couple power pins of the connector to either a first power rail of the networking enabled device or a second power rail of the networking enabled device. The determination of whether the networking enabled device is to operate as a powered device or as a power supplying device may be based on a voltage on a sense pin of the connector and/or based on mechanical characteristics of the connector.