Serial Bus Connector Moisture Detection Circuit for Accessory Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently detecting moisture in serial bus connectors, which can lead to short-circuits, corrosion, and excessive power consumption, and struggle to differentiate between moisture and normal accessories.
Innovation Solution
A moisture detection circuit that includes a current digital-to-analog converter, a voltage digital-to-analog converter, a comparator, and a controller, which applies specific current and voltage reference values to the connector and compares the terminal voltage with these references across multiple periods to determine the presence of moisture or a normal accessory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a moisture detection circuit is implemented to detect moisture in serial bus connectors, then moisture detection capability is improved, but device complexity and chip area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single integrated circuit that uses both current-based and voltage-based detection methods simultaneously. The controller integrates multiple detection algorithms and decision-making logic in one unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive moisture detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting moisture presence, distinguishing between moisture and normal accessories, and providing detection results to the controller. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each detection task
2Measurement precision
If multiple detection periods and reference values are used to distinguish moisture from normal accessories, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements detection across multiple periodic time intervals (first period, second period, third period, fourth period) where reference current and voltage values are applied alternately. This periodic switching allows the system to gather multiple measurement samples over time, improving detection accuracy while keeping each individual measurement brief to limit power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system dynamically switches between different reference current values (first and second reference currents) and reference voltage values (first and second reference voltages) across different time periods. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt measurements to different detection phases, improving precision while managing power consumption through controlled activation
3Device complexity
If simple circuit structure is used to reduce chip area and power consumption, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into distinct time periods (first, second, third, fourth periods) with specific detection tasks assigned to each period. This temporal segmentation allows a simple circuit structure to achieve accurate detection by focusing on one aspect of measurement at a time rather than requiring all measurements to occur simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes detection parameters (reference current values, reference voltage values, and time periods) to enable accurate moisture detection using a simple circuit. By varying these parameters across different detection phases, the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring a complex circuit architecture
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
The solution effectively reduces power consumption and semiconductor chip area while accurately distinguishing between moisture and normal accessories in serial bus connectors, thereby preventing damage and optimizing device performance.
Implementation Method 1
a current digital-to-analog converter that receives a first digital signal indicating a current reference value and outputs an analog current with a magnitude that corresponds to that of the first digital signal
Implementation Method 2
a voltage digital-to-analog converter that receives a second digital signal indicating a voltage reference value and outputs an analog voltage with a magnitude that corresponds to that of the second digital signal
Implementation Method 3
a comparator that compares a voltage of the terminal of the serial bus connectors with a voltage output by the voltage digital-to-analog converter
Data Source
AI summary
A moisture detection circuit for serial bus connectors includes: a current digital-to-analog converter that receives a first digital signal indicating a current reference value and outputs an analog current with a magnitude corresponding to that of the first digital signal to a terminal of the serial bus connector; a voltage digital-to-analog converter that receives a second digital signal indicating a voltage reference value and outputs an analog voltage with a magnitude corresponding to that of the second digital signal; a comparator that compares a voltage of the terminal with a voltage output by the voltage digital-to-analog converter; and a controller that provides a first digital signal indicating the current reference value to the current digital-to-analog converter and provides a second digital signal indicating the voltage reference value to the voltage digital-to-analog converter to determine presence or absence of moisture adhering to the terminal based on comparison results of the comparator.