Data Line Load Characterization via Hysteresis Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to accurately distinguish between resistive and non-resistive loads on a data line, leading to potential damage when powering devices with capacitive loads, as they may incorrectly identify a charged capacitive load as a resistive load within acceptable impedance levels.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that apply successive voltages to a data line, measure current changes, and compare impedance values to detect hysteric impedance changes, distinguishing between resistive and non-resistive loads by calculating and comparing impedance change values ΔZ1, ΔZ2, and potentially ΔZ3, ΔZ4, ΔZ5, or ΔZ11, ΔZ21, ΔZ31, ΔZ41, ΔZ51, to ensure safe power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single impedance measurement is performed to determine load type, then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the accuracy is insufficient and may lead to misidentification of capacitive loads as resistive loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the load characterization process into multiple discrete measurement steps, applying different voltage levels sequentially (e.g., initial voltage Vinitial, then V1 and V2) and measuring current at each stage. This segmentation allows the system to detect hysteric impedance changes that indicate capacitive loads, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex measurement device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic voltage applications with specific timing intervals, where voltages are applied successively and current measurements are taken at defined moments (e.g., waiting for capacitor charging/discharging cycles). This periodic action enables the system to distinguish between resistive and capacitive loads by observing current behavior over time, improving accuracy while maintaining a systematic measurement approach.
2Productivity
If power is provided to a capacitive load based on impedance criteria, then the power delivery process is efficient, but the load may be damaged due to incorrect identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary load characterization measurements before enabling power delivery. By applying test voltages and measuring current responses in advance, the system identifies capacitive loads and prevents power delivery to incompatible devices. This preliminary action ensures both efficient power delivery to appropriate loads and protection of sensitive circuitry from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from current measurements during voltage application to determine load type. The system monitors current responses to applied voltages, detects hysteric impedance changes that indicate capacitive behavior, and uses this feedback information to make informed decisions about whether to enable power delivery, thereby ensuring both efficiency and device safety.
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 prevents damage to devices by accurately identifying non-resistive loads, ensuring that power is not provided to capacitive loads that could be misidentified as resistive, thereby safeguarding logic-level circuitry from power-level signals.
Implementation Method 1
comparing the respective current values for selected successive voltages of the at least three successive voltages to determine whether a hysteric impedance change occurs when voltage on the data line is varied
Data Source
AI summary
A method for characterizing a load on a data line includes the steps of: (A) Applying at least three successive voltages to the data line. Each respective odd-numbered successive voltage of the at least three successive voltages has substantially a first voltage value displaced a first voltage interval from a reference voltage value. Each respective even-numbered successive voltage of the at least three successive voltages has substantially a second voltage value displaced a second voltage interval from the reference voltage value. (B) Measuring a respective current value on the data line while each of the at least three successive voltages is applied to the data line. (C) Comparing the respective current values for selected successive voltages of the at least three successive voltages to determine whether a hysteric impedance change occurs when voltage on the data line is varied.