Device Policy Manager Battery Feedback for USB Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB devices with dead or low battery levels are unable to negotiate higher power charging levels, resulting in inefficient power management and slow charging due to the lack of defined methods in existing USB standards for handling low or no power scenarios, leading to a poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a device policy manager (DPM) with a battery feedback mechanism that detects dead or low battery conditions and dynamically changes the resistance on the Configuration Channel (CC) signal line to advertise a higher power level, enabling the device to negotiate and receive increased current for faster charging, even when the device is not operational.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If USB devices with dead or low battery levels follow the minimum current negotiation protocol, then power consumption is controlled within standard limits, but charging speed is excessively slow and device recovery time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the resistance value on the CC signal line based on battery condition. When battery voltage is below a threshold (dead/low battery condition), the resistance is adjusted to advertise a higher power level (e.g., 3A instead of minimum), enabling faster charging. When battery is healthy, standard resistance values are used to maintain normal power negotiation.
2Productivity
If USB devices dynamically advertise higher power levels when battery is low, then charging speed improves, but device complexity increases due to additional battery monitoring and resistance control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the battery voltage is continuously monitored and this information feeds back to the USB power negotiation logic. The battery voltage sensor provides real-time feedback about battery condition, which triggers appropriate resistance adjustments on the CC line to optimize power delivery based on actual battery needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing CC signal line and resistance control circuitry, originally designed for basic USB power negotiation, are made multi-functional by adding battery-voltage-dependent resistance adjustment capability. This allows the same hardware infrastructure to serve both standard USB negotiation and fast charging recovery scenarios without adding completely separate dedicated circuits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing USB standards are followed without modification, then compatibility with current USB devices is maintained, but power management efficiency deteriorates for devices with dead or low battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior to the previously static USB power negotiation process. Instead of fixed resistance values, the resistance on the CC line now dynamically adapts based on battery condition. The system transitions between different resistance states (and thus different advertised power levels) depending on whether the battery is dead, low, or healthy, enabling efficient power management while maintaining USB protocol compatibility.
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
This solution allows battery-powered devices to recover from dead battery conditions faster and conserve power resources by efficiently sharing the available power pool, enabling faster charging and improving user experience by utilizing higher current levels when needed.
Implementation Method 1
dynamically changes the resistance on the Configuration Channel (CC) signal line to advertise a higher power level
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device that implements communication over an interconnect to support improved power distribution over the interconnect. The device includes a controller to implement a device policy manager (DPM) to manage power allotment over the interconnect, and a battery feedback mechanism coupled to the controller, the battery feedback mechanism to detect a low or dead battery condition of a connected device over the interconnect and to indicate to the DPM to advertise a higher power charging level to the connected device.