Host Controlled Voltage Input for Accessory Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage management systems for accessory devices in measurement test instruments require a voltage switching circuit for each interface, increasing complexity and cost, both in the instrument and the interface.
Innovation Solution
An accessory device voltage management system with a host and an interface that uses a controller to communicate via a bi-directional communication bus to determine if an accessory device is valid and supported, then couples a bulk power supply from the host to the accessory device through an electronic switch, reducing the need for multiple voltage switching circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a voltage switching circuit is provided for each interface of the measurement test instrument, then the voltage management for each interface is independent and reliable, but the complexity and cost of the measurement test instrument and interface increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage switching functionality from multiple separate interface-level circuits into a single host-level voltage switching circuit. The host controller manages power distribution to multiple accessory devices through this centralized circuit, eliminating the need for duplicate switching circuits at each interface. This reduces overall system complexity and component count while maintaining reliable voltage management through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The host controller is given universal power management functionality to serve multiple accessory devices through a single voltage switching circuit. Instead of each interface having dedicated voltage management hardware, the host controller universally manages power distribution to any number of connected accessories, reducing interface complexity while maintaining reliability through software-controlled power management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage switching circuits are provided for each interface, then each interface can independently manage power to accessory devices, but the cost of the measurement test instrument and interface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple interface-level voltage switching circuits into a single host-level voltage switching circuit. This consolidation reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, directly lowering manufacturing costs. The host controller provides the intelligence needed to manage power to multiple interfaces through this single circuit, maintaining adaptability while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically duplicating voltage switching circuits at each interface, the patent uses software-based power management in the host controller to replicate the functionality across multiple interfaces. The host controller can independently control power to each accessory device through the single voltage switching circuit, achieving the effect of multiple switching circuits without the associated manufacturing cost and complexity.
3Power
If sufficient interface contacts are provided for coupling output voltages from voltage switching circuit to accessory device, then power delivery capability is sufficient, but the complexity and cost of the interface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the voltage switching functionality from the interface level and relocates it to the host level. This allows the interface to use simpler contacts that only need to carry power and signal connections, while the complex voltage switching and power management functions are handled by the host controller through software. The interface contact structure is simplified while maintaining adequate power delivery capability through the host's centralized power management.
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory device voltage management system includes an accessory device selectively coupled to a host. The host provides a bulk power supply and a low power supply voltage to the accessory device. The host receives accessory device parameters from the device and determines if the accessory device is a valid and supported device and, if so, sends commands to the accessory device to couple the bulk power supply voltage to a power supply circuit in the accessory device. The power supply circuit in the accessory device generates at least a first regulated voltage output.