Hot Plug Device Over-Thermal Protection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB flash memory pen drives face damage from excessive power damping or low voltage signals during hot plugging, leading to electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device failures, which can cause overheating and burning, compromising safety and usability.
Innovation Solution
An over-thermal protection device with a temperature sensor and latch unit is integrated into the hot plug electronic device to monitor temperature and control the voltage regulator, preventing power supply to the operation circuit when overheating is detected, thus avoiding direct power guidance to ground and potential burning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the USB flash memory pen drive is hot plugged to a personal computer, then the utilization convenience is improved, but the ESD protection device may be damaged due to excessive power damping or low voltage signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a protection circuit that proactively prevents ESD damage before it occurs. The circuit includes ESD protection devices connected in parallel with the data lines, which are specifically designed to clamp voltage spikes and absorb excessive power damping during hot plugging events. This preliminary protective measure counteracts the harmful effects of electrostatic discharge and voltage anomalies that occur when the device is connected to the computer.
2Reliability
If the ESD protection device is damaged with short circuit, then the power supply is directly guided to ground level, but this causes over-thermal condition and burning of the device case
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through a temperature sensing mechanism that continuously monitors the device temperature and triggers protective actions before thermal damage occurs. When the temperature sensor detects that the device case temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system automatically activates the over-thermal protection circuit, which disconnects the power supply from the operation circuit. This preliminary protective action prevents the power supply from directly guiding to ground level and causing burning, even when ESD protection devices are damaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback through a closed-loop temperature monitoring and control system. The temperature sensor provides real-time feedback about the device thermal state to the control circuitry. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the power supply state - maintaining normal operation when temperature is within safe limits and automatically shutting down power when temperature exceeds thresholds. This feedback mechanism ensures that even with damaged ESD protection devices, the system can detect and respond to thermal conditions before burning occurs.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the USB flash memory pen drive is plugged into the personal computer for a long time, then the data transmission function is maintained, but the device may become over-thermal and the case may be burned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through intermittent temperature monitoring and cyclic power management. The temperature sensor continuously or periodically checks the device temperature during operation, and the system implements periodic thermal management cycles - maintaining full power when cool, reducing power or entering sleep modes when temperature rises, and shutting down completely when critical thresholds are approached. This periodic action allows the device to maintain data transmission function for extended durations while preventing cumulative thermal buildup that would lead to burning.
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 prevents burning of the device case and enhances user safety by ensuring the power supply is cut off when ESD protection devices are short-circuited, thereby preventing overheating and scalding.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature sensor has a predetermined temperature established therein for sensing a present temperature of the hot plug electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
A hot plug electronic device with high using safety is provided. The hot plug electronic device includes an operation circuit, a voltage regulator and an over-thermal protection device. The operation circuit is used for communicating with an external host. The voltage regulator is coupled to the operation circuit for supplying power to the operation circuit. The over-thermal protection device is coupled to the voltage regulator for sensing the present temperature of the hot plug electronic device, and accordingly controlling the voltage regulator to normally supply/stop supplying the power to the operation circuit.