Hot-Plug Power Supply Protection for Connector Spark Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hot plug operations in electronic devices can lead to interface damage or device malfunction due to sudden voltage changes, especially when high-power consumer electronics are charged while powered on, resulting in sparking and connector oxidation.
Innovation Solution
A hot-plug protection method for power supply devices that includes a connection port with a detection pin to monitor connection status, a switch assembly, and a voltage converter. The method involves turning off the switch assembly within a first time period and maintaining the output voltage at a first level within a second time period to prevent voltage spikes during disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the power supply device allows hot-plug operation while powered on, then charging convenience is improved, but voltage difference between connectors causes sparking and connector aging
Solution Approach 1:
The detection pin detects connection status in advance, and the controller proactively adjusts the output voltage before hot-plug operation occurs. When disconnection is detected, the controller quickly reduces output voltage within a first time period to prevent voltage difference and sparking during subsequent connection attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The output voltage of the power supply device is made dynamic rather than static. The controller adjusts the output voltage based on real-time connection status detected by the detection pin, quickly reducing voltage during hot-plug events and maintaining it at different levels for different operational states.
2Reliability
If the output voltage is quickly reduced during hot-plug disconnection, then interface damage is prevented, but voltage converter stability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary voltage adjustment within a controlled time period after detecting disconnection. By proactively reducing voltage within the first time period (shorter than second time period), the system prevents interface damage before it occurs while maintaining overall stability through controlled transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining output voltage within a safe range during the transition period. The controller ensures voltage difference between connectors remains controlled, cushioning against potential sparking and interface damage during hot-plug operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the switch assembly is turned off immediately upon disconnection detection, then voltage difference is minimized, but voltage converter may experience transient instability
Solution Approach 1:
The controller turns off the switch assembly within a controlled first time period after detecting disconnection, not immediately but proactively before significant voltage difference develops. This preliminary action balances rapid response with stable voltage converter operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch assembly control is made dynamic with time-period-based decision making. The controller adjusts switching timing based on the detected connection status and elapsed time, turning off the switch within the first time period when disconnection is detected, and maintaining voltage within the second time period for stable operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a hot-plug protection method and a power supply device. The method includes, when the connection status between the power supply device and the to-be-charged device is detected as disconnected through the detection pin, turning off a switch assembly within a first time period, where the switch assembly is connected in series between the voltage converter of the power supply device and the connection port, and maintaining an output voltage of the voltage converter at a first level within a second time period, the first time period being shorter than the second time period.