Interface Control Circuit Foreign Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interface control circuits, such as USB Type-C specifications, are prone to damage when exposed to foreign objects like water, leading to rusting and potential severe damage due to ionization, especially when pins are affected by moisture or liquid, causing voltage and current changes that can result in circuit failure.
Innovation Solution
An interface control circuit with a protection mechanism that generates toggled pull-up and pull-down signals to detect foreign objects between interface connection pins by monitoring voltage or current changes over specific time periods, allowing for protective actions to prevent damage, such as floating the affected pin or cutting off power paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the interface control circuit uses conventional interface connection pins without foreign object detection, then the circuit can operate normally under standard conditions, but the circuit becomes vulnerable to rusting and severe damage when exposed to foreign objects like water or moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The protection circuit performs foreign object detection before power transmission begins by monitoring voltage or current changes at the interface connection pins during the interface signal transmission phase. This preliminary detection allows the system to identify the presence of foreign objects (water, moisture) before they can cause rusting or severe damage, enabling preventive action to be taken in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The protection circuit acts as an intermediary between the interface signal transceiver circuit and the power transmission function. It monitors the interface connection pins for voltage or current changes that indicate foreign object presence, and based on this monitoring, it controls whether power transmission should proceed, thereby protecting the circuit from harmful effects
2Reliability
If the interface control circuit adds a protection circuit for foreign object detection, then the circuit gains protection against foreign object damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection circuit is integrated with the interface control circuit, sharing the same physical structure and control signals. The protection circuit utilizes the existing interface connection pins and combines foreign object detection with the standard interface signal transmission and power transmission functions, avoiding the need for completely separate detection circuits and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The interface connection pins serve multiple functions: they transmit interface signals for connection detection and role identification, and they are also monitored by the protection circuit for voltage or current changes indicating foreign objects. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware components to perform both standard USB Type-C operations and foreign object detection without requiring additional dedicated pins or circuits
3Measurement precision
If the interface control circuit performs foreign object detection by monitoring voltage or current changes, then the circuit can detect foreign objects effectively, but the detection process requires additional time points and measurement intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The protection circuit continuously monitors the interface connection pins during the interface signal transmission phase without interrupting the normal USB Type-C operation. By performing foreign object detection continuously alongside connection detection and role identification, the system achieves accurate detection results without requiring separate dedicated detection time periods, thus minimizing time loss
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 detects and prevents damage from foreign objects, prolonging the lifespan of the circuit by identifying and responding to voltage or current changes indicative of moisture or liquid presence, thereby reducing the risk of rusting and severe damage.
Implementation Method 1
determine whether a foreign object exists between the first interface connection pin and the second interface connection pin according to a voltage change or a current change between a first time point and a second time point
Implementation Method 2
determine whether a foreign object exists between the first interface connection pin and the second interface connection pin according to a voltage change or a current change between a first time point and a second time point
Data Source
AI summary
An interface control circuit complying with an interface specification includes: an interface signal transceiver circuit and a protection circuit. The interface signal transceiver circuit is coupled to a first interface connection pin and a second interface connection pin of a first interface connector circuit. The interface signal transceiver circuit is for transmitting and/or receiving an interface signal according to the interface specification. When the interface signal transceiver circuit operates under a first state, the protection circuit determines whether a foreign object exists between the first interface connection pin and the second interface connection pin according to a voltage change or a current change at the second interface connection pin. Under the first state, the interface signal transceiver circuit generates a pull-up signal and a pull-down signal which are toggled with each other at the first interface connection pin.