Multi-mode Dongle Switching USB Signals for Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems configured for specific USB charging modes, like POWERSHARE, face difficulties in charging devices like APPLE iPhones and BLACKBERRY smartphones, which require DC voltage bias on the D+ and D- pins to recognize an external charging source, as these systems may not provide the necessary conditions when powered off.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of multi-mode dongles that can switch between standard and alternate mode signals, including DC voltage biased differential data signals, to facilitate charging when the host system is unable to provide the required conditions, by receiving mode control signals from the host system and automatically switching modes based on detected connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the host information handling system is configured for POWERSHARE charging mode, then charging capability is improved when the host is powered off, but compatibility with certain peripheral devices (APPLE iPhone, BLACKBERRY smartphone) deteriorates because these devices require DC voltage bias on D+ and D- pins which the POWERSHARE configuration cannot provide
Solution Approach 1:
The dongle dynamically switches between standard USB mode and alternate charging mode based on the host system's power state and the connected device's requirements. When the host is powered off, the dongle automatically transitions to alternate mode that provides DC voltage bias on D+ and D- pins, enabling compatibility with devices like iPhone and BlackBerry that require this specific signal condition for charging recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The dongle changes the electrical parameters of the USB connection by providing DC voltage bias on the differential data pins (D+ and D-) in alternate mode. This parameter modification allows the dongle to simulate wall charger conditions that certain peripheral devices require, thereby resolving the incompatibility issue while maintaining POWERSHARE functionality when the host is powered off.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the host system provides standard USB charging signals, then device compatibility is improved, but the ability to charge devices when the host is powered off deteriorates because standard USB ports cannot provide charging voltage in S4/S5 power states
Solution Approach 1:
The USB dongle acts as an intermediary device between the POWERSHARE-enabled host system and peripheral devices requiring DC voltage bias. It receives power from the host's POWERSHARE port and transforms the charging signals into the appropriate format (with DC voltage bias on D+ and D-) that compatible devices require, thereby enabling both functions through a single intermediate component.
3Ease of operation
If the host system enables POWERSHARE charging, then portability is improved by allowing charging without turning on the system, but the ability to provide proper charging conditions for all device types deteriorates due to the fixed charging signal configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The dongle introduces dynamic signal adaptation to the otherwise static POWERSHARE charging system. It automatically adjusts the USB signal characteristics based on the connected device's requirements, providing DC voltage bias when needed while maintaining standard USB signaling for other devices, thus adding flexibility to the fixed POWERSHARE configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are described for utilizing multi-mode dongles with peripheral devices. The multi-mode dongles are configured to provide standard mode signals for a standard mode of operation and alternate mode signals for an alternate mode of operation, for example, where a host information handling system is unable to provide the alternate mode signals to the peripheral device. The multi-mode dongle receives mode control signals from a host information handling system and automatically switches from a standard mode of operation to an alternate mode of operation, where the alternate mode signals are provided to the peripheral device, based upon the mode control signals. In one embodiment, the multi-mode dongle can be configured for a universal serial bus (USB) port, and the alternate mode signals can be associated with charging a consumer electronics (CE) device.