Multi-Protocol Charging Control for USB PD and QC Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Most portable electronic devices currently support only one fast charging protocol, such as USB PD or QC, and fail to utilize the maximum charging wattage from chargers supporting different protocols due to incompatibility.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a charging management system that includes a switch component, multiple charging control units, and a multiplexer to detect and switch between USB PD and QC protocols, ensuring optimal charging by determining the charger type and selecting the appropriate protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic device supports only one fast charging protocol, then the device complexity is reduced, but the charging power and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating multiple charging control units (first charging control unit for USB PD protocol, second charging control unit for QC protocol) within a single charging management system. The control unit can dynamically switch between different charging protocols based on charger detection, enabling one device to support multiple charging standards without requiring separate charging systems for each protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multiplexer as an intermediary component that selectively connects the signal transmission pin to either the operating system or the second charging control unit based on the detected charging protocol. This intermediary mechanism enables smooth switching between different protocol handling modes without direct complex interactions between the charging control units and other system components
2Power
If the electronic device uses a single charging control unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the charging power utilization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging control function into multiple specialized control units: a first charging control unit dedicated to USB PD protocol and a second charging control unit dedicated to QC protocol. Each control unit is optimized for its specific protocol, enabling the device to fully utilize the maximum charging wattage supported by chargers of either type while maintaining clear functional separation that simplifies the overall control logic
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the multiplexer always connects the signal transmission pin to the operating system, then the system operation is simplified, but the protocol detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching of the multiplexer connection state based on the detected charging protocol. The control unit monitors the charging connection and dynamically reconfigures the multiplexer to connect the signal transmission pin to the appropriate charging control unit (second charging control unit for QC protocol) or to the operating system (for USB PD protocol), enabling adaptive protocol detection and handling without requiring complex static wiring
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device including a connector, a charging management unit, a switch component, a first charging control unit, a second charging control unit, a multiplexer, and a control unit is provided. The connector has a configuration pin, a signal transmission pin, and a power transmission pin. The power transmission pin is electrically coupled to a battery through a charging path. The charging management unit and the switch component are disposed on the charging path. The first charging control unit supports a first charging protocol and is electrically coupled to the configuration pin. The second charging control unit supports a second charging protocol. The multiplexer is configured to selectively couple the signal transmission pin to an operating system or the second charging control unit. The control unit determines whether the charger supports the first charging protocol or not and controls the switch component and the multiplexer accordingly.