PD Connection Interface With Dynamic Power Source Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional arrangements face limitations in providing stable power to electronic devices via PD charging protocol, especially when the power providing device cannot support or supply sufficient power, necessitating additional cables for power demands.

Innovation Solution

A connection device with multiple interfaces, a controller, and a power selection component that selectively couples power buses to ensure stable power delivery, including an active component for signal processing and a power conversion component to adapt power levels, allowing power to be sourced from an auxiliary interface when primary power is insufficient.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single connection interface is used for both signal transmission and power delivery, then the number of cables is reduced, but the power delivery capability is limited by the power providing device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of cablesVSAvoidpower delivery capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device integrates multiple functions into a single device: it serves as both a signal transmission medium and a power delivery path. The transmission line includes both signal transmission channels and power buses, allowing it to simultaneously handle data/signal transmission and power delivery, thereby reducing the need for separate power cables while maintaining adequate power delivery capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device acts as an intermediary between the power providing device and the electronic device. It includes a power selection component that can selectively couple different power buses (first power bus from the signal path or second power bus from an auxiliary interface) to ensure sufficient power delivery to the electronic device, thereby resolving the power delivery limitation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If additional power cables are used to provide sufficient power, then the power delivery capability is improved, but the wiring complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission line is designed to perform dual functions: signal transmission and power delivery. By integrating power buses within the existing signal transmission cable structure, the system eliminates the need for additional separate power cables, thereby maintaining adequate power delivery capability without increasing wiring complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the power delivery function with the signal transmission function in a single integrated transmission line. The power buses are merged into the cable structure alongside the signal channels, allowing both functions to coexist in one physical medium and eliminating redundant cabling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Power

If external power supply is provided through the transmission line, then the power delivery is improved, but the power is only used for chips inside the transmission line rather than the connected device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery to deviceVSAvoidpower delivery reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device serves as an active intermediary that manages power delivery. It includes a controller and power selection component that can actively select and route power from appropriate sources (first power bus or second power bus) to ensure reliable power delivery to the connected electronic device, rather than just providing passive power for internal chips

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device includes a controller that can detect power delivery conditions and actively manage power routing. The controller receives feedback about power requirements and selectively couples appropriate power buses to ensure sufficient and reliable power delivery to the electronic device, adapting to different power demand scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4632532A1Connection device and connection system
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 ELKA INT
  • EP4632532A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4632532A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4632532A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A connection device (100) comprises a first connection interface (110), a second connection interface (120), a third connection interface (130), a controller (140) and a power selection component (150). Wherein a first transmission/reception channel (TX/RX-1) of the first connection interface (110) is, directly or indirectly, coupled to a second transmission/reception channel (TX/RX-2) of the second connection interface (120). The controller (140) is at least configured to perform a PD charging protocol, wherein a first communication channel (CC1) of the first connection interface (110), a second communication channel (CC2) of the second connection interface (120), and a third communication channel (CC3) of the third connection interface (130) are coupled to the controller (140). Wherein the power selection component (150), in respond to a control signal (CS) provided by the controller (140), selectively couples a first power bus (VBUS1) of the first connection interface (110) to a second power bus (VBUS2) of the second connection interface (120) or a third power bus (VBUS3) of the third connection interface (130).