Protected Power and Data Bus Switching for Hot-Plug Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power and data bus connections between host and peripheral devices, such as those using USB standards, face risks of damage during connection or disconnection due to voltage fluctuations and require complex, costly circuitry to accommodate higher voltages, which is not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A system with a connector port, a detector, a data signal switch, and a power switch that selectively enables and disables power and data communication based on the presence of a peripheral device, using a comparator and capacitors to manage voltage transitions and prevent damage, allowing for higher voltage supply like +24 VDC without typical USB voltage drop issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If higher voltage supply (e.g., +24 VDC) is provided to peripheral devices, then power delivery capability is improved, but the risk of damage during connection or disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the presence of a peripheral device before enabling power supply. The detector monitors the data bus for the presence of a device, and only after detection confirms a device is connected does the system activate the power switch to enable higher voltage power delivery. This prevents power surges during connection events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a detector component that mediates between the connection event and power activation. The detector monitors the data bus and provides a detection signal that controls the power switch, acting as an intermediary safety mechanism that prevents direct power application during unsafe connection states.
2Power
If complex circuitry is added to accommodate higher voltages, then power delivery capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using the existing data bus for multiple functions: it serves both as the communication/data transmission medium and as the detection medium for determining peripheral device presence. This eliminates the need for separate detection circuitry and reduces overall system complexity while enabling higher voltage power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by using its own existing resources (the data bus and existing detector) to determine when power should be enabled. The detector that already monitors the data bus for communication purposes is also used to detect device presence for power control, making the system self-sufficient without requiring additional dedicated detection hardware.
3Power
If power supply is continuously enabled, then power availability to peripheral devices is improved, but the risk of damage during disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the data bus for the presence or absence of a peripheral device and using this information to control the power supply state. When the detector no longer detects a device on the data bus, it sends a signal to disable the power switch, creating a feedback loop that automatically responds to connection changes and prevents power delivery during disconnection events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply state dynamic rather than static. The power switch is controlled to change states based on real-time detection of peripheral device presence. The system transitions between powered and unpowered states dynamically in response to connection events, ensuring power is only supplied when a device is actually connected.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a connector port configured to be selectably connected with and disconnected from a peripheral device. A detector is configured to provide an output indicating the connection of the peripheral device with the connector port with a time delay between connection of the peripheral device with the connector port and outputting the signal. A data switch is operatively coupled with the detector and a communication pin of the connector port and to selectably enable and disable data communication between the communication pin and a computer board in response to the output of the detector. A power switch is operatively coupled with the detector, the power supply pin, and a DC power supply and is configured to selectably connect and disconnect the power supply and the power supply pin in response to the output of the detector.