Single Controller Multiport USB-C Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiport USB-C based power supply devices require multiple controllers for type-C and type-A ports, increasing complexity and cost, making them bulky and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A multiport USB-C based power supply device using a single controller to manage power delivery for both type-C and type-A ports, with a configurable power source and DC-DC power converter, allowing for power negotiation through CC and D+/D- pins, enabling compact and economical design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple controllers are used for type-C and type-A ports to comply with power delivery protocols, then power control functionality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single controller that can perform multiple functions - controlling both type-C and type-A ports according to different power delivery protocols. The controller is configured to communicate with type-C ports using USB-PD protocol and with type-A ports using QC protocols, eliminating the need for separate dedicated controllers for each port type while maintaining full protocol compliance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate controllers into a single integrated controller unit. This consolidation combines the power management capabilities for both type-C and type-A ports, along with all necessary communication interfaces and control logic, into one unified component that reduces overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controllers are used for each port type, then power negotiation capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single controller is designed with universal power negotiation capabilities that support multiple protocols (USB-PD for type-C and QC 2.0/3.0/4.0 for type-A ports). This multi-protocol support within one controller maintains full adaptability for different port types while reducing the total component count and manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically changes its operational parameters and communication mode based on the connected port type. It can switch between USB-PD protocol parameters for type-C ports and QC protocol parameters for type-A ports, maintaining full negotiation capability while using a single reconfigurable controller rather than multiple fixed-function controllers
3Reliability
If multiple controllers are used in the device, then protocol compliance is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single controller incorporates universal support for multiple power delivery protocols within its architecture, enabling it to comply with USB-PD, QC 2.0, QC 3.0, and QC 4.0 standards. This multi-protocol compliance is achieved through integrated communication interfaces and control logic that can adapt to different protocol requirements without requiring separate dedicated controllers for each protocol
4Reliability
If multiple controllers are used for type-C and type-A ports, then power supply control is improved, but raw material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply control functionality for both type-C and type-A ports into a single controller unit. This consolidation combines all necessary control logic, communication interfaces, and power management circuits into one integrated component, reducing the total quantity of raw materials required compared to using multiple separate controllers
Data Source
AI summary
A multiport universal serial bus (USB)-C based power supply device including a USB type-C port configured to supply power to a connected type-C external device, at least one USB type-A port configured to supply power to at least one connected type-A external sink device, a configurable power source and a controller operatively coupled with the configurable power source, the USB type-C port and at least one of the USB type-A port. The controller is configured to generate, based on the generated type-C and type-A power profile, at least one of a digital communication signal and a feedback control signal, which correspond to a power value to be supplied, based on the generated power profile, to the type-C port and the at least one type-A port respectively. Operation of the multiport USB-C based power supply device by a single controller facilitates compact construction of the multiport USB-C based power supply device.