Single eMarker IC USB Type-C Cable Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing temperature sensing methods for USB Type-C cables are costly due to the requirement of two eMarker ICs and power distribution switches at both plugs, increasing system cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single eMarker IC integrated in one cable plug, combined with a remote temperature sensor in the other plug, connected by a dedicated wire, allowing for temperature measurement and control of the power distribution switch without the need for a second eMarker IC, reducing system cost and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two eMarker ICs and power distribution switches are included in both plug locations, then temperature monitoring accuracy is improved, but system cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature sensing functions by integrating a temperature sensor in one plug and an eMarker IC in the opposite plug, allowing a single eMarker IC to manage temperature monitoring for the entire cable rather than requiring separate eMarker ICs in both plugs. This consolidation reduces component count and system complexity while maintaining monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single eMarker IC is designed to perform multiple functions including managing both local and remote temperature sensors, controlling power distribution switches at both ends, and handling cable identification. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate control ICs in each plug, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If two eMarker ICs and power distribution switches are included in both plug locations, then temperature monitoring reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines temperature monitoring functions into a single eMarker IC that can read both local and remote temperature sensors. This merging reduces the total number of expensive eMarker ICs needed from two to one per cable assembly, directly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable temperature monitoring through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote temperature sensor as an intermediary component that allows the single eMarker IC to monitor temperatures at both plug locations. This intermediary approach enables comprehensive temperature monitoring without requiring expensive duplicate eMarker ICs, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining monitoring reliability.
3Device complexity
If a single eMarker IC with remote temperature sensor is used, then system cost and complexity are reduced, but temperature sensing precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a remote temperature sensor as an intermediary that physically resides at the opposite plug location but is read by the single eMarker IC. This intermediary sensor ensures accurate local temperature measurement at the remote plug while the centralized eMarker IC processes the data, maintaining precision without requiring duplicate control ICs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical presence of two eMarker ICs with a single eMarker IC that electronically communicates with both local and remote temperature sensors. This substitution maintains temperature measurement precision through electronic sensing and processing while reducing mechanical complexity and component count.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables accurate temperature monitoring and control of the power distribution switch with reduced system cost and complexity, maintaining precision and reliability in temperature sensing across both plugs of a USB Type-C cable.
Implementation Method 1
an internal temperature sensing element of the single eMarker IC
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor integrated in the opposite cable plug as the single eMarker IC
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of a Type-C USB cable, the Type-C USB cable comprises a near side cable plug, a far side cable plug, a single eMarker IC integrated in one of the cable plugs, the single eMarker IC including an internal temperature sensing element, a temperature sensor integrated in the opposite cable plug as the single eMarker IC, and a wire connecting the temperature sensor to the single eMarker IC. The single eMarker IC is configured to generate temperature measurement information based on temperature sensed by the internal temperature sensing element of the single eMarker IC and temperature sensed by the temperature sensor and carried to the eMarker IC over the wire that connects the temperature sensor to the single eMarker IC.