Two-Pin Charging Interface for Power and State Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices require at least three connector pins for power transmission and data communication, leading to a complex structure and higher part unit prices.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with simplified connector pin configuration, utilizing a first connector pin for high potential voltage and a second connector pin for low potential voltage, along with a current sensing circuit and controller to manage power and data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless communication methods (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) are used for data transmission, then communication flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases and communication stability deteriorates when the external device is out of range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power source line is designed to serve dual functions: both power transmission and data communication. The same physical infrastructure (power cable and rectifier circuit) is used for both energizing the terminal device and transmitting data signals, eliminating the need for separate wireless communication hardware and reducing overall power consumption while maintaining communication flexibility.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The rectifier circuit acts as an intermediary that converts power signals into data-carrying signals and vice versa. By modulating data onto power transmission lines and demodulating at the receiving end, the system enables communication through the power source line without requiring dedicated wireless communication channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wireless communication is used, then communication setup is simplified, but communication stability worsens when external devices are out of range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication setupVSAvoidcommunication stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power source line performs both power delivery and data communication functions simultaneously. This eliminates dependency on wireless signal range while maintaining ease of connection through standard power cables, ensuring stable communication regardless of physical distance between devices.

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

3Use of energy by moving object

If power transmission through power source line is implemented, then power delivery efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to rectifier circuit requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery efficiencyVSAvoidrectifier circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rectifier circuit is designed to handle both power rectification and data signal modulation/demodulation. By integrating these functions into a single circuit architecture, the patent achieves efficient power transmission through the power source line while managing device complexity through functional consolidation rather than adding separate dedicated circuits.

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

4Reliability

If data is transmitted through power source line, then communication stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to communication circuit requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication stabilityVSAvoidcommunication circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication circuit is merged with the power transmission infrastructure. Data signals are superimposed on power transmission lines and processed through integrated rectifier and communication circuits, combining power delivery and data communication functions into a unified system that improves stability while managing complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Reduces the complexity and cost of the device by minimizing the number of connector pins required for power and data communication, achieving a simpler and more economical design.

Implementation Method 1

data signal transmission through modulation and demodulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectModulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP3922042B1Electronic device for supplying power and method for driving said electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3922042B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3922042B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3922042B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An electronic device includes a battery, a charging integrated circuit (IC) configured to control a charging state of the battery, a connector pin for receiving power from an external device, the connector pin including a first connector pin for receiving a high potential voltage from the external device and a second connector pin for receiving a low potential voltage from the external device, a touch sensor, and a controller. The controller receives power from the external device through the connector pin based on the detection of the external device being connected to the connector pin, charges the battery using a high potential voltage, detects a user input through the touch sensor while the battery is charged, and stops the charging of the battery and outputs a current corresponding to state information of the electronic device through the first connector pin based on the detection of the given user input.