Type-A Charging Cable CC Switching for PD Fast-Charge Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data lines with a Type-A interface do not support Power Delivery (PD) protocol charging, limiting the compatibility of charging devices that rely on the PD protocol.

Innovation Solution

A data line with a Type-A interface is enhanced by incorporating a circuit identification module, including a pull-up resistor, switch circuit, filter circuit, and comparator circuit, which allows the CC pin to connect or disconnect based on signal presence, enabling support for both non-PD and PD protocol charging by controlling the communication through the D+ and D- pins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a data line uses a Type-A interface with conventional design, then it maintains wide compatibility and simple structure, but it cannot support PD protocol charging

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePD protocol charging supportVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The Type-A interface is designed to support multiple communication protocols (both PD protocol via CC pin and non-PD protocol via D+/D- pins) within a single interface structure, enabling the data line to function with both PD-compatible and traditional charging devices without requiring separate interface types

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

Solution Approach 2:

A switch circuit is introduced as an intermediary component that dynamically connects or disconnects the CC pin based on protocol detection, mediating between the PD protocol requirements and the conventional Type-A interface structure to enable conditional PD protocol support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a data line adds CC pin and circuit identification module to support PD protocol, then PD protocol charging is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging protocol compatibilityVSAvoidcircuit components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch circuit dynamically changes its connection state based on the detected charging protocol type, connecting the CC pin to the D+ pin when PD protocol is detected and disconnecting it when non-PD protocol is used, allowing the circuit structure to adapt flexibly to different protocol requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The comparator circuit continuously monitors the voltage signal on the CC pin and provides feedback to control the switch circuit's state, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically adjusts the circuit configuration based on the detected protocol type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the CC pin is always connected to support PD protocol, then PD charging is enabled, but non-PD protocol communication may be interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePD protocol supportVSAvoidcommunication stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit proactively prevents potential communication interference by disconnecting the CC pin from the D+ pin when non-PD protocol communication is detected, eliminating the risk of signal conflict before it can occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Enables PD protocol charging for devices with a Type-A interface, ensuring compatibility with devices that support fast charging, while maintaining support for non-PD protocol charging, thus expanding the range of compatible devices.

Implementation Method 1

the filter circuit filters a CC communication signal transmitted on the CC pin in the Type-A interface to obtain a stable analog signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

the comparator circuit compares the analog signal to obtain a control signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage comparison:

Implementation Method 3

a second end of the switch circuit is connected to a first end of the pull-up resistor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPull-up resistor effect: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4160856B1Data line and charging device
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP4160856B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4160856B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed are a data line and a charging device, which belong to the technical field of communications. The data line comprises a Type-A interface, a first interface, a cable and a circuit identification module, with a VBUS pin, a D+ pin, a D- pin and a GDN pin in the Type-A interface being correspondingly connected to those in the first interface; and the circuit identification module comprising a pull-up resistor, a switch circuit, a filter circuit and a comparator circuit, wherein a first end of the switch circuit is connected to a CC pin of the first interface, a second end thereof is connected to the VBUS pin of the first interface by means of the pull-up resistor, and a third end thereof is connected to a CC pin of the Type-A interface; a first end of the filter circuit is connected to the CC pin of the Type-A interface, and a second end thereof is connected to a first input end of the comparator circuit; a second input end of the comparator circuit is connected to the VBUS pin of the first interface, and an output end of the comparator circuit is connected to a control end of the switch circuit; and the comparator circuit controls the first end of the switch circuit to be connected to the second end or the third end thereof.