USB-C DRP Controller for Blocking Unintended Power Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
In PowerBank devices with a Dual Role Power (DRP) function using the USB Type-C standard, there is an unintended power flow back to the PowerBank when the charging operation completes, as both the PowerBank and external devices can alternately operate as power sources and sinks, leading to automatic power return without user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A controller is implemented that manages power operations according to the USB Type-C and USB Power Delivery standards, including a control interface for power management, a signal transmission module for communication, and a sequence execution unit. It stops the power receiving sequence unless a predetermined condition is met, such as user input, to prevent power from flowing back to the PowerBank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single USB Type-C port with DRP function is used for both power supply and power reception, then device complexity and space are reduced, but unintended power flow back to the PowerBank occurs after charging completion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic role switching between Source and Sink modes based on charging state. The controller automatically transitions the USB Type-C port from Source mode during charging to Sink mode after charging completion, preventing unintended power flow back to the PowerBank while maintaining the single-port DRP configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from charging status detection to control power flow direction. The controller monitors charging completion and uses this feedback to switch the port role, ensuring power only flows to the external device during charging and preventing reverse power flow after charging ends
2Ease of operation
If automatic power reception is enabled in DRP mode, then power can be received from external power sources without user intervention, but power flows back to the PowerBank after charging completion without user intent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the power reception behavior based on the charging state. During charging, the port operates in Source mode and rejects incoming power. After charging completion, it switches to Sink mode to allow power reception from external sources, providing ease of operation without unintended power flow back to the PowerBank
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by preventing power reception during the charging phase. The controller proactively blocks power flow in the reverse direction before it can become a problem, then enables it only after charging completion when it becomes desirable
Data Source
AI summary
Controllers are provided for providing ports corresponding to Dual Role Powers (DRPs), which may be both the feed side and the receive side, in accordance with the USB Type-C and/or USB Power Delivery standards. The controller includes a control interface for controlling a power management unit for controlling charging and discharging of the secondary battery, a signal transmission module for exchanging a signal with a connection destination via a communication line in the USB cable, and a sequence execution unit. If the power supply from the secondary battery becomes over discharged while the power stored in the secondary battery as the power supply side is being supplied to the connection destination, the sequence execution unit stops the substantial execution of the sequence as the power receiving side unless a predetermined condition is satisfied.