USB-C Power Port Liquid Detection Before High-Voltage Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased voltage in USB PD 3.1 fast charging can cause corrosion or oxidation of USB Type-C connection port pins due to foreign matter with lower impedance, posing a risk of melting or fire if not addressed.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device with a controller, resistors, and switches that detect voltage thresholds to prevent power transmission when foreign matter is detected on pins, ensuring safety by controlling the power-supply switch based on impedance changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high voltage output (48V) is implemented for fast charging, then charging power is increased to 240W, but the risk of corrosion or oxidation of pins due to foreign matter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs liquid detection before enabling high voltage power transmission by measuring impedance between pins. If foreign matter is detected, the controller prevents power transmission, thereby avoiding corrosion or oxidation damage before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors impedance between pins during operation. When impedance changes indicate the presence of foreign matter, the controller immediately adjusts power transmission accordingly, providing real-time feedback control to prevent damage.
2Reliability
If liquid detection is performed before power transmission, then safety is improved, but additional detection circuits and control logic are required
Solution Approach 1:
The controller integrates multiple functions including liquid detection, impedance measurement, and power transmission control into a single control unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated detection circuits and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses existing pins and impedance characteristics as intermediaries for detection. By measuring impedance changes through the connection pins themselves, the system avoids requiring additional sensing electrodes or complex detection hardware, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining safety.
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
Prevents power transmission to the power-output pin when foreign matter is present, thereby preventing potential damage and ensuring the safety of the power supply device.
Implementation Method 1
If there is foreign matter between the pins forming impedance at this time (water, dust or other objects or fluids with an impedance lower than air), the current generated by high voltage will greatly accelerate the corrosion or oxidation of the pins
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply device includes a Type-C connection port, a controller, a first resistor, a second resistor, a detection switch, and a power-supply switch. The Type-C connection port includes a channel configuration pin, a sideband use pin, and a power-output pin. The controller controls the detection switch to be turned on so that a work voltage is provided to the second resistor and the first resistor to detect a first voltage between the sideband use pin and a ground terminal and detect a second voltage between the channel configuration pin and the ground terminal. The controller turns on or turns off the power-supply switch according to the first voltage and the second voltage to control whether a power-supply voltage is transmitted to the power-output pin.