USB-C Orientation Detection Using Dual-PHY Receiver Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB-C orientation detection methods rely on PD circuits that require additional wiring and mechanisms to communicate orientation information, which can be inefficient and complex.
Innovation Solution
The method employs two PHY circuits with transmitter circuits to detect USB-C plug orientation by sending receiver detect signals through both channels, analyzing waveform changes to determine termination, thereby eliminating the need for CC pins and PD controller communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If PD circuits with CC pins are used to detect USB-C orientation, then orientation detection can be achieved, but additional wiring and device complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the orientation detection function from the PD circuit domain and relocates it to the USB 3 PHY domain. By using the existing USB 3 data pins (Dp1, Dn1, Dp2, Dn2) instead of dedicated CC pins, the solution eliminates the need for additional wiring while maintaining orientation detection capability. The PHY transmitter circuits issue receiver detect signals through these existing data paths, and orientation is determined by analyzing which path shows termination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the USB 3 data pins serve multiple functions: they are used for both USB 3 data communication and for orientation detection. The same physical pins (Dp1, Dn1, Dp2, Dn2) that carry USB 3 signals are also used to transmit receiver detect signals for orientation determination, eliminating the need for separate CC pins and reducing wiring complexity.
2Loss of information
If PD circuits are used for orientation detection, then orientation information can be obtained, but communication mechanisms between PD circuit and USB element are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the orientation detection function with the existing USB 3 PHY transmitter circuits. Instead of having a separate PD circuit communicate orientation information through complex communication protocols, the USB 3 PHY transmitter circuits directly issue receiver detect signals through the data paths, and the USB circuit determines orientation by analyzing which path shows termination. This integration eliminates the need for separate communication mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB 3 PHY transmitter circuits perform the orientation detection function themselves without requiring external PD circuit communication. The circuits issue receiver detect signals, analyze the results, and determine orientation autonomously using the existing USB 3 data paths, making the system self-sufficient for orientation detection.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes two PHY circuits, each including a PHY transmitter circuit and connected to a universal serial bus (USB)-C connector. The apparatus includes a USB circuit to issue a receiver detect signal through one of the PHY transmitters circuit to the USB-C connector, issue another receiver detect signal through the other PHY transmitter circuit to the USB-C connector, determine which receiver detect signal resulted in a termination in a USB-C element, and consequently determine an orientation of a USB plug connected between the apparatus and the USB-C element.