USB-C Cable Powering Broadband Termination Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication networks, particularly broadband telecommunication, the need for separate power supplies for residential gateways and broadband network termination units due to physical separation and different update protocols leads to inefficiencies, as existing system boards cannot redistribute power, requiring multiple power sources and additional power sockets.
Innovation Solution
A system where a gateway unit and a broadband termination unit are connected via a cable, allowing one to supply electrical power to the other, using a voltage converter to generate internal supply voltage, enabling data communication and power distribution through the same cable, such as with USB Type-C connections, eliminating the need for separate power supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power supplies are provided for the residential gateway and broadband network termination unit, then each unit can be independently powered, but the system complexity increases and multiple power sockets are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power supply and data communication functions into a single cable connection. The USB Type-C cable serves dual purposes: transmitting data between the gateway and broadband termination unit, and simultaneously providing power to the termination unit, thereby eliminating the need for separate power supplies and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The USB Type-C connector is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a data communication interface and a power delivery interface. This multi-functional approach allows a single connector to replace what would traditionally require separate connectors for data and power, simplifying the overall system architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gateway and broadband termination unit are physically separated, then network updates can be independently managed, but separate power supplies are required
Solution Approach 1:
The USB Type-C cable acts as an intermediary that bridges both data and power transmission between the physically separated gateway and broadband termination unit. This mediator enables the termination unit to receive both control signals for updates and electrical power through the same connection, maintaining physical separation while simplifying power distribution
3Stability of the object's composition
If existing system boards are used without power redistribution capability, then current architecture is maintained, but additional power sockets are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters transmitted through the cable by implementing power delivery over the USB Type-C connection. Instead of using only data signals, the system utilizes the power capability of the USB Type-C interface to transmit electrical energy, thereby powering the broadband termination unit without requiring additional power infrastructure
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
This solution allows for efficient power distribution and data communication between separated units, reducing the need for multiple power sources and sockets, and enabling the powering of network processors and system boards without additional power infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage converter coupled to the connector and configured to generate an internal supply voltage supplying the broadband termination unit based on a voltage at the connector
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided where one of a first device or a second device is supplied with power by the other one of the first device or the second device. Supplying may be done via a universal serial bus cable like a universal serial bus Type-C cable.