USB-C Connector Port Reset Mechanism for Wrong-Orientation Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard USB C-type connectors lack mechanical polarization, leading to potential damage from incorrect plug orientation and incompatibility issues, which can result in damage to both the target board and USB devices due to differential signal mismatches and low impedance connections.
Innovation Solution
A modified connector port with additional safety features, including a pin configured to trigger a reset mechanism to a safe state when an incompatible or incorrectly oriented plug is connected, ensuring the board and connected devices are protected from electrical damage by bringing the circuits to a high impedance state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a USB C-type connector is used, then the connector can be connected with both orientations (mechanical symmetry), but damage may occur from incorrect plug orientation and incompatibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a detection mechanism that identifies incorrect connector orientations or incompatible devices before electrical damage can occur. When a mismatch is detected, the system proactively activates a protection mechanism that isolates the circuits, preventing harmful electrical connections from being established in the first place
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary protection mechanism between the connector and the internal circuits. This intermediary layer detects connection status and compatibility, acting as a mediator that either allows normal operation or activates isolation to prevent damage, thus protecting the system without requiring changes to the USB connector standard itself
2Area of stationary object
If a USB C-type connector is used, then small size and footprint are achieved, but incompatibility with non-USB devices can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing compatibility detection and classification before establishing full electrical connection. The system detects the connector type and orientation in advance, classifies the device compatibility, and prepares appropriate protection measures beforehand, preventing damage from incompatible devices while maintaining the compact USB C-type form factor
3Adaptability or versatility
If differential signal pins are connected to low impedance voltage sources, then connection flexibility is improved, but voltage level mismatches can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a detection mechanism that monitors the electrical characteristics of connected devices. When a voltage level mismatch or impedance conflict is detected, the system receives feedback about the incompatible connection and activates protection measures to isolate the circuits, preventing damage while maintaining connection flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit is disclosed having one or more circuits, a connector portion coupled to the one or more circuits, and comprising a plurality of pins. When the connector portion is coupled with a first connector in a first orientation, the one or more circuits are configured to operate in a first state, and when the connector portion is coupled with the first connector in a second orientation, at least one pin of the plurality of pins receives a signal causing the one or more circuits to operate in a second state different from the first state. The second orientation being different from the first orientation.