USB-C Connector State Detection for Repeated Interrupt Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices experience malfunctions and increased current consumption due to repeated interrupt signals caused by abnormal changes in connection states when connected to external devices that do not meet USB power-related standards, leading to unstable operations and unnecessary notifications.

Innovation Solution

A method is implemented to clearly recognize the connection state of a USB type-C connector by monitoring the identification terminal for repeated signal toggling and detecting abnormal voltage levels, preventing malfunctions and reducing unnecessary current consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electronic device monitors connection state through the identification terminal, then the device can recognize connection status and enable power transmission, but non-standard external devices cause repeated interrupt signals and abnormal voltage changes leading to increased current consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection state recognition accuracyVSAvoidcurrent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by checking whether the external device is in a suspended state before generating interrupt signals. The processor determines the connection state by monitoring voltage levels at the identification terminal, and only generates interrupt signals when the device transitions from suspended to active state, preventing repeated interrupts during abnormal voltage fluctuations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the voltage level at the identification terminal and using this information to control interrupt signal generation. The processor receives voltage level information as feedback and adjusts its interrupt signal output accordingly, generating interrupts only when voltage changes indicate genuine connection state transitions rather than abnormal fluctuations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the processor generates interrupt signals for every connection state change, then the device can respond to connection events, but non-standard devices cause repeated interrupts leading to unstable operations and unnecessary notifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection event responseVSAvoidoperation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The processor performs preliminary verification by checking the voltage level at the identification terminal before generating interrupt signals. This preliminary action filters out spurious connection events caused by abnormal voltage changes in non-standard devices, ensuring interrupts are only generated for genuine connection state transitions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses voltage level monitoring at the identification terminal as an intermediary mechanism between the physical connection and the interrupt signal generation. This intermediary layer translates physical connection states into controlled electrical signals, preventing direct propagation of abnormal voltage fluctuations to the processor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4354675B1Method for preventing malfunction of connector and electronic apparatus including connector
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4354675B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4354675B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4354675B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An electronic apparatus is provided. The electronic apparatus comprises: a connector including one or more signal terminals; and a control circuit electrically connected to the one or more signal terminals. The control circuit may be configured to: monitor coupling with an external apparatus through an identification terminal among the one or more signal terminals; identify whether a specified number of monitoring signals or more, which are related to the coupling with the external apparatus, are detected for a specified time; and in response to the detection of the monitoring signals identified, on the basis of a voltage of a power terminal among the one or more signal terminals, identify whether the coupling with the external apparatus is detected.