USB-C Receptacle Water Detection Before Safe Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB type-C receptacles face corrosion and damage due to foreign matter, particularly water, as existing methods cannot accurately distinguish between connection pull-down and water-induced pull-down phenomena, leading to potential corrosion of pins before bus power is provided.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a USB type-C receptacle interface that includes multiple current sources and a power delivery integrated circuit (PDIC) to differentiate between connection and water presence by varying current levels across pins, ensuring safe operation before providing bus power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pull-up current is provided to CC1 or CC2 pins to detect USB device connection, then connection detection capability is improved, but risk of pin corrosion due to water presence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current detection function into multiple independent current sources (first current source for CC1/CC2 pins, second current source for other pins, third current source for additional pins). This segmentation allows separate detection of connection status and water presence, enabling the system to provide pull-up current for connection detection while simultaneously detecting water through voltage monitoring on other pins, thus resolving the contradiction between connection detection capability and pin corrosion risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary water detection before providing bus power to the receptacle. By using the second current source to apply current to pins excluding CC1 and CC2, and monitoring voltage levels beforehand, the system can detect water presence in advance and prevent power delivery that would cause corrosion, thereby protecting pins before harmful effects occur
2Measurement precision
If multiple current sources are added to detect water presence, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power delivery integrated circuit (PDIC) multi-functional by integrating multiple current sources (first, second, and third current sources) within a single IC. This universal design allows the PDIC to perform connection detection, water detection, and power delivery control functions simultaneously, improving water detection accuracy while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration
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
Effectively prevents corrosion by accurately detecting water presence, reducing the risk of pin damage and ensuring safe power delivery by distinguishing between connection and water-induced voltage changes.
Implementation Method 1
detect a voltage level of a signal outputted to one or more pins of the plurality of pins
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device for determining whether a foreign substance (e.g., water) is present and a method of operating the same are provided. The semiconductor device includes a receptacle including a plurality of pins according to a USB type-C receptacle interface; a first current source providing first current to a CC1 signal pin or a CC2 signal pin among the plurality of pins in a first operation mode; a second current source providing second current to the CC1 signal pin or the CC2 signal pin in a second operation mode; a third current source providing third current to at least two pins of other pins excluding the CC1 signal pin and the CC2 signal pin; and a power delivery integrated circuit (PDIC) controlling the first current source, the second current source and the third current source and detecting the voltage level of a signal outputted to the plurality of pins.