USB Cable Assembly ID Pin Control for Simultaneous Charging and Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB OTG devices cannot simultaneously charge their internal batteries and perform communication with peripheral devices through a single connector, due to voltage collisions on the VBUS line caused by the order of device connections, requiring complex device structures and attention to connection order.
Innovation Solution
A cable assembly with a micro-AB plug and standard-A receptacle that controls the ID pin to prevent voltage collisions by putting it into a ground state when charging and a floating state when not charging, allowing the portable device to act as a host or peripheral device without modifying the USB controller, enabling simultaneous charging and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single micro-AB receptacle is used for both charging and peripheral device connection, then device downsizing is achieved, but voltage collisions occur on the VBUS line due to connection order
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary device between the portable device and external devices. The adapter includes a micro-AB plug that connects to the portable device's single receptacle, and provides separate connection terminals for charging devices and peripheral devices. This intermediary structure allows simultaneous connection without voltage collision because the adapter internally manages the VBUS line connections - connecting it to the charging device terminal when charging is needed, and to the peripheral device terminal when communication is needed, thus preventing the voltage collision that would occur with direct single-receptacle usage
2Ease of operation
If either USB charger or peripheral device is connected to the single receptacle, then connection simplicity is maintained, but simultaneous charging and communication cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single receptacle functionality into separate connection terminals within the adapter - one terminal dedicated for charging devices and another terminal for peripheral devices. The adapter's micro-AB plug receives power on its VBUS line from the portable device, and then distributes this power to the appropriate terminal based on connection status. This segmentation allows the portable device to simultaneously charge (through the charging device terminal) and communicate (through the peripheral device terminal) without requiring multiple receptacles, thus maintaining connection simplicity while enabling simultaneous operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If a special device like standard-ACA is used to enable peripheral device connection during charging, then simultaneous charging and communication is achieved, but device structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the adapter with universal multi-functionality to reduce structural complexity. The adapter includes a micro-AB plug that can universally connect to any portable device with a micro-AB receptacle, regardless of the specific portable device model. The adapter's circuitry is designed to automatically detect connection status and route VBUS power appropriately - to the peripheral device terminal when only a peripheral is connected, or to the charging device terminal when a charger is connected. This universal design approach allows the same adapter structure to serve multiple purposes (charging enablement, peripheral connection, and simultaneous operation) without requiring complex device-specific modifications, thus achieving simultaneous charging and communication with relatively simple structure
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect includes a system, including: a portable device having a receptacle; and a cable assembly including a plug connectable to the receptacle; the cable assembly including: a first connection for a peripheral device; a second connection for a charger; and a control section that indicates a charging mode to the portable device permitting connection of both the charger and the peripheral device to the portable device. Other aspects are described and claimed.