USB Type-C CC Pin Overvoltage Protection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The mechanical structure of USB type-C connectors can cause short circuits between the configuration channel (CC) pin and the power (Vbus) pin, leading to potential damage from high voltage, as the CC pin is adjacent to the Vbus pin, and existing solutions fail to provide adequate protection during overvoltage events.
Innovation Solution
A USB apparatus with a terminal resistor circuit and an overvoltage protection circuit that includes a terminal switch and resistor, where the switch is turned on during configuration detection and turned off during power saving periods, but instantly turned on to step down voltage when an overvoltage event occurs at the CC pin, protecting the terminal switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the USB connector uses a compact mechanical structure with CC pin adjacent to Vbus pin, then the connector size is miniaturized, but the risk of short circuit and overvoltage damage to the CC pin increases
Solution Approach 1:
A protection circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the Vbus pin and the CC pin. This protection circuit includes a switching element that can be rapidly activated to block or divert excessive voltage, preventing direct damage to the CC pin while maintaining the compact connector structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection circuit is pre-configured and monitored during normal operation. When voltage thresholds are approached or exceeded, the protection mechanism is preemptively activated before damage can occur. This preliminary protective action ensures the CC pin is safeguarded against overvoltage conditions that may arise from the close proximity to Vbus.
2Reliability
If the terminal switch remains on continuously to protect against overvoltage, then the CC pin is protected, but power consumption increases during power-saving periods
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal switch transitions from a static on/off state to a dynamic, adaptively controlled state. The switch remains off during normal power-saving periods to minimize power consumption, but can be rapidly activated when overvoltage conditions are detected. This dynamic control optimizes the balance between protection reliability and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
A voltage monitoring mechanism continuously detects voltage levels at the CC pin and provides feedback to the control logic. When overvoltage conditions are detected, the feedback signal triggers the terminal switch to turn on, providing protection. When normal conditions resume, the switch turns off to save power, creating a responsive feedback-based protection system.
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 detects and mitigates overvoltage events at the CC pin by instantly turning on the terminal switch in the terminal resistor circuit, reducing voltage across the switch and preventing damage.
Implementation Method 1
the overvoltage protection circuit may control the terminal resistor circuit to turn on the terminal switch in the terminal resistor circuit to instantly step down a voltage across the terminal switch
Data Source
AI summary
A USB apparatus and an operation method thereof are provided. The USB apparatus includes a USB connector, a terminal resistor circuit, and an overvoltage protection circuit. The terminal resistor circuit includes a terminal resistor and a terminal switch connected to each other in series. The terminal resistor and the terminal switch jointly provide a current path between a configuration channel (CC) pin of the USB connector and a reference voltage. The terminal switch is turned on during a configuration detection period. During a power saving period after the configuration detection period ends, the overvoltage protection circuit controls the terminal resistor circuit to turn off the terminal switch. The overvoltage protection circuit detects an overvoltage event at the CC pin. When an overvoltage event occurs at the CC pin, the overvoltage protection circuit controls the terminal resistor circuit to turn on the terminal switch.