USB Charger Identification Circuit for Inactive Laptop Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laptop computers in inactive modes cannot charge compliant USB devices through their USB ports due to the need for active communication, limiting charging options for devices like cell phones and music players.
Innovation Solution
A USB dedicated charger identification circuit that selectively couples voltage dividers or shorts the D+ and D− contacts to emulate multiple dedicated charger protocols, allowing charging even when the laptop is in an inactive mode by using a combination of Apple and USBIF identification protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a laptop computer is in an inactive mode, then battery life is extended, but USB devices cannot be charged through the laptop's USB connector
Solution Approach 1:
The USB host automatically detects the type of USB device connected and self-configures the identification circuit without user intervention. The system monitors the USB data lines for device responses and automatically switches between Apple and USBIF identification protocols as needed, enabling charging in inactive mode when appropriate devices are detected.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single identification protocol is used, then device complexity is reduced, but compatibility with different USB device types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The identification circuit is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both Apple and USBIF identification protocols. The circuit includes switching mechanisms that enable it to operate in different identification modes based on the connected device type, making a single circuit universally compatible with various USB device standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification circuit dynamically switches between Apple and USBIF protocols based on real-time detection of the connected USB device type. The system monitors the USB data lines for device responses and automatically transitions between identification modes, making the circuit adaptable rather than static.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple identification protocols are supported, then compatibility with various USB devices is improved, but the identification circuit becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the USB data lines as an intermediary communication channel to detect device type and trigger appropriate identification protocol selection. By monitoring responses on these existing data lines, the system determines whether an Apple or USBIF device is connected and activates the corresponding identification circuit configuration without requiring separate detection mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If automatic protocol detection is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the USB data lines for device responses during the identification process. When a USB device is connected, the host sends identification signals and detects the device's response on the data lines. Based on this feedback, the system automatically determines the device type and switches to the appropriate identification protocol, creating a closed-loop automatic detection system.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, set forth by way of example and not limitation, a USB dedicated charger identification circuit includes a USB D+ port, a USB D− port, a first circuit conforming to a first identification protocol, a second circuit conforming to a second identification protocol, and logic selectively coupling one of the first circuit and the second circuit to the USB D+ port and the USB D− port. In an alternate embodiment set forth by way of example and not limitation, a method to provide USB charger identification includes providing a first USB charger identification at a USB D+ port and a D− port, Next, it is detected if the first USB charger identification was inappropriate. Then, if the first USB charger identification was inappropriate, a second USB charger identification is provided at the USB D+ port and the D− port.