USB Interface Control Circuit for Corrosion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In USB 3.1 connectors, moisture can cause corrosion of the identification terminal and lead to unnecessary power consumption due to the periodic application of a predetermined current for role definition.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a USB interface that includes a receptacle with symmetrically arranged pins and a control circuit to sense the insertion of an external connector, apply a current only when necessary, and monitor the connection to prevent corrosion and optimize power use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a predetermined current is periodically applied to the identification terminal to define the role of external device, then the role definition function is improved, but power consumption increases and corrosion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a control circuit that periodically applies predetermined current to the identification terminal only when an external connector is detected. The control circuit senses connector insertion and triggers current application in periodic cycles rather than continuously, thereby maintaining role definition functionality while reducing overall power consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification terminal serves itself by using the applied current to automatically define its own role (host or device) based on the resistance value detected during periodic current application. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external role assignment and reduces the need for continuous monitoring, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a predetermined current is periodically applied to the identification terminal to define the role of external device, then the role definition function is improved, but corrosion of identification terminal occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit implements periodic current application to the identification terminal rather than continuous application. By sensing external connector insertion and triggering current application only during connection events, the patent reduces the cumulative exposure of the identification terminal to current and moisture, thereby minimizing corrosion while maintaining role definition functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the current application function from continuous operation and confines it to specific triggered events (connector insertion). The control circuit separates the role definition function from continuous power supply, applying current only when necessary, which reduces moisture exposure and corrosion risk to the identification terminal.
3Reliability
If current is continuously applied to identification terminal, then role definition is maintained, but unnecessary power consumption occurs when no device is connected
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit implements feedback by sensing whether an external connector is inserted into the receptacle and using this information to control current application to the identification terminal. When no connector is detected, the control circuit stops current application, eliminating unnecessary power consumption. When a connector is detected, the control circuit activates current application to maintain role definition, thus optimizing energy usage based on real-time connection status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the current application dynamic by transitioning from continuous static current supply to conditional dynamic current supply. The control circuit adjusts current application based on connection status, activating current only when an external connector is present and deactivating it when absent, thereby eliminating unnecessary power consumption while maintaining role definition reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device supporting a universal serial bus (USB) interface operating according to various embodiments includes: a housing; an opening provided in a part of the housing; a receptacle arranged in the opening and including a pin mounting portion where a plurality of first receptacle pins and a plurality of second receptacle pins are provided; and a control circuit for sensing a connection between the receptacle and an external connector, wherein, when the connection between the receptacle and the external connector is sensed, the control circuit may apply a predetermined current to any one of the plurality of first receptacle pins and the plurality of second receptacle pins.Various other embodiments are possible.