USB Controller Switching Circuit for ESD and EOS Backup Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB interfaces are prone to damage from electro-static discharge (ESD) and electrical over-stress (EOS), leading to functional loss and potential CPU damage, while redundant USB controllers go unused, resulting in interface waste.
Innovation Solution
A USB circuit with a switching switch and power-supply detecting circuit that connects operating and idle USB controllers in series, allowing automatic switching to a backup controller when abnormalities occur, and detects USB device access through power line current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If USB interfaces are directly connected to USB controllers without backup, then the structure is simple, but the reliability deteriorates due to ESD and EOS damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring a backup USB controller and switching mechanism before any damage occurs. The backup controller is ready in advance, and the switching circuit is pre-established, so that when ESD or EOS damage occurs to the operating controller, the system can immediately switch to the backup controller without manual intervention or system shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state parameter of the USB controllers by introducing a switching mechanism that can alter which controller is active. The switching circuit changes the connection state between the USB socket and controllers based on the operational status, transforming a static one-to-one mapping into a dynamic configurable connection that can adapt to controller failure conditions.
2Reliability
If redundant USB controllers are configured for backup, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switching circuit as an intermediary component between the USB socket and the controllers. This intermediary automatically manages the connection between the USB socket and either the operating or backup controller based on detected controller status, eliminating the need for complex software management or manual configuration of redundant controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service through automatic detection and switching mechanisms. The switching circuit automatically detects when the operating controller becomes abnormal and autonomously switches to the backup controller without requiring user intervention, system reconfiguration, or complex management software, thereby simplifying the overall system complexity despite having redundant controllers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If USB controllers are directly connected without switching mechanism, then the ease of operation is high, but the adaptability deteriorates when controller damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the USB controller functionality into separate independent units (operating controller and backup controller), each capable of independently handling USB operations. The switching circuit segments the connection path, allowing independent operation of each controller and enabling seamless transition between them when one becomes damaged.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple USB controllers are connected with switching capability, then the adaptability improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring controller status worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the switching circuit continuously monitors the operational status of the USB controllers and automatically receives status information. When the operating controller becomes abnormal, the feedback mechanism triggers an automatic switch to the backup controller, simplifying the detection process by using direct electrical status detection rather than complex software diagnostics.
Data Source
AI summary
An USB circuit includes a USB socket, USB controllers, a switching switch and a power-supply detecting circuit, and the USB controllers include an operating USB controller and an idle USB controller. The operating USB controller is a USB controller normally connected to the switching switch, and the idle USB controller is a USB controller connected to the switching switch when the operating USB controller has abnormality. The switching switch decomposes a USB signal transmitted in the power line of the USB socket into a plurality of channels of signals, and connects the channels of the USB signals obtained by the decomposing to the operating USB controller and the idle USB controller. The power-supply detecting circuit detects whether the power line of the USB socket outputs an electric current of the USB interface in the USB socket to determine whether the USB interface has been accessed by a USB device.