USB Device Power Bypass Path for PD Pass-Through Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB hubs experience power insufficiency during high-power operations when switching from high-voltage to low-voltage power delivery in PD pass-through mode, causing interruptions in connected devices like mobile phones during video playback or screen flickering.
Innovation Solution
A USB device with a first and second switch, and a power converter that provides a lower voltage, allowing for a power bypass path during configuration channel communication, enabling continuous high-power supply without voltage reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the USB hub uses PD pass-through mode to supply high power to external apparatus, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but when configuration channel communication is performed, the output voltage must be decreased causing power insufficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply path is segmented into two independent channels: a high-voltage power delivery channel (9V/3A) for power transmission and a low-voltage configuration channel (5V) for communication. The first switch controls the high-voltage channel while the second switch controls the low-voltage channel, allowing simultaneous operation without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a power converter as an intermediary device that converts high-voltage power delivery (9V) to low-voltage communication power (5V). This intermediary enables the configuration channel to obtain sufficient power independently without requiring the adapter to reduce its output voltage.
2Power
If the adapter output voltage is decreased from 9V to 5V for configuration channel communication, then communication power is sufficient, but the USB hub cannot maintain high power-consumption operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes the dual-switch power supply architecture in advance, with the power converter and switching circuitry pre-configured. When configuration channel communication is detected, the system can immediately switch to the appropriate power path without voltage reduction, preventing operation interruptions before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter delivery mechanism by introducing independent voltage control for different channels. The high-voltage channel maintains 9V/3A for power-intensive operations while the low-voltage channel provides 5V for communication, with each channel's voltage parameter independently controllable through dedicated switches.
3Device complexity
If a single power supply path is used for both high-voltage power delivery and low-voltage communication, then device complexity is reduced, but power supply stability during mode switching deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit is segmented into distinct high-voltage and low-voltage paths with separate switching control. This segmentation allows each path to operate independently with optimized parameters, improving power supply stability during mode transitions while maintaining manageable circuit complexity through modular architecture.
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
Prevents power insufficiency and interruptions by maintaining power supply through a power bypass path during configuration channel communication, ensuring stable operation of connected devices without reducing output voltage.
Implementation Method 1
The power converter is configured to provide a second voltage, and the second voltage is lower than the first voltage
Implementation Method 2
during a configuration detection period for the external apparatus, the first switch being turned off and the second switch being turned on
Data Source
AI summary
A USB device and an operation method thereof are provided. The USB device includes a first switch, a second switch, a power converter, and a first USB connector. A first terminal of the first switch is configured to receive a first voltage. The power converter is configured to provide a second voltage, and the second voltage is less than the first voltage. A first terminal of the second switch is coupled to the power converter to receive the second voltage. A first power pin of the first USB connector is coupled to a second terminal of the first switch and a second terminal of the second switch.