USB Type-C Discharge Circuit with Dynamic Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current USB Type-C connectors lack an effective method to control the discharge of the VBUS pin voltage according to the specified protocols, which can lead to issues such as Over Temperature Protection triggering and improper slew rate management during discharging.
Innovation Solution
A discharge circuit and method that adjust the magnitude of a discharge load to meet preset conditions for power consumption and discharge time, and detect voltage changes to adjust the slew rate within specified ranges, ensuring safe and efficient discharging of the VBUS pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a discharge load is used to discharge the VBUS pin voltage, then the voltage can be discharged, but the power consumption may trigger Over Temperature Protection (OTP)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the discharge load adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the magnitude of the discharge load during the discharge process to balance power consumption and discharge effectiveness, preventing OTP while ensuring complete discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of discharge load magnitude during the discharge process. By adjusting the discharge load magnitude based on real-time voltage measurements, the system optimizes power consumption to avoid triggering OTP while maintaining effective discharge functionality.
2Speed
If the discharge load magnitude is increased to reduce discharge time, then discharge speed improves, but the slew rate may exceed specified ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously detecting the voltage on the VBUS pin and using this information to adjust the discharge load magnitude. This closed-loop control ensures the slew rate remains within specified ranges while achieving efficient discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge load magnitude is dynamically adjusted during the discharge process based on real-time voltage detection. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize discharge speed while maintaining slew rate within acceptable limits, resolving the contradiction between speed and control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the discharge load magnitude is decreased to reduce power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but discharge time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic adjustment of the discharge load magnitude based on voltage thresholds. The controller periodically evaluates the voltage level and adjusts the discharge load accordingly, creating an optimized discharge pattern that balances power consumption and discharge time.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge load magnitude parameter is changed during the discharge process based on voltage conditions. This parameter adjustment allows the system to minimize power consumption while maintaining acceptable discharge time by using lower discharge load magnitudes when voltage is high and increasing them when voltage decreases.
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
The solution effectively controls the discharge process, preventing Over Temperature Protection and maintaining a suitable slew rate, ensuring compliance with USB Type-C protocols and safe operation of the USB connector.
Implementation Method 1
a discharge load configured to discharge the voltage of the first pin
Data Source
AI summary
In a general aspect, a discharge circuit for discharging a voltage from a USB connector pin can include a discharge load configured to discharge the voltage from the pin. The discharge circuit can also include a first control circuit configured to adjust a magnitude of the discharge load during discharging, such that power consumption is less than or equal to a discharge power limit, and a discharge time is less than or equal to a discharge time limit. The discharge circuit can further include a second control circuit configured to detect whether the voltage of the pin is changed based on a first reference voltage during discharging and adjust the magnitude of the discharge load in response to the change in the voltage of the pin, such that a slew rate of the voltage is less than or equal to a slew rate limit.