USB Hub Power Control via Port-State Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial USB hubs continuously consume power when connected to user devices, significantly reducing their standby time.
Innovation Solution
An extension device with a power control circuit that selectively turns on a USB hub based on the states of its connection ports, using a multiplexer to manage power distribution and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the USB hub is continuously activated when connected to the electronic device, then the data transmission and device coupling functionality is maintained, but the power consumption increases and standby time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The USB hub's power state is made dynamic rather than static. The power control circuit dynamically adjusts the USB hub's activation state based on real-time detection of connection port states. When external devices are detected, the USB hub remains active; when no external devices are present, the USB hub enters a low-power state. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining functionality and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback mechanism is implemented where the power control circuit continuously monitors the state of connection ports and uses this information to control the USB hub's power state. The system detects whether external devices are connected and feeds this information back to the power control circuit, which then adjusts the USB hub accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the USB hub only consumes power when necessary, resolving the contradiction between continuous operation and power savings.
2Ease of operation
If the USB hub remains continuously active, then external devices can be immediately accessed, but heat production increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the USB hub operates periodically based on detected needs. The power control circuit periodically checks the connection port states and activates the USB hub only when external devices are present. This periodic activation pattern reduces cumulative heat generation while maintaining the ability to quickly access external devices when needed, as the hub is activated on-demand rather than continuously.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the USB hub is activated only when external devices are connected, then power consumption is reduced, but response time for device access may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power control circuit performs preliminary detection of connection port states to determine whether external devices are present before activating the USB hub. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare for potential USB hub activation in advance. When external devices are detected, the USB hub can be quickly activated since the detection has already occurred, minimizing access time while still maintaining power savings when no external devices are connected.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides an extension device applicable to an electronic device. The extension device includes multiple connection ports, an USB hub, a multiplexer and a power control circuit. The connection ports include a first connection port, a second connection port and at least one third connection port. The USB hub is coupled to the second connection port and the at least one third connection port. The multiplexer is coupled to the first connection port, the second connection port and the USB hub. The power control circuit is coupled to the connection ports, the multiplexer and the USB hub, and is configured to selectively turn on the USB hub according to a state of the second connection port and a state of the at least one third connection port when the first connection port is in an operating state.