USB Receptacle Keying for Multi-Voltage Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB standards limit client devices to specific voltages, requiring additional voltage regulator circuits, increasing cost, resource usage, and design complexity, while many applications require less current than allowed by the USB +Power interface.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a USB receptacle and plug device with mechanical key structures and voltage regulator circuits to enable the delivery of multiple voltages (e.g., 1.2V, 1.5V, 3.3V, 5V, 12V, 24V) and corresponding grounds, allowing flexible voltage output without additional circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If USB standards limit client devices to specific voltages, then device compatibility is ensured, but additional voltage regulator circuits are required, increasing cost and design complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The USB connector is designed with multiple keys (e.g., keys A, B, C, D) that can be selectively activated to support different voltage standards (5V, 12V, 20V). This allows a single connector to universally support multiple voltage levels without requiring separate regulator circuits for each standard, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining broad compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the voltage parameter delivered through the USB interface by selectively enabling different keys. Each key corresponds to a specific voltage level, allowing the system to dynamically adjust the output voltage based on the connected device's requirements, eliminating the need for complex regulator circuits.
2Power
If USB +Power interface provides high current (up to 6A), then power delivery capability is improved, but many applications require less current, leading to resource underutilization
Solution Approach 1:
The USB power interface is designed to dynamically adjust current delivery based on the connected device's actual needs. By using key-based voltage selection and negotiated power protocols, the system delivers only the necessary current (from milliamps to 6A) rather than always providing maximum power, thereby preventing energy underutilization while maintaining high power delivery capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the current parameter delivered through the USB interface based on device requirements. Different key combinations and voltage levels enable the interface to adapt current delivery from low (for small devices) to high (for power-hungry devices), optimizing energy utilization across different application scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of providing multi-voltage power over USB are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a USB receptacle device includes upper and lower receptacle connection portions and a mechanical key structure. Each portion has a set of longitudinal contacts composed of a conducting material. Further, one of the set of longitudinal contacts of the lower receptacle connection portion is configured to provide a first voltage and two of the set of longitudinal contacts of the upper receptacle connection portion are configured to provide second and third voltages, with the second and third voltages being different voltages. The mechanical key structure is disposed in the upper receptacle connection portion and has a set of longitudinal keys configured in a certain key arrangement. Each key arrangement represents a certain assignment of the second and third voltages provided at the two of the set of longitudinal contacts of the upper receptacle connection portion.