USB OTG Current Switching Control Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices supporting the OTG protocol have poor universality due to different power supply modes caused by distinct chips, limiting their ability to power or be powered by other devices.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a USB OTG interface, a booster current-limiting circuit, and a measuring and controlling unit that adjusts the resistance value of the current-limiting circuit based on user input, allowing the device to supply multiple currents to connected devices, thereby improving compatibility with devices operating under different current values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different chips are used for discharge and charge circuits, then specific power supply modes can be achieved, but universality deteriorates and devices cannot power each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified chip design that integrates both discharge and charge circuit functions into a single controller. This universal chip can operate in multiple modes: discharge mode, charge mode, and bidirectional power transfer mode, allowing any OTG device to potentially power another OTG device regardless of device type, thereby achieving universality while maintaining reliable power supply modes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching between different power supply modes through a control unit that detects connection states and automatically adjusts the chip's operating mode. The system can dynamically transition between discharge mode, charge mode, and power transfer mode based on real-time detection of USB ID pin states and connection configurations, enabling adaptive universality
2Device complexity
If a fixed current-limiting resistance is used, then circuit protection is simplified, but adaptability to different current requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed current-limiting resistance with a dynamically adjustable resistance controlled by a control unit. The control unit detects the connected device's current requirements and automatically adjusts the current-limiting resistance value in real-time, allowing the same circuit to safely support multiple current specifications (e.g., 500mA, 900mA, 1.5A) without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resistance parameter dynamically based on detection results. The control unit monitors USB ID pin states and connection types, then adjusts the current-limiting resistance value accordingly - using higher resistance for low-current devices and lower resistance for high-current devices, achieving parameter adaptability while maintaining simple circuit protection
3Ease of operation
If automatic power detection is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power detection function with the existing USB connection detection mechanism. The control unit utilizes the already-present USB ID pin detection capability to infer power transfer needs, combining connection detection and power mode selection into a single integrated control process, thereby improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service automatic detection where the control unit autonomously determines the appropriate power mode based on USB ID pin states without requiring manual user input. The detection algorithm automatically identifies connection types (OTG-to-OTG, OTG-to-standard USB) and configures power transfer parameters independently, improving ease of operation while keeping the control circuit relatively simple through intelligent algorithms
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
Enables the first device to supply multiple currents to the second device, enhancing the universality of the control device and allowing it to connect to electronic devices with varying current requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a booster current-limiting circuit connected between the USB OTG interface and the USB interface, where the booster current-limiting circuit, the USB OTG interface, and the USB interface form a line for the first device to supply power to the second device
Implementation Method 2
a measuring and controlling unit connected to the booster current-limiting circuit, a physical key connected to the measuring and controlling unit, wherein the measuring and controlling unit is configured to change, in a case that a current switching request is received from the physical key, a resistance value of a current-limiting circuit in the booster current-limiting circuit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention discloses a control device for current switching and an electronic device. The control device for current switching disclosed in embodiments of the present invention includes: a USB OTG interface for connecting to a device; a USB interface for connecting to the device; a booster current-limiting circuit connected between the USB OTG interface and the USB interface, where the booster current-limiting circuit, the USB OTG interface, and the USB interface form a line for the device to supply power to a device; and a measuring and controlling unit connected to the booster current-limiting circuit, where the measuring and controlling unit is configured to change, after a current switching request is received, a resistance value of a current-limiting circuit in the booster current-limiting circuit, so that the first device supplies a corresponding current to the second device. The control device for current switching and the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention can improve universality of the control device for current switching.