Programmable Current Sensing Circuit for USB-PD Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic circuits lack flexibility to support multiple, simultaneous functions such as over-current protection, short-circuit detection, and power factor correction, requiring separate reference generators and circuits for each function, which is inefficient and not compatible with universal serial bus-power delivery (USB-PD) Type-C applications.
Innovation Solution
A programmable current sensing circuit with a power control analog subsystem that includes a programmable reference generator, multiplexers, and comparators to provide multiple interrupt functions, allowing concurrent monitoring and control of voltage and current conditions, enabling flexible operation across various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate reference generators and circuits are used for each function (over-current protection, short-circuit detection, power factor correction), then each function can be reliably performed, but the device complexity and circuit inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reference generators and monitoring circuits into a single integrated power control analog subsystem. The subsystem uses a single reference voltage source that is shared across all monitoring functions (over-current protection, short-circuit detection, power factor correction, synchronous rectification), eliminating the need for separate reference generators and reducing circuit complexity while maintaining reliability of all functions
Solution Approach 2:
The power control analog subsystem is designed as a universal platform that can simultaneously perform multiple monitoring and control functions using a common reference generator. The subsystem can be configured to provide over-current protection, short-circuit detection, power factor correction monitoring, and synchronous rectification control all through one integrated circuit, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function
2Device complexity
If a fixed-function circuit is used, then the circuit design is simple, but the adaptability to different applications (such as USB-PD Type-C) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power control analog subsystem incorporates programmable reference voltages that can be dynamically adjusted through digital interface (I2C or SPI). The reference voltage levels can be programmed to match different application requirements (such as USB-PD Type-C specifications), allowing the fixed physical circuit to adapt its electrical characteristics dynamically to support multiple applications and standards without requiring different hardware designs
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a power control analog subsystem of a universal serial bus-power delivery (USB-PD) compatible power supply device. The power control analog subsystem includes a programmable current sensing circuit and a current sense resistor coupled to the power control analog subsystem. The power control analog subsystem is configured to concurrently compare a current flow through the current sense resistor with at least three different reference values, e.g., compare a sensed voltage with at least three different reference voltages.