Programmable Gate Driver Control for USB Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits controlling power delivery in USB devices face challenges such as heating and latch-up due to rapid discharge of bulk capacitors, and require efficient control of charge and discharge rates to manage fault conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system with gate driver control circuits and fault detection mechanisms that include voltage threshold detectors, fault detectors, and programmable gate drivers to manage power switches in USB power delivery, enabling quick voltage discharge and fault response while minimizing heating and latch-up.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If power switches are used to quickly discharge bulk capacitors in USB power delivery, then voltage discharge speed is improved, but heating and latch-up occur in the integrated circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external discharge path as an intermediary mechanism to handle the bulk capacitor discharge current. Instead of routing all discharge current through the integrated circuit's power switches, the system uses an external path with an N-channel MOSFET and discharge resistor, isolating the IC from the harmful high-current discharge events while maintaining fast discharge capability
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge function is segmented into two separate paths: a controlled IC-managed path for normal operation and an external dedicated discharge path for bulk capacitor discharge. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other, enabling fast discharge while protecting the IC
2Productivity
If charge and discharge rates through power switches are increased for optimal system performance, then power delivery efficiency is improved, but control complexity and fault response requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the discharge path selection based on real-time conditions. The discharge control circuit monitors voltage levels and automatically switches between the IC-managed path and external discharge path, optimizing performance while managing complexity through adaptive control rather than static design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the discharge control circuit continuously monitors voltage levels and system state, using this information to determine when to activate the external discharge path. This feedback-based control enables efficient power delivery while automatically managing the complexity of coordinating multiple discharge paths
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for control of power switches in a USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) system are described herein. In an example embodiment, an integrated circuit comprises a programmable gate control circuit coupled to a provider field effect transistor (FET) and a consumer FET to provide control signals to the provider and consumer FETs in response to system conditions and application requirements of the USB-PD system. A pulldown current control circuit may provide additional control to slew rate for the slow turn-ON of provider and consumer FETs.