USB-PD Interface Dynamic Threshold Negotiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply interfaces adapted to USB-PD technology face inefficiencies in managing power delivery to loads, particularly in avoiding unwanted voltage converter malfunctions due to uncontrolled threshold variations during power negotiation and delivery.
Innovation Solution
A power supply interface with a comparator system that adjusts and negotiates power delivery by using a series resistor and switch configuration, along with digital-to-analog converters, to maintain stable voltage and current thresholds, ensuring controlled power adaptation and avoiding converter malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If uncontrolled threshold variations are used during power negotiation, then power delivery flexibility is improved, but converter reliability deteriorates due to unwanted malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment where the high and low thresholds are not fixed but are progressively modified during power negotiation. The circuit delivers successive pairs of threshold values that adapt to the negotiation progress, allowing the system to be flexible during negotiation while maintaining stability during power delivery, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing initial threshold values before power negotiation begins, and by progressively adjusting thresholds in controlled steps during negotiation. This preliminary and staged approach prevents sudden uncontrolled variations that would cause converter malfunctions, while still allowing the thresholds to adapt to the final power agreement
2Adaptability or versatility
If successive threshold pairs are delivered during power negotiation, then power negotiation capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the threshold generation and comparison functions into a single integrated circuit that delivers successive pairs of high and low thresholds internally. This consolidation achieves power negotiation capability without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the circuit self-manages the successive threshold pairs rather than requiring separate external control mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an interface comprising: a terminal for delivering a DC voltage; a comparator for delivering a first signal representative of a comparison of the DC voltage with a high threshold; a comparator for delivering a second signal representative of a comparison of the DC voltage with a low threshold; and a circuit configured to: deliver successive pairs of values of high and low thresholds for a time period after the DC voltage crosses a first value of the low threshold; modify successive pairs of values of the thresholds based on the first and second signals to determine values of thresholds surrounding the DC voltage; and determining a current value of the DC voltage based on the values of thresholds surrounding the DC voltage.