USB PD Overcurrent Protection Circuit with Dual Threshold Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing power transmission ability and data transmission velocity in USBs with power delivery functions pose a risk of overcurrent damage to electronic devices, necessitating an effective protection mechanism to ensure safety and system compatibility.
Innovation Solution
An overcurrent protection circuit and method that includes voltage conversion, current detection circuits, and a microcontroller to monitor and manage working currents, disabling the switch and stopping voltage conversion when excessive currents are detected, thereby preventing damage and ensuring safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If USB power delivery function provides high-power charging, then power transmission ability is improved, but rush current may cause damage to electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary overcurrent protection actions by detecting current levels before damage occurs. The protection circuit monitors current in real-time and preemptively disables the power delivery function when current exceeds safe thresholds, preventing rush current damage before it can harm the electronic device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a protection circuit as an intermediary between the power delivery function and the electronic device. This intermediary component monitors current flow and controls the power transmission, acting as a mediator that allows safe power delivery while blocking harmful rush currents from reaching the device.
2Reliability
If overcurrent protection mechanism is implemented, then device safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection circuit operates autonomously to monitor current and trigger protection mechanisms without requiring complex external control systems. The circuit self-manages the detection and response to overcurrent conditions, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the protection mechanism into distinct functional modules: a current detection unit that monitors current levels and a control unit that executes protection actions. This segmentation allows each module to perform its function independently, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring comprehensive protection.
Data Source
AI summary
An overcurrent protection method is provided. The overcurrent protection method is applied to a USB with a PD function. The overcurrent protection method includes the steps of converting an input voltage into a first voltage to provide power to the first electronic device; determining whether the working current of the first electronic device is greater than a first default value; determining whether the working current of the first electronic device is greater than a second default value; in response to the working current being greater than the first default value, a first sensing signal is generated to disable a switch and to form an open circuit between the first electronic device and the second electronic device; and in response to the working current being greater than the second default value, conversion of the input voltage into the first voltage is stopped.