USB PD Voltage Auto-Detection for Adaptive Source Capability

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power delivery systems in USB specifications rely on pre-configured power capabilities in the source device, limiting flexibility and adaptability to various power supply characteristics, and do not dynamically determine the power supply's capabilities before advertising them to the sink device.

Innovation Solution

A voltage auto-detection power distribution (PD) controller that monitors an input signal to detect connected devices, iteratively configures a power supply to generate multiple output voltages, measures these voltages, and transmits the measured values as communication packets to the sink device, allowing for dynamic determination and advertisement of power capabilities without pre-configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If power capabilities are hard-coded in the source device, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to various power supply characteristics is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to power supply characteristicsVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary voltage measurement and capability detection before power delivery negotiation. The source device measures its actual power supply capabilities across multiple voltage levels prior to advertising them to the sink device, ensuring accurate capability representation without requiring complex pre-configured tables

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The source device autonomously determines its own power capabilities by measuring voltages across multiple levels using its internal controller and measurement circuitry. This self-measurement approach eliminates the need for external configuration or complex hard-coded capability tables, achieving adaptability while maintaining simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple voltage levels are pre-configured, then the power delivery versatility is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements and design restrictions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery versatilityVSAvoiddesign restrictions and tolerances

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary voltage measurement and capability detection before power delivery negotiation. The source device measures its actual power supply capabilities across multiple voltage levels prior to advertising them to the sink device, ensuring accurate capability representation without requiring complex pre-configured tables

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically determines voltage capabilities by measuring actual voltage levels across multiple discrete levels (e.g., 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V). This parameter-based measurement approach allows the system to adapt to manufacturing variations and tolerances rather than requiring strict adherence to predetermined voltage values

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If pre-configured power capabilities are used, then the device initialization is fast, but the flexibility and adaptability to various devices are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice initialization speedVSAvoidflexibility to various devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary voltage measurement and capability detection before power delivery negotiation. The source device measures its actual power supply capabilities across multiple voltage levels prior to advertising them to the sink device, ensuring accurate capability representation without requiring complex pre-configured tables

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The source device autonomously determines its own power capabilities by measuring voltages across multiple levels using its internal controller and measurement circuitry. This self-measurement approach eliminates the need for external configuration or complex hard-coded capability tables, achieving adaptability while maintaining simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3563517B1Dynamic learning of voltage source capabilities

Publication Date: 2023.08.23 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

A system may include a power supply (100) configurable to generate any of a plurality of output voltages on a power supply output node. The system also may include a voltage auto-detection power distribution (PD) controller (120) coupled to the power supply (102). The voltage auto- detection PD controller (120) is configured to monitor an input signal for detection of presence of a device (80) coupled to the system via a cable (90) and assert combinations of a plurality of control signals. For each combination of control signals, the voltage auto-detection PD controller (120) measures a value of an output voltage from the power supply (102), stores the measured value, and generates a plurality of packets for transmission to the device (80). Each packet contains a parameter indicative of a measured output voltage.