USB Port Controller Power Contract Negotiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional USB systems are limited in their ability to charge larger devices with greater power needs, as they can only provide low-level power, necessitating the use of bulky barreljack connections for mains power supply, whereas newer USB Type C systems with power delivery capabilities can source and sink power at higher levels, eliminating the need for such connections but require complex power negotiation processes.
Innovation Solution
A USB Type C/PD-compatible electronic device port system that includes a port manager and port controller to negotiate power contracts, with a switch to establish an electrical pathway for power transfer, allowing the system to source power from a mains adapter and sink power to another device, even when the primary controller is incapacitated, thereby reducing downtime and negotiation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional USB systems are used to transfer data and provide low-level power, then data transfer between devices is enabled and small devices can be charged, but larger devices with greater power needs cannot be charged and bulky barreljack connections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The USB Type-C connector is designed to perform multiple functions including data transfer, low-power charging, and high-power delivery through a single universal interface, replacing the need for separate barreljack connections. The connector integrates both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 capabilities along with Power Delivery support, allowing one connector type to serve diverse power and data needs.
2Ease of operation
If USB Type C systems with power delivery capability are used to source and sink power at greater levels, then the need for bulky barreljack connections is eliminated, but complex power negotiation processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs power capability negotiation and contract establishment before actual power transfer begins. The port controller and port manager exchange messages to determine supported voltage and current levels, establish power contracts, and configure the electrical pathway in advance, ensuring that when power delivery starts, all parameters are already agreed upon and the connection is ready for immediate high-power transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB Type-C connector serves as an intermediary that manages the complex power negotiation between devices. It incorporates configuration channels and control logic that automatically handle the negotiation of power contracts, voltage levels, and current capabilities, shielding the user from the complexity while enabling high-power delivery.
3Reliability
If the primary controller (port manager) is incapacitated due to low power levels, then power negotiation cannot proceed, but the system needs to maintain operation and charging capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic role assignment where the port controller can take over power negotiation functions when the port manager is incapacitated. This dynamic switching of responsibilities ensures that power negotiation capability is maintained even when the primary controller loses power, allowing the system to adapt to changing power conditions and maintain continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The port controller is designed to autonomously perform power negotiation and establish electrical pathways without requiring the port manager to be fully operational. It can independently negotiate power contracts with external devices and configure power transfer, enabling the system to service its own power needs even when the primary controller is powered down or incapacitated.
4Productivity
If power negotiation is performed only by the port manager, then centralized control is maintained, but negotiation cannot proceed when the port manager is powered below threshold levels
Solution Approach 1:
The power negotiation function is segmented between two independent components: the port manager and the port controller. Each can independently perform power negotiation and establish power contracts. This segmentation ensures that if one component is incapacitated due to low power, the other can still maintain negotiation capability and ensure continuous power transfer availability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient power negotiation and transfer between devices, reducing downtime and eliminating the need for bulky connections by allowing the system to automatically switch to alternative power sources when the primary controller is unavailable, ensuring continuous operation and faster charging.
Implementation Method 1
The switch is configured to permit the provision of power from the power source to a battery system of the electronic device per the negotiated power supply contract
Data Source
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AI summary
In described examples, an electronic device port system (300) includes a first device (304) configured to negotiate power supply contracts from a power source via a universal serial bus (USB) cable. The system (300) also includes a second device (302) configured to negotiate power supply contracts from the power source via the USB cable when the first device (304) is unable to negotiate power supply contracts from the power source. The second device (302) is configured to activate a switch (332, 334) after the second device (302) negotiates a power supply contract with the power source. The switch (332, 334) is configured to permit the provision of power from the power source to a battery system (310) of the electronic device per the negotiated power supply contract.