USB Type-C Port Controller for Powerless Battery Negotiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a powerless battery state, devices using USB Type-C standards face challenges in performing initial negotiations due to the bus switch being turned off, preventing the port controller from acquiring necessary information for power negotiations.
Innovation Solution
A port controller compatible with USB Type-C standards, including an interface circuit, transceiver, pin control circuit, and power supply circuit, which generates a power supply voltage for the main controller, enabling initial negotiations even when the bus switch is turned off, and allows safe operation by controlling the bus switch based on the internal circuit's condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bus switch is turned off to prevent power supply to internal circuit in powerless battery state, then power consumption is reduced and battery protection is improved, but the port controller cannot acquire initial information needed for initial negotiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the controller into two independent parts: the main controller and the port controller. The port controller can operate independently without requiring power from the battery, allowing it to perform initial negotiations while the main controller remains powered off for battery protection. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the functions that require power from those that don't.
Solution Approach 2:
The port controller acts as an intermediary between the external USB Type-C connection and the main controller. It can receive and process negotiation information externally without needing to power up the main controller, thus mediating between the need for initial negotiation and battery protection requirements.
2Measurement precision
If the port controller operates under control of the main controller, then control precision is improved, but the device cannot perform initial negotiation when the main controller is inoperable due to discharged battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions by giving the port controller independent operational capability. The port controller can perform initial negotiations independently without relying on the main controller, ensuring startup capability even when the battery is discharged. After successful negotiation, control precision is maintained by transferring full control to the main controller when it becomes operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The port controller performs preliminary actions (initial negotiation) before the main controller becomes operational. This preliminary action ensures that the device can establish power supply and communication channels even when the main controller is still powered off due to battery discharge, thus improving ease of operation during startup.
3Productivity
If the bus switch is turned on to supply bus voltage to internal circuit, then the main controller can be started and full functionality is achieved, but the device cannot safely operate in powerless battery state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system so that the port controller can operate on external power only, while the main controller remains isolated by the bus switch until proper negotiation is complete. This ensures that full controller functionality is achieved only when safe to do so, maintaining reliability during powerless battery state.
Solution Approach 2:
The port controller serves itself by independently managing the initial negotiation process without requiring the main controller to be powered on. It can detect external power availability, perform negotiations, and only then enable the bus switch to power the main controller, ensuring safe operation before full functionality is activated.
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 the device to start up and perform initial negotiations in a powerless battery state, ensuring safe and efficient operation by providing a power supply voltage to the main controller and controlling the bus switch only when optimal conditions are met.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply circuit, receiving a bus voltage supplied from the source device and generating a power supply voltage of the main controller
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a port controller and an electronic device. The port controller is compatible with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type-C standard and is used in a device operable as a sink device. The port circuit is communicable with an external main controller. A transceiver is communicable with a source device via a configuration channel (CC) pin of a receptacle. A control unit is capable of negotiating with the source device via the transceiver. A pin control circuit controls a state of the CC pin and monitors the state of the CC pin. A power supply circuit receives a bus voltage supplied from the source device and generates a power supply voltage of the main controller.