USB Charger Port Negotiation for Extended Power and Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB-based charging systems are limited by industry standards, restricting the maximum power that can be delivered and drawn, which hampers faster charging capabilities and data transfer functionalities.
Innovation Solution
An AC-DC power converter with extended capabilities, including a resistor across its data lines for standards-compliant discovery and modulated signals for enhanced power and data transfer, supports interoperability with both standards-compliant and extended-capability devices, allowing for bidirectional communication and adaptive behavior based on device pairing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If stand-alone USB chargers are used to charge electronic devices, then charging power is improved compared to computer USB ports, but the maximum power delivery is still limited by industry standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters by implementing a powered data line that can supply power in addition to data signals. This allows the system to exceed standard USB power limits by utilizing the data lines as additional power carriers, thereby increasing charging power and speed while maintaining backward compatibility with standard devices through selective activation of the powered data line feature
2Adaptability or versatility
If extended capabilities are added to USB charging systems for enhanced power and data transfer, then functionality is improved, but compatibility with standards-compliant devices may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic capability negotiation where the powered data line feature is activated only when both the charger and device support it. The system dynamically detects device capabilities and adjusts its behavior accordingly, enabling extended functionality with compatible devices while automatically reverting to standard operation with legacy devices, thus maintaining both versatility and compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses capability detection and negotiation protocols as an intermediary mechanism to determine whether to activate extended features. This mediator layer assesses device compatibility and selectively enables or disables powered data line functionality, ensuring that extended capabilities are only utilized when appropriate, thereby preserving compatibility with standards-compliant devices
Data Source
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AI summary
An alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) power converter may have a connector with a pair of power supply contacts and a pair of data contacts. An electronic device may be connected to the connector of the power converter. The power converter may supply DC power to the electronic device using the power supply contacts. The power converter may include control circuitry that has a resistor coupled across the data contacts. When the electronic device and the power converter are connected to each other, each may advertize to the other that capabilities are present that exceed industry standards. At the same time, standard-compliant discovery operations may be performed to probe the value of the resistance of the resistor that is coupled across the data contacts. When extended capabilities are discovered, extended functions may be performed including accelerated charging functions and data communications functions.