Hardware Detector for USB Port Type Sensing Without Controller Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB port type detection methods require powering up the USB controller, which can lead to power consumption issues and device lock-up when the rechargeable device has a dead battery, and fail to differentiate between standard host, charging host, and dedicated charger ports until connect signalling is performed.
Innovation Solution
A hardware detector senses a short between the D+ and D− lines to determine the USB port type without activating the USB controller, using predefined periods to differentiate between dedicated charger, charging host, and standard host ports based on response delays to port type query signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the USB controller is powered up to detect port type, then accurate port type differentiation is achieved, but power consumption increases and device lock-up may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing port type detection before activating the USB controller. The hardware detector proactively senses the port type by monitoring voltage changes on the D+ and D- lines immediately upon connection, before the USB controller is powered up. This allows the system to identify the port type in advance and make informed decisions about whether to activate the USB controller, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption and preventing device lock-up while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the USB controller is powered up to detect port type, then accurate port type differentiation is achieved, but device lock-up risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hardware detector performs port type sensing before the USB controller is activated, establishing the port type identification process in advance. By completing the detection function before the USB controller powers up, the system avoids the risk of lock-up that would occur if the USB controller attempted to detect port type during or after activation, especially when the battery is dead or has very little power.
3Use of energy by moving object
If early port type detection is implemented without USB controller activation, then power consumption is reduced, but detection capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the port type detection function from the USB controller and implements it as a separate hardware detector. This extracted hardware detector uses simple voltage sensing circuitry to identify port type by monitoring voltage changes on the data lines, independent of the USB controller's activation status. This separation allows port type detection to occur with minimal power consumption while maintaining sufficient accuracy to differentiate between port types.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardware detector acts as an intermediary between the USB connector and the USB controller. It performs the port type identification function using basic voltage sensing, and only after successfully detecting the port type does it trigger the USB controller to activate. This intermediary approach enables early detection with low power consumption while ensuring the USB controller activates only when necessary, maintaining system reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting a type of a port connected to a USB connector and a rechargeable device with a USB connector, a USB controller and a power management module. The power management module selectively powers up the USB controller depending on the type of port connected to the USB connector. A hardware detector is connected to the USB connector for determining the port type. If the port type is for recharging only then the power management module does not enable power to the USB controller.