USB Power Control Analog Subsystem Multiplexing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing programmable circuits lack flexibility to support multiple functions simultaneously, such as over-voltage, under-voltage, over-current, and short-circuit detection, due to the inability to time-multiplex components like comparators, which limits their applicability in universal serial bus-power delivery (USB-PD) Type-C applications.
Innovation Solution
A serial bus-compatible power supply device with a power control analog subsystem that includes a programmable reference generator, multiplexers, and comparators, allowing for multiple interrupt functions and dynamic programmability of output voltages and currents, enabling simultaneous monitoring and control of voltage and current conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed-function circuits are used, then each function (over-voltage, under-voltage, over-current detection) requires separate dedicated components, but this increases device complexity and reduces adaptability to different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal power control analog subsystem where a single programmable reference generator and comparator can perform multiple detection functions (over-voltage, under-voltage, over-current, short-circuit detection) by reconfiguring the reference voltage levels and input signals. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each protection function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability across different USB-PD applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the reference generator can programmably adjust reference voltage levels in real-time, and multiplexers can dynamically switch between different input signals and output destinations. This dynamic adaptability allows the same hardware components to serve multiple functions depending on the configured state, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple dedicated comparators and reference generators are used for simultaneous monitoring functions, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity and area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate comparison and reference generation functions into a single integrated subsystem. A single programmable reference generator produces reference voltages that are distributed to multiple comparators through multiplexing, and a single comparator can be dynamically assigned to different monitoring functions. This consolidation maintains reliable simultaneous monitoring capability while significantly reducing device complexity compared to having completely separate dedicated circuits for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses time-multiplexing where a single comparator and reference generator can service multiple functions in a periodic manner, rapidly switching between different monitoring tasks. This periodic operation allows the same hardware to effectively perform multiple simultaneous monitoring functions, maintaining reliability while reducing the number of physical components required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If programmable reference generators and multiplexers are implemented, then adaptability and functionality increase, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable reference generator and multiplexer components are designed as universal building blocks that can be configured through software or control signals to perform different functions. The same reference generator can produce different reference voltage levels for various protection thresholds, and the same multiplexer can route different input signals to different outputs based on configuration. This universal design approach maximizes functionality while minimizing the number of dedicated hardware components, thereby managing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method that include a power control analog subsystem of a universal serial bus (USB) compatible power supply device is disclosed. The power control analog subsystem includes a programmable reference generator to generate first reference voltages. The power control analog subsystem also includes multiplexers, where each of a plurality of multiplexers are coupled to a first terminal and a second terminal of a producer field-effect transistor (FET) to receive a first voltage (Vbus_in) and a second voltage (Vbus_c) and to output second reference voltages. The power control analog subsystem further includes comparators, wherein each of the comparators is coupled to receive a corresponding reference voltage of the first reference voltages from the programmable reference generator and to receive a corresponding selected voltage from a corresponding multiplexer of the multiplexers. Each of the comparators is configured to output a corresponding system interrupt based on a corresponding voltage condition.