Auto-Detection Control for USB Power Conflict Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing USB devices face power conflicts and damage when connected without determining the host-device relationship, lacking a universal connector and auto-detection method, especially for non-USB OTG devices.

Innovation Solution

An auto-detection control apparatus with a detection module, power management module, and control module that uses a single connector without additional pins to determine the power supply and prevent conflicts by employing a unidirectional voltage reduction unit and switch circuits to manage power distribution based on detected signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If USB devices are connected without determining host-device relationship, then connection speed is fast, but power confliction causes device damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection speedVSAvoiddevice safety
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary detection of power signal direction before establishing full power connection. The detection module checks whether the external device provides power to itself (first power signal) before the power management module activates power supply, preventing power confliction while maintaining fast connection speed through automated sequential operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If additional ID pin is added for USB OTG specification, then host-device identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehost-device identification accuracyVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables devices to automatically detect and determine their own role (host or device) by detecting the presence and direction of power signals from the external device. The detection module generates a first result based on whether a first power signal exists, allowing the system to self-identify without requiring additional ID pins or manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If different USB connectors are equipped for host and device modes, then host-device relationship determination is accurate, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehost-device relationship determinationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a single universal connector that can function in both host and device modes. The power management module dynamically manages power distribution based on detected signals, allowing the same physical connector to adapt to different operational roles without requiring separate connectors for host and device functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If power management module prevents conflict between power signals, then device safety is improved, but power distribution control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice safetyVSAvoidpower management circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback-based power management system where the detection module continuously monitors power signal conditions and provides information to the power management module. Based on the first result from power signal detection, the power management module automatically adjusts power distribution to prevent confliction, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures device safety through real-time monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9331492B2Detection control device and method thereof
Publication Date: 2016.05.03 REALTEK SEMICON CORP
  • US9331492B2 patent drawing
  • US9331492B2 patent drawing
  • US9331492B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides an auto-detection control apparatus, which receives an electric power from one of a system power source signal and an external device and performs a detection when coupled to the external device. The apparatus comprises a detection module, a power management module and a control module. The detection module generates a first result based on whether a first power signal from the external device exists, wherein the first result is related to whether the external device provides an electricity to itself. The power management module prevents a conflict between the system power source signal and the first power signal. The control module determines whether the electric power is supplied to the external device by the power management module based on the first result.