USB Power Supply Type Detection via Voltage Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with USB connectors face challenges in distinguishing between power supply apparatuses of different types or output capacities when they have similar output voltages, and some power supply apparatuses cannot communicate via USB due to short-circuited D+ and D− lines, leading to inefficiencies in determining the type or capacity of the power supply.
Innovation Solution
A device with a connection unit, load unit, and voltage detection unit that operates in different modes to detect output voltages and currents, allowing for the determination of power supply type or capacity without direct communication, using a system that includes a constant power load and voltage detection to identify distinct voltage regions for different power supply types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If USB communication is used to determine power supply type or capacity, then information accuracy is improved, but compatibility is worsened because some power supply apparatuses cannot communicate due to short-circuited D+ and D- lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator (the communication interface) that can handle both communication and non-communication scenarios. The electronic device uses this intermediary to attempt USB communication first, and when communication fails (indicating short-circuited D+ and D- lines), it automatically switches to an alternative detection method using voltage measurement, thus maintaining compatibility while preserving determination accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from communication-based to voltage-based when communication is not possible. By measuring the output voltage of the power supply apparatus and comparing it against predefined voltage ranges, the system can determine power supply type or capacity even when USB communication is unavailable, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and compatibility.
2Measurement precision
If USB communication is used to determine power supply type or capacity, then information accuracy is improved, but time consumption is worsened due to the communication process duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary voltage measurement immediately upon connection, before attempting USB communication. This preliminary action provides a backup determination method that can be used if communication takes too long or fails, thus reducing overall time consumption while maintaining the ability to achieve accurate determination through communication when possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a timeout mechanism that allows the system to skip the communication process and rush directly to voltage-based determination when communication is not necessary or takes too long. This skipping mechanism reduces time consumption by avoiding unnecessary communication steps while still achieving accurate power supply identification.
3Ease of operation
If simple voltage difference method is used to determine power supply type, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision is worsened when power supply apparatuses have similar output voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the determination method dynamic by first attempting USB communication to obtain precise power supply information, and only when communication fails does it fall back to the simpler voltage difference method. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation for simple cases while improving measurement precision for cases where communication is available, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy.
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 quick and accurate determination of power supply type and capacity, even for non-communicative USB power supply apparatuses, ensuring efficient operation and user notification of power supply details.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage detection unit that detects a first output voltage of the power supply apparatus when the load unit operates in a first operation mode, and detects a second output voltage of the power supply apparatus when the load unit operates in a second operation mode
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a connection unit, a load unit, a voltage detection unit, and a determination unit. The connection unit is connected to a power supply apparatus. The load unit operates as a constant power load. The voltage detection unit detects a first output voltage of the power supply apparatus when the load unit operates in a first operation mode, and detects a second output voltage of the power supply apparatus when the load unit operates in a second operation mode. The determination unit determines a type or an output capacity of the power supply apparatus, based on the detected first output voltage and the detected second output voltage.