USB Supply Capacity Testing With Pulsed Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB ports often shut down due to overcurrent overload, and there is a need to determine if they can supply a predetermined current, such as 1 A, from an unknown USB supply like a television, without causing shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
A CPE device connected to the USB port performs current draw capacity testing using methods like progressive loading, pulsed loading, and power monitoring to determine if the USB supply can handle the required current, and outputs notifications to the user if it cannot, suggesting the use of an alternative PSU.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a predetermined current (e.g., 1 A) is drawn from an unknown USB supply to test its capacity, then the current draw capacity can be determined, but the USB port may shut down due to overcurrent overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed current loading instead of continuous current draw. The test current is applied in periodic pulses with controlled width and amplitude, allowing the system to measure current draw capacity while giving the USB supply time to recover between pulses, thereby preventing overcurrent shutdown and maintaining port operation stability.
2Measurement precision
If the USB supply is tested with high current to determine if it can deliver 1 A, then accurate capacity assessment is achieved, but the USB port may be overloaded and shut down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by applying test current in controlled pulses rather than continuous full current. The pulsed current width is adjusted based on the assessed capacity of the USB supply, applying partial current load that is sufficient for measurement but below the threshold that would cause overcurrent shutdown, thus avoiding harmful overload effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the test current parameters based on real-time feedback from the USB supply. The current pulse width and amplitude are modified according to the supply's response, allowing accurate capacity assessment while adapting to prevent overcurrent conditions that would cause shutdown.
3Productivity
If continuous current is drawn from the USB supply to test its capacity, then the measurement is straightforward, but the USB port shuts down due to sustained overcurrent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains testing efficiency through periodic pulsed current application. The automated pulsed testing methodology quickly assesses USB supply capacity by applying current pulses and measuring the response, achieving accurate results without requiring sustained continuous current that would cause shutdown, thus maintaining both productivity and port reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media can be operable to facilitate a testing of an unknown USB supply that is connected to a CPE (customer premise equipment) device to determine a current draw capacity of the USB supply. The CPE device may test the USB supply to determine whether the USB supply is capable of supplying a predetermined current. If the determination is made that the USB supply is not able to supply the predetermined current, an end-user may be instructed to plug an alternative PSU (power supply unit) into the CPE device, wherein the alternative PSU is capable of supplying the predetermined current to the CPE device. The CPE device may output an indication that an alternative PSU should be used via a graphics output to a display device through an HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) connection or via an LED indication using one or more LEDs at the CPE device.