USB Type-A Interface Dynamic Power Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Advanced external components, such as optical circuits, require higher power than the conventional 5V source provided by a USB Type-A interface, leading to insufficient power and non-functionality when connected.

Innovation Solution

A USB Type-A interface that dynamically selects between a 5V and a 12V power source based on the presence of a client controller, using the host controller to determine the appropriate power source through detection and communication of identifiers or security keys, enabling the supply of additional power up to 20-25W when needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a conventional 5V power source is used in USB Type-A interface, then compatibility with standard USB devices is maintained, but power is insufficient for advanced external components requiring higher power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with standard USB devices

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The USB Type-A interface implements dynamic power supply by switching between 5V and 12V power sources based on the detected device type. The host controller dynamically adjusts the power voltage level after detecting whether a client controller is present, allowing the same interface to adapt to both standard 5V devices and high-power 12V devices without requiring separate interface types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the power voltage parameter from a fixed 5V to a variable parameter that can be 5V or 12V depending on the connected device. This parameter change is controlled by detecting the presence of a client controller and selecting the appropriate power source accordingly, enabling the interface to provide sufficient power to advanced components while maintaining backward compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If a 12V power source is always supplied, then advanced components receive sufficient power, but standard USB devices may be damaged or malfunction due to excessive voltage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoiddevice safety and stability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The host controller implements a feedback mechanism by detecting the presence of a client controller through communication protocols. Based on this feedback information, the host controller intelligently selects the appropriate power source (5V or 12V) to supply to the connected device, ensuring that standard devices receive safe 5V power while advanced components receive the required 12V power

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The client controller detection mechanism acts as an intermediary that mediates between the power source selection and the connected device. By detecting whether a client controller is present, the system determines the appropriate power level to supply, preventing direct connection between high-voltage power sources and incompatible devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20220244768A1USB type-a power extension to support high power modules

Publication Date: 2022.08.04 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A method includes detecting, by a hardware processor and over a universal serial bus (USB) Type-A connection, whether a client controller is present in a client device. The method also includes supplying power to the client device over the USB Type-A connection by selecting between one of a first power source or a second power source depending on whether the client controller is detected.