USB Type-C CC Pin Attachment Detection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is currently no effective solution for performing attachment/detachment detection of a USB interface using two CC pins, which is essential for determining the state and orientation of USB connections in Type-C USB sockets and plugs.
Innovation Solution
A USB interface detector system that includes a terminating circuit, comparator circuit, and output terminal, connected to the CC pins of a USB connector, which pulls up or pulls down the pins to detect voltage changes and determines attachment/detachment states, orientation, and charging current magnitude through a digital control circuit and comparator circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional USB connector detection methods are used, then the detection mechanism is simple, but they cannot effectively detect attachment/detachment states using two CC pins in USB Type-C systems
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented into two independent comparator circuits, each dedicated to detecting one CC pin's voltage state. This segmentation allows each comparator to independently monitor its assigned pin, enabling reliable detection of attachment/detachment states and orientations without requiring a single complex detection mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces comparator circuits as intermediary devices that translate the voltage states of CC pins into detectable signals. These comparators act as mediators between the electrical connection state and the detection system, enabling indirect but reliable detection of attachment status through voltage level monitoring
2Reliability
If voltage levels at CC pins are monitored directly without pull-up/pull-down circuits, then the circuit is simpler, but the detection of attachment/detachment states becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The pull-up and pull-down circuits are configured in advance to establish predetermined voltage levels at the CC pins before detection begins. This preliminary action ensures that the pins are in known states (high or low voltage) depending on the operation mode, enabling reliable detection of any subsequent voltage changes that indicate attachment or detachment events
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in voltage parameters at the CC pins as indicators of attachment/detachment states. By monitoring whether voltages cross reference thresholds (change from high to low or low to high), the system reliably detects connection events through parameter transitions rather than absolute voltage levels
3Measurement precision
If a single comparator is used to detect both CC pins, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of orientation and attachment state decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented into two independent comparator circuits, each dedicated to detecting one CC pin's voltage state. This segmentation allows each comparator to independently monitor its assigned pin, enabling reliable detection of attachment/detachment states and orientations without requiring a single complex detection mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Each comparator circuit is optimized locally to detect the specific voltage state of its assigned CC pin. This local optimization allows each comparator to be tuned for maximum precision in detecting its particular pin's attachment/detachment events, improving overall measurement precision without requiring a single overly complex universal detector
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 accurate detection of USB interface attachment, detachment, and orientation, as well as the determination of charging current provided by a DFP device, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies in USB Type-C connector systems.
Implementation Method 1
a terminating circuit, configured to pull up or pull down the first and second detection terminals
Implementation Method 2
a comparator circuit, comprising a first comparator and a second comparator, and configured to: detect whether voltages at the first and second pins have a change of crossing a reference voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed, including a USB interface detector, a detection method, a USB connector, and an electronic device. The detection method may be applicable to the USB connector mounted in the electronic device. According to an operation mode of the electronic device, a first pin and a second pin in the USB interface can be pulled up or pulled down. After the pull up or the pull down, a voltage change at the first and second pins are detected. If the voltage changes cross a reference voltage, an instruction related to attachment or detachment with a second device can be provided.