USB Type-C to Micro-USB Adapter Resolving DFP UFP Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current adaptation apparatuses fail to simultaneously identify Downstream Facing Port (DFP) and Upstream Facing Port (UFP) devices using a USB Type-C interface and micro-USB interface according to the USB Type-C protocol, limiting their usability.

Innovation Solution

An adaptation apparatus with a USB Type-C interface and a micro-USB interface, where specific resistor configurations allow the apparatus to identify DFP and UFP devices by connecting the channel configuration signal pin and power signal pin using resistors, enabling the device to determine the type based on resistance values and pin states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a same adaption apparatus is used to connect USB Type-C interface to micro-USB interface, then interface compatibility is improved, but device identification capability deteriorates because the apparatus cannot simultaneously identify DFP and UFP devices according to the USB Type-C protocol

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface compatibilityVSAvoiddevice identification capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adaption apparatus is segmented into multiple independent resistance components (first resistor and second resistor) that can be selectively connected to different pins. This segmentation allows the apparatus to present different resistance values to the USB Type-C device depending on which pin is connected, enabling simultaneous support for both DFP and UFP identification modes without conflict

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus changes the electrical resistance parameter presented to the USB Type-C interface based on the connection state. By using different resistance values (first resistance value for UFP, second resistance value for DFP), the apparatus enables the USB Type-C device to correctly identify the connection type according to the USB Type-C protocol, resolving the identification limitation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If USB Type-C protocol is strictly followed for device identification, then protocol compliance is improved, but usability deteriorates because current adaption apparatus cannot identify both DFP and UFP devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol complianceVSAvoidusability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adaption apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to support both DFP and UFP identification modes through the same USB Type-C interface. By incorporating selectable resistance components, the apparatus can universally adapt to different connection scenarios while maintaining USB Type-C protocol compliance, thereby improving both protocol reliability and ease of operation

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

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 simultaneous identification of DFP and UFP devices using the same adaptation apparatus, adhering to the USB Type-C protocol, thereby enhancing user functionality and compatibility.

Implementation Method 1

a resistance value of a first resistor meets a criterion followed by a first device to identify a UFP device according to the USB Type-C protocol, a sum of the resistance value of the first resistor and a resistance value of a second resistor meets a criterion followed by the first device to identify a DFP device according to the USB Type-C protocol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3553897B1Adaptor, device identifying method and device identifying apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3553897B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3553897B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3553897B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Embodiments of this application disclose an adaption apparatus, a device identification method, and a device identification apparatus, and relate to the data processing field, so that by using a same adaption apparatus, a first device can simultaneously identify a DFP device and a UFP device according to the USB Type-C protocol. The adaption apparatus includes a first USB interface and a second USB interface, a VBUS of the first USB interface is electrically connected to a VBUS of the second USB interface, a first channel configuration signal pin of the first USB interface is electrically connected to an ID pin of the second USB interface by using a first resistor, the ID pin of the second USB interface is electrically connected to the power signal pin VBUS of the second USB interface by using a second resistor, a resistance value of the first resistor meets a criterion followed by a first device to identify a UFP device according to the USB Type-C protocol, and a sum of the resistance value of the first resistor and a resistance value of the second resistor meets a criterion followed by the first device to identify a DFP device according to the USB Type-C protocol.